Why Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions Is More Than an Astroneer Sequel

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The name Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions immediately signals that this game is doing something different. Instead of simply being called ‘Astroneer 2‘, it establishes a clear connection to Astroneer while also forging its own path, allowing the developers at System Era to try out new ideas. A direct sequel to Astroneer would likely focus on more base-building, survival, and space exploration, but Starseeker takes the series in a new direction.

Unlike previous Astroneer games, *Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions* is an ongoing live-service experience. It takes cues from games like *Helldivers 2*, where players team up for cooperative missions. As Astroneers, players will work together to complete objectives and then return to their ship, the *Starseeker*. While inspired by ‘extraction shooters,’ *Starseeker* focuses on gathering resources and modifying the environment rather than combat. This fits System Era’s goal of creating a positive, family-friendly game that encourages players to connect and cooperate.

Adam Brommel, co-founder of System Era and creative director of *Starseeker*, recently explained to Game Rant how *Starseeker* differs from what a direct *Astroneer 2* might have been. He discussed how this new approach allows for more creative freedom while still keeping the things players loved about *Astroneer*.

Starseeker Isn’t Astroneer 2

One of the most noticeable similarities between *Starseeker* and its previous game, *Astroneer*, is how players can change the landscape. Like in *Astroneer*, you can dig up and reshape the world to gather materials or build things however you like. This interaction with the environment is so central to *Starseeker* that the tool for doing it is linked to the main action buttons. When discussing what they wanted to carry over from *Astroneer*, the developers specifically mentioned this feature, and appreciated being reminded that *Starseeker* isn’t simply a sequel to *Astroneer*.

Thanks for asking – it’s good you recognize that Starseeker isn’t just Astroneer 2. It’s not another game about building bases and surviving, but we knew we wanted some way to interact with the environment, since it’s set in the Astroneer universe. Because this game is fast-paced and designed for controllers, we’ve made interacting with the terrain a core part of the main action.

A key improvement in *Starseeker* compared to its previous game, *Astroneer*, is how it handles controls. The developers specifically designed *Starseeker* with controllers in mind. *Astroneer* initially launched on PC, and most players there preferred using a mouse and keyboard. However, because *Starseeker* will also be released on consoles like PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2, the team wanted to ensure the game is easy to play and fun for everyone, regardless of whether they use a controller or not.

Starseeker and Astroneer Exist In Harmony

While *Starseeker* is developing as its own game, it won’t abandon *Astroneer*. According to Brommel, the goal is to reach a broader audience by reimagining *Astroneer*’s elements. This could attract players who liked parts of *Astroneer* but wanted a different kind of game. Conversely, *Starseeker* players might then enjoy *Astroneer*’s base-building and survival aspects, having already experienced similar terrain manipulation in *Starseeker*.

Starseeker isn’t meant to turn off Astroneer fans – it’s designed to attract a broader audience. The idea is: if you enjoy that feeling of exploration but want more control, check out Starseeker. We’re working on ways to help players of both games understand what each one offers. We’re already using in-game messages in Astroneer to highlight Starseeker, and we’re planning more connections and references between the two games, extending beyond the games themselves.

This is a clever way to keep both *Astroneer* and *Starseeker* interesting, instead of simply releasing a new game that would make *Astroneer* obsolete. By having the two games complement each other and expand on shared ideas, System Era can attract more players and maintain the originality that makes their games special.

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2025-10-10 13:04