Lead a squadron against the Drone invasion in a top-down space shooter with RPG depth. Take contracts across three galaxies, outfit and upgrade your ship, recruit wingmen, and push the story through to the Nexus.

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Early Access Game

Get instant access and start playing; get involved with this game as it develops.

Note: Games in Early Access are not complete and may or may not change further. If you are not excited to play this game in its current state, then you should wait to see if the game progresses further in development. Learn more

Leaving Early Access: Sep 24, 2026

What the developers have to say:

Why Early Access?

“I'm a solo indie developer, and Space Defender is my first game.
Early access allows me to take into account players' feelings and expectations, to ensure that the final product is as accomplished as possible.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“Early Access ends on September 24, 2026, when version 1.0 launches.

It was planned to last about six months and took sixteen: thank you for your patience.”

How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?

“Version 1.0 delivers what Early Access promised (a real ending, massive battles, a refined interface, balancing and polish) plus wingmen, new enemies, new weapons and a redesigned research tree.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The game now contains the 1.0 content:
  • A story campaign in three acts, 13 story missions, ending with the battle against the Nexus.
  • 13 contract types across 3 galaxies.
  • Wingmen: up to three pilots flying with you.
  • 8 ships and over 60 pieces of equipment.

Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?

“Yes the price will increase when the game gets closer to completion, it will be 9,99
By buying now you can take advantage of a reduced price and help shape the game!”

How are you planning on involving the Community in your development process?

“I'm determined to listen to players! Share your feedback via the Discord server (link available in the game menu), Steam Discussions, or reviews.
Your suggestions will guide patches, improvements and new features.”
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About This Game

The frontier is falling. Hold the line.

The Drones have swept through three galaxies, relay by relay. Station after station goes dark. Command has one answer left: you, a ship, and whoever you can convince to fly with you.

Space Defender is a top-down arcade space shooter with real RPG progression, made by a solo French developer. Twin-stick flight, fast combat, and a ship that grows with every contract you close.

Fly with a squadron

  • Recruit pilots at any station and hand them a ship from your hangar

  • Up to three wingmen follow your lead and fight on their own

  • A downed wingman ejects: recover the rescue pod before it is lost

13 kinds of contracts

Clash, Escort, Convoy, Siege, Elites, Armada, Swarm, Fleet, Holdout, Hunt, Rescue, Salvage and Strike. Contracts roll with modifiers such as asteroid fields, elite leaders, enemy reinforcements or a ticking clock, each with its own risk and reward.

Enemies that fight differently

Snipers keep their distance. Minelayers leave traps behind. Carriers launch waves of fighters, jammers scramble your guided missiles, support hulls recharge their allies' shields. Learn each Drone and pick your targets.

Build your ship

  • 8 ships, from the nimble Falcon to heavy frigates and destroyers

  • Over 60 pieces of equipment: lasers, pulse cannons, railguns, flak cannons, guided missiles, turrets, shields, generators and batteries

  • Manage your energy: every item you fit changes how your ship flies and fights

  • A research tree across combat, ship, crew and logistics

A campaign in three acts

Fly for Admiral Voss and Ilse Marin, with ARIA, the AI at your side, through 13 story missions, from the first stand in Aquarii to the heart of Drone territory and the final battle against the Nexus. Climb the ranks from Recruit to Admiral as the war turns.

Play your way

  • Three difficulty modes

  • Full controller support, or mouse and keyboard

  • English, French and Spanish

System Requirements

Windows
macOS
    Minimum:
    • OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
    • Processor: Dual core 2.0 GHz
    • Memory: 4 GB RAM
    • Graphics: DirectX 11 compatible, 1 GB VRAM
    • DirectX: Version 11
    • Storage: 1 GB available space
    Minimum:
    • OS: macOS 12 Monterey
    • Processor: Apple M1 / Intel Core M
    • Memory: 4 GB RAM
    • Graphics: Metal compatible
    • Storage: 1 GB available space
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