Breda, Netherlands – Indie RTS developer Tense Games has released one of the largest updates yet for Stellar Warfare, introducing fully redesigned computer opponents, advanced automation tools, expanded multiplayer functionality, and a major overhaul to the skirmish experience, all as the game prepares to officially leave Early Access later this year.
Originally launched into Early Access in 2021, Stellar Warfare combines large-scale fleet combat, base building, economy management, and deep ship customization in a fully 3D battlefield inspired by classic RTS titles such as Homeworld, Supreme Commander, and Red Alert 2. With full release now targeted for 2026, the latest update marks a major milestone toward delivering the game’s final vision.
“Getting Stellar Warfare out of Early Access this year has become the primary focus,” said the developer behind Stellar Warfare. “This update lays the groundwork for a much stronger singleplayer and multiplayer experience while also helping newer players get into the game more easily.”
Brand New Computer Opponents for Skirmish
One of the most requested features from the community has finally arrived: fully redesigned AI-controlled opponents for both singleplayer and multiplayer skirmishes.
Players can now add CPU-controlled allies or enemies into matches, complete with configurable difficulty settings and unique behavioral personalities. Unlike the game’s original AI, the new bots no longer rely on hidden resource advantages or “money cheats.” Instead, they operate using the same economic systems as human players.
Bots now follow structured fleet compositions, tactical priorities, and specialized strategic behaviors.
Available bot personalities include:
- Aggressive — prioritizes direct assaults and offensive pressure
- Balanced — adapts according to battlefield conditions
- Turtle — focuses heavily on defense and fortification
- Tech — prioritizes technological progression and upgrades
- Eco — emphasizes economic expansion and production scaling
The update also introduces a large set of new skirmish maps designed specifically around team play and AI battles.
Multiplayer Lobby Fully Reworked
To support the new bot system, Stellar Warfare’s multiplayer lobby has been completely redesigned into a more classic RTS-style skirmish interface.
Hosts can now:
- Add or remove AI players
- Configure bot difficulty and personalities
- Select from a large library of custom skirmish maps
- Allow players to manually choose spawn positions
Spawn locations can now be selected either through dropdown menus or directly through the map preview itself.
Newly Added Maps Include:
- (2) Cinder Rift
- (2) Violet Veil
- (3) Lumen Drift
- (4) Ashen Gate
- (4) Jade Circuit
- (4) Mistborne Belt
- (4) Umbra Null
- (5) Crownfall Array
- (6) Magma Crown
- (6) Nebula Veil
- (6) Pragmatica Umbra
- (6) Tideglass Reach
- (7) Black Halo
- (8) Iron Bastion
- (8) Quiet Convergence
- (8) System 04
- (8) System 07
- (8) Verdant Lattice
- (9) Corsair Null
- (9) Ember Lastlight
New Automation Assistance Systems
The update also introduces optional automation tools aimed at reducing repetitive micromanagement and making larger battles easier to control.
These systems are designed to assist players — not replace them — and are especially useful for players who prefer focusing on combat tactics or macro strategy individually.
New assistance systems:
- Economy Assist — helps maintain economic growth and production
- Defense Assist — automatically reinforces defensive infrastructure
- Army Build Assist — helps sustain military production
- Combat Assist — assists with directing fleets during engagements
The developer emphasizes that these systems are intentionally balanced and do not outperform experienced human play.
Social Features & Quality-of-Life Improvements
The update also expands multiplayer and social functionality:
- Added in-game and lobby text chat
- Steam friend invites now supported
- Discord lobby notifications can automatically ping the “Looking For Game” role
- New UI scale settings
- Improved minimap visuals and controls
- Camera movement and command issuing through the minimap
- Additional GUI sound effects
- Improved building visibility and interface clarity
- Classic Camera mode can now focus selected units using the F key
- Steam Achievement completion tracking added to the main menu
- Gameplay Improvements
Several gameplay systems have also been expanded:
- Carriers now support multiple strike groups
- Some carriers now deploy secondary fighter groups
- Fighter squadrons can engage light ships such as Corvettes, Fish, and Bees
- Fighters still prioritize enemy bombers and hostile fighters first
- Preparing for Full Release
According to Tense Games, the current development roadmap is focused heavily on polishing the core experience, improving onboarding for new players, refining AI behaviors, and stabilizing multiplayer ahead of the game’s official exit from Early Access later this year.
A free demo version of Stellar Warfare is also available on Itch.io, allowing players to access unlocked content and experiment freely with ships and systems. While the demo uses an older build of the game, it provides a broad overview of the project’s core mechanics and customization systems.
Players can also view gameplay footage and developer updates through the game’s YouTube and social channels.
Links
Official Website
Steam Page
Free Demo on Itch.io
Patreon that funds this indie games development
About Tense Games
Tense Games is an independent game developer focused on creating large-scale strategy experiences inspired by classic RTS design. Stellar Warfare is the studio’s flagship title, blending tactical fleet combat, economy management, and modular spaceship customization into a modern sci-fi strategy experience.