Steam FPS launches free play period as 8/10 Starfield alternative lures in new players

Virtually exploring space is fun, and that’s why so many games permit us to do it, from Mass Effect to Starfield.

That latter title, however, is one example that’s strictly limited to single-player, with no multiplayer offering currently available.

There are various multiplayer space offerings you can try, with No Man’s Sky being a favourite of many, but perhaps you should sample Jump Space considering it's holding a free play period.

Developed by Keepsake Games, Jump Space originally landed this time last year, and to celebrate its one-year anniversary, it’s opening up free access for all PC users until September 21.

“We’ve made serious progress since Early Access began, and we want to give everyone who’s on the fence a good chance to test the game out,” developers announced on Steam.

“This is also a great chance for you who own the game to convince your friends to play, at no financial cost. Everybody loves free, right?” You’re so right, mysterious developer.

Players have the full game to enjoy, albeit for just a few days

Jump Space, if you don’t know, is a mission-based co-op PvE title designed to be enjoyed by one to four players.

You’ll work together to pilot a spaceship before landing on a planet and enjoying an on-foot spacewalk.

Gameplay is essentially built around survival mechanics, so you’ll need to contend with “intense encounters”, scavenge for supplies, upgrade your wares, and establish a base on your ship.

There are missions to engage in, so you’re not left to aimlessly roam space, with Jump Space boasting seamless transitions between ship and grounded gameplay.

“Go on missions with your friends and take on roles, from piloting to engineering and field exploration,” reads a synopsis.

“Work together to overcome enemy attacks, extinguish fires on the command deck or adjust your ship’s power grid on the fly. There are no set classes in Jump Space; improvise and decide how you want to engage.”

As this is a free play period, you don’t get to keep Jump Space past September 21, but until then, you have the full game at your disposal so there’s no limit on how far you can progress.

Over on Steam, the game boasts an approval rating of 87%, so players appear to be having a brilliant time.

“A very, very promising early access title,” one remarked.

Another added, “A truly phenomenal game that perfectly captures the space fantasy. Being able to seamlessly blend ship combat and ground combat really makes this game special.”

This free play period has landed alongside the release of Jump Space’s anniversary update.

That update introduces auto-save and continue buttons for missions, new multi-tool changes, and a change to the challenge rating and threat level system.

The player inventory has also been overhauled, plus there are now new enemy threat variants.

Jump Space does remain in early access, so do expect further adjustments to be made to the title - and forgive the devs if there are still a few kinks to iron out.

So if you are on the lookout for something to help pass the time this weekend, Jump Space could be it.