The Astroneer ‘Explorer Update’ brings new content to the game on Sept 4

If you’ve seen a colorful world accompanied by an astronaut bouncing around, chances are you’ve been looking at gameplay from Astroneer. That, or you’ve somehow stumbled upon more conspiracy theories that we in fact never did really land on the moon. You’d probably also think the Earth is flat, then — but I digress. Gearbox Software, the game’s publisher, took to the stage at PAX West to reveal a new content pack coming on Sept 4 for PC. The game is currently available for Xbox One and PC, supporting cross-platform play. However, Gearbox also announced that PlayStation 4 owners will soon join the party too.

Go kick space rocks

The planned Explorer Update brings a few new pieces of content to Astroneer. The content drop introduces a jetpack to the game, along with the “jump-jet.” There are also a number of “new items and platforms” being added. Another feature, which ties into the game’s social aspect, introduces a new in-game camera for capturing those planetary moments.

Excavate Uranus

For those unfamiliar with Astroneer, the game is very much a sandbox-style space exploration experience. You can mine, research, and craft vehicles. You also have the ability to create bases and explore more than just a single planet. In fact, you have the solar system at your disposal.

As previously mentioned, PlayStation 4 owners will soon have the ability to partake in their own form of galaxy exploration when Astroneer launches on Nov 15. However, it is unknown at this time if cross-platform play between PC players will be part of that formula. This has been something plaguing the platform for some time, with many of their titles lacking cross-play. They can only play with other PlayStation 4 owners. Even recent titles, like Morphies Law Remorphed, featured cross-platform play between PC and Nintendo Switch players. Astroneer currently supports cross-platform play between PC and Xbox One.