Distant Worlds 2

Pausable real-time space 4X built around simulated galactic logistics

CodeForce · Published by Slitherine Ltd. · Released Mar 10, 2022

Reviews: Mostly Positive; 71% of 3,562
Recent reviews: Not enough recent
Playing now: 72; right now
Steam Deck: Playable
Last update: 1 day ago; Sep 21, 2026

What is Distant Worlds 2?

A single-player, pausable real-time 4X strategy simulation set in procedurally generated galaxies. You explore star systems, mine resources, build and expand an empire, and deal with other empires, colonies, traders, pirates, and space monsters through diplomacy or conquest. Campaigns can follow storylines and victory conditions or continue as open-ended sandboxes.

For you if...

+you enjoy managing empires across very large galaxies
+you like adjusting how much the computer manages
+you prefer long, systems-heavy single-player strategy campaigns

Not for you if...

−you want a short, easy-to-learn strategy game
−you prefer multiplayer strategy with other people

What players say

71% of 3,562 reviews are positive

Players praise the detailed economy, where civilian ships physically move resources, and the ability to shift between close control and extensive automation. The most common complaints are a clumsy, opaque interface, weak onboarding, and automation that ignores orders or makes poor decisions; some players also report bugs, crashes, and poor optimization.

Screenshots and trailer

Distant Worlds 2 system requirements

As published by the developer.

Minimum

OS: Windows 10 (64-bit only) and 11 (64-bit only) (The game will run on Windows 7 and 8, but these operating systems are not officially supported)
Processor: 4+ Physical Core CPU @ 2.5GHz (e.g. Intel: Core i3-8100, Core i5-750, Core i7-920 / AMD: Athlon 64 FX-8100, Athlon II X4, Phenom X4, Phenom II X4, Ryzen 3 1200, Ryzen 5 1400, Ryzen 7 1700)
Graphics: NVidia GTX 760-equivalent or better, 2+Gb VRAM, DirectX 11 compliant
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Storage: 20 GB available space
DirectX: Version 11
Notes: Screen Resolution: 1024x768 minimum but not ideal for best UI experience

OS: Windows 10 (64-bit only) and 11 (64-bit only) (The game will run on Windows 7 and 8, but these operating systems are not officially supported)
Processor: 8+ Core CPU @ 3GHz.
Graphics: NVidia GTX 1050-equivalent or better, 4+Gb VRAM, DirectX 11 compliant
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Storage: 20 GB available space
DirectX: Version 11
Notes: Screen Resolution: 1920x1080+ for best UI experience; Mouse: Recommend using a mouse with a scroll wheel