Minimum requirements
Steam lists these minimum requirements for the Windows version. A 64-bit processor and operating system are required. The minimum target uses DirectX 11.
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-6600 or AMD Ryzen 3 3200G
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 960 (4 GB) or AMD RX 570 (4 GB)
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 7 GB available space, SSD recommended
Recommended requirements
The recommended specification doubles the memory and moves to DirectX 12. The graphics cards step up to 8 GB models. Storage stays the same.
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-9600 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600X
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2070 (8 GB) or AMD RX 6600 XT (8 GB)
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 7 GB available space, SSD recommended
What the numbers mean in practice
The minimum processors are mid-range desktop chips released between 2015 and 2019, so most gaming PCs from recent years should meet them. City builders get heavier as the population grows, so leave headroom for long Sandbox runs. The recommended RTX 2070 suggests larger settlements benefit from more graphics power.
No Mac or Linux version is listed on any store. The game is a Windows release on Steam, GOG, the Epic Games Store and the Microsoft Store. Valve’s Steam Deck rating shows it does run through Steam’s compatibility layer on SteamOS.
Steam Deck
Valve rates Beyond These Stars Playable on Steam Deck. Its test notes a default controller layout that is not fully functional, some small text and an on-screen keyboard you must open manually. Valve also found that the default configuration performs well.
Our Steam Deck page covers controls and readability on a handheld. Steam Cloud keeps saves in sync between a desktop and a Deck. The free demo is a no-cost way to test either.
If the game runs slowly
Lower graphics settings first, and install the game on an SSD as Steam recommends. Hotfix #3 fixed a slowdown caused by Forest Planting or Composting jobs outside the breathable atmosphere. Update before troubleshooting further.
The free Steam demo is the safest way to test performance before buying. It uses the same opening systems as the full game, so it is a fair first check. Large late-game settlements will ask more of your PC than the demo does.
Sources & research scope
Game information on this page comes from the sources recorded in the dated research. Publisher-hosted wiki entries are community-maintained, and review judgments remain attributed to their writers. Planning advice applies those documented systems and does not claim personal playtesting.
- Beyond These Stars on SteamMinimum and recommended requirements; checked October 18, 2026.
- Steam Deck compatibility reportValve rating Playable, with controller, text and keyboard notes; checked October 18, 2026.
- Hotfix #3 on SteamKewa conversation, world generation and other fixes; October 18, 2026.