Tech Demo 3

This page is a Work in Progress as much of the lore/Development for the game is yet to be established.

This page details the third major public Tech Demonstration version of Starship Simulator.

Tech Demo 3 refers to an updated public demonstration version of Starship Simulator developed by Fleetyard Studios, representing a significant iteration over Tech Demo 2. Its development and features were showcased extensively in Dev Builds leading up to its anticipated release period. The HUD was notably updated to display "Tech Demo 3" in Build 0.225.0.89, signaling this iteration.

Release and Availability

Tech Demo 3 was anticipated for release around Q2 2025.

According to information provided for this wiki, on May 11, 2025, Dan on a Dev Stream (Watch here) announced that a beta version of Tech Demo 3 would be released shortly after the stream. This beta is intended for a wider public audience to help identify bugs before the official Tech Demo 3 release.

To access a beta version of a game on Steam right-click the game in your Steam library, select "Properties," and then navigate to the "Betas" tab. From the dropdown menu, choose the desired beta version.

Purpose

The primary goals of releasing Tech Demo 3 are:

• To showcase significant advancements in core systems like Sensors, Galaxy Generation, and ship interactivity since Tech Demo 2.
• To introduce and test new gameplay mechanics and content.
• To gather extensive feedback on new features, stability, and performance from a broader player base.
• To further build the community and momentum leading towards the Steam Early Access release.
• To allow for wider bug hunting and stress-testing of new and existing systems.

Content and Features

Based on development progress detailed in Dev Builds leading up to the "Tech Demo 3" designation, this version is expected to include many of the following advancements over Tech Demo 2:

• Advanced Sensors & Holoprojector Suite:
  • Overhauled Sensors UI with distinct Short, Medium, and Long Range scan modes and detailed data readouts (Build 0.225.0.46 through 0.225.0.55, 0.225.0.66, 0.225.0.69, 0.225.0.70).
  • Functional Orrery Maps on the Holoprojector with zoom, celestial body scaling, and zone lines (Habitable, Frost, Lava) (Build 0.225.0.50, 0.225.0.51, 0.225.0.70).
  • Detection and display of Life and Tech Signatures (Build 0.225.0.63, 0.225.0.69).
  • Surface map functionality for planets on Short Range sensors (Build 0.225.0.48).
• Expanded Galaxy Generation & Celestial Objects:
  • More detailed stellar and planetary data points available through scanning (Build 0.225.0.30, 0.225.0.69).
  • Implementation of more astrophysical rules in system generation (e.g., Proto-planetary disks, Snow Lines, Roche Limits, Hill Spheres, Oort Cloud calculations - Build 0.225.0.32, 0.225.0.66, 0.225.0.67]).
  • Inclusion of Kuiper Belts / Scattered Disks and more detailed Sol System dwarf planets (Build 0.225.0.67).
  • Groundwork for more diverse Star types (L,T,Y, T-Tauri, Wolf-Rayet, Neutron Stars, White Dwarfs - Build 0.225.0.16) and Nanite tessellation for planet surfaces (Build 0.225.0.70, 0.225.0.72).
• Ship Interior Development:
  • Significant progress on the Framework, Wall panels, and flooring for Decks C, D, E, F, and G, including maintenance tunnels, battery rooms, and other specialized areas (Build 0.225.0.56 through 0.225.0.88).
  • Fully functional main crew lift with call buttons and interior panels (Build 0.225.0.42, 0.225.0.43, 0.225.0.62).
  • New interior elements like LED lighting strips (Build 0.225.0.80) and a "snapping guide" system for geometry deployment (Build 0.225.0.80).
• NPC & Interactive Object Enhancements:
  • Updated NPC pathing and behaviors (e.g., Jonesy pathing fixes, RM-84 cleaning logic - Build 0.225.0.60, 0.225.0.85).
  • More interactive props and environmental details (e.g., construction props, barrier tape - Build 0.225.0.72, 0.225.0.85).
• Multiplayer Improvements:
  • Numerous fixes for synchronization of sensors, player state, ship systems, and Galaxy Generation on client machines (Build 0.225.0.59, 0.225.0.60, 0.225.0.61, 0.225.0.74, 0.225.0.82 etc.]).
• Enhanced Tutorial System:
  • Introduction of a dynamic 3D hologram breadcrumb trail and more robust editing tools for tutorial creation (Build 0.225.0.90).
  • Progress on Scanning & Navigation tutorial (Build 0.225.0.92, 0.225.0.94).
• General Fixes & Polish:
  • Numerous bug fixes across various systems, UI elements, and ship interactions.
  • Refinements to FTL effects and controls (Build 0.225.0.90).

Successor

VR Build Demo