Stationeers Review Summary

Complex and realistic systems: The game features highly detailed and realistic systems, including physics, gas/liquid dynamics, and engineering mechanics. Players appreciate the depth and complexity of these systems, which mimic real-world scientific principles and provide a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Positive overall impression: Players frequently describe the game as brilliant, amazing, and one of the best games they have played. The game's technical depth and unique gameplay experience are highly praised.

Automation and programming: The game features complex automation and programming systems, including the use of MIPS assembly language and logic chips. Players enjoy the depth and customization options provided by these systems.

Creative problem-solving: The game encourages creative problem-solving and experimentation, offering multiple ways to solve problems and build systems. This aspect is highly engaging and intellectually stimulating for players.

Active development and updates: The game is actively developed with regular updates and new features. The developers are responsive and engaged with the community, contributing to a positive and supportive environment.

Poor controls and UI: The controls are counter-intuitive, non-standard, and difficult to get used to. The UI is also criticized for being atrocious and difficult to navigate.

Tutorials are inadequate: The game lacks good tutorials, with many players finding them confusing, incomplete, or broken. This makes it difficult for new players to understand the game mechanics.

Steep learning curve: The game has a steep learning curve, making it challenging for new players to get into. This is exacerbated by the lack of proper tutorials and in-game information.

Complex inventory management: The inventory management system is overly complex, punishing, and annoying, making it difficult for players to manage their items effectively.

Base explosions: Players report that bases can explode due to mistakes or overpressurizing gas systems, which can be frustrating and punishing.

Realistic environmental simulation: The game includes realistic temperature and gas mechanics, simulating Mars environment with gas laws, phase changes, and pressure management.

Realistic survival mechanics: The game offers realistic survival elements in a sci-fi setting, including base building, crafting, and managing essential resources like food, oxygen, and power.

Physics-based sandbox survival: The game features a realistic physics and engineering mechanics, allowing players to experiment with various planetary conditions and complex sandbox building.

Complex construction and design: Players can build and design complex habitats, rockets, and other structures, with a focus on sustainability and self-sufficiency.

Space survival with complex mechanics: The game is a space survival simulation with significant complexity, focusing on building habitats and machines in a semi-realistic environment.

Stable and well-optimized: The game is noted for its stability and good optimization, providing a smooth experience, especially in co-op mode.

Loading and terrain issues: Some players experience problems with terrain loading and general loading issues, affecting gameplay.

Performance issues and lag: Some players report lag and FPS drops, indicating performance issues that need attention.

Performance varies with base complexity: The game's performance can differ based on the complexity of the player's base, with larger bases potentially causing performance issues.

Save files disappearing: There are reports of save files disappearing, which can be a significant issue for players.

Recommended for engineering and simulation fans: This game is highly recommended for players who enjoy complex simulations, engineering, and survival games. It is particularly enjoyable for fans of games like Factorio and Kerbal Space Program.

Research and tutorials recommended: Players suggest watching tutorials or doing research before diving into the game. This includes checking basic guides on YouTube and consulting the game's wiki for better understanding.

Suggestions for game improvements: Players suggest adding features like an achievement tree to track progress and guided content or campaign modes. There is also a mention of optional DLCs for support.

Coding adds fun layer: The game offers an additional layer of fun with coding for automation, which is recommended for those who enjoy such mechanics.

Community fair range: $25.00 - $35.00.

Game completion: 800.0h.

Session length: 4.0h.

Stationeers has a steep learning curve that initially punishes players, but once the basics are mastered, it becomes highly engaging and rewarding. The fun starts after players have learned the fundamentals and begin to build and automate complex systems.

Reported time to anchor: 3h.

Friction: Steep learning curve; Complex input system; Need for external resources; Unhelpful tutorials.

Unlock drivers: Community guides and tutorials; In-game wiki; Sense of accomplishment from building complex systems.

Engineering Enthusiast: Focuses on designing, building, and problem-solving within the game's complex systems. Motivation: Enjoys the complexity and realism of engineering and physics simulations. Stance: buy.

Hardcore Survivor: Embraces the trial-and-error process, enjoys overcoming difficult challenges and mastering complex systems. Motivation: Enjoys the challenge and complexity of survival and problem-solving. Stance: sale.

Cooperative Explorer: Focuses on playing with friends, cooperating to build and survive together. Motivation: Enjoys the social and cooperative aspects of multiplayer gaming. Stance: buy.

Steam Deck: The game has significant issues with controls and technical stability on the Steam Deck. Users have reported that the controls feel odd and cumbersome, and there are various technical issues such as crashes and sync problems in multiplayer. Additionally, the game is listed as not compatible with the Steam Deck, requiring users to use Proton to make it work. These issues collectively impact the user experience negatively.

Monetization: The reviews indicate a mixed sentiment towards the game's DLCs. While some players are willing to purchase DLCs to support the developers, there is a significant concern about the pricing and value of these DLCs. Additionally, there are concerns about the lack of updates, which can affect player satisfaction.

External guides: The analysis of user feedback for 'Wiki Tax' in the game reveals several key themes. The most prominent issue is the complexity of the game's mechanics, which often require players to consult external resources such as wikis and YouTube tutorials. This reliance on external data is a significant barrier to understanding and mastering the game. Additionally, the in-game wiki and external wikis are frequently mentioned as essential resources, but users express frustration with outdated or incomplete information. The user interface and tutorials are also cited as areas needing improvement, with users finding them frustrating and difficult to navigate. Overall, the feedback highlights a strong dependency on external instructional data and the need for more comprehensive and accurate in-game resources.

DRM-free release: Players appreciate that the game is free from Digital Rights Management restrictions.

French translation mod: There is a mention of a mod that provides French translation for the game.