Mode guide
Galactic War
The mode that ties ZeroSpace together. Three alliances fight over one persistent galaxy map, and every match you play — solo, co-op or versus — pushes your side's front line.
What it actually is
Galactic War is a persistent layer sitting above the normal RTS matches. You pick a planet on a shared galaxy map and fight for it. Win, and you contribute capture points to your alliance. The map state is shared by everyone playing, so the front line moves whether or not you are logged in.
Two things advance at once every time you finish a mission: your own commander progression, and your alliance's territory. That double payoff is why it is the best place for a new player to spend their first week — you are not choosing between learning and progressing.
How a Galactic War session runs
- Pick a planet. The galaxy map shows which sectors are contested and who holds what.
- Pick your loadout. Faction, mercenary group, hero — the same trio as any other mode.
- Play the mission, solo or with one other player, against AI opposition.
- Bank the result. Capture points go to your alliance; XP and unlocks go to your commander.
Supported formats across the galaxy map include solo, co-op, PvE, 2-versus-AI, 2v2, scenarios and 1v1 — the map is the shared layer, not a single mission type.
Is it worth playing solo?
Yes, and this is a genuine strength of the design. Because the galaxy map is shared, solo missions still move your alliance's front, and your commander progression is identical. At the current population, solo Galactic War is also the mode least affected by queue times — you are playing against AI, not waiting for a human.
If you bought the game and are worried about the player count, this is the mode that holds up best. Current population figures →
What is coming to Galactic War
From the official roadmap:
| Feature | Status |
|---|---|
| Galactic War Special Events | In progress |
| Co-op meta progression | In progress |
| Stronghold Mission | Coming soon |
| Galactic War Seasons | Planned for 1.0 |
| Guilds | Planned for 1.0 |
| New co-op commanders and missions | Planned for 1.0 |
Frequently asked
Questions people actually ask about this, pulled from the Steam discussion boards and search data.
What is Galactic War in ZeroSpace?
A persistent shared galaxy map contested by three alliances. You pick a planet, play a mission solo or in two-player co-op, and your result adds capture points to your alliance while advancing your own commander.
Can I play Galactic War alone?
Yes. Solo play contributes to your alliance exactly as co-op does, and it is the mode least affected by the current player population because you are facing AI.
What happens if my co-op partner leaves mid-mission?
Players report the mission ending, including late in a run — it is one of the most active complaints on the Steam boards. Until that changes, run long missions solo or with someone you trust to finish.
How many co-op missions are there?
10 in Early Access, with 3 co-op commanders. More of both are listed as 1.0 features.