Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection on Steam - User reviews, Price & Information

Quick menu

Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection is the original Sword of the Stars games and the three expansions Born of Blood, A Murder of Crows and Argos Naval Yard. It is the year 2405, and human scientists have discovered a new technology that allows travel from star to star at speeds faster than light.

Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection is a strategy, 4x and space game developed by Kerberos Productions Inc. and published by Paradox Interactive.
Released on June 04th 2010 is available in English only on Windows.

It has received 677 reviews of which 594 were positive and 83 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. 😎

The game is currently priced at 9.99€ on Steam, but you can find it for less on Gamivo.


The Steam community has classified Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection into these genres:

Media & Screenshots

Get an in-depth look at Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection through various videos and screenshots.

System requirements

These are the minimum specifications needed to play the game. For the best experience, we recommend that you verify them.

Windows
  • Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® 2000/XP/Vista
  • Processor: 1.5 Ghz Intel® Pentium® or equivalent
  • Memory: 1 GB RAM (2 GB for Vista)
  • Hard Disk Space: 3 GB Available
  • Video Card: DirectX® 9 compliant video card with 128MB RAM
  • Sound Card: DirectX® 8.1 or better compatible
  • DirectX® Version: DirectX® 9c
  • Internet Connection: at least 56k modem
  • Multiplayer Requirement: Gamespy key (provided by publisher)

User reviews & Ratings

Explore reviews from Steam users sharing their experiences and what they love about the game.

Dec. 2025
Sword of the Stars Complete Collection is a dense and ambitious space strategy experience developed by Kerberos Productions Inc. and published by Paradox Interactive, representing the most complete and feature-rich version of a cult-classic 4X title that still stands apart from many of its genre peers. Bundling the original game together with all of its major expansions, the Complete Collection offers a sweeping interstellar sandbox that emphasizes asymmetry, long-term strategic planning, and methodical empire building over accessibility or spectacle. It is a game that demands patience and curiosity, but rewards those qualities with remarkable depth and replayability. Set in a distant future where humanity’s discovery of faster-than-light travel opens the floodgates to interstellar conflict, the game frames its setting as a tense and dangerous galaxy filled with hostile, ancient, and deeply alien civilizations. While the narrative is not delivered through a traditional story campaign, it emerges organically through exploration, diplomacy, and warfare. Each faction feels grounded in its own internal logic, history, and worldview, lending the galaxy a sense of scale and menace that grows stronger the deeper a campaign progresses. The universe feels indifferent rather than heroic, reinforcing the idea that survival and dominance are earned rather than granted. One of the most defining strengths of Sword of the Stars lies in its radically asymmetric faction design. Each playable race operates under entirely different rules of travel, expansion, and warfare. Humans rely on stochastic node-based travel that rewards opportunistic expansion, while others use fixed tunnels, slow but deliberate migration, or swarm-like propagation that reshapes the map itself. These differences are not cosmetic; they fundamentally alter how each campaign unfolds, forcing players to rethink core strategies depending on the race they choose. As a result, playing a new faction often feels like learning an entirely new game rather than simply reskinning familiar mechanics. Strategic gameplay unfolds on a turn-based galactic map where players manage colonies, allocate resources, conduct research, and expand their influence system by system. The economic model favors high-level decision-making over micromanagement, using sliders to balance industrial output, research focus, and financial stability. This streamlined approach keeps the pace steady while still allowing for meaningful trade-offs, particularly when managing multiple colonies at different stages of development. Research is semi-randomized, meaning not every technology will be available in every campaign, which adds unpredictability and forces adaptation rather than rigid optimization. Ship design is another cornerstone of the experience and one of the areas where Sword of the Stars truly excels. Vessels are constructed using a modular system that separates command sections, mission payloads, and engine types, each with tangible effects on performance and battlefield behavior. Weapon placement, firing arcs, armor coverage, and power demands all matter, making shipbuilding a strategic layer in its own right rather than a simple numbers game. The satisfaction of seeing a carefully designed fleet perform exactly as intended in battle is one of the game’s most enduring pleasures. Combat itself plays out in real time within fully three-dimensional space, offering a sense of scale and physicality that many turn-based strategy games lack. Battles emphasize positioning, momentum, and line of sight, with projectiles and beams behaving according to physics rather than abstract calculations. While players do not micromanage every maneuver, tactical decisions made before and during combat—fleet composition, engagement range, and formation priorities—have a significant impact on outcomes. Watching massive capital ships exchange fire while smaller escorts weave through debris fields remains visually and mechanically engaging, even by modern standards. The expansions included in the Complete Collection significantly deepen the base game’s systems and scope. They introduce additional playable races with even more extreme mechanics, expand the technology web, add new ship sections and weapons, and refine diplomacy and internal empire management. Together, these additions transform Sword of the Stars into a sprawling strategic ecosystem that supports very long campaigns and dramatically different playstyles. The cumulative effect is a game that feels far more expansive and replayable than the original release alone. That said, the game’s age is evident in its presentation and interface. Menus can feel clunky, information density is high, and tutorials are minimal, often leaving new players to learn through experimentation or external guides. The learning curve is steep, and early mistakes can have long-lasting consequences, which may discourage players accustomed to more forgiving modern 4X titles. However, for those willing to invest time in understanding its systems, this complexity becomes one of the game’s greatest strengths rather than a flaw. Ultimately, Sword of the Stars Complete Collection is not a game that tries to please everyone. It is demanding, occasionally opaque, and unapologetically strategic, but it offers a level of faction diversity, ship customization, and emergent storytelling that few space strategy games manage to achieve. For players who enjoy thoughtful planning, asymmetric design, and the slow burn of galactic conquest, it remains a deeply rewarding experience and a standout example of classic 4X design that continues to hold relevance well beyond its era. Rating: 8/10
Expand the review
Aug. 2025
Use LAN IP address to play with friends on the Web. Great Game, Good Balance and Flavors between races over all. Sword of the Stars 1 Great, Stay away from Sword of the Stars 2. Been Playing from before the 1st Addon races to the game when there was only 4 choices not the Current 6. Lots of Replay ability.
Expand the review
Aug. 2025
Great game IMHO. Just look at my hours played which doesn't include play time before getting it on Steam. The "Bastard Sword of the Stars" mod is also great. I play both modded and un-modded versions. (I just wish they hadn't messed up SotS II. I see that there is some changes to it since launch so maybe I'll check it out again.)
Expand the review
July 2025
Still plays great in 2025.The game had many innovations that make it flow better than most space 4x games made today.The semi random tech tree,space monsters.grand menaces are still the best around.The lore is great too. More SOTS is needed.
Expand the review
March 2025
Even after being shut down at the server end, this is still a very fun game to play with friends over LAN, especially with the additional user created content.
Expand the review

Similar games

View all
Space Empires V Space Empires V is the latest edition in the Space Empires series. This new chapter completely updates the UI and takes the player into a real-time rendered 3D universe. Watch space battles played out in glorious detail and realistic effects. Expand, Explore, Exploit, and Exterminate in a huge living breathing galaxy.

Similarity 99%
Price -97% 0.47€
Rating 6.9
Release 16 Oct 2006
Master of Orion 2 Forge an empire in a universe where population growth is stripping away planetary resources. Colonize unknown planets and trade with other races for their knowledge.

Similarity 94%
Price 5.99€
Rating 9.1
Release 25 Feb 2016
Master of Orion 1 Forge an empire in a universe where population growth is stripping away planetary resources. Colonize unknown planets and trade with other races for their knowledge.

Similarity 93%
Price 5.99€
Rating 8.4
Release 25 Feb 2016
Star Ruler 2 Massive scale 4X-RTS set in space. Control hundreds of planets, manipulate galactic politics, research numerous advanced technologies, and command thousands of units and hundreds of planets in your quest for galactic dominance.

Similarity 91%
Price 16.79€
Rating 7.7
Release 27 Mar 2015
Master of Orion The ascendant spacefaring 4X strategy game returns! A new chapter in the epic Master of Orion saga is poised to once again capture the imaginations of millions of gamers.

Similarity 91%
Price 20.99€
Rating 7.5
Release 25 Aug 2016
ENDLESS™ Space - Definitive Edition ENDLESS™ Space is a turn-based 4X strategy game, covering the space colonization age in the ENDLESS™ Universe, where you can control every aspect of your civilization as you strive for galactic domination.

Similarity 88%
Price -95% 0.59€
Rating 7.9
Release 04 Jul 2012
ENDLESS™ Space 2 ENDLESS™ Space 2 is a Strategic Space Opera, featuring the compelling “just one more turn” gameplay, set in the mysterious ENDLESS™ Universe. As the leader of your civilization, will you impose your vision and build the greatest stellar empire?

Similarity 87%
Price -75% 9.99€
Rating 8.2
Release 18 May 2017
Imperium Galactica II Reintroducing a classic from the golden era of gaming, the original empire building space RTS, Imperium Galactica 2 is back and looking better than ever with new high-res textures and vivid colors.

Similarity 81%
Price -95% 0.52€
Rating 8.2
Release 19 Jan 2017
Interstellar Space: Genesis Interstellar Space: Genesis is a turn-based space 4X strategy game in which you attempt to build a thriving galactic empire. Discover mysteries among the stars, colonize worlds, and engage enemies in tactical turn-based combat on your journey to becoming the ruler of the galaxy!

Similarity 81%
Price -98% 0.60€
Rating 7.9
Release 25 Jul 2019
Distant Worlds: Universe Distant Worlds is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game. Experience the full depth and detail of turn-based strategy, but with the simplicity and ease of real-time, and on the scale of a massively-multiplayer online game.

Similarity 78%
Price -96% 1.16€
Rating 7.3
Release 23 May 2014
Star Ruler Take command of a vast interstellar empire and safeguard your species from total extinction in a procedurally generated 3D galaxy (with the option to flatten it) from 1 System to 10,000+! Prove your species' ingenuity through a deep and intricate combat system where anything (from individual components on ships to the stars themselves)...

Similarity 74%
Price 6.59€
Rating 7.7
Release 20 Sep 2010
Sins of a Solar Empire II Battle for galactic dominance in this real-time 4X strategy game with unrivaled scale! You’ll explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate through military force, diplomacy, trade, culture, influence, and other underhanded tactics.

Similarity 73%
Price -81% 9.17€
Rating 8.3
Release 15 Aug 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection is currently priced at 9.99€ on Steam.

Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection is currently not on sale. You can purchase it for 9.99€ on Steam.

Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection received 594 positive votes out of a total of 677 achieving a rating of 8.24.
😎

Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection was developed by Kerberos Productions Inc. and published by Paradox Interactive.

Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection is playable and fully supported on Windows.

Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection is not playable on MacOS.

Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection is not playable on Linux.

Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection offers both single-player and multi-player modes.

Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection offers both Co-op and PvP modes.

Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection does not currently offer any DLC.

Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection does not support mods via Steam Workshop.

Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection does not support Steam Remote Play.

Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection is enabled for Steam Family Sharing. This means you can share the game with authorized users from your Steam Library, allowing them to play it on their own accounts. For more details on how the feature works, you can read the original Steam Family Sharing announcement or visit the Steam Family Sharing user guide and FAQ page.

You can find solutions or submit a support ticket by visiting the Steam Support page for Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection.

Data sources

The information presented on this page is sourced from reliable APIs to ensure accuracy and relevance. We utilize the Steam API to gather data on game details, including titles, descriptions, prices, and user reviews. This allows us to provide you with the most up-to-date information directly from the Steam platform.

Additionally, we incorporate data from the SteamSpy API, which offers insights into game sales and player statistics. This helps us present a comprehensive view of each game's popularity and performance within the gaming community.

Last Updates
Steam data 24 January 2026 15:34
SteamSpy data 26 January 2026 21:38
Steam price 29 January 2026 04:46
Steam reviews 27 January 2026 19:53

If you'd like to dive deeper into the details about Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection, we invite you to check out a few dedicated websites that offer extensive information and insights. These platforms provide valuable data, analysis, and user-generated reports to enhance your understanding of the game and its performance.

  • SteamDB - A comprehensive database of everything on Steam about Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection
  • SteamCharts - Analysis of Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection concurrent players on Steam
  • ProtonDB - Crowdsourced reports on Linux and Steam Deck Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection compatibility
Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection PEGI 7
Rating
8.2
594
83
Game modes
Multiplayer
Features
Online players
22
Developer
Kerberos Productions Inc.
Publisher
Paradox Interactive
Release 04 Jun 2010
Platforms
Clicking and buying through these links helps us earn a commission to maintain our services.