The real-time strategy genre is about to get a massive shakeup. Starlance Studios is officially throwing down the gauntlet, challenging players to jump into a persistent galactic war right now through June 22.
As part of the ongoing Steam Next Fest, players can download the highly anticipated RTS-RPG hybrid ZeroSpace demo and compete for a chance to win incredible real-world gear—including custom-built gaming PCs.
If you’ve been waiting for a game that blends StarCraft-style tactical combat with a Mass Effect-esque branching narrative, your time has come.
How to Play and Win Big
Starlance Studios isn’t just letting you sample their game; they are rewarding you for dominating the cosmos. By installing the free demo and completing just one game per day in the Galactic War mode, you earn a daily entry to win.
The Loot on the Line:
- Custom ZeroSpace Gaming PCs (One awarded to a player from each alliance)
- Limited Steam Next Fest animated profile pictures and frames
- Physical hand-painted Titan statues and medals
- A $5,000 cash prize pool for the top players in the concurrent Next Fest Masters Tournament taking place over the weekend.
What’s Inside the ZeroSpace Demo?
This isn’t a bare-bones alpha test. The Steam Next Fest slice of ZeroSpace is packed with content to keep strategy fans hooked until the event concludes on June 22:
- Galactic War Mini-Season: The centrepiece of the event. Pledge your loyalty to one of three cross-faction alliances—The Eden Accord (Grell), The Obsidian Order (Legion), or The Keeper Council (Protectorate)—and fight alongside other players to conquer a persistent galaxy map.
- Campaign Preview: Try out 3 immersive story missions to experience how your choices shape the galaxy.
- Versus Ladder: Test your mettle in 1v1 or 2v2 skirmishes, mixing and matching 3 Factions, 5 Mercenary groups, and 11 unique Heroes.
- Survival & Custom Modes: See how long you can hold off the relentless insectoid Grell onslaught, or customise matches against friends and adaptive AI.
“Pick a side. The galaxy isn’t going to conquer itself.”
The Road to Early Access
Backed by over $500,000 in crowdfunding and featuring asset designs from former Homeworld artist Aaron Kambeitz, ZeroSpace is shaping up to be a true heavyweight in modern RTS.
If you like what you play this week, you won’t have to wait long for the full experience. Starlance Studios has confirmed that ZeroSpace will officially launch into Steam Early Access on July 20, 2026, bringing a 13-mission campaign, a fourth major faction (the Xol), and expanded multiplayer features.
Head over to Steam, download the free demo, and secure your daily entries before the war ends on June 22.
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