How to host an online match
- Start Steam and launch Space Armada from your library.
- Choose Multiplayer from the main menu and create a room.
- Select a map and configure the player slots, factions, teams and AI opponents.
- Invite friends through Steam or share the room code shown in the lobby.
- Assign participants to available spawn positions on the deployment map, ready up and start the match.
A map needs enough spawn positions for your participants. Larger matches and fleets need more powerful hardware. Steam Deck currently recommends one opponent; practical limits remain under testing.
Co-op against AI commanders
Put yourself and your friends on the same team and add AI opponents to other teams. Allied players share vision, so one scout can help the whole team see an approaching fleet. Coordinate expansion and defenses before everyone spends their opening alloy.
The scoreboard supports sending or requesting alloy between allies, including AI allies. Use a transfer to help a teammate replace lost mining capacity or finish an important defense. You can adjust AI difficulty and doctrine in match setup.
Competitive fleet battles
Choose opposing teams for a direct contest or configure a larger battle across the map. Controlling resources and scouting routes matters alongside winning fleet engagements. A strong economy lets you replace losses; good reconnaissance helps you avoid wasting those reinforcements.
Faction-specific abilities and research change the choices available in a fight. Use the faction guide to decide what to learn, then inspect the game's Technology tree for the current unlocks.
Before everyone joins
Everyone needs access to the same Steam edition and a compatible game build. Multiplayer requires an internet connection. The host runs the match simulation; the match ends if the host leaves. Host migration is not included.
Keep the room code handy and check that each friend is on the intended team and spawn before starting. New players can practice the same economy and combat systems in the Academy or an easy skirmish first.
See the beginner guide for your first match or the FAQ for release and platform details.