Breda, Netherlands - After more than 7,000 hours of solo development, indie space 1RTS Stellar Warfare is preparing for its full 1.0 release later this year with one of its largest updates yet, transforming the game’s skirmish mode into a full-featured tactical sandbox inspired by classics like Homeworld and Sins of a Solar Empire.
Developed entirely by a single developer under the studio name Tense Games, Stellar Warfare combines large-scale 3D fleet battles, fully modular ship design, and deep RTS strategy in a hard sci-fi setting inspired by modern space combat fiction.
The game’s latest major update introduces fully-featured CPU commanders for both single-player and multiplayer skirmishes, allowing players to battle against coordinated AI fleets with distinct personalities, strategic roles, and team behavior.
Unlike previous AI implementations, the new commanders no longer rely on hidden economic bonuses or randomized ship generation. Instead, each CPU faction now builds fleets according to specific doctrines and tactical behaviors — creating battles that feel more like fighting real RTS opponents than scripted enemies.
The update also introduces a rebuilt multiplayer lobby system, expanded automation features, and 20 new skirmish maps designed to support larger and more dynamic fleet engagements.
Major Features in the New Update
- Fully playable CPU commanders for solo and multiplayer skirmishes
- AI personalities with distinct tactical behaviors and fleet doctrines
- Team-based CPU support for cooperative and large-scale battles
- Reworked classic RTS-style lobby system
- 20 new skirmish maps
- New automation tools for fleet and economy management
- Improved fleet balance and pacing
- Ongoing performance and quality-of-life improvements
The previous major update also introduced a fully reworked 3D tactical camera system and expanded vertical fleet control, pushing the game closer to the cinematic style of classic space RTS titles while preserving modern large-scale combat systems.
“I’ve spent years trying to create the kind of space RTS I always wanted to play — one that combines massive fleet battles, ship customization, tactical positioning, and true 3D combat,” said Thomas Vandeven, solo developer at Tense Games.
“This update is a huge step toward that vision. The game is finally becoming the complete sandbox I imagined when I started the project.”
Originally launched in Early Access, Stellar Warfare has steadily built a dedicated community of strategy and sci-fi fans drawn to its combination of modular fleet building, large-scale warfare, and emergent tactical gameplay.
With its planned 1.0 launch approaching later this year, the game is now entering its most ambitious phase yet.
About Stellar Warfare
Stellar Warfare is a Homeworld-inspired real-time strategy game focused on large-scale 3D fleet combat, modular ship design, and tactical sandbox gameplay. Players construct customizable warships, command massive fleets in fully 3D space battles, and develop strategies around positioning, fleet composition, and battlefield control.
The game is developed by solo developer Thomas van den Essenburg under the indie label Tense Games.
Availability
Stellar Warfare is available now in Early Access on Steam.
Steam Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1113030/Stellar_Warfare/
Latest Update Notes: https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1113030
Media Contact: Thomas van den Essenburg
Tense Games: Thomas@TenseGames.nl