Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 88 | 44 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 97% | 93 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 97% | 92 | 300 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Acclaim gate: the raw blend lands at 91.6, but scores above 88 must be earned in front of a mass audience; this verdict rests on 4,376 player reviews, a largely self-selected fanbase. As more players weigh in, the ceiling rises (full scale unlocks at 100,000 reviews).
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Mar 31, 2026) · 300 reviews sampled · 234 total reviews in window · weighted 196.8 up / 6.4 down · computed 1h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (28)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 90
“StarVaders is a brilliant fusion of deckbuilding, tactics, and mech combat, wrapped in a polished roguelike package. It’s as much about building the perfect hand as it is about maneuvering on a grid. Every turn matters. Every mistake has weight. Every combo has potential. Yes, there are rough edges. Yes, you’ll probably rage-quit a run or two. But once the game clicks, once you pull off your first triple-dash into a reactive bomb chain that wipes the map in one hand of cards, you’ll understand why StarVaders has cult-favorite potential.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“StarVaders is the epitome of a well-crafted deckbuilder, full of customization, packed with replay value, and infused with the spirit of a tactical board game. The art is fantastic, and the variety in classes and characters kept me up late, run after run, discovering new strategies and refining my playstyle. Every session felt fresh. If you’re a fan of board games, deckbuilders, or just smart, satisfying design, StarVaders absolutely deserves a spot in your collection.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Over the years, I've played hundreds of dime-a-dozen deckbuilding roguelikes that try to achieve what the best in the genre have pulled off. Most of the time, they get a quick little nod out of me, an "oh that's neat," and then I move on. StarVaders is a unique game that not only captures that special energy that titans like Slay the Spire and Monster Train have, but even finds ways to take a few steps forward and chart its own place alongside them as a new standout of the genre.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Nailing all the key aspects of what draws players into the genre, each hour or so run is fast and fun. Amazingly, the characters play wildly different, from zipping all over the board to blanketing it with bombs. While StarVaders is missing that rare chance of a single card or move that instantly becomes overpowered, the power curve is typically satisfying. The only thing holding things back are the frequent freezes and crashes, along with Steam Deck problems of buttons freezing. Thankfully, the save system is forgiving, so these are only minor annoyances.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“StarVaders is proving to be a go-to for roguelike and deckbuild enthusiasts. Its addictive gameplay, and community-driven development make it one to watch as it prepares to launch April 30th. Its colorful presentation, depth of strategy, and infinitely replayable matches”
read full review ↗ - 80
“This is a game with a galaxy’s worth of potential. Anyone is going to be able to find a mech that meshes with their gameplay style. Combining the addictive tile-based shooting/slashing mechanics with a roguelike loop makes this a game with endless replayability.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“I had absolutely no idea I’d enjoy StarVaders as much as I would, and it definitely adds something to the ever-growing roguelike genre. It’s compelling, but inviting. You’re given opportunities to learn, but it will absolutely challenge you once you’ve gotten accustomed to its nuances. There are plenty of options when developing your deck, making the prospect of additional playthroughs promising. Fans of the genre should check it out.”
read full review ↗ - 84
“StarVaders is fun; it's a brain puzzle that requires planning and strategies with critical thinking while maintaining the outcomes of the cards the players end up playing. The game is entertaining and puts no stress on the players; it just supplies an interesting brain scratch for players who seek the challenge.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“We experienced with StarVaders a tactical adventure combining turn-based gameplay and roguelike elements, making it full of challenges. It offers diverse gameplay filled with abilities, but stumbles with a weak story and irritating sound design over time. Nevertheless, it remains a good choice for fans of challenging and turn-based games.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“StarVaders is a creative and polished fusion of roguelike, deckbuilder, and arcade-style mechanics. While it’s built on a familiar formula, the vibrant design, strategic depth, and sheer fun of chaotic, combo-driven gameplay make it an easy standout in the genre.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“ A near-flawless title, with an utterly fantastic gameplay loop, art direction and variety.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“StarVaders is another great example of indie developers finding new ways to combine familiar genres. By blending grid-based tactics with deckbuilding and wrapping it in a roguelike structure, it creates an experience that’s easy to pick up but full of depth for those who stick with it. If you enjoy thoughtful strategy, experimenting with builds, and games that respect both your time and your curiosity, StarVaders is well worth checking out. It may not be driven by heavy narrative, but its systems will have you coming back to the stars and back. StarVaders is quite simply out of this world great.”
read full review ↗
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Patch history
- 2.0.5 - April Fools PatchMar 31, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- 1.5 MILLION hours & DiceVaders Demo Out Now!Feb 21, 2026
- DiceVaders Playtest & Patch 2.0.3Jan 20, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 2.0.0aDec 5, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- StarVaders 2.0 Out Now!Nov 21, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- StarVaders 2.0 Coming Soon!Oct 30, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- 1.2 - Night of the Invaders + New Wildfrost & Slay the Spire BundlesSep 25, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- 1.2 Coming Soon, Patch, and Cloud SavesSep 3, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- 1.1 - Beach Episode ~ Our first major update is live!Jun 24, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Update 1.1 Teaser & Beta AnnouncementMay 31, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- 1.0.7 - Fixer UpperMay 22, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- 1.0.6 - Call for Backup!May 16, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- 1.0.5 - Squashing BugsMay 9, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- 1.0.4 - Roxy's RevengeMay 6, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- 1.0.3 - Day 2 PatchMay 2, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- 1.0.2 - Day 1 PatchMay 1, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- 1.0.1 - Day 0 PatchApr 30, 2025
- 0.7 - NEMESIS UpdateJan 28, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Demo 0.5 - The PAX Demo!Sep 7, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- Demo 0.4a - All Hands on Deck!May 26, 2023
- Prototype 0.3 - Reinforcements!Feb 23, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- Prototype 0.2 - Mars Attacks!Dec 16, 2022significant · resets scoring window
- Prototype 0.1 - First Contact!Nov 25, 2022