PCGame

Shadow Empire

Turn-based sci-fi 4X wargame about governing and conquering a ruined planet

VR Designs · Published by Matrix Games · Released Dec 3, 2020

RPGSimulationStrategy

AI-generated content disclosed

Reviews
Very Positive
81% of 1,501
Recent reviews
Mostly Positive
70% of 24 in 30 days
Players
52
daily peak, Nov 7, 2026
Steam Deck
Unsupported
Last update on Steam
1 month ago
Sep 16, 2026
Minimum PC
8MB memory
2 GB RAM · 1 GB disk
Full requirements

Metacritic: 78/100 (critic reviews)

What is Shadow Empire?

A turn-based 4X wargame set on a procedurally generated alien planet. As the ruler of a small nation trying to reconquer a devastated world, you command armies on a hex map, build infrastructure, manage budgets and leaders, and negotiate with neighboring regimes.

For you if...

  • +you enjoy difficult, systems-heavy turn-based strategy
  • +you like planning military campaigns around supply lines
  • +you want political decisions alongside military campaigns

Not for you if...

  • −you prefer straightforward strategy without detailed logistics
  • −you want forgiving starts and a short learning curve

What players say

81% of 1,501 reviews are positive · 70% of 24 in the last 30 days

Players praise the generated planets and the depth of the military and political systems. They commonly criticize the cluttered interface, sparse guidance, and frustrating supply logistics. Many also dislike the newer AI-generated artwork, though players note they can switch back to the older visuals.

Players over time

▼ -33% vs a month ago

Players online on Steam, one sample a day.

Highest since Sep 2026: 81 players on Oct 11, 2026.

Show the data
DayPlayers
Nov 7, 202652
Nov 6, 202639
Nov 5, 202645
Nov 4, 202644
Nov 3, 202649
Nov 2, 202641
Nov 1, 202636
Oct 31, 202646
Oct 30, 202644
Oct 29, 202640
Oct 28, 202653
Oct 27, 202664
Oct 26, 202660
Oct 25, 202673
Oct 24, 202655
Oct 23, 202657
Oct 22, 202649
Oct 21, 202658
Oct 20, 202650
Oct 18, 202664
Oct 17, 202661
Oct 16, 202662
Oct 15, 202662
Oct 14, 202664
Oct 13, 202662
Oct 11, 202681
Oct 10, 202677
Oct 9, 202669
Oct 8, 202663
Oct 7, 202661
Oct 6, 202665
Oct 4, 202667
Oct 3, 202675
Oct 2, 202670
Oct 1, 202659
Sep 30, 202675
Sep 29, 202671
Sep 27, 202671
Sep 26, 202673
Sep 25, 202661
Sep 24, 202654
Sep 23, 202644
Sep 23, 202655
Sep 22, 202650
Sep 21, 202673

Screenshots and trailer

Shadow Empire screenshot 1

Shadow Empire system requirements

Minimum: 8MB memory, 2 GB RAM, 1 GB of disk space.

As published by the developer.

Can my PC run Shadow Empire?

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Minimum

OS
Windows Windows 8, Windows 10
Processor
1.5 GHZ
Graphics
8MB video memory, 1280x768 or higher resolution
Memory
2 GB RAM
Storage
1 GB available space
DirectX
Version 9.0c

Recommended

OS
Windows Windows 8, Windows 10
Processor
1.5 GHZ
Graphics
8MB video memory, 1280x768 or higher resolution
Memory
2 GB RAM
Storage
1 GB available space
DirectX
Version 9.0

Does Shadow Empire have co-op or multiplayer?

Yes: co-op split-screen; PvP split-screen. It also has a single-player mode.

Does Shadow Empire run on Steam Deck?

Unsupported No: Valve rates it Unsupported on Steam Deck.

  • Not supported on SteamOS

PC version details

DRM
None declared on Steam
Controller
Keyboard and mouse
Platforms
Windows
Steam features
Family Sharing
Languages
Text only: English.

Does Shadow Empire use AI-generated content?

Yes. The developers disclose AI-generated content on the game's Steam page:

Usage of AI-Generated and Assisted Illustrations in Shadow Empire Post-release Illustration Creation Process The developers use Midjourney and Nano Banana to generate high-resolution illustrations for new functionality added post-release, particularly for Vidcom and Stratagem artwork. These images are often post-processed by hand, as well as enhanced using tools like Magnific, Topaz Labs, or other upscaling and refinement software. AI in Post-release Portrait Art Portraits: A base image is generated using Midjourney with a generic prompt such as “portrait of young woman, military.” Smaller par...
Full statement

Usage of AI-Generated and Assisted Illustrations in Shadow Empire Post-release Illustration Creation Process The developers use Midjourney and Nano Banana to generate high-resolution illustrations for new functionality added post-release, particularly for Vidcom and Stratagem artwork. These images are often post-processed by hand, as well as enhanced using tools like Magnific, Topaz Labs, or other upscaling and refinement software. AI in Post-release Portrait Art Portraits: A base image is generated using Midjourney with a generic prompt such as “portrait of young woman, military.” Smaller parts (eyes, nose, mouth, hair, etc.) are overlaid using DALL·E to create variations. Aging effects are achieved by rendering an older skin texture with partial transparency over the younger base face. The older the character, the more opaque the overlay becomes. (Note: Eyes and lips often retain a youthful appearance.) This effect is gradually applied using a limited number of sprite layers, allowing nuanced visual transitions. AI-Generated Art in Post-release Game Content The game includes AI-generated and AI-assisted illustrations for Vidcoms and Stratagems. All such AI-generated art is pre-generated — no generative AI tools are called or used in real-time by the game itself. The intention is to provide players with an option to toggle between the original and updated AI-enhanced graphics via preferences. (Note: This is an aim and may not yet apply to all content.)

The statement mentions: Art

Self-reported by the developer under Steam rules: it covers AI content that ships in the game, not tools used to make it. Steam page checked on Oct 27, 2026. How to filter AI games on Steam

Tags

Recent updates

2 DLC available.

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