Starbound

Tracked sources for Starbound were limited between 2024-07-22 and 2025-07-22, with only 1 verified change captured in this window. The recorded activity centers on Fixed launch issue on new MacOS and sits between Bounty Hunter Gameplay Features on 2019-06-13 (new_content) and no later tracked updates in the current dataset, making this a light but still readable period in the game's history.

• Verified activity: 2024-11-19 - Fixed launch issue on new MacOS: Resolved issue preventing launch on new MacOS since Sequoia 15.1 update.
• What stands out: The period is defined more by a small number of isolated updates than by a large roadmap beat or expansion-sized release.
• Before this window: The closest earlier tracked activity was Bounty Hunter Gameplay Features on 2019-06-13 (new_content).
• After this window: No later tracked activity is present in the current dataset.

Starbound introduced significant content with the Bounty Hunter Gameplay Features update on June 13, 2019, which added procedurally-generated bounty hunting quests, new Peacekeeper stations, and criminal hideouts. This update also brought a variety of new weapons, including Neo Magnum variants and a new Mining Laser tool, alongside a challenging new boss encounter named The Swansong.

• New Boss Encounter: The Swansong: A new boss added to the game.
• New Weapons and Tools: Included Neo Magnum variants and a new Mining Laser.
• Elemental Monster Variants: New capturable elemental monster variants were introduced, contributing to a new collection.
• New Furniture Sets: Added new sets such as Egyptian, Office, Peacekeeper, Neon, and Occasus pieces.
• New Music Tracks: Four new tracks by composer Curtis Schweitzer enhanced the game's soundtrack.
• Crafting Requirements Adjusted: Adjusted requirements for all mech parts to match the materials found at their respective blueprints.

Starbound launched the October 18, 2017 update, which introduced several significant changes. This update added new procedural events for bounty targets, providing players with exciting encounters while pursuing these targets. Additionally, the update included category tags for Steam Workshop mods, enhancing the mod uploader tool for better searching and filtering.

• New Events: New procedural events for bounty targets were added, creating thrilling experiences for players during their hunts.
• Mod Enhancements: The mod uploader tool now allowed selection of category tags for filtering searches in the Steam Workshop.
• Gameplay Fixes: The update fixed a crash bug that occurred when switching between weapons of the same type, improving overall gameplay stability.

Starbound launched its official 1.0 version on July 22, 2016, marking its exit from Early Access. This significant release introduced a wealth of new features and content, including customizable mechs and modular space stations added in the June 2017 update. The game also saw a major navigation overhaul that enhanced the cockpit interface for better exploration.

• Major Content Drops:
  • Starbound 1.0 released on July 22, 2016.
  • GOG Connect promotion on November 8, 2016, allowed players to acquire Starbound on GOG for free.

• New Content:
  • Customizable Mechs: Players could explore new space locations and fight new monsters.
  • Modular Space Stations: Players could create and expand their own stations in orbit.
  • Navigation Overhaul: The cockpit interface was completely revamped for real-time visibility of celestial bodies.
  • Ancient Vaults: Introduced on December 15, 2016, featuring procedural dungeons and bosses.
  • Terraforming Mechanics: Allowed players to transform planets using new devices and currency.

• Gameplay Enhancements:
  • The gameplay now paused while the menu was open in single-player mode.
  • A new weapon upgrades system enabled players to enhance legendary weapons using Essence.

• Seasonal Events:
  • Holiday Spirit items became available from Space Santa at the Outpost on December 15, 2016, marking a festive event.

• Balance Changes:
  • Monsters received elemental resistances and weaknesses, enhancing combat dynamics.
  • The perfect armor set was slightly weakened to balance gameplay, and costs for player station parts were reduced.