Satellite235 and Two Cakes Studio have opened a second Steam playtest for Stellar Freight: Endless Horizon. The turn-based tactical RPG is now available for testing on both Linux and Windows, building on feedback from the initial May playtest to refine the game's core loop.

Quick Facts

  • Developer: Satellite235
  • Platforms: PC (Linux/Windows)
  • Full Release Window: Q3 2026
  • Key Features: Turn-based tactical combat, deep trade systems, and crew talent management.

Updates to Trade and Navigation

The latest build introduces significant changes to how players traverse sectors. Travel now provides more detailed data, with station paths assigned specific risk levels that dictate the frequency of hostile encounters. Players can also utilize scanning tools to identify nearby trade ships and potential threats.

The economic model has received a similar overhaul. Each station now features a unique population with specific needs, and in-game news events can influence local pricing. These changes are intended to make cargo runs require more strategic planning, forcing players to choose between high-profit, high-risk routes or safer, more conservative trade paths.

Expanded Combat and Pirate Mechanics

Combat encounters have been adjusted to feel less one-sided, with the addition of a pirate station that offers new tactical gear. Players can now purchase mines, rockets, torpedoes, and repair kits. These items, along with new ship modules for temporary speed boosts, are available from ship tier two.

Commanders have been granted an active escape skill to disengage from losing battles, though it is balanced by a mandatory cooldown. Additionally, crew jobs now have a more pronounced impact on combat, with engineers managing hull damage and commanders assisting with targeting. Fire damage is now a persistent threat that affects both the player's crew and their opponents.

Gameplay and Accessibility Adjustments

The developers have focused on reducing "dull pain" and unnecessary grind. Random events have been tuned to trigger less frequently and with less punishing effects, aiming to make difficult moments feel tense rather than tedious. A new tutorial system has been implemented to provide context-sensitive tips, which are archived in a log for later reference.

The playtest also introduces a new opening quest designed to integrate players into the narrative immediately. The game will support a wide range of languages at launch, including English, German, French, Spanish, Polish, Ukrainian, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish, Japanese, Korean, and both Simplified and Traditional Chinese.

While native Linux support is confirmed for the final release, the team has not yet shared system requirements, frame rate data, or confirmation regarding Steam Deck compatibility.