Price check · Updated November 10, 2026
Distant Worlds is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game. Experience the full depth and detail of turn-based strategy, but with the simplicity and ease of real-time, and on the scale of a massively-multiplayer online game.
Works best on Windows PC
Best current price at Fanatical
A guide from price history and sale dates, not a promise.
Lowest price ever: $2.39 (June 2022)
| Store | Price | Usual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fanatical | $2.39 | $29.99 | Buy |
| GOG | $2.99 | $29.99 | Buy |
| GamersGate | $3.00 | $29.99 | Buy |
| Gamesplanet | $26.99 | $29.99 | Buy |
| Steam | $29.99 | $29.99 | Buy |
| Humble Store | $29.99 | $29.99 | Buy |
| GreenManGaming | $29.99 | $29.99 | Buy |
| WinGameStore | $29.99 | $29.99 | Buy |
Galaxies in this real-time 4X game set in space can hold up to 1,400 star systems and as many as 50,000 bodies, from planets to asteroids. You can pause at any moment while you explore, expand, research, trade and fight to build an empire among them.
Universe is the collector's edition, gathering the earlier Distant Worlds releases in one package with a new storyline, an updated manual and expanded modding support. The pausable design aims to pair the depth of turn-based strategy with simpler real-time control. Single-player only, it suits players who enjoy managing a sprawling empire at a large, detailed scale.
Trailer and screenshots are from the publisher. Tap a screenshot to enlarge it.
| Developer | Code Force |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Slitherine Ltd. |
| Released | May 23, 2014 |
| Metacritic | 81 / 100 |
| Languages | 1: English |
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows Vista, Windows 7, 8, 10 | Windows Vista, Windows 7, 8 (64-bit), 10 |
| Processor | Pentium 4 @1.5 GHz | Dual Core CPU @ 2.0 GHz |
| Memory | 1 GB RAM | 4 GB RAM |
| Graphics | minimum 1024 x 768 resolution, 32 bit | minimum 1024 x 768 resolution, 32 bit |
| DirectX | Version 9.0c | Version 9.0c |
| Storage | 1 GB available space | 1 GB available space |
| Sound Card | DirectX 9 compatible | DirectX 9 compatible |
How this game plays best, and the gear to match: a best-value pick and an upgrade for each.
Monitor with room for maps and menus
1440p gives Distant Worlds: Universe far more screen space for maps, menus and UI than 1080p.
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Upgrade pickSamsung Odyssey G55C 32-inch QHD Curved MonitorMouse with extra buttons
Bind hotkeys to side buttons and spend long sessions in Distant Worlds: Universe comfortably. The G502 is the classic; the Lightspeed version cuts the cord.
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Upgrade pickLogitech G502 Lightspeed Wireless MouseKeyboard
Lots of hotkeys and typing in Distant Worlds: Universe. A solid mechanical board makes long sessions easier on your hands.
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Upgrade pickKeychron K8 ProChair for long sessions
Distant Worlds: Universe is the kind of game you lose hours in. Back support matters.
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Upgrade pickCorsair TC100 RelaxedHeadset for immersive sound
Atmosphere is half of Distant Worlds: Universe. The Cloud III has rich spatial sound; the Arctis Nova 7 goes wireless with long battery life.
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Upgrade pickSteelSeries Arctis Nova 7Prices change often, so check the latest price on Amazon. SteelGames may earn a small commission on purchases.
The lowest recorded price is $2.39 in June 2022.
The best current price we found is $2.39 at Fanatical, against a usual price of $29.99.
Buy now. Buy now. Matches the lowest price we have on record ($2.39). A sale is unlikely to beat this price by much.
