Deadly Stars is an immersive and addictive sci-fi real-time strategy game set in a sprawling galaxy locked in war. Take control of an alien faction, build up your bases, assemble deadly fleets, and battle enemies for intergalactic dominance. This guide will walk you through everything you need to master Deadly Stars’ strategic multiplayer warfare.
Introduction to Deadly Stars Gameplay
Deadly Stars is a real-time strategy/action hybrid that combines strategic base-building mechanics with intense real-time space battles.
The goal is to:
- Establish bases across the galaxy to gather resources
- Research technologies to upgrade your fleets
- Manufacture armies of ground and air units
- Lead assaults on enemy factions to conquer territory
With a bird’s eye view of the battlefield, you must balance economic development, technological research, and tactical warfare in each campaign. Fast reactions and long-term strategic thinking are both vital to victory.
Getting Started – Basic Controls and Gameplay
When starting a new game, you first select one of the unique alien factions to play as. Each has distinct traits that influence strategies.
From your home planet base, you must explore nearby systems to expand. The intuitive controls make it easy to navigate and command your forces:
- WASD keys – Pan the map and select units
- Mouse – Issue movement and attack orders
- Number keys – Select control groups of units
- Top menu – Access stats, tech tree, build options
- Minimap – Quickly jump between zones in the galaxy
As you explore and conquer new systems, the core gameplay revolves around:
- Gathering resources like minerals, credits, and antimatter
- Building facilities to increase income, production, and technology
- Training diverse ground and aerial combat units
- Issuing strategic orders to squash enemy forces in battle
Key Game Modes
Deadly Stars offers various singleplayer and multiplayer game modes:
- Campaign – Structured storyline with preset maps and objectives
- Skirmish – Custom 1v1 or 2v2 matchups against AI opponents
- Multiplayer – Compete 1v1 or 2v2 against real opponents
- Galactic Conquest – Attempt to take over the entire galaxy against many AIs
Races and Factions
There are 6 playable races in Deadly Stars, each with very distinct traits and strategies:
1. Vardrag Empire
Strengths: Powerful plasma weapons, armored vehicles, rapid production
Playstyle: Aggressive early-game rushes and expansion
2. QUAD Corporation
Strengths: Advanced air units, high-tech, defenses
Playstyle: High economy into late-game air domination
3. Raikan Republic
Strengths: Balanced and versatile units, orbital strikes
Playstyle: Flexibility and unpredictability
4. Xenos Swarm
Strengths: Overwhelming numbers and speed
Playstyle: Rush and overrun enemies quickly
5. Nibiru Syndicate
Strengths: Stealth, ambushes, hit-and-run attacks
Playstyle: Deception, guerrilla tactics
6. Essadan Realm
Strengths: Psionic abilities, mind control, summoning
Playstyle: Psychic-oriented disruption and trickery
Unit Types and Effective Tactics
Deadly Stars features dozens of ground and air units. Here are key combat roles and how to utilize them effectively:
Tanks – Durable frontline assault. Use in groups with repair support.
Mechs – Versatile mid-range damage. Mix with tanks.
Artillery – Long-range bombardment. Position behind frontlines.
Gunships – Anti-ground air support. Strike clustered enemy units.
Fighters – Air superiority vs other aircraft. Patrol vulnerable areas.
Bombers – Devastate structures and slow units. Target weak points.
Transports – Ferry troops across map. Avoid exposing them.
Combined arms is vital. Use speedy units to outflank while tanks and artillery pin down enemies. Exploit weaknesses in enemy comps.
Base Building and Economic Tips
Proper base building is crucial for keeping pace economically:
- Build redundant refineries/mines early to ramp up income
- Layer defenses like turrets, walls, missile batteries at chokepoints
- Leave space between structures for unit transit
- Upgrade key tech buildings first for access to better units
- Maximize adjacency bonuses by clustering similar buildings
- Keep production facilities close to frontlines for reinforcement Scout often to see what the enemy is up to, and be ready to counter their chosen strategies.
Maximizing Research and Upgrades
Deadly Stars features in-depth tech trees with impactful upgrades.
- Initially prioritize basic economic/production upgrades before units
- Research unit abilities that counter enemies you are struggling against
- Don’t neglect orbital tech like scanners and ion cannons
- Rush late game upgrades like capital ships for an edge
- Tailor upgrades towards your preferred playstyle and strategies
Conclusion
With its infectious gameplay loop of expansion, base building, warfare, and conquest Deadly Stars is an addictive sci-fi RTS for players of all skill levels. Learn the strengths of each unique faction, utilize units synergistically, and out-strategize your opponents across the galaxy. Just be careful not to let your homeworld end up on the wrong side of a deadly star supernova blast.