Beyond Astra: Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: 21 September 2026
Single-player space strategy, planetary city-building and tactical battles, with real-time play and active pause.
Release and beta access
When will Beyond Astra be released?
No exact release date has been announced. A closed beta is planned before release, and its results will help us assess readiness for launch. You can find the latest release window on our Steam store page.
Where will the game be available?
We are planning a PC release on Steam, GOG and the Epic Games Store. The game has not been released yet.
Is there a demo?
Not at the moment. Our alpha demo was played by more than 30,000 people during the Kickstarter campaign and Steam Next Fest 2024. It was retired in April 2025 so that all our time goes into the full game and the closed beta.
How can I join the closed beta?
Crowdfunding backers will have guaranteed access and will be invited first. A limited sign-up list is planned for other players. We’ll share registration details in our Steam announcements and on Discord. Adding the game to your wishlist or joining Discord is not a beta registration.
Will the game launch in Early Access?
Our current goal is to go from the closed beta to a full 1.0 release. We will review that plan based on beta feedback and clearly announce any change before launch.
Gameplay
What kind of game is Beyond Astra?
Beyond Astra is a single-player, real-time sci-fi 4X game with active pause. It combines empire-wide strategy, city-building on 3D planetary surfaces, and tactical battles on the ground and in space. You can zoom between planetary and galactic views without loading screens.
Is the game real-time or turn-based?
The game runs in real time. You can pause, issue orders and adjust the game speed, so you can take time to plan rather than rely on fast reactions.
Will there be co-op or multiplayer?
Beyond Astra is single-player only. The game actually started as a multiplayer project during its first two years, and we made the deliberate choice to drop it and focus everything on the single-player experience, from planetary city-building to diplomacy and AI opponents. There are no plans to add co-op or multiplayer, even after release.
Why do the planets look small?
Planets use a deliberately compressed scale rather than a 1:1 simulation. This keeps terrain, cities and battles readable, and makes whole planets practical to explore and manage as part of a larger galactic empire.
How large are the maps?
Several map sizes are planned. The final range of star-system and planet counts is still being refined through testing. Across those sizes, the goal is the same: moving between the galaxy view and planetary surfaces without loading screens.
How does planetary city-building work?
You place buildings freely within each city’s protected boundaries rather than on a fixed grid. City layouts are shaped by the terrain and by the role you want each settlement to play in your empire.
Will a large empire require constant micromanagement?
Active pause and adjustable speed let you make decisions at your own pace. City templates let you reuse layouts on new worlds, while combat computers give units default behaviors. You can still intervene directly when you need to.
What does the empire management involve?
Beyond Astra’s strategy is built around six pillars: Military, Economy, Culture, Religion, Science and Diplomacy. Planetary development, resource transport, politics and relations with other civilizations connect your local decisions to your wider empire.
Are there story and narrative elements?
Yes. Character encounters, lore and crises reveal more about the Beyond Astra universe as you play. Your decisions shape the story of your civilization.
Can I play offline? Do I need an additional account?
Yes, the single-player game can be played offline. No separate Nebule Games account is required.
Can I save freely?
You can save freely in standard play. Ironman mode has its own saving restrictions.
Platforms and performance
Which operating systems are supported?
Beyond Astra is being developed for Windows 10 and Windows 11, 64-bit. Native Linux and macOS versions may be considered after launch, but neither is confirmed.
Will there be console versions?
Our current focus is Windows PC. Console versions are not confirmed.
Will the game support Steam Deck or controllers?
A keyboard and mouse are recommended. Steam Deck and controller support are not confirmed.
What are the system requirements?
The current provisional minimum and recommended specifications are listed on the Steam store page. An SSD is required. Requirements may change before release as testing and optimization continue.
Which languages are planned?
Planned interface languages are English, French, German, Spanish (Spain), Italian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Czech, Ukrainian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese.
Updates and mods
Will there be paid DLC?
We don’t plan to rely on paid DLC. Our focus is on the base game and free updates after release.
Will mod support be available?
Mod support is planned as a free update after launch, rather than as a launch feature. The plan includes in-game tools. We’ll share more about those tools and the distribution platform once the details are confirmed.
About Nebule Games and the community
Who is making Beyond Astra?
Beyond Astra is being made by Nebule Games, a two-person independent studio. Valentin codes the entire game and composes its music; Alexandre handles game design, writing and marketing.
Which engine does the game use?
Beyond Astra is built with Unreal Engine 5.6 and custom-built simulation systems. Unreal’s standard systems did not cover some of Beyond Astra’s specific needs, especially at galactic scale, so we built our own, and that is what lets a whole galaxy of visitable 3D planets run with no loading screens.
Where can I ask questions or follow development?
You can ask questions in the Steam discussions or on Discord. We share development updates and beta announcements through our Steam announcements and Discord. To keep track of the release and support the project, add Beyond Astra to your Steam wishlist.