You can now officially store ships at independent stations without paying upkeep. This was a community request for years and is only available in the new build.
Version 0.97a introduced a new late-game exploration zone called The Abyss. This area does not appear on standard sensor scans. To access it, you need a new story-related item called the "Hyperspace Topography Analyzer." This content alone adds 20+ hours of gameplay.
Q: If I buy a new key now, will I have to buy another key for version 1.0? A: No. One key, forever.
Q: Can I use one key on my desktop AND my laptop? A: Yes. The license is per person, not per machine. You cannot share it with a friend online simultaneously, but owning two personal devices is fine.
Q: I redeemed a "new" key, but the launcher says "Invalid." A: Check for lowercase/uppercase typos. BMT Micro keys are case-sensitive. Also, ensure you are not copying hidden spaces. If it still fails, the key might be for a legacy version (0.6a keys sometimes fail on 0.97a, email support for a migration). starsector key new
Q: Is Starsector ever coming to Steam? A: The developer has stated no current plans. The Steam Workshop would be nice, but it is not a priority. For now, the "new key" system remains on the official website only.
Fractal Softworks uses BMT Micro as its digital distributor. This is a secure, old-guard shareware vendor.
The economy simulation has received an injection of volatility. Trading on the open market is no longer about buying low and selling high; it is about speculating on shortages.
Let’s clear up the biggest myth in the Starsector community immediately. You can now officially store ships at independent
If you already bought the game at any point in the last ten years, your old key works on the new version.
The developer, Fractal Softworks, practices what is known as "perpetual licensing." When you purchase Starsector, you purchase version 1.0, even if it doesn't exist yet. Your original key will unlock version 0.97a, 0.98a, and beyond.
However, there are two specific scenarios where you might legitimately need a "starsector key new":
Don’t search for a free “Starsector key new” generator—those are scams. The developer, Alex Mosolov, has been solo-patching this gem for over a decade. Pay the $15. Because of the skills mentioned above, ships like
To buy: Go to fractalsoftworks.com → Purchase → Check email for key.
Pro tip: The key works for all future versions. Buy once. Play forever.
Because of the skills mentioned above, ships like the Afflictor (phase frigate) and the Omen are now considered "S-tier" for end-game bounties.