Do I need to play the original Everspace before Everspace 2?

Everspace and Everspace 2 are two popular video games developed by ROCKFISH Games. Everspace, the original game, was released in 2017 and was widely acclaimed for its stunning visuals and engaging gameplay. Everspace 2, the sequel, was released in early access in 2021 and features similar gameplay elements but with significant improvements in graphics, storytelling, and overall gameplay.

You may find yourself faced with the question of whether you need to play the original game before jumping into the sequel. In the case of Everspace and Everspace 2, the answer is… both yes and no.

Don’t look at me in that tone of voice. Let me explain.

On one hand, playing the original Everspace can provide valuable context and backstory to the events of Everspace 2. The first game introduces you to the game’s universe, mechanics, and characters. You take on the role of a space pilot who must navigate through a series of dangerous sectors while upgrading their ship’s weapons and abilities. The game’s plot centers around your character’s attempts to uncover the secrets of their past and the motivations of a mysterious alien race known as the Okkar.

Everspace 2 takes place several years after the events of the first game and introduces a new protagonist, Adam Roslin. While the game’s story is standalone and doesn’t require knowledge of the events of the first game, playing Everspace can provide a deeper understanding of the game’s universe and some of the returning characters.

On the other hand, playing the original Everspace is not strictly necessary to enjoy Everspace 2. The sequel features significant gameplay improvements, including a larger game world, new enemies, and a more robust storyline. You can jump into the game without any prior knowledge of the universe and still enjoy the game’s engaging combat and exploration mechanics.

But wait, there’s more. Everspace 2 also features a tutorial that introduces players to the game’s mechanics and controls, making it completely accessible to new players. On top of that, the story is also designed to be standalone, so players can enjoy the game’s narrative without any prior knowledge of the first game.

So, to answer your question, while playing the original Everspace can provide valuable context and backstory to the events of Everspace 2, it is not strictly necessary to enjoy the sequel. The sequel features significant gameplay improvements and is designed to be accessible to new players. Whether or not to play the first game ultimately depends on the player’s preferences and how invested they are in the game’s universe and lore.