ROCKFISH Games has been working on Everspace 2 for a little while now, and typical sequel fashion it expands on the original in every way. Hitting Steam Early Access, this version includes the first 12 or so hours of the campaign including several side missions. With two star systems to explore it's a sizeable slice of the what will end up in the full game.

Here's the Early Access release trailer which showcases the gorgeous visuals seen in Everspace 2. With combat, exploration, and a loot system, it's a refreshing take on a style of game (the space shooter) we don't see often.

EVERSPACE 2 in Early Access launches with two extensive star systems to explore, where 25+ hours of exciting gameplay await, introducing pilots to space combat, mining, puzzle-solving, item shopping, crafting, ship customization, RPG-style leveling, passive perks as well as lower tier models of five different player ship subclasses.

While pilots advance through the initial Early Access game content, they will be able to unlock upgrade options to improve passive skills for combat, looting, gear crafting, dismantling, ship repair, and other abilities by investing various resources into companion perks.

“We couldn’t be more grateful for the glowing support from our community. We’ve seen a lot of enthusiasm right from when we pitched the first EVERSPACE installment as a new breed of space combat and exploration for PC and consoles during our first Kickstarter campaign in 2015,” says Michael Schade, CEO & co-founder of ROCKFISH Games. “Thanks to EVERSPACE’s commercial success as a surprise hit with over two million copies sold, we were able to take a big leap forward and reach out again to our most loyal fans through Kickstarter to pitch EVERSPACE 2 as a full-blown open-world space looter shooter. With today’s Early Access release, we’re delivering on that promise as a first taste of what we envision to create together with our fans over the next 12 to 18 months. Hands down, we couldn’t be more excited about getting feedback from avid space pilots all around the globe.”
ROCKFISH has outlined its plans for post launch updates:

More star systems, locations, enemies, activities etc. (8 star systems planned for v1.0)

More player ship subclasses and tiers (9 subclasses with 4 tiers each planned for v1.0)

More ship customization options

More player levels (max player level 30 planned for v1.0)

More items and resources incl. Legendary gear

More player perks (6 x 3 perk upgrade options planned for v1.0)

More companion characters incl. perks to upgrade (6 companions planned for v1.0)

More challenges

More main and side mission story content (30+ hours of story content planned for v1.0)

More situational commentary from Adam and Hive

More interesting jobs and factions

More alien creatures

Natural phenomena like lightning fields, black holes, solar storms, etc.

Fast Travel system

Different Outlaw factions with different tech

Better trading opportunities, price tracking, trade routes

Quest inventory

Codex

Game difficulty setting

Worthwhile endgame content and activities

Achievements

Version 1.0 is expected to released in the first-half of 2022, with regular updates to arrive between now and then.