Interstellar sandbox Space Engineers 2 adds a full star system and planets in its biggest update yet

The biggest Space Engineers 2 update yet is finally here, and it's about to make the sequel to one of the best sandbox games feel much more like a real product. So far, the early-access alpha version of the space game successor has mostly just been an experimental creative mode. Developer Keen Software House has been implementing the fundamentals of this reimagined and evolved playground while it continues to deliver regular updates for the original Space Engineers. But the transformative VS2 update is a giant leap for the survival side of things.

Space Engineers 2 Vertical Slice 2 (to give it its full name) introduces "the first full implementation of planets and lays down the core systems for survival, colonization, and progression," according to studio founder Marek Rosa. The big highlight is the introduction of the Almagest star system; we'll finally be jetting away from the Concordia Research Facility's training playground and into this "vast and unexplored" frontier.

At the center of this new location is a brown dwarf star called Delfos, while the eponymous star Almagest acts as the main source of light, shining from beyond its borders. You'll also be able to travel to the planets of Verdure and Kemik, setting foot on terra firma and discovering what lies across their surfaces. Expect multiple biomes, caves and overhangs, flora, and natural wonders, including some destructible parts.

With this comes the introduction to survival mode and the initial storyline, which is handled through a cutscene and voiceover. You'll learn about base contract systems, start plotting out your interactive map of the star system, and establish station points that can be used for fast travel. While there's some early progression here, the big winner for me is the way survival mode implements building.

You're able to craft some basic components out of natural resources from your backpack, but it's projection building that's the real star. This is designed to make constructing things in survival "feel much closer to creative mode; more intuitive and accessible for everyone." You're essentially putting down a holographic design without actually committing any of your resources, meaning you can finalize your design before you invest in it.

Alongside this, expect all the basic production systems, a grid power system with swappable batteries, various consumables to make use of, and ways to detect and drill for ore. Beyond that, Keen Software House has introduced a wide range of new tools and blocks: welders, grinders, drills, fabricators, smelters, gear forges, thrusters, Hydrogen tanks and generators, barrels, reactors, solar panels, and even a conveyor system, to name just a handful.

The Space Engineers 2 VS2 update launches Monday December 1. It's also currently 20% off, so you'll pay just $23.99 / £19.99 for a copy until Monday December 8. Head here to get started.

Rosa notes that other features such as wheels, weapons, and mechanical blocks "need more time and testing to reach the quality we aim for." Some of these, along with further additions including a full GPS system, new contract types, area welding, and block wrappers, will arrive with the next major milestone, VS2.2 'Survival Extensions.' You can check the updated roadmap via the SE2 website to see what's currently being planned.