Space Engineers
In short: Space Engineers is a simulation game released in 2019 by Keen Software House, available on PC and Xbox. Our score: 8.0/10 (worth buying, especially on sale).
Immerse yourself in the challenging world of space station construction and management. Design, build, and maintain a thriving station.
Space Engineers is a sandbox game about engineering, construction, exploration and survival in space and on planets. Players build space ships, planetary bases, outposts, and space stations, mine asteroids and planets for resources, and travel through space. The game features a realistic volumetric physics engine where everything can be assembled, disassembled, damaged and destroyed. Players can design and construct functional space ships and stations, powerful planetary outposts, and explore a vast, open-world universe. The game offers both creative and survival modes. In creative mode, players have unlimited resources and can focus purely on building and design without the threat of resource scarcity or damage. Survival mode, on the other hand, challenges players to gather resources, maintain their health and energy, and contend with environmental hazards and enemy encounters. This mode requires strategic planning and resource management to establish a sustainable presence in space or on a planet. Space Engineers encourages creativity and problem-solving. Players can utilize a wide array of blocks and components to create intricate systems, from automated mining rigs to complex defense mechanisms. The game's open-ended nature means there's no single way to play; players are free to set their own goals, whether it's building a massive fleet, establishing an industrial empire, or simply exploring the cosmos. Regular updates and a strong modding community further enhance the…
Game details
- Developer: Keen Software House
- Publisher: Keen Software House
- Release year: 2019
- Platforms: PC, Xbox
- Category: simulation
Our review
Space Engineers offers an unparalleled sandbox experience for those who love to build and explore. The core gameplay loop of mining, crafting, and constructing is incredibly satisfying, allowing for immense creativity in ship and station design. The volumetric physics engine adds a layer of realism and challenge, as every component matters. While the graphics are functional, they might not impress everyone, and the learning curve can be quite steep for newcomers. The lack of a strong narrative is a minor drawback for some, but the emergent storytelling through player-created scenarios more than makes up for it. With consistent updates and a vibrant modding community, Space Engineers provides endless hours of content and replayability, making it a fantastic value.
Pros
- Deep crafting and building mechanics
- Extensive creative freedom
- Realistic volumetric physics
- Strong modding community
- High replayability
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Graphics could be improved
- Limited narrative
FAQ
- Is Space Engineers cross-platform?
- No, Space Engineers does not support cross-platform play between PC and Xbox.
- Can I play Space Engineers solo?
- Yes, Space Engineers can be enjoyed solo in both creative and survival modes.
- What are the basic requirements for building?
- To build, you'll need components, a power source, and a construction tool. In survival mode, you'll also need to mine resources.
- How do I deal with pirates?
- You can build defenses like sentry guns and missile turrets, or engineer fast, evasive ships to outrun them.
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Last updated: 03/04/2026