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Stars in Shadow

in library

3.9/5

( 59 Reviews )

3.9

59 Reviews

English
24.9924.99
Why buy on GOG.COM?
DRM FREE. No activation or online connection required to play.
Safety and satisfaction. Stellar support 24/7 and full refunds up to 30 days.
Stars in Shadow
Description
Stars in Shadow is a turn-based 4X science fiction strategy game. Explore the stars, settle distant worlds, and build an interstellar empire. Recover ancient technologies and negotiate with alien leaders. Created by a pair of passionate strategy gamers, Stars in Shadow features streamlined empire...
Genre:
Strategy - Turn-based - Sci-fi
Tags:
Indie, Strategy, Sci-fi, Turn-Based, Science, show 2 more... Space, 4X
Critics reviews
17 %
Recommend
Attack of the Fanboy
3.5/5 stars
Wccftech
7/10
The Digital Fix
7/10
User reviews

3.9/5

( 59 Reviews )

3.9

59 Reviews

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Product details
2017, Ashdar Games, ...
System requirements
Windows 7 / 8 / 10, Intel Core 2.6 GHz or equivalent, 4 GB RAM, ATI Radeon HD 4000 Series or better...
DLCs
Stars in Shadow: Legacies
Time to beat
6 hMain
25.5 h Main + Sides
-- Completionist
20 h All Styles

Game length provided by HowLongToBeat

Description


Stars in Shadow is a turn-based 4X science fiction strategy game. Explore the stars, settle distant worlds, and build an interstellar empire. Recover ancient technologies and negotiate with alien leaders. Created by a pair of passionate strategy gamers, Stars in Shadow features streamlined empire management, sophisticated turn-based tactical combat, and detailed world building. “A worthy tribute to the classic Master of Orion games of times past.”
84 – CyberPower PC

“Proper turn-based combat paired with clever innovations.”
85 – Hooked Gamers

“An indie game truly for the 4Xer to revel in.”
90 – Gamewatcher
  • Epic Scope:
    Starting at the dawn of interstellar travel, progress through four eras of technological advancement. Discover the science of planetary terraforming, upgrade your infantry battalions to battle mechs, and grow your fleet from a squadron of destroyers to an armada of planet-destroying Dread Stars.

  • Varied Factions:
    7 Playable factions comprising six alien races. Each faction has different research strengths and technology options. Forming alliances, conquering neighboring species, or discovering ancient artifacts may open up additional avenues of research. Choose your race wisely as it impacts which worlds will suit you, what trades or alliances may be offered, and whether or not your neighbors are inclined to trust you.

  • Stylized Setting:
    A distinctive comic-book art style and an original, detailed universe backstory draw you into an immersive game world. Interact with a unique cast of alien characters, make friends and influence people, or crush your enemies and see them driven before you.

  • Focused High-Level Strategy:
    Build a vast and varied empire, taking advantage of the unique traits offered by different alien populations and the worlds they inhabit. Experiments on a slave population might diminish your popularity in the Galactic Council. A streamlined resource and planetary improvement model keeps the game moving even when your empire grows large.

  • Deep Turn-Based Tactical Combat:
    Face off against your opponents in complex 2D turn-based tactical battles. Counter your enemy’s missile barrage using point defense or interceptors, then close to energy weapon range! Stars in Shadow’s tactical engine includes several features rarely seen in turn based games. Multi-ship commands keep even large fleet battles fast-paced, and smart unit behaviors allow tight control with minimal micromanagement. Auto-resolve battles that are a foregone conclusion, while retaining the ability to replay any engagement to see exactly what happened.

Stars in Shadow © 2016 Ashdar Games INC. Developed by Ashdar Games INC. Licensed exclusively to and published worldwide by Iceberg Interactive. Iceberg Interactive design and mark are registered trademarks of Iceberg Interactive B.V. Microsoft®, Windows® and DirectX® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other brands, product names, and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Made in Canada.

Popular achievements
To Dream of Infrastructure
Build 100 improvements in your empire
common  ·  31.48%
Conqueror
Successfully invade a planet
common  ·  43.32%
A Harsh Mistress
Colonize a Barren world
common  ·  35.24%
Some Like It Hot
Colonize an Inferno world
common  ·  33.29%
A Shining Planet
Colonize a Paradise world
common  ·  41.69%
Cure For Star Harpies
Win a space monster engagement
common  ·  50.12%
That Which Survives
Establish a colony on a planet with a derelict colony
common  ·  53.74%
We Come in Peace
Destroy a colony with orbital bombardment
common  ·  39.56%
Paradise Found
Discover Gaia
common  ·  42.96%
System requirements
Minimum system requirements:
Recommended system requirements:

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 system requirements:

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.

Why buy on GOG.COM?
DRM FREE. No activation or online connection required to play.
Safety and satisfaction. Stellar support 24/7 and full refunds up to 30 days.
Time to beat
6 hMain
25.5 h Main + Sides
-- Completionist
20 h All Styles

Game length provided by HowLongToBeat

Game details
Genre:
Strategy - Turn-based - Sci-fi
Tags:
Indie, Strategy, Sci-fi, Turn-Based, Science, show 2 more... Space, 4X
Works on:
Windows (7, 8, 10, 11)
Release date:
{{'2017-01-19T00:00:00+02:00' | date: 'longDate' : ' +0200 ' }}
Company:
Ashdar Games / Iceberg Interactive
Size:
3 GB
Links:
Forum discussion
Game features
Achievements
Cloud saves
Overlay
Single-player
Languages
English
audio
text
DLCs
Stars in Shadow: Legacies
In library In cart Soon GOOD OLD GAME Wishlisted
In library In cart Soon GOOD OLD GAME Wishlisted
0 Free
Play for free Coming soon
Critics reviews
74
Top Critic Average
17 %
Critics Recommend
OpenCritic Rating
Attack of the Fanboyby Joshua Evans
3.5/5 stars
A great introduction to the 4x genre, Stars in Shadow succeeds at everything it aims for.   The art style is amazing, the gameplay is fun and factions are interesting, held back by only a few lacking systems.
Read full review »
Wccftechby Chris Wray
7/10
Stars in Shadow, developed by a two man team, offers a compelling but simple approach to the 4X Strategy game genre. While lacking some depth in the grand scale, it more than makes up for it with compelling ship battles, using custom designed ships that offer a great amount of customization.
Read full review »
The Digital Fixby Leigh Forgie
7/10
Stars in Shadow is a surprisingly competent throwback to classic 4X games, but shines brightest when toying with new ideas.
Read full review »
Reviews powered by OpenCritic
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User reviews

Posted on: January 14, 2021

RafaelRamus

Verified owner

Games: 872 Reviews: 21

It does right what it does right

I really admire the work that has been done here already. Gameplay is solid and races play really different. Also, the indie devs are still working on new content and they plan future DLCs so it is worth to support them (it is a rare case in which I considered also buying the game on Steam just to help the devs). I rate this game 4.5 stars. Once the devs add race customization it will be a solid 5 for me (and, as GOG doesn't allow one to change ratings, I'm already giving it 5 stars because I really trust the devs won't disappoint).

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Posted on: August 17, 2025

Lars1976

Verified owner

Games: 191 Reviews: 2

Look likes MOO2 but is bad

WOW this looks good, but is so bad!!!!

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Posted on: August 13, 2025

dwhiteside327

Verified owner

Games: 43 Reviews: 17

Easy means easy fellas...

NOT 10,000 turn game to lose to ONE opponent. I wish these devs would; A. Develop a reasonable tutorial for their games. B. Make an easy mode that actually MEANS easy... I mean, what the flock do THEY care if I beat it 100 times on "easy mode"? Very disappointed.

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Posted on: August 17, 2021

Timberwolf

Games: 262 Reviews: 30

Combat seems broken

It doesn't have the depth of Master of Orion or other space sims, but I didn't mind that when building planets and researching tech. However the combat is atrocious. It doesn't make any logical sense. Building your ships works out ok, the designer and tech seems to make sense, but once your in combat it doesn't seem to matter what weapons you have. All the combat appears the same, my ships die just as quickly with stronger armor, and my better weapons seem to have no effect. If this was fixed it would be a decent casual space sim.

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Edited on: September 18, 2025

Posted on: March 26, 2022

randomrob1968

Games: 214 Reviews: 24

good, not great

art, music and lore are good (I love the music). gameplay and tactical depth are pretty shallow. good for kids, hardcore strategy fans could probably skip.

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