Muse Games has announced that Stars of Icarus, a multiplayer space combat title and successor to Guns of Icarus, will hold its first public playtest later this month. The test is scheduled to run from September 24 through October 5, 2025, and will be accessible to a limited number of participants via Steam sign-ups.
The announcement was made during the Brutal Indies showcase hosted by ZlimBratSki, where a new trailer for the project was also presented. According to Muse Games, the title will focus on five-versus-five competitive battles in which teams coordinate to control a fleet of different ship classes. The studio described the test as an opportunity for a few thousand players to preview the game ahead of its planned release in 2026.
Stars of Icarus is structured around squad-based mechanics, requiring players to balance roles such as piloting, repairing, and manning weapons. Teams will be able to choose from different spacecraft types, including smaller fighter ships and larger frigates. The developers state that success depends heavily on coordination, with an emphasis on maintaining ship systems and responding to battlefield conditions.
The game will also feature both competitive and casual play options. Ranked modes are expected to provide a structured environment for players seeking to measure their performance, while standard matches are designed to be shorter sessions of approximately 20 minutes. Community servers will allow for more flexible play outside of ranked competition.
While the studio has outlined general gameplay features, details regarding the total number of maps, customization options, or long-term progression systems have not yet been disclosed. The limited playtest may provide early insight into how these elements are being implemented.
Muse Games confirmed that Stars of Icarus will launch on Windows PC via Steam in 2026.
