Stars of Icarus Playtest Guide: How to Join the Guns of Icarus Revival (June 2026)
Stars of Icarus is the spiritual successor to Guns of Icarus Online, the crew-based airship PvP game that launched in 2012. Developed by the same studio — Muse Games — Stars of Icarus modernizes the formula 14 years later. A fresh playtest is live right now and runs through June 8, 2026.
What Is Stars of Icarus?
Stars of Icarus is a multiplayer PvP game built around coordinating crews of five players aboard customizable airships. The studio describes it:
“Stars of Icarus is the continuation of a decade-long legacy. Guns of Icarus Online pioneered the crew-based PvP airship experience back in 2012. Stars of Icarus is the next chapter, providing a modernized experience of the classic multiplayer PvP experience. Form a crew of five to face off against each other. Choose your ship, join your squadron, customize your loadout, and become the Frontier’s most lethal crew. Will you master the stars or go out in a blaze of glory?”
The core loop: recruit or join a crew of five, select your ship, outfit your loadout, and compete against other crews.
How to Join the Stars of Icarus Playtest
- Go to the Steam page: store.steampowered.com/app/2278950/Stars_of_Icarus/
- Click the “Request Access” button for the playtest
- Await approval and play during the open window
Playtest window: Now through June 8, 2026
This is a time-limited test, so if you’re interested in trying the game, the window closes soon.
What’s in the Current Playtest
The current playtest build includes:
- A new map not previously available
- Art pass on ships (updated visual quality)
- UI tweaks for clarity and usability
- Gameplay balance adjustments
- Competitive mode already in place
- Player lobbies available
This isn’t a barebones prototype — competitive infrastructure is already present.
Background: Guns of Icarus
For those unfamiliar with the franchise:
- Guns of Icarus Online launched in 2012 — a crew-based airship combat game that built a dedicated following via Kickstarter
- Guns of Icarus Alliance was a PvE-focused spinoff
- Both games are still on Steam with positive reviews, but their active playerbases have shrunk significantly
- Muse Games also released Embr, a co-op fire-rescue game, between the Icarus titles
Stars of Icarus is a full refresh of the original concept with modern systems and a 2026 launch target.
Release Timeline
- Current playtest: May 29 – June 8, 2026
- Full launch: Listed as 2026 on Steam (exact date TBD)
Summary
Stars of Icarus is a direct continuation of the Guns of Icarus legacy — crew-based airship PvP with competitive mode, ship customization, and a steampunk setting. If the original appealed to you or you’re looking for team-based PvP with a unique premise, the playtest is available right now. Request access on Steam before June 8th.
Last Verified: May 2026
