Idle Expanse

Sci-fi incremental management with mercenary squads and adjustable mission tactics

Lyrical Games LLC · Released Sep 7, 2020

Reviews: Mixed; 57% of 163
Recent reviews: Not enough recent
Players: 1; daily peak, Oct 28, 2026
Steam Deck: Untested
Last update on Steam: 4 years ago; Jul 2, 2022
Minimum PC: GeForce GT 710; 8 GB RAM · 0.3 GB disk; Full requirements

What is Idle Expanse?

A single-player, 2D incremental game set in space, where you play an industrialist trying to grow your fortune. You hire and equip mercenaries, decide whether squads prioritize fighting aliens or gathering resources, and deploy them to planets. Exploration unlocks technologies and new systems, while resetting progression grants perks for another run.

For you if...

+you enjoy optimizing equipment across several teams at once
+you like gradual progression and resource management

Not for you if...

−you expect an idler to need little manual attention
−you want direct control over individual fighters

What players say

57% of 163 reviews are positive

Positive comments highlight the multi-squad mechanics and gameplay loop. Recurring complaints concern anti-cheat checks that close the game when other programs are running, and players also report lost or corrupted saves.

Screenshots and trailer

Idle Expanse system requirements

Minimum: GeForce GT 710, 8 GB RAM, 0.3 GB of disk space.

As published by the developer.

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Minimum

OS: Windows 7
Processor: Dual Core 3.0 Ghz
Graphics: GeForce GT 710 1 GB
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Storage: 300 MB available space
DirectX: Version 9.0

Does Idle Expanse have co-op or multiplayer?

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

Single-player

Does Idle Expanse run on Steam Deck?

Untested Not yet tested by Valve on Steam Deck.

PC version details

DRM: None declared on Steam
Controller: Full controller support
Platforms: Windows
Achievements: 69
Steam features: Cloud saves, Family Sharing, In-app purchases
Languages: Text only: English.

Does Idle Expanse 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 27, 2026. How to filter AI games on Steam