FTL: Faster Than Light

About

FTL: Faster Than Light is a single player role playing game with a science fiction theme. It was developed by Subset Games and was released on September 14, 2012. It received positive reviews from critics and overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

FTL: Faster Than Light is a spaceship simulation game where you must save the galaxy from a rebel uprising. With every encounter offering unique challenges, you'll need to strategize and make quick decisions to keep your ship intact. The Advanced Edition expansion adds new races, events, weapons, and more, providing even more depth to this immersive space experience.

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Play Modes

Single-Player

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96%

Audience ScoreBased on 85,966 reviews

gameplay3.3k positive mentions

grinding220 negative mentions

gameplay
7,266 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
53%
2%
The gameplay of *Faster Than Light* (FTL) is widely praised for its engaging and addictive mechanics, combining real-time strategy with resource management and tactical decision-making. Players appreciate the depth and variety offered by different ships, crew types, and random events, which contribute to high replayability despite the game's challenging nature and reliance on RNG. While some find the difficulty and permadeath mechanics frustrating, many agree that mastering the gameplay provides a rewarding experience, making it a standout title in the roguelike genre.
- “Unlocking all these ships is no simple task and can easily provide you with many tens of hours of gameplay.”
- “The mechanics are a perfect mix of strategy and catastrophe.”
- “The gameplay has such a satisfying loop between encounters and taking care of your ship.”
- “The gameplay is frustrating.”
- “The game isn't difficult, it's just heavily reliant on RNG deck building mechanics.”
- “I can't recommend this game for anyone who wants more than about 20 hours of gameplay, because beyond that, the frustration sets in and you realize how shallow and repetitive it truly is.”
music
6,386 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
32%
1%
The music in *FTL: Faster Than Light* is widely praised for its captivating and atmospheric quality, enhancing the game's immersive experience. Composed by Ben Prunty, the soundtrack features a mix of ambient and intense tracks that seamlessly transition between exploration and combat, making it a standout element of the game. Many players recommend purchasing the soundtrack alongside the game, highlighting its ability to evoke emotions and create a nostalgic, engaging atmosphere.
- “The music fits the theme of space exploration/combat wonderfully and again, I never felt tired of hearing it.”
- “The soundtrack is a celestial symphony, a harmonious blend of ethereal melodies that elevate the gaming experience to astronomical heights.”
- “The soundtrack is simply phenomenal! It perfectly sets the mood for each situation you encounter.”
- “The soundtrack was hit and miss.”
- “The music and graphics are okay it's just a chore to do anything in this game oh bad luck, better restart over and over and over.”
- “The music seems always appropriate for the situation and draws you in.”
replayability
5,966 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
59%
40%
1%
The game "FTL: Faster Than Light" is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, with players highlighting the variety of ships, randomly generated events, and strategic depth that ensure no two playthroughs are alike. Many reviews emphasize the game's ability to keep players engaged through its challenging mechanics and the satisfaction of unlocking new content, making it a standout title in the roguelike genre. Overall, the consensus is that FTL offers near-infinite replay value, especially with the addition of mods and expansions.
- “Innovative micromanaging mechanics, an addicting soundtrack, and a beautiful low-poly style, with infinite replayability.”
- “Even with exposure to a broader variety of rogue-lites, I can still say the replayability of FTL is among the best.”
- “The replayability, although good, could be better.”
- “The replayability is through the roof.”
- “This game has a massive amount of replay value due to the extensive amount of ships, sectors, and encounters.”
- “Endless replayability is its most significant feature.”
graphics
3,604 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
57%
5%
The graphics of *FTL: Faster Than Light* are characterized by a simple, retro pixel art style that some players find charming and nostalgic, while others consider them dated. Despite their minimalistic nature, the visuals effectively support the gameplay, allowing players to focus on strategy and decision-making without distraction. Overall, while the graphics may not impress those seeking modern aesthetics, they are well-suited to the game's design and contribute to its engaging experience.
- “The art style, soundtrack, and razor-sharp gameplay aged like a fine wine; it's a game that's easy to pick up but difficult to master, offering endless hours of entertainment.”
- “The pixelated graphics might seem unassuming at first glance, but they effortlessly transport you into a richly detailed universe brimming with peril and opportunity.”
- “The graphics are ageless and perfect for the game, putting a real focus on the mechanics.”
- “The graphics are totally out of what I would have called mind-blowing back in middle school on my Tandy.”
- “The graphics might put some people off, but I think it's part of the charm.”
- “The graphics are simple, but the game is deep and immersive, with plenty of options and strategic depth.”
story
3,216 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
75%
4%
The story in "FTL: Faster Than Light" is generally described as simple and minimalistic, serving primarily as a backdrop for gameplay rather than a central focus. Players embark on a mission to deliver vital information to the Federation while being pursued by rebels, with each playthrough generating unique narratives through random encounters and player choices. While some players appreciate the emergent storytelling and the ability to craft their own experiences, others express a desire for a more developed overarching plot and additional story content.
- “While this game doesn't brand itself as such, the game is a bit of a story generator; one run you could be a ruthless captain who meets his end to a group of human-sized mantis boarders, and the other you can be a heroic samaritan who gets their ship blown to pieces for being too much of a people pleaser.”
- “Each encounter and mission adds a piece to the galaxy's rich tapestry, allowing players to create their own unique stories of heroism, betrayal, and survival against the odds.”
- “The game's minimalist approach to narrative leaves much to the imagination, inviting players to fill in the blanks and become truly invested in the fate of their crew and mission.”
- “I just wish it had more of an overall story to it rather than just being a series of small encounters across the galaxy as your ship attempts to complete the mission.”
- “While it's a solid approach to game design, this does mean that you should look elsewhere if you're hoping for deep setting and a story beyond what is generated by the game's mechanics.”
- “The main 'story' is also extremely bland and short, implying that most of the time spent in the game will be either restarting failed attempts, or refinishing the same 8 sectors with a different ship and crew.”
atmosphere
566 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
66%
33%
1%
The atmosphere of "FTL: Faster Than Light" is widely praised for its immersive quality, enhanced by a captivating soundtrack that shifts from relaxing to tense, perfectly complementing the game's strategic gameplay. Players appreciate the combination of pixel art graphics and atmospheric music, which together create a nostalgic yet engaging experience of space exploration and survival. Overall, the game's ability to evoke feelings of isolation and urgency in space, alongside its replayability, makes it a standout in the roguelike genre.
- “The atmosphere of the game, the desperation your ship is in whilst slowly building strength, along with the absolute banger of a soundtrack from Ben Prunty, which goes from funky to mysterious, to scary, to foreboding, to a steady march forward into the last stand of the federation depending on the point you're at, fit amazingly and go really far in making the game hold your attention if that's what you're into, like I am.”
- “Combined with the stellar sound design and a mesmerizing soundtrack, FTL creates an immersive atmosphere that draws you deeper into its vast universe.”
- “The music is fantastic, and every asset contributes to the peaceful-yet-uncertain atmosphere of the game.”
- “Despite the primitive looking graphics, the atmosphere enhanced by the soundtrack makes you feel like you are in the cold dark of space.”
- “The atmosphere the simplistic, top-down art style provides, coupled with the incredibly suiting soundtrack by the amazing Ben Prunty, really draws you in.”
- “You are always at risk, your crew can die at a moment's notice, you can jump into dangerous asteroid belts or ion storms, etc. It really creates an intense atmosphere, knowing that both your ship and your crew are so vulnerable.”
humor
360 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players highlighting its clever writing, funny flavor text, and the absurdity of various in-game situations that lead to both laughter and frustration. Many reviews mention the hilarious randomness of encounters and the comedic potential of player choices, making each playthrough uniquely entertaining. Overall, the game successfully blends challenging gameplay with a lighthearted tone, ensuring that players experience both joy and exasperation in equal measure.
- “And let's not forget those moments that'll have you laughing, crying, and screaming at your screen in equal measure.”
- “You will fail, and you will fail in the most ridiculous and funny ways, and you'll have fun while doing it.”
- “Ftl is a hilarious game where you control a spaceship and fight against rebels.”
- “I've died so many times on easy difficulty it's not funny.”
- “Sometimes the great random plays not funny jokes, but, hey, it's a roguelike after all... I wish there were more goals/scenarios to follow though, not just 'take down that rebel flagship' over and over again.”
emotional
280 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The emotional aspect of "FTL: Faster Than Light" is a significant draw for players, who often describe the game as a heart-wrenching experience filled with strategic challenges and the pain of loss. Players become deeply attached to their crew members, leading to genuine sadness when they inevitably perish, creating a rollercoaster of emotions that keeps them engaged and returning for more. The combination of permadeath, immersive gameplay, and a compelling soundtrack enhances the emotional investment, making each run feel unique and impactful.
- “Ftl: Faster Than Light is a searing emotional odyssey through space, following a band of misfits who progressively become friends and grow as people in fighting for the same cause.”
- “The permadeath element encourages the player to become very emotionally invested in his ship and his crew, and it is truly heart-breaking to lose a game that felt like it was going so well, or to lose one of your high-level crew members that have been with you since the beginning.”
- “This game is an emotional rollercoaster; holy crap.”
- “This game is an emotional rollercoaster, holy crap.”
grinding
258 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
13%
85%
The grinding aspect of the game is frequently described as tedious and repetitive, often requiring significant time investment to unlock ships and achieve progress, with many players expressing frustration over the reliance on RNG for rewards. While some find the grind rewarding and engaging, others feel it detracts from the overall enjoyment, leading to a sense of monotony and frustration, especially after extended play sessions. Overall, the experience of grinding varies widely among players, with a notable divide between those who embrace it and those who find it excessively burdensome.
- “Definitely rogue-like with its randomness and newness, a bit like Oregon Trail even, with RTS combat and the classic strategic choosing of how and when to use your limited resources to ensure your best chance of survival. FTL is engaging but not tedious, easy to pick up but very in-depth in customization and gameplay.”
- “Imperative choice elements (you cannot have it all, ever), a great feeling that every choice you make matters, a strong sense of urgency, no farming, no grinding, and persistence elements (unlockables and achievements) in the right amount to give you something to fight for and look forward to without changing the focus of the game.”
- “Hey, at least there's no grinding in this game :)”
- “If I want to suffer through tedious fights with no real results and improvements, I will just live my real life, thank you very much.”
- “The problem is that the rest of the game doesn't complement that fundamental simplicity, and the experience becomes tedious or frustrating as a result.”
- “This is where the tedium comes in, and frankly the game is not strategically interesting enough to warrant that level of grinding.”
optimization
90 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
53%
9%
Overall, the game's optimization is generally praised, with many players noting it runs smoothly even on low-performance laptops. However, some users report occasional lag in specific areas, and there are mixed feelings about the control players have over their performance, often feeling at the mercy of random elements and game mechanics. While minor optimizations can yield slight advantages, the game can be punishing in its difficulty and decision-making regarding upgrades and strategies.
- “This is really a well optimized game.”
- “It has just enough variation to force me to use different strategies for each run, making me react to the environment rather than falling back on one optimized approach, while at the same time being consistent enough that I always felt like I had control over my path.”
- “Once you learn the optimized ways to play the game, it gets better, but you can still be screwed over by unluckiness.”
- “This is a game that punishes you in every aspect: you are punished for experimenting, you are punished for optimization, you are punished for exploration, you are punished for fighting, you are punished for fleeing, you are punished for just playing the damn game.”
- “It is also poorly optimized.”
- “There is a hard set ceiling of performance in this game - an indisputable, categorical extent of how good you can be at it.”
stability
86 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
37%
3%
60%
The game's stability is a mixed bag, with some players reporting frequent crashes and freezes, particularly on Windows 11 and when changing display settings. However, many users have experienced smooth gameplay with minimal bugs, especially on Linux and lower-spec systems. Overall, while some players enjoy a stable experience, others face frustrating issues that detract from the game's enjoyment.
- “It's stable, doesn't crash, runs great (my GTX 980 just idles, lil' overkill).”
- “Overall the game is very well done, it is not buggy, incredibly fun to play, and definitely worth the $10 price tag.”
- “This is a complete, bug free, well playtested masterpiece well worth the price.”
- “This just crashes immediately at startup on Windows 11, and I'll say it's on their end when 50+ other titles work absolutely perfectly. My drivers are all up to date, I have modern specs, I've tried usual troubleshooting procedures (reinstall, launch commands, compatibility modes), and I have any possible dependent software (such as Java or runtimes).”
- “After some update, they rendered the game unplayable with 15-20 second freezes on every menu change or jump.”
- “Soooo buggy... sometimes works fine, then crashes, resizes display randomly, mouse won't work, all random... so frustrating. Great game (when it works) but it's just not reliable and not much help from the company.”
monetization
28 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
39%
50%
The game is praised for its lack of microtransactions, gambling elements, and DLC, allowing players to earn everything through gameplay rather than purchases. While some users appreciate the free expansions that add new content, there are complaints about intrusive advertising for the developers' next game appearing at startup. Overall, the monetization model is seen as a positive aspect, especially in contrast to the prevalent cash-grab practices in the industry.
- “No microtransactions, no gambling, no DLC, just a simple concept done very well.”
- “Late 2017 update: also, since it seems it's actually important to mention nowadays: it's completely free of microtransactions, crates, and similar issues.”
- “I like the fact that there are no in-game purchases, allowing you to earn all of your arsenal through your own decisions.”
- “A recent update added advertising for the devs' next game to the starting screen, so every time I load it I'm greeted by an intrusive message telling me to buy some other game.”
- “The only thing that prevents this game from being an evil pile of **** (it's still a pile of ****) was that they didn't add in microtransactions...probably because they ran out of time.”
- “Late 2017 update: also, since it seems it's actually important to mention nowadays: it's completely free of microtransactions, crates, and similar BS.”
character development
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
50%
25%
Character development in the game is largely criticized, with players noting a limited selection of character designs and a lack of meaningful progression or attachment to the crew. While some aspects of character development are present, the brief duration of gameplay with the crew diminishes their impact, leading to a general disinterest in their fates. Overall, the game appeals more to fans of space strategy and customizable ships than to those seeking deep character development.
- “I generally am looking for that kind of thing because I love character development.”
- “I completely recommend this for any player who loves space strategy games with influences of character development and customizable spaceships.”
- “The game has definite character development aspects, but you're only with your crew and ship for a couple of hours and then never see them again.”
- “There is no character development at all, so I couldn't care less about what happens to the crew.”
- “The game has definite character development aspects, but you're only with your crew and ship for a couple hours and then never see them again.”
- “Had only 6 character designs to choose from.”

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89%Critics’ scoreBased on 4 critic reviews

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Buy FTL: Faster Than Light

50h Median play time

93h Average play time

13h Main story

107h Completionist

19-100h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 728 analyzed playthroughs

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Frequently Asked Questions

FTL: Faster Than Light is a role playing game with science fiction theme.

FTL: Faster Than Light is available on PC, Mac OS, Phone, iPad and others.

The main story can be completed in around 13 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 107 hours to finish. On average players spend around 93 hours playing FTL: Faster Than Light.

FTL: Faster Than Light was released on September 14, 2012.

FTL: Faster Than Light was developed by Subset Games.

FTL: Faster Than Light has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its grinding.

FTL: Faster Than Light is a single player game.

Similar games include Into the Breach, Battlevoid: Harbinger, Trigon: Space Story, Dungeon of the Endless, Risk of Rain and others.

FTL: Faster Than Light

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