Objects in Space

Objects in Space is an open-world, 2D stealth-action space trading game set in Apollo, a cluster of star systems dozens of lightyears from Earth. As a ship’s captain, you buy and sell goods to keep your ship running and make a living while navigating pirates, organised criminals, corrupt governments and restrictive laws. Its stories are mostly short and scattered across the galaxy rather than following one main hero’s journey, so you choose how much narrative to pursue.

Trade and take contracts

You can work for more than 50 employers, whose reputation ratings determine which passenger, cargo and bounty-hunting contracts they offer. Failing a contract can sharply damage your standing with that employer. Opportunities, stories and events occur at particular times as well as places, so each playthrough can differ. You can trade, hunt bounties, explore, pirate or take on several roles, while deciding whether to answer an SOS or stick to a deadline.

Explore Apollo

Apollo includes 12 hand-crafted, populated star systems and 20 uncharted systems containing unknown threats and treasures. You can interact with NPCs and discover derelict ships, wrecks, cargo pods and communication beacons drifting through space. Side quests offer stories beyond the main narrative, and you are not required to follow a single linear storyline.

Run and customise your ship

You can customise your ship down to the components in each module, outfitting it for combat, cargo, stealth or other purposes. The parts you choose affect how reliably its systems run: for example, a battery can fail, and module choices may not suit your needs. In the central systems you can play more cautiously; in the outer rims, your ship can be designed to outrun, outfight or hide from opponents, though you can also become their prey.

Stealth and combat

Combat treats ships more like Cold War submarines than WWII dogfighters. You run silent, plan manoeuvres well in advance and play a deadly game of cat and mouse with enemies. You can keep your systems quiet or go fully dark, drifting at your current speed and trajectory to avoid appearing on scanners as you travel dangerous shipping lanes. Combat is mostly avoidable: you can follow the news, steer clear of pirate-heavy systems and avoid uncharted areas where more pirates gather.

Game modes

• Sandbox mode: play without narrative content in an endless version of the game.
• Scenarios: tackle combat challenges that test your skill against seemingly impossible odds.
• Multiplayer scenarios: compete or cooperate in a range of multiplayer modes and situations.