Steam’s ‘most wanted’ list has seen some major titles recently, with releases like Silksong, Borderlands 4, and Dying Light: The Beast, and more like Battlefield 4 and Arc Raiders just around the corner. But for many, including us, the launch of Jump Space has been a standout. Crafted by Keepsake Games and previously known as ‘Jump Ship,’ this game is essentially a wild fusion of Helldivers 2’s intense action and No Man’s Sky’s vast exploration. And yes, it’s every bit as thrilling as that combination suggests. Following a hugely successful demo period with over half a million players, Jump Space is now available, and its accessible price point might just surprise you.
In Jump Space, you and up to three friends commandeer your very own customizable spaceship, embarking on diverse missions across the galaxy. While a solid solo experience, the game truly excels in co-op, pulling inspiration from some of the most beloved multiplayer titles. Each task involves deploying to a planet, asteroid, or space station, where the gameplay shifts into a frenetic first-person shooter. Your objective: obliterate enemy forces, scavenge valuable gear and resources, then swiftly return to your vessel for a safe extraction.
Unlike games such as Helldivers, which often whisk you back to a central hub between objectives, Jump Space offers the seamless, open-ended travel reminiscent of No Man’s Sky. You’ll literally pilot your ship from orbit, warp across star systems to your next objective, and often find yourself engaging in thrilling space combat against intergalactic foes en route. For many, this delivers on the promise of true space exploration that games like Starfield aimed for.
Strategic choices abound: will your crew deftly navigate a treacherous asteroid field to shake off pursuers? Will one brave soul don a jetpack to infiltrate an enemy ship and disable it from the inside? Or will you engage them head-on in a full-blown space dogfight? The resources you collect throughout your journey aren’t just for show; they allow you to customize and upgrade your ship with a vast arsenal of weapons and tactical enhancements, ensuring you always have the advantage.
The game prides itself on fluid gameplay. With no rigid class system, players can effortlessly transition between piloting the ship, conducting daring EVA (Extravehicular Activity) missions, or engaging in intense ground combat on alien worlds. While designed with co-op in mind, Jump Space is entirely enjoyable solo – some might even find it less challenging alone – but the immense satisfaction of conquering cosmic challenges with your friends is truly unmatched.
The overwhelming success of the Steam Next Fest demo, attracting over 530,000 players, clearly demonstrated the broad appeal of Jump Space. Now available in early access for a surprisingly low price of $19.99, Keepsake Games has already revealed an exciting roadmap for its first major update, ‘Atira Strikes Back.’ This ambitious second chapter promises a wealth of new features, including an endless mode, additional sectors, missions, story content, player traits, diverse enemy types, melee weapons, gameplay modifiers, sliding mechanics, hangar vendors, and much more.
Keepsake Games has stated, ‘This marks the start of a long journey to make the best space game ever.’ They actively encourage player involvement, whether through feedback, creative contributions, or simply sharing the game. Even if you’re a casual player, the developers assure a continuous stream of new content and improvements.
Ready to explore and conquer the galaxy? Jump Space is available now in early access on Steam, priced at just $19.99 / £16.75. You can find it on the Steam store if you’re ready to take on the galaxy.
Looking to optimize your communication with your crew? Consider the best gaming headsets available. Or, for more thrilling adventures, explore other top action games on PC.
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