Sins of a Solar Empire II

Real-time space strategy where orbiting planets reshape battlefronts

Ironclad Games Corporation, Stardock Entertainment · Published by Stardock Entertainment · Released Aug 15, 2024

Reviews: Very Positive; 84% of 8,773
Recent reviews: Mostly Positive; 77% of 135 in 30 days
Playing now: 520; peak 24h 732
Steam Deck: Playable
Last update: 2 weeks ago; Sep 4, 2026

What is Sins of a Solar Empire II?

This is a real-time space strategy game that combines 4X empire management with tactical fleet combat. From a zoomable galaxy view, you expand across planets, develop an empire, and command one of six factions in continuous matches where orbiting worlds change routes and battlefronts amid a struggle to avoid extinction.

For you if...

+you want military-focused 4X strategy without turns
+you enjoy commanding large fleets in tactical space battles
+you want competitive or cooperative multiplayer matches

Not for you if...

−you expect a major departure from the original game
−you prefer deeper nonmilitary systems in your 4X games

What players say

84% of 8,773 reviews are positive · 77% of 135 in the last 30 days

Players praise the mix of real-time fleet combat and streamlined empire management, often describing it as a refined continuation of the original. Common complaints include weak opponent AI, limited depth outside warfare, and too little change from its predecessor; some recent players also object to artwork they identify as AI-generated.

Screenshots and trailer

Sins of a Solar Empire II system requirements

As published by the developer.

Minimum

OS: Windows 10 v1607+ / 11 (64-bit)
Processor: 4-core Processor (Intel Core i5 5th-generation or AMD Ryzen 2x00 series)
Graphics: 3D Video Card w/4GB VRAM (Nvidia GeForce 950 / AMD Radeon RX 450)
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Storage: 20 GB available space
DirectX: Version 11
Notes: 1920x1080 minimum screen resolution

OS: Windows 11
Processor: 8-core Processor (Intel Core i7 9th-generation or AMD Ryzen 3x00 series)
Graphics: 3D Video Card w/8GB+ VRAM (Nvidia GeForce 1060 or AMD Radeon 580)
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Storage: 20 GB available space
DirectX: Version 11
Notes: 1920x1080 minimum screen resolution; SSD highly recommended.

PC version details

DRM, required accounts, controller support and Steam features.

DRM: None declared on Steam
Controller: Keyboard and mouse
Platforms: Windows
Achievements: 72
Steam features: Cloud saves, Family Sharing, Trading cards

Steam Deck: Playable

Default controller config not fully functional
Sometimes shows mouse, keyboard or non-Deck controller icons
Some in-game text is small and may be hard to read
Default graphics settings perform well on Steam Deck

Multiplayer and co-op

Languages

Full audio: English. Text only: French, Italian, German, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese - Brazil, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish - Latin America, Hungarian.