Space Engineers 2

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Space Engineers 2 is an open world sandbox game where engineering meets exploration, construction, and survival in the vastness of space. Become a pioneer in the distant Almagest system, a new uncharted world with infinite possibilities for creativity and discovery. Build everything from starships to space stations as you craft your own path in this highly anticipated next chapter of the Space Eng…

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Single-Player

+20

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78%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,766 reviews

graphics102 positive mentions

stability19 negative mentions

The new unified grid system allows for greater creativity and detail in shipbuilding.
Graphics and performance have significantly improved compared to the first game.
The destruction mechanics are satisfying and visually impressive.

The game is currently very limited in features, with many blocks and functionalities missing.
There is no survival mode or multiplayer available at this time.
Keybinding options are not implemented, making controls frustrating for some players.

graphics
234 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
55%
1%
The graphics in Space Engineers 2 have received widespread acclaim for their stunning quality and significant improvements over the original game, showcasing advanced lighting, textures, and dynamic destruction mechanics. Players have noted that the visuals run smoothly even on lower-end hardware, although some have experienced performance issues and bugs. Overall, while the graphics are impressive and enhance the immersive experience, many reviewers emphasize that the game currently feels more like a tech demo with limited content.
- “The visuals are stunning high quality graphics that run smoothly even with the complex destruction mechanics in place.”
- “The graphics are gorgeous, the new building mechanics are incredible and open up exciting creation possibilities.”
- “The graphics and lighting are beautiful and run way more smoothly than I was able to achieve with SE1.”
- “The game is not launching on several graphics cards.”
- “The only way I can get 60fps is by setting the graphics to the low preset.”
- “Right now, it's just SE1 with better graphics.”
gameplay
169 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
77%
5%
The gameplay of Space Engineers 2 is currently in an early alpha state, primarily focused on building mechanics with limited features and no survival elements, making it feel more like a tech demo than a complete game. While the new building system is praised for its intuitive design and improved graphics, many players express disappointment over the lack of core gameplay mechanics, such as functional blocks and multiplayer options. Overall, the game shows promise for future updates, but players are advised to wait for more substantial content before diving in.
- “The physics and destruction mechanics feel satisfying, even in their current unfinished form.”
- “The new building mechanics are definitely fun to mess around with, and there is a lot of opportunity for creativity.”
- “The visuals are beautiful, the new building mechanics are incredible and open up exciting creation possibilities.”
- “For now, the gameplay feels pointless.”
- “As of the time of this review, this game is just a tech demo. I do like what they improved on from the original Space Engineers, but there is not much to say until they add the survival/combat gameplay and more ship parts.”
- “The gameplay that is available right now is exactly the same amount that SE1 had during its launch, aside from landing gears which work out of the gate this time, and the drills work too, but the guns don't yet.”
optimization
129 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
62%
8%
Overall, the optimization of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players noting significant improvements over its predecessor, particularly in terms of stability and frame rates. While some users report smooth performance even on mid-range hardware, others experience issues during complex interactions, suggesting that further optimization is needed as the game develops. As it is still in alpha, players are hopeful for ongoing enhancements to performance and stability in future updates.
- “The visuals are stunning high-quality graphics that run smoothly even with the complex destruction mechanics in place.”
- “Performance is solid, running smoothly at high settings with minimal frame drops even during intense destruction sequences.”
- “The performance is significantly better than SE1, the player feels less sluggish and the ship control is significantly tighter without making bigger ships feel like toys like they do in some other games.”
- “The game is horribly optimized and performance sucks.”
- “There are performance issues especially as more destruction occurs within the same save, but this is nothing I don't see being improved on over time.”
- “I myself have one problem though, my 3090 RTX has trouble running this game on medium even, which is quite sad and takes a bit of joy out of it for me, but like I said, it's early alpha so there's definitely enough time for optimization improvements.”
stability
25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
76%
Overall, the game's stability is a mixed bag, with many users reporting significant bugs and crashes, particularly in multiplayer and during specific actions like collisions. While some players appreciate the performance improvements and smooth frame rates on certain hardware, the consensus is that the game feels more like an early alpha or tech demo, lacking content and polish. Despite these issues, there is optimism about future updates and improvements from the developers.
- “The game runs great, frames are locked at 60fps and stayed at 60fps on my 2070 Super.”
- “It runs great as is at the moment, getting a smooth 60 fps on the highest settings and looks beautiful.”
- “The game runs great at base medium preset on a 1080ti; I love the destruction and can't wait to build my first ship.”
- “The current state is more like a demonstration--unplayable and buggy.”
- “Currently people are recommending that you spend $40 (CAD) on a buggy tech demo.”
- “The multiplayer is still a buggy mess with very glaring limitations on what it can handle; the single player 'survival' mode is completely barren of anything to do with the creations you make let alone anything to do with survival.”
story
23 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
70%
17%
The reviews indicate that the game currently lacks a substantial story, with many users expressing disappointment over the absence of lore and narrative elements. While some anticipate future updates that may introduce a campaign or story mode, the current state is described as a tech demo with minimal gameplay depth and no engaging storyline. Overall, players are hopeful for improvements but feel the game is not worth the investment at this stage due to its incomplete narrative features.
- “Why was this recommended to me by Steam as the top pick in the 'story rich' section?”
- “I also just bought it because I'm looking forward to the story/campaign coming later this year.”
- “I want to preface that I have about 7,500 to 10,000 hours in the first title, but this takes the whole bakery. Hopefully, the entire community will migrate for the later vertical slices, but if they don't, the promises they have given us for continued development of Space Engineers should keep me and hundreds of players using both as creativity engines and story outlets for decades to come.”
- “There is no genuine lore present at this time, although there should be a story by the time of full release.”
- “While the game shows promise, I expected a more significant depth in the gameplay or storytelling to justify the investment.”
- “If you want a story mode, enemies, RPG, co-op, linear stuff, all the quality of life tweaks already in, everything served readily chewed up, not having to figure out how to make things work, then no, no it's not.”
music
15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
40%
20%
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising the entrancing soundtrack that enhances the overall experience and sets the perfect tone, earning high ratings from several players. However, some users feel that the new music falls short compared to the previous installment, describing it as less impactful and likening it to a "doorbell chime on meth." Overall, while the soundtrack is a highlight for many, there are notable criticisms regarding its quality and effectiveness.
- “It is an absolutely gorgeous game, the building system is five steps above SE1's and the music is entrancing!”
- “One standout feature is the awesome soundtrack that sets the perfect tone.”
- “Soundtrack 10/10.”
- “Not only are they still releasing paid content packs for SE1, but they are also now asking the community to make their soundtrack for them in exchange for some Steam gift cards and clout, I guess.”
- “In terms of gameplay, it's almost identical to the SE1 alpha release 12 years ago, except with better building, graphics, and soundtrack.”
- “The music is worse than SE1 and falls short, feeling less like operatic space music and more like a doorbell chime on meth.”
monetization
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players labeling it a "cash grab" and expressing skepticism about its value. However, some users appreciate the transparency in advertising and view the early-access model as a promising foundation for future development, hoping it will evolve positively like "No Man's Sky." Overall, the perception of monetization varies significantly among players, with a strong emphasis on the need for ongoing development and value.
- “Being honest, I thought it was a cash grab at first.”
- “No point to this being released, besides a cash grab.”
- “Right now, it's a cash grab to no doubt get more funding to keep dev work ongoing.”
atmosphere
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
56%
11%
33%
The atmosphere in the game is criticized for lacking realistic aerodynamics, as ship design does not influence flight dynamics, allowing for impractical designs to perform equally. However, players appreciate the atmospheric sound effects and graphics, noting a nostalgic connection to previous versions while expressing a desire for improved features like atmospheric resistance and more powerful thrusters. Overall, the atmosphere is seen as a mixed bag, with potential for enhancement in future updates.
- “The graphics pop and the sound is atmospheric; it's early days, but like Space Engineers, I can see this version going all the way where the other could not take us.”
- “They kept the atmosphere of SE1; most of the sound effects and controls I noticed were exactly the same, which I personally like having played SE1 so much.”
- “Having the atmosphere react to your ship would be a very cool feature, like if you enter an atmosphere with no air and there's noticeably less resistance than when you enter a planet.”
- “No future aerodynamics: the ship's body doesn't affect how it reacts to the atmosphere, meaning you can literally build a square and fly it at the same speed and control. Wings don't matter, and the only way to turn is to use thrust both in atmosphere and in space. This obviously makes sense in space but not on a planet.”
- “No future aerodynamics: the ship's body doesn't affect how it reacts to the atmosphere, meaning you can literally build a square and fly it at the same speed and control. Wings don't matter, and the only way to turn is to use thrust both in atmosphere and in space. This obviously makes sense in space but not on a planet.”
- “(Example: going into the atmosphere without your ship being relatively protected or ready.)”
grinding
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
37%
50%
Reviews indicate that grinding in the game is excessively time-consuming, with players feeling it requires an unrealistic amount of effort. While some appreciate the improved building tools and unified grid system, the overall experience is marred by tedious block selection and a lack of engaging content, leading to frustration.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “The unified grid system is sweet, but very tedious, and the inability to change key bindings is lacking.”
- “Building feels satisfying and snappy with the new tools, but blocks need to be broken down into further categories to make selecting an individual block far less tedious.”
humor
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is highlighted by players' amusing experiences, such as crashing ships at high speeds and the chaotic aftermath of destruction, which elicits laughter. Additionally, the community's reactions, including playful jabs at those struggling with the game's alpha state and language barriers, contribute to a lighthearted atmosphere. Overall, the game's comedic elements stem from both gameplay mishaps and the interactions among its players.
- “It was also very funny that I crashed the game by crashing Big Red into a blue ship in the classic manner, but at over 600 mph this time, lol!”
- “Watching the destroyed parts get flung forward quickly with the debug gun is hilarious and awesome.”
- “But, unfortunately, there is a big amount of people having troubles with basic English reading/listening skills, while I'm not proficient in English (it is not my first language) but I find it funny.”
replayability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Reviewers indicate that "Space Engineers 2" currently lacks sufficient replayable content, such as survival modes and multiplayer options, limiting its appeal as a game rather than a tech demo. Additionally, performance issues like lag further detract from the overall playability, suggesting that improvements are needed for a more engaging experience.
- “Space Engineers 2 is a tech demo, not a game, and until they add replayable content (survival, multiplayer, etc.), I cannot recommend it.”
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users express a strong emotional connection to the experience, likening it to the nostalgia of playing a beloved game for the first time. Despite its status as a tech demo, it evokes powerful feelings reminiscent of past gaming experiences, highlighting its impact on players.
- “Even though it's just a tech demo, it made me feel exactly like booting up SE1 for the first time back in 2013.”

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52h Median play time

702h Average play time

4-800h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 7 analyzed playthroughs

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