Starboundis a 2D platformer with an emphasis on exploration, mining, crafting, and fighting. Players will travel from planet to planet, and have the option of following the main story quest or striking out on their own. There are many combat possibilities, with weapons ranging from small knives to rocket launchers. Besides the craftable weapons, there is also the random weapon creation system, whereby found weapons will have randomized stats (such as projectile type) and abilities similar to Borderlands. There is also a Pokémon-style pets system, where players can capture pets they have weakened and train them to use different abilities. These pets can then be called on to fight for the player.