Star Trucker Review Summary

Fun space trucking concept with gorgeous graphics, but clunky controls, repetitive gameplay, and stuttering performance keep it from greatness.

Game is fun and enjoyable: Players consistently describe the game as fun, addictive, and a pleasant experience, with plenty of activities to do. It is seen as a relaxing and chilled-out indie game that is enjoyable overall.

Graphics are highly praised: The graphics are frequently highlighted as excellent, beautiful, and even breathtaking, performing well on older machines. The visual quality and art style are major strengths of the game.

Unique space trucking concept: The game is recognized as a space trucking simulator with survival mechanics, offering a unique fusion of genres. It successfully sells the fantasy of being a trucker in space, similar to Euro Truck Simulator but set in space.

Soundtrack and music praised: The soundtrack, including licensed music and ambient sounds, is highly appreciated by players. The music enhances the experience and is often cited as a standout feature.

Relaxing and calming experience: The gameplay is described as relaxing, low-key, and cozy, making it ideal for idle relaxation. Players enjoy the slow-paced, calm nature of the game.

Controls are difficult and clunky: Multiple clusters highlight that the controls are hard to learn, not customizable, and feel awkward, especially at the start. Some players find them impossible or cumbersome, and specific peripherals like HOTAS are unplayable.

Gameplay becomes repetitive quickly: Players report that the game gets monotonous and repetitive soon after starting, with the end game being boring due to repetitive deliveries. The lack of content after the story contributes to this feeling.

Limited truck customization options: There is only one truck model with minimal customization, mostly exterior-only, and no ability to buy different models or improve the truck. This limits player agency and long-term engagement.

Lack of tutorial and explanation: The game provides no tutorial and fails to explain mechanics or button functions, leading to frustration. Players are left to figure out fiddly systems on their own.

Lacks strafing and lateral movement: The truck cannot strafe sideways or move laterally, limiting maneuverability. This is a control limitation that frustrates players.

Space trucking simulation game: The game is consistently described as a space trucking simulator, similar to Euro Truck Simulator but set in space. Players drive a space truck, haul cargo, and manage deliveries across galactic routes.

Resource management mechanics: Players must manage energy, durability, oxygen, fuel, and other consumables to maintain the ship environment. This includes monitoring power cells, O2 filters, and life support systems to avoid running out of resources.

Space driving physics: The game features space-based driving physics with zero-gravity and inertia, allowing free movement in 3D space. Players navigate through debris and hazards while controlling their truck with realistic momentum.

Cargo hauling and delivery: Core gameplay involves hauling various types of cargo, including fragile items, and completing deliveries from point A to B. Players manage loose cargo and ensure safe transport.

Truck system maintenance: Players must maintain and replace truck systems such as power cells, control modules, and air filters. This includes managing battery levels and performing repairs to keep the truck operational.

Performance is inconsistent across systems: Reviews report wildly varying performance, from smooth 60+ FPS on some setups to severe stutters and FPS drops on others. This inconsistency suggests optimization issues that depend heavily on hardware configuration.

Good performance on some systems: Several reviews report that the game runs well on their setups, including older PCs and laptops, with smooth framerates and no crashes. This indicates that the game can be well-optimized for certain configurations.

Stuttering and frame pacing issues: Many players report stuttering, frame skips, and unstable framerates, especially around the 70 FPS mark and in random sectors. This indicates problems with frame pacing and optimization that affect gameplay smoothness.

Severe FPS drops in specific areas: Multiple reviews mention significant FPS drops in particular locations, such as Atlas Prime, SPARK CITY, and near space stations. These drops can make the game unplayable in those areas, even on high-end hardware.

Hardware underutilization: Several reviews note that the game underutilizes both GPU and CPU, with usage percentages as low as 10-12% CPU and 28-50% GPU. This suggests poor multi-threading and optimization, leading to lower performance than expected.

Strongly recommend the game: Multiple reviewers strongly recommend the game, with some saying it is worth every cent and others giving it a definite buy. The recommendation is consistent across several clusters.

Buy on sale only: Several reviewers advise waiting for a sale or buying at a discount, with some suggesting at least 50% off. The game is considered a steal on sale but not worth full price.

Recommended for trucking fans: The game is highly recommended for fans of trucker games and truck driving sims, with specific mentions of Euro Truck Simulator fans. It is not recommended for those who dislike this genre.

Recommended for chill sims: The game is recommended for players who enjoy slower, relaxing simulation games and casual, immersive experiences. It suits those who want a self-imposed challenge without competition.

Do not bother playing: A few reviewers advise not to buy or pick up the game, indicating a negative experience. This is a minority opinion but notable.

Community fair range: $8.00 - $12.00.

Game completion: 300.0h.

Story completion: 35.0h.

Session length: 4.0h.

Star Trucker presents a steep early-game learning curve with punishing finances and confusing tutorials, but players who persist often find the game 'clicks' and becomes enjoyable. However, some report that the novelty wears off and the loop becomes repetitive after a few hours.

Friction: early financial crunch and near bankruptcy; brutally low payouts with high maintenance costs; confusing tutorial that doesn't explain basics; frustrating first hour getting the truck to move; lack of clear guidance on repairs and systems; overly limited stock in stores.

Unlock drivers: learning the game mechanics and systems; upgrading the truck to save money; focusing on jobs over story progression early on; overcoming the early financial crunch; getting past the initial learning curve.

Cozy Space Hauler: Adjusts game settings to lower difficulty, listens to real-world radio, and focuses on leisurely hauling and exploration. Motivation: Relaxation and atmospheric immersion in a chill space trucking setting. Stance: buy.

Survival Management Enthusiast: Carefully maintains the truck, hunts for bargains, monitors wear items, and embraces risk-taking to maximize efficiency and profit. Motivation: The challenge of managing resources, maintenance, and finances to survive in a harsh space environment. Stance: buy.

Veteran Simulator Critic: Compares flight models, controls, and progression to other sims; may use custom settings or mods to tweak the experience; often tests boundaries. Motivation: Seeking a simulation that matches the depth and fidelity of established trucking and space sims. Stance: sale.

Performance is inconsistent across VRAM tiers: sub-8GB and 12GB+ systems report significant stuttering and optimization problems, while 8-11GB systems generally run smoothly.

Windows <8GB VRAM: negative. Most users report severe performance issues including stuttering, FPS drops, and permanent degradation over time, despite some positive reports on lower settings.

Windows 8-11GB VRAM: positive. Users generally report smooth performance with occasional lag spikes, but overall the game runs well on this hardware.

Windows 12-15GB VRAM: negative. Performance is widely criticized as unoptimized, with reports of bad FPS and stuttering on Windows, though one Linux user reported excellent performance.

Steam Deck: The game is playable on Steam Deck with some performance limitations (30fps) and minor stability concerns, but overall positive feedback from users. No major technical barriers like launchers or Proton issues were reported.

Linux and Proton: User feedback indicates the game runs well on Linux, specifically on Bazzite, with no reported compatibility problems.

Monetization: The user reviews show no evidence of predatory monetization. The game appears to be a one-time purchase with optional DLC, and players express satisfaction with the value and are willing to support future content through DLC. There are no mentions of microtransactions, pay-to-win mechanics, gacha, loot boxes, or real-money shops. The only real-money purchase mentioned is a traditional DLC, which is not considered predatory.

Frequently compared to truck sims: Many reviewers compare the game to Euro Truck Simulator and American Truck Simulator, often describing it as a space-based version of those titles. Some note it is an inferior imitation, while others find it a deeper simulation.

Compared to space sims: The game is often compared to Elite Dangerous, X4, and Freelancer, with some noting it is more like a trucker game than a traditional space sim. Others mention differences in control feel and realism.

Active development and updates: Reviewers note that the developers are actively adding content and constantly updating the game. This ongoing support is seen as a positive aspect.

Developed by small indie studio: The game is developed by the indie studio Monster and Monster, with a small team of about two people. This is noted as a small-scale production.

No VR support currently: The game does not support VR, and some reviewers wish it did, suggesting it would be a perfect VR game. This is a common request.