Overview
Star Atlas is a large-scale space MMO built on the Solana blockchain and powered by Unreal Engine 5. Developed by ATMTA, Inc., the game aims to merge high-fidelity space exploration with a fully on-chain economy. Players explore the galaxy, pilot ships, mine resources, and engage in both strategic and real-time combat. Its gameplay is divided into two major experiences: the Unreal Engine 5 client, where players can directly fly and fight in real time, and SAGE, a browser-based strategy mode that operates entirely on-chain. Both experiences work together to form a persistent, shared universe that evolves with player actions
The world of Star Atlas is centered around the galaxy of Galia, where players choose from three factions, MUD, ONI, or USTUR, each representing a unique culture and technological philosophy. Within this setting, players build fleets, establish trade routes, and compete for control of valuable territories. The game supports multiple risk levels, from safe zones suitable for beginners to high-risk zones where losses are permanent but rewards are higher.
Game Lore
Star Atlas takes place in the year 2625, in a region of space known as the Galia Expanse. After a devastating event called the Convergence War, peace was temporarily restored under the newly formed Council of Peace, which unified the three dominant factions, MUD (augmented humans), ONI (a coalition of alien species), and USTUR (sentient androids). Although the factions coexist under the council’s watch, tensions remain as each side secretly expands its influence across the galaxy
At the center of the ongoing tension is Iris, a mysterious planet said to contain infinite energy and rare materials. Its discovery once sparked the Convergence War, and even now, it remains sealed away by the Council of Peace. Despite the treaty, factions continue to maneuver for power, while pirates and rogue groups operate in the shadows, destabilizing trade and security.
Gameplay and Features
Star Atlas combines large-scale strategy with real-time action. Its core design allows players to switch between Fleet Command, a top-down strategy interface for managing ships, mining, and logistics, and Unreal Engine 5 modes, which provide hands-on experiences like dogfighting, racing, and first-person combat. This dual-system approach lets players oversee their galactic empire from a strategic level or personally pilot their ships in cinematic encounters
In SAGE: Star Atlas Golden Era, every resource and activity exists fully on-chain. Players can mine, craft, transport goods, and engage in interstellar trade with others through a decentralized marketplace. The system uses real-time blockchain logic to track assets and player decisions, making each action part of a transparent and persistent economy. This mode appeals to players who enjoy management and long-term planning.
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Meanwhile, the Unreal Engine 5 client focuses on skill-based gameplay. Current playable modes include SURGE, a multiplayer deathmatch; Racing, featuring high-speed ship competitions; and Dogfighting, where players engage in combat using their own ships. Project Galia serves as an exploration mode that connects these activities and allows travel between planets. Each mode ties into the player’s progression and contributes to the broader Star Atlas universe
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Ships play a central role in both strategy and action. Each class serves a purpose—from miners and freighters to bombers, fighters, and bounty hunters. Some specialize in combat, while others focus on support tasks like refueling, repairs, and cargo transport. Owning and upgrading ships unlocks more opportunities across different game modes, allowing players to build fleets that fit their preferred playstyle
The galaxy itself is divided into Safe, Medium, and High-Risk Zones. The Safe Zone focuses on economic and social activities with no combat losses. The Medium Zone offers higher rewards but introduces some risk. The High-Risk Zone, planned for future updates, will include permanent destruction and rare resources, offering the greatest potential for both profit and loss
Building and Crafting
To thrive in the Star Atlas universe, players must build a variety of structures—from mining rigs on remote asteroids to sprawling space stations serving as trade hubs or military fortresses. Each construction project requires specific resources and blueprints, which players can acquire through exploration, trade, or combat victories. Crafting plays a significant role in customization and progression, allowing players to create unique ship modules, weapons, and personal gear, each with its own stats and abilities.
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NFTs and BlockchainÂ
Star Atlas features a peer-to-peer marketplace where players directly trade ships, gear, and other in-game assets. Each item in this marketplace is a Non-Fungible Token (NFT), ensuring true ownership and unique asset security, which bolsters both player trust and asset value.
Token Utilities
The game economy is driven by two primary tokens: ATLAS and POLIS.
- ATLAS is the main currency for transactions within Star Atlas, used for purchasing items and covering fees. It is inflationary, designed to expand with the game's economy.
- POLIS is the governance token, giving players voting power to influence the game's direction and rules. This token is deflationary, aiming to provide long-term value and governance influence to its holders.
Star Atlas Marketplace
Every asset, from ships to land and equipment, exists as an NFT on Solana. A key part of its system is the deflationary asset model, where ships and items can be destroyed or consumed through gameplay, especially in high-risk zones. This gradual reduction of asset supply helps balance the economy and maintain value over time. All actions in SAGE, such as mining or crafting, are recorded on-chain, while assets remain usable in the Unreal Engine version. Players who prefer a simpler experience can still focus on gameplay without diving deep into blockchain mechanics.
How to Get Started
As of 2025, Star Atlas remains in a controlled access phase, with new gameplay features gradually rolling out to the community. The game can be wishlisted on the Epic Games Store, which will be the main gateway for future public access and updates.
Players can currently experience early gameplay through Surge, a competitive faction-based mode focused on fast-paced combat and multiplayer testing. Surge allows participants to earn points for their faction while helping developers fine-tune the game’s balance and performance. In addition to Surge, the team has launched Holosim, a free entry version of the SAGE experience. Holosim lets players explore the strategic and economic systems of Star Atlas without needing a wallet or blockchain setup. It acts as an introduction to the game’s resource management, crafting, and exploration mechanics, giving new players a way to learn the basics before stepping into the full ecosystem.
