| The Planet Crafter | |
|---|---|
| Developer | Miju Games |
| Publisher | Miju Games |
| Engine | Unity |
| Platform | Windows |
| Release | April 10, 2024 |
| Genre | Survival |
| Modes | Single-player, multiplayer |
The Planet Crafter is an open-world survival game developed and published by the French studio Miju Games. It was released in early access on March 24, 2022, [1] and was fully released on April 10, 2024. [2]
In Planet Crafter, players are tasked with terraforming planets and moons to make them habitable for Earth-like life. Terraforming involves modifying features such as the atmosphere, temperature, surface topography, and ecology. Each celestial body presents unique environmental challenges, requiring players to manage resources and plan their progression carefully. [3]
The player’s goal is to increase the Terraformation Index (TI) and complete the intermediary stages of planetary development. This is accomplished by constructing machines that raise primary environmental statistics such as oxygen, heat, and pressure, and later biomass through plants, animals, and insects. The primary technology tree unlocks progressively as the Terraformation Index increases, while additional technology items in each category become available when their respective statistics reach certain levels. Players must balance these activities to gain access to all items. [3]
To build and operate terraformation machines, players must first construct generators to provide power. Generators can be placed freely on a planet or moon and contribute to the total available energy. [4] Each machine increases the overall power requirements, and if these requirements exceed the available supply, all machines temporarily cease operation until sufficient power is restored. [5]
Players assume the role of a convict imprisoned for an unspecified crime, sent by Sentinel Corp to Planet Prime. The objective is to terraform the planet and create an Earth-like environment in exchange for having their charges dropped. [6]
The player receives intermittent communications from a character named Riley, who provides information about Planet Prime. The messages indicate that Riley and the player have a prior acquaintance. Riley coordinates a covert extraction with smugglers to remove the player from the planet, although this service requires payment. [7]
The game features three possible endings: Subjection, Subservience, and Subversion. In Subjection, the player leaves the planet under the control of Sentinel Corp. Subservience is achieved by escaping the planet with the smugglers, while Subversion occurs when the player departs through the Warden’s portal. [7]
The development of Planet Crafter was initially a two-person project, and the team has since grown to six members. Founded in 2019, Miju Games is an indie studio based in Southern France, with programmers and artists working fully remotely. [8] The game uses Unity as its engine.
Planet Crafter was influenced by other survival games, particularly Subnautica, along with The Long Dark and Don't Starve Together. [9] [10] [11]
A free demo of Planet Crafter, titled The Planet Crafter: Prologue, was made available on the game's Steam page. [12] The demo allows players to experience the game’s core mechanics and early progression.
 | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (December 2025) |
The Planet Crafter received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players on Steam following its release. [13] [14] In June 2024, Planet Crafter sold one million copies. [15]