Unlocking the Cosmos: A Comprehensive Guide to Enabling Experimental Features in Space Engineers

Space Engineers, the sandbox game of engineering, construction, and exploration, offers a vast canvas for creativity. While the stable release provides a robust and polished experience, keen engineers often seek to push the boundaries of what’s possible. This desire leads them to the cutting edge of development: the experimental branches. These often hidden or less-obvious game modes offer access to new features, mechanics, and bug fixes long before they land in the main game. For those asking “how do I turn on experimental Space Engineers?”, this guide will demystify the process, offering a detailed walkthrough to unlock these exciting new horizons.

Table of Contents

Understanding Experimental Branches in Space Engineers

Before diving into the “how,” it’s crucial to understand the “what.” Space Engineers, like many live-service games, utilizes different development branches to test and iterate on new content. Think of it like a tiered approach to releasing game updates.

Stable Branch: This is the default, fully released version of Space Engineers that most players experience. It’s considered the most reliable and bug-free, having undergone extensive testing.
Development Branch (or “Dev Branch”): This is where Keen Software House, the developers, actively work on new features and fixes. It’s often more prone to bugs and unexpected behavior, but it gives players a glimpse into the future of the game.
Experimental Branches: Within the development process, specific features or sets of features might be tested on even more volatile branches, sometimes referred to as “experimental.” These are typically for very early testing or for specific feature sets. The most common way players access “experimental” functionality is by opting into specific Steam beta branches.

When players refer to “turning on experimental Space Engineers,” they are almost always referring to opting into a specific Steam Beta Branch for the game. This is the primary mechanism for accessing unreleased content.

Navigating Steam Beta Branches: Your Gateway to Innovation

The Steam platform itself provides a powerful and straightforward way for developers to distribute pre-release or experimental versions of their games. For Space Engineers, this is done through the “betas” tab within the game’s properties.

Step-by-Step: Opting In Through Steam

The process is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that even less technically inclined players can access these advanced features.

Launch Steam: Ensure your Steam client is running and you are logged into your account.
Access Your Library: Navigate to your Steam Library, where all your purchased games are listed.
Locate Space Engineers: Find “Space Engineers” in your game list.
Open Game Properties: Right-click on “Space Engineers” in your library. A context menu will appear. From this menu, select “Properties.”
Navigate to the “Betas” Tab: In the Properties window that pops up, you will see several tabs across the top. Click on the “Betas” tab.
Select the Desired Beta Branch: Within the “Betas” tab, you’ll find a dropdown menu labeled “Select the beta you would like to opt into:”. Clicking this dropdown will reveal a list of available beta branches. For Space Engineers, you will typically see options such as:
- None – Opt out of all beta programs (This is the default, stable version)
- Public Test or Public Test Branch (This is often the most common experimental branch, containing features that are nearing release or are in widespread testing.)
- Potentially other branches named after specific feature sets or development phases.
The key is to select a branch that explicitly mentions “test,” “public test,” or any wording that indicates it’s not the stable, fully released version.
Close the Properties Window: Once you’ve selected your desired beta branch, simply close the Properties window.
Steam Will Download Updates: Steam will automatically detect that you’ve opted into a beta branch and begin downloading the necessary files. This might involve downloading a significant amount of data, as it will replace your current stable installation with the experimental version. You’ll see the download progress in the Steam download queue.
Launch Space Engineers: After the download is complete, you can launch Space Engineers as you normally would. The game will now be running the version corresponding to the beta branch you selected.

Important Considerations Before Opting In

While the allure of new features is strong, it’s vital to approach experimental branches with a clear understanding of their nature.

Potential for Bugs and Instability: This is the most critical point. Experimental branches are, by definition, experimental. You are likely to encounter bugs, glitches, performance issues, and even game-breaking problems. Save frequently and be prepared for your game to crash or behave unexpectedly.
Save File Compatibility: New features introduced in experimental branches might not be compatible with save files created on the stable branch. Conversely, save files made on an experimental branch may not load correctly on the stable branch. It is highly recommended to back up your save files before opting into any beta branch. You can find your save files in: %appdata%\..\Local\SpaceEngineers\Saves
Multiplayer Implications: If you intend to play multiplayer on an experimental branch, all players in your session must be on the exact same beta branch. If there’s a mismatch, you won’t be able to join or host games together.
Reverting to Stable: If you decide the experimental branch is too unstable or you simply want to return to the stable version, follow the same steps above but select None – Opt out of all beta programs from the dropdown menu in the “Betas” tab. Steam will then download the stable version.

What Kind of Experimental Features Can You Expect?

The “experimental” label encompasses a wide range of potential additions and changes. These can include:

New Blocks and Components: Engineers are always eager for new building blocks to enhance their creations. Experimental branches often showcase new armor blocks, functional components, weapons, and decorative elements.
Gameplay Mechanics: Developers might test entirely new gameplay systems, such as advanced damage models, new resource gathering methods, or revamped AI behaviors.
Performance Optimizations: While not always visible to the player, developers constantly work on improving game performance. Experimental branches can offer early access to these optimizations.
Physics Engine Updates: The core physics simulation is crucial to Space Engineers. Updates to the physics engine can lead to more realistic or complex interactions between objects.
Bug Fixes: Often, experimental branches will include fixes for bugs that are present in the stable version but haven’t yet been thoroughly tested for wider release.
User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Changes: Developers might experiment with new ways to present information, manage inventories, or interact with the game world.

Specific Scenarios and Advanced Customization

While the Steam beta branch system is the primary method, some advanced users or specific mods might offer alternative ways to access experimental-like features. However, for the vast majority of players looking to engage with official pre-release content, the Steam beta tab is the definitive answer.

Why Opt-In? The Benefits of Early Access

There are several compelling reasons for players to venture into the experimental realms of Space Engineers:

Be at the Forefront of Innovation: Experience the latest and greatest that Keen Software House has to offer before anyone else. This allows you to get a head start on learning new mechanics and designing with new blocks.
Contribute to Development: By playing on experimental branches, you are actively participating in the development process. Your feedback, bug reports, and observations can significantly help the developers refine and improve the game. Many developers have dedicated forums or Discord channels for reporting issues found in beta branches.
Test Your Creations: If you’re a builder and tinkerer, you might want to test your designs with upcoming features or see how your creations perform with new physics or damage models.
Satisfy Curiosity: For the truly curious, the experimental branches are a window into the ongoing evolution of Space Engineers. It’s a chance to see what the future holds for this beloved sandbox.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Using Experimental Branches

Even with careful steps, problems can arise. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

Game Fails to Launch: This can be due to a corrupted download, driver issues, or incompatibility with your system.
- Verify integrity of game files: In Steam, right-click Space Engineers > Properties > Local Files > Verify integrity of game files. This will redownload any corrupted files.
- Update Graphics Drivers: Ensure your graphics card drivers are up to date.
- Check System Requirements: Experimental builds might have slightly higher system demands.
Severe Lag or Performance Drops: Experimental builds are not always optimized.
- Lower Graphics Settings: Reduce visual fidelity in the game’s graphics options.
- Disable Unnecessary Mods: If you use mods, disable them to see if they are causing conflicts.
- Report Performance Issues: If you suspect a general performance problem with the build, report it to the developers.
Save Files Not Loading: As mentioned, save file compatibility is a concern.
- Load an Older Save: Try loading a save from earlier in your experimental session.
- Revert to Stable: If all else fails, revert to the stable branch. You may need to load a save from before you switched to experimental.
Multiplayer Connection Errors:
- Ensure all players are on the exact same branch: This is the most common cause of multiplayer issues with beta branches. Double-check that everyone has selected the same option in the “Betas” tab.

Contributing Your Feedback

Keen Software House actively seeks player feedback for their experimental branches. If you encounter something interesting, useful, or broken, consider sharing your experience.

Official Forums: The Space Engineers forums often have dedicated sections for beta feedback.
Discord Servers: The official Space Engineers Discord server is another excellent place to connect with developers and other players.
Bug Reporting Tools: Many games offer in-game bug reporting tools or a dedicated website for submitting bug reports.

By taking the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively turn on experimental features in Space Engineers and become a part of the game’s ongoing evolution. Embrace the innovation, prepare for the occasional instability, and enjoy exploring the bleeding edge of what Space Engineers has to offer. The cosmos awaits your pioneering spirit.

What are experimental features in Space Engineers and why would I want to enable them?

Experimental features in Space Engineers are new functionalities, mechanics, or significant changes that are still under development and testing by Keen Software House. They offer players a glimpse into the future of the game, allowing them to experience cutting-edge additions before they are fully integrated into the stable release. Enabling these features can provide access to exciting new gameplay loops, advanced technologies, and potentially game-altering mechanics that can significantly enhance replayability and immersion for those eager to explore the latest innovations.

The primary reason players enable experimental features is to gain early access to groundbreaking content and to actively participate in the game’s development process through feedback. This can include anything from new weapon systems and advanced AI behaviors to entirely new physics simulations or block types. By engaging with these features, players contribute valuable data and bug reports, directly influencing the final shape and polish of these additions, thereby helping to refine the game for everyone.

How do I access and enable experimental features in Space Engineers?

To enable experimental features, players typically need to navigate to the game’s properties through their Steam client. After right-clicking on Space Engineers in your Steam Library, select “Properties” from the dropdown menu. Within the Properties window, you will find a “Betas” tab. Here, you can choose to opt into specific beta branches, and often, an “Experimental” branch will be available for selection.

Once you have selected the experimental branch, Steam will automatically download and install the necessary files to update your game to that version. After the download is complete, simply launch Space Engineers as you normally would. The game should now be running with the currently available experimental features enabled, allowing you to explore and test them.

Are there any risks associated with enabling experimental features?

Yes, there are inherent risks associated with enabling experimental features. Because these features are still in development, they may contain bugs, glitches, or stability issues that can lead to unexpected behavior, crashes, or even corruption of save files. It is highly recommended to back up your save games regularly before enabling any experimental branches to mitigate the potential loss of progress.

Furthermore, experimental features might not be compatible with existing saves or mods. Enabling them could cause conflicts that prevent your game from loading or functioning correctly. It’s advisable to start a new world specifically for testing experimental features or to ensure any mods you are using are also updated and compatible with the experimental build.

Can I switch back to the stable version of Space Engineers after enabling experimental features?

Absolutely. The beauty of the beta opt-in system on Steam is its flexibility. If you decide to disable experimental features or if you encounter significant issues, you can easily revert to the stable version of Space Engineers. Simply return to the “Betas” tab in the game’s properties within Steam, and instead of selecting an experimental branch, choose “None – Opt out of all beta programs.”

After selecting the stable branch, Steam will prompt you to download any necessary files to revert your game to the latest stable build. Once this process is complete, launching Space Engineers will bring you back to the standard, non-experimental version of the game, allowing you to resume playing with the fully tested and released content.

How do I report bugs or provide feedback on experimental features?

Reporting bugs and providing feedback is crucial for the development of experimental features. The most effective way to do this is through the official Space Engineers channels. This typically includes the game’s official forums, particularly the dedicated “Experimental Features” or “Bug Reports” sections. Keen Software House actively monitors these areas for player input.

Additionally, many experimental branches have specific feedback threads or instructions within the game itself or on the Steam Beta participation page. It’s important to be as detailed as possible when reporting a bug, including steps to reproduce the issue, your system specifications, and any error messages you encounter. Constructive feedback on what you like or dislike about the features is also highly valued by the development team.

Will enabling experimental features affect my game performance?

It is possible that enabling experimental features could affect your game performance. Since these features are often still under active development and optimization, they might not be as efficiently coded as the stable release. This could lead to increased resource usage, lower frame rates, or longer loading times, especially on systems that are already at the lower end of the recommended specifications for Space Engineers.

Conversely, some experimental features might introduce performance improvements or entirely new gameplay mechanics that are designed to be more resource-friendly in the long run. It is always a good practice to monitor your system’s performance after enabling any new features and to be prepared for potential fluctuations.

Are experimental features guaranteed to be included in future stable releases?

No, there is no absolute guarantee that every experimental feature will make it into the final stable release of Space Engineers. While Keen Software House typically introduces promising and well-received features to the stable build, some may be significantly altered, repurposed, or even removed if they prove to be unpopular, overly complex, or fundamentally unworkable within the game’s overall design.

The purpose of experimental features is to test the waters and gather feedback. This allows the developers to refine, iterate, or even abandon ideas based on player reception and technical feasibility. Therefore, while it’s common for many experimental additions to eventually become permanent parts of the game, players should consider them as previews and potential additions rather than finalized content.