Turn-based space strategy where you command a fleet across procedurally generated star maps, fighting tactical battles and managing a growing federation. You'll upgrade individual ships with weapons, shields, and engines between missions, then deploy them in grid-based combat encounters that emphasize positioning and firing arcs. The campaign layer has you choosing which planets to assist, spreading influence through completed objectives rather than direct conquest. Each playthrough reshuffles the galaxy layout and mission types. Ship customization runs deep—you're tweaking loadouts for specific enemy compositions, not just clicking auto-upgrade. Combat missions play out on small tactical maps with terrain obstacles and victory conditions beyond pure elimination. The federation-building feels more like crisis management than empire expansion, as you're constantly triaging which systems need your fleet's attention. Works if you want spaceship chess with a light strategic wrapper between fights.
