PCGame

Stars in Shadow

Turn-based space strategy with streamlined empires and tactical fleet battles

Ashdar Games · Published by Iceberg Interactive · Released Jan 19, 2017

IndieStrategy

Reviews
Mostly Positive
76% of 750
Recent reviews
Not enough recent
Players
11
daily peak, Nov 7, 2026
Steam Deck
Untested
Last update on Steam
5 months ago
May 25, 2026
Minimum PC
HD 4000
4 GB RAM · 3 GB disk
Full requirements

Metacritic: 75/100 (critic reviews)

What is Stars in Shadow?

This turn-based space 4X strategy game begins at the dawn of interstellar travel. You lead a faction as it explores star systems, settles planets, researches technology, and negotiates with alien leaders. You manage your growing empire and command fleets in 2D turn-based battles.

For you if...

  • +you prefer streamlined empire management to heavy micromanagement
  • +you want direct control of turn-based fleet battles
  • +you enjoy exploring and settling worlds as alien factions

Not for you if...

  • −you want intricate empire management and flexible research paths
  • −you prefer real-time combat to turn-based fleet battles
  • −you want to create your own alien faction

What players say

76% of 750 reviews are positive

Players praise the approachable empire management, clear interface, and tactical fleet battles. The most common complaint is a lack of depth; some recent players also say combat feels unbalanced or too difficult, even on easy settings.

Players over time

▼ -21% vs a month ago

Players online on Steam, one sample a day.

Highest since Sep 2026: 20 players on Sep 28, 2026.

Show the data
DayPlayers
Nov 7, 202611
Nov 6, 20268
Nov 5, 202610
Nov 4, 20268
Nov 3, 202612
Nov 2, 202614
Nov 1, 20267
Oct 31, 202612
Oct 30, 202610
Oct 29, 202613
Oct 28, 202613
Oct 27, 202615
Oct 26, 202616
Oct 25, 202618
Oct 24, 202617
Oct 23, 202613
Oct 22, 202616
Oct 21, 202613
Oct 20, 202617
Oct 19, 202613
Oct 18, 202618
Oct 17, 20269
Oct 16, 202619
Oct 15, 202612
Oct 14, 202610
Oct 13, 202614
Oct 12, 202612
Oct 11, 202613
Oct 10, 202617
Oct 9, 20269
Oct 8, 202613
Oct 7, 202610
Oct 6, 202617
Oct 5, 202612
Oct 4, 202611
Oct 3, 202614
Oct 2, 202614
Oct 1, 202619
Sep 30, 202612
Sep 29, 202617
Sep 28, 202620
Sep 27, 202617
Sep 26, 202617
Sep 25, 202614
Sep 24, 202612
Sep 23, 20267
Sep 23, 202614
Sep 22, 202614

Screenshots and trailer

Stars in Shadow screenshot 1

Stars in Shadow system requirements

Minimum: HD 4000, 4 GB RAM, 3 GB of disk space.

As published by the developer.

Can my PC run Stars in Shadow?

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Minimum

OS
Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10
Processor
Intel Core 2.6 GHz or equivalent
Graphics
ATI Radeon HD 4000 Series or better
Memory
4 GB RAM
Storage
3 GB available space
Notes
Stars in Shadow requires the OpenGL framebuffer extension. This extension is present on almost all graphics drivers released after 2010, but laptops made before 2010 with vendor-locked graphics drivers may not be able to run the game.

Recommended

OS
Windows 7,8,10
Processor
Intel Core Duo 3.0 GHz or equivalent
Graphics
NVIDIA Geforce 400 Series or better, 1 GB RAM
Memory
8 GB RAM
Storage
3 GB available space

Does Stars in Shadow have co-op or multiplayer?

No: single-player only, no multiplayer modes declared.

Does Stars in Shadow run on Steam Deck?

Untested Not yet tested by Valve on Steam Deck.

PC version details

DRM
None declared on Steam
Controller
Keyboard and mouse
Platforms
Windows
Achievements
62
Steam features
Family Sharing
Languages
Text only: English.

Does Stars in Shadow use AI-generated content?

No AI-generated content is disclosed on the game's Steam page.

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 25, 2026. How to filter AI games on Steam

Tags

Recent updates

1 DLC available.

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