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Astro Protocol

Astro Protocol is a high-stakes, turn-based 4X space strategy game distilled into intense one-hour matches. Six factions, randomized maps, tech trees, and anomalies ensure every run is unique. Victories are earned against challenging opponents that play to win.

Steam Page
Developer
Null Vector Studios
Publisher
Null Vector Studios
Release
February 8, 2026
174 days ago
Steam Reviews
Very Positive63 reviews93.7%

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About the Game

Astro Protocol is a high-stakes, turn-based 4X space strategy game distilled into intense one-hour matches.

Built for players who want tactical depth without mid-game bloat, every session delivers a new strategic challenge against AI opponents who don't just participate but play to win.

Lead one of the six cosmic factions for galactic dominance, but be prepared: the space is unforgivable and victories must be earned.

Expand Your Empire Across the Galaxy

  • Establish your empire by constructing space stations and extending your network through planetary colonization.

  • Build stations to harvest resources from asteroids, gas giants, and stars. Improve their efficiency with refinery stations or by terraforming planets to support industry, research, or logistics. Every placement shapes the future of your empire.

Tactical One-Unit-Per-Tile Combat

  • Combat takes place on a one-unit-per-tile hex grid where positioning is everything. Each ship has distinct roles, attack profiles, shields, armor, and abilities.

  • Assemble fleets, upgrade ships, and exploit enemy weaknesses to gain the upper hand against rival factions and a capable AI that actively competes for victory.

Research, Adapt, and Replay

  • Research new technologies across three branches to unlock ships, stations, terraforming options, and upgrades. Technology choices are randomized each run, forcing you to adapt rather than follow fixed build orders.

  • Choose from six playable factions with distinct mechanics and strategic strengths or build your own from ground up. Combined with randomized maps, minor factions, technologies, anomalies, and victory conditions, every match presents a new strategic situation to navigate.

  • Explore anomalies scattered across the galaxy, each offering unpredictable rewards from abandoned vessels to powerful technologies that can reshape your plans.

Race for Victory

  • Each match is a race toward victory under changing conditions. Win by completing randomized victory objectives through expansion, combat, or exploration or by destroying your rivals.

  • Astro Protocol features a smart, assertive AI developed in close collaboration with Xilmi, known for AI overhauls for OpenXCOM and Remnants of the Precursors. Expect opponents that play to win and force you to adapt.

Replayability in Numbers

  • 6 premade factions

  • 97 custom faction traits

  • 12 minor factions

  • 26 ship types

  • 12 planet types

  • 100+ technologies

  • 100+ anomalies

  • 9 victory conditions

  • 4 map generators

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