If it seems like it was only last week that I was complaining about there being too many giant space games, that’s because it was only last week. Since then, I’ve written about Kerbal Space Program 2 and Space Engineers 2, because I’m just a creature of contradictions. Now I’m writing about Era One. In my defense, it’s all your fault. Specifically, it’s TheGreatOneSea’s fault. They left a comment about Era One on our list of most anticipated games of 2025 and reader, I googled it.
It turns out that Era One is Homeworld, but you can combine your own fleets like LEGO models. “It’s Homeworld, but” is a phrase that reliably gets my hyperdrive buzzing, and in this case the developers are the modding team behind the famed Homeworld 2 mod – Complex. They also helped Gearbox with Homeworld Remastered. Yes, I still have room in my life for this space simulator. But this is the last one, you hear? None of you will recommend anything else better in the comments. I’m sedate. I will cry.
What excites me about Era One is actually the sound design. What I associate with Homeworld is a particular brand of radio chatter, a special blend of tinnyness and white noise that makes even the most routine NPC dialogue sound a little sinister, a little inhuman. Era One has it very much. It also has oh so many ship modules. Here’s a quick note to wash this trailer down.
“Era One is an pioneering space-themed game that allows players to build their own fleet from scratch. Starting with a basic ship or base, you’ll have the freedom to construct a diverse range of capital ships, stations, floating bases, and even a city, made possible by assembling modules (called cubes or bricks) which, when combined in 3D space, give shape and function to your ship or base.
“Different types of modules will be available, each serving a specific purpose. For example, the core modules will focus on structural integrity and customization, offering numerous variants that can be expanded in the future. Dedicated modules will support charging, discharging, storage and energy production. Hangar modules will allow you to create fighters, cruisers, and battleships, while other modules will manage your population, offensive and defensive weapons, and subsystems.
The creators classify Era One as “a spaceship construction and survival game set in an RTS environment.” If you’re worried this all sounds too sandboxy, there’s also a story element, although it’s not clear Steam page how detailed the campaign options will be.
“From the ashes of a destroyed universe, a young woman’s quest for salvation begins a journey full of intrigue, danger and discovery,” the blurb explains. The low version is that Earth’s resources have been depleted and humans are now scattered throughout the solar system, fighting for what’s left. Genetic modification is common, political upheaval is widespread, and many people now live in space cities called “Navi Mondo”. Someone named Alya De Shars has stolen the power source and is on a secret mission to find a “new beginning outside the solar system.” To be straightforward, the world-building feels a little hesitant to me, but the premise of a fateful journey feels very homey.
The premiere of Era One will take place on February 20. If you don’t prefer building your own ships and like hiding behind planets, you might prefer to keep an eye on them A collapsing border.
