Posted on: July 24, 2025
Zeeem99
Verified ownerGames: 388 Reviews: 5
Stars In Shadow
Excellent game; more fun than Stellaris!
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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 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:
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.
Time to beat
6 hMain
25.5 h Main + Sides
-- Completionist
20 h All Styles
Game length provided by HowLongToBeat
Game details
Genre:
Languages
English
audio
text
Critics reviews
Attack of the Fanboy
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 »Wccftech
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 Fix
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 »
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User reviews
Posted on: November 5, 2024
keyvin
Verified ownerGames: 412 Reviews: 6
Good
It's one of the more enjoyable 4x moo type games.
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Posted on: October 21, 2017
leoklimber
Verified ownerGames: 21 Reviews: 1
Boring sequel of Master of Orion
it's very similar to master of orion 2 but boring. the graphic is better then MOO2 but unexpectedly it lacks even a simple end game animation. while Moo2 had a story background here there is nothing. you simply click the "next turn " button to go further. when you finish the game it appear a simple "victory" label on the screen. I could continue with the review. but the reality is that this game is a waste of money.
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Posted on: August 24, 2024
LaserForce12
Verified ownerGames: 54 Reviews: 3
Great game!
Great game! Hours of fun, you buy! You buy now!
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Posted on: November 15, 2024
GiladGlo
Verified ownerGames: 3 Reviews: 1
Amazing Addictive game
Amazing Addictive game
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