– Space Goblin Studio’s debut title, ASTROBOTANICA, has launched in Steam Early Access for $19.99, with a 15% launch discount currently available. The game, a unique take on the survival genre, garnered over 100,000 wishlists prior to release following a successful Kickstarter campaign and positive reception during Steam Next Fest.
ASTROBOTANICA distinguishes itself from typical survival games by eschewing combat in favor of a science-driven, exploration-focused experience. Players assume the role of Xel, an alien botanist who crash-lands on prehistoric Earth approximately 300,000 years ago, during the Pleistocene era. Survival hinges not on weaponry, but on understanding and utilizing the planet’s flora.
The core gameplay loop revolves around botany, crafting, base building, exploration, and puzzle-solving. Xel must adapt to an atmosphere hostile to their physiology, requiring them to cultivate plants to generate the carbon dioxide necessary for breathing. The game’s setting, a prehistoric Earth, presents unique challenges and opportunities for discovery.
Unlike many survival titles, ASTROBOTANICA features a non-hostile indigenous population – Neanderthals. Players can interact with these early humans, utilizing their botanical knowledge to create remedies for ailments and earning their trust through trade and assistance. This interaction is crucial, as the Neanderthals can provide valuable tools and building materials.
The Early Access launch includes all core game systems, according to Space Goblin Studio. Players can cultivate soil, brew tonics with various effects, and tame local fauna, ranging from crabs to dodos. A key mechanic is the “P.R.I.M.A.L.” system, which allows players to shape their character’s progression across six skill branches. Avoiding dangerous creatures is encouraged, with players able to utilize potions and environmental advantages to outsmart them.
“Survival can be a daunting genre, especially for new players, but it doesn’t have to be,” said Arkadiusz Woźniak, co-founder and game director at Space Goblin Studio. “With Astrobotanica, we set out to create something inviting, where the joy comes from exploration and discovery. Our community has already helped us shape the game so much – from core systems to small details – and we’re excited to keep building alongside them as we welcome new players into Early Access.”
Space Goblin Studio has also revealed a roadmap for 2026, outlining planned content updates. These include features such as plant hybridization, fishing, and expanded building and crafting options. Recent improvements, informed by community feedback from the Kickstarter campaign and Steam Next Fest demo, include a redesigned inventory and crafting interface, visual enhancements, expanded Neanderthal interactions, and performance optimizations.
The development team intends to continue collaborating closely with the player community throughout the Early Access period. Regular patches, refinements, and quality-of-life improvements are planned, building upon the foundation already established.
Space Goblin Studio, based in Warsaw, Poland, was founded in 2024. The team comprises developers previously involved in titles such as Dead Island: DE, Dying Light, and Green Hell. The studio’s stated mission is to create innovative and engaging gaming experiences that foster enjoyment, creativity, and an appreciation for science and nature.
Players interested in following the game’s development can visit the Steam Community Hub, join the official Discord server, or explore the companion comic series, Sprout Out!, on Webtoons.
