Stepping into the cockpit of EVERSPACE 2, I was immediately reminded why space shooters have such a devoted following. There’s something exhilarating about the freedom to soar through handcrafted star systems, engage in frantic dogfights, and discover hidden treasures among the stars. EVERSPACE 2, developed by ROCKFISH Games, doesn’t just deliver on these expectations it exceeds them, offering a rich blend of fast paced action, RPG depth, and open world exploration. And with the release of its final expansion, Wrath of the Ancients, the universe feels more alive and dangerous than ever.
EVERSPACE 2 picks up several years after the original, following Adam Roslin, a surviving clone pilot, as he tries to carve out a future in the chaotic Demilitarized Zone of Cluster 34. The main campaign alone promises over 30 hours of story driven content, but for completionists like me, there’s easily 90+ hours of exploration, side missions, and secrets to uncover. The game’s narrative is simple but effective, pulling you into Adam’s quest for freedom and fortune as he navigates the tense politics and ancient mysteries of the DMZ.
What sets EVERSPACE 2 apart is its commitment to variety. There are over 100 unique, hand crafted locations spread across seven star systems, each brimming with opportunities for combat, mining, and discovery. The ship selection is impressively deep, with nine subclasses and four tiers, each offering unique perks and ultimate abilities. Whether you prefer nimble fighters or heavy gunships, there’s a ship and a playstyle for everyone. The customization options are robust, letting you tweak weapons, armor, sensors, and more to suit your approach.
The gameplay loop is addictive: you fly, fight, loot, and upgrade, always on the hunt for that next piece of epic gear. The itemization and crafting systems are particularly well done, making every new weapon or module feel meaningful. I found myself constantly experimenting with different builds, searching for the perfect synergy between equipment, perks, and ship abilities. The Ancient Rifts endgame content is a real highlight, pushing your skills and your build to the limit against waves of increasingly tough enemies for the chance at legendary loot.
One of the things I appreciate most about EVERSPACE 2 is its sense of freedom. The universe is yours to explore at your own pace, with a mix of main missions, radiant faction jobs, and side quests that flesh out the world. There’s a real sense of discovery as you stumble upon outlaw caches, salvage wrecks, and solve environmental puzzles. The lack of guidance on trade can be frustrating unless you keep notes or consult outside sources, it’s hard to know where to sell your loot for maximum profit but this also adds to the feeling of being a lone pilot making your way in a vast, unpredictable galaxy.
The visuals are stunning, with vibrant starfields, detailed ship designs, and explosive combat effects that make every skirmish feel cinematic. The audio design is equally impressive, with a pulse pounding soundtrack and full voice acting in English and German. The story, while straightforward, is brought to life by a cast of memorable companions, each offering unique perks and abilities that can be upgraded as you progress.
But just when I thought I’d seen everything EVERSPACE 2 had to offer, Wrath of the Ancients arrived and reignited my passion for the game.
Wrath of the Ancients is the second and final DLC for EVERSPACE 2, and it’s clear from the outset that the developers poured their hearts into this expansion. The story picks up after the main campaign, with Adam and his crew venturing into the perilous Okkar Homeworlds to confront a new threat destabilizing the fragile peace of Cluster 34. Unknown ships are attacking human settlements, and the uneasy truce between species is on the verge of collapse. The stakes feel higher, the environments more alien, and the sense of urgency is palpable.
The expansion introduces a wealth of new content, including fresh side quests that become available toward the end of the base game. These can be tackled at any time, giving you the flexibility to shape your own adventure. The highlight, for me, was piloting the new Wraith ship a sleek, deadly vessel that becomes available midway through the expansion and can be purchased after completing the main story. The Wraith adds a new dimension to combat, with unique abilities that reward aggressive, hit and run tactics.
Wrath of the Ancients also brings a suite of quality of life improvements that make managing your fleet and gear easier than ever. The expanded ship hanger, streamlined cargo transfer, and enhanced equipment comparison tools are all welcome additions, especially for players who love to tinker with their builds. The ability to re roll gear stats and lock traits adds a layer of depth to the itemization system, making it even more rewarding to hunt for the perfect setup.
What impressed me most about this expansion is how much it enriches the core experience. The new regions are beautifully designed, with a palpable sense of danger and mystery. The Okkar Homeworlds feel truly alien, filled with challenging enemies and environmental hazards that test your piloting skills. The narrative stakes are higher, and the missions are more varied, blending intense combat with exploration and puzzle solving.
From a personal perspective, Wrath of the Ancients feels like a love letter to fans. The developers have listened to feedback and delivered an expansion that not only adds hours of content but also refines and enhances the systems that make EVERSPACE 2 so compelling. It’s rare to see a DLC that feels this substantial, and I found myself losing track of time as I delved deeper into the mysteries of the Okkar and fought to avert all out war.
EVERSPACE 2, with Wrath of the Ancients, stands as one of the best space shooters of its generation. The ship designs are cool, the combat is exhilarating, and the universe is packed with things to do and discover. The crafting and customization systems are top tier, offering endless ways to tailor your experience. While the lack of trade guidance can be a minor annoyance, it’s a small price to pay for the freedom and depth the game offers.
In my opinion, EVERSPACE 2 is a must play for fans of space shooters and open world RPGs, and Wrath of the Ancients is a fitting send off that elevates the entire experience. It’s a game that respects your time and rewards your curiosity, with a studio behind it that clearly cares about its community. If you’re looking for a space adventure that combines heart pounding action with deep customization and a universe that begs to be explored, EVERSPACE 2 and especially its final expansion should be at the top of your list.