What's the single player experience like?

[GAMING_Alligator]

This looks right up my street, but the store page seems to emphasise co-op. So I was just wondering if someone could please share their experience of playing this single player before I buy it?

Also is there any benefit to buying the DLC straight away, or is that more something to get once I've finished the base game and want to keep playing on a new map?

[Luhai]

Co-op is mainly an enhancement of the single player experience. You'll be busy for dozens of hours, even when playing solo.

Prime has quite a bit of story, lots of spaceship wrecks, bunkers and the like, whereas the DLC mostly focuses on the terraforming part.

I'd suggest playing the Humble DLC after the Prime base game, because the DLC is utilising and slightly altering some of the mechanics of the base game, e.g. it introduces special ore you need to break down in order to get certain ores you would have been able to mine in the base game.

[xitooner]

Single-player is fine; sort of a survival-lite game like Subnautica, but with a pretty complex tech tier to go through... arguably as complex as Satisfactory (and a bit more story than it has as well). The most enjoyable/satisfying thing is that in this game you can actually SEE your progression affect the planet beyond just your buildings.

The DLC is more of the same, with a few rule variations thrown in; its best feature being its an entirely new map. The DLC is a little buggier than the main game since its so new but they are actively working that out; I'd wait on buying DLC until you've given the main one a try.

[Oragepoilu]

Solo is perfectly fine. There isn't much room for expression between player compared to a lot of other multiplayer game (meaning, can't push/pull people, no funny item to use, no special effect you can put on your friend, and stuff like this). There is combat either and it doesn't give any real advantage during the game (can't bypass stuff because you play MP specifically)

The DLC is another planet, so you will miss nothing if you decide to first play Prime. Buy the DLC if you wanna play another game and start from scratch, with a small twist and don't want to see Prime again.

[CaBux]

Solo is perfectly fine - almost 400hrs of solo play and still not bored

[SoloQ]

Great solo experience. You don't feel hindered because you don't have other people with you.

[prtmh]

They made the game for solo. They added multi later due to the usual folks requesting it. Learn the ropes on the main game. If you like it as much as I do,(over 1000 hrs.) you can get the DLC.

[GAMING_Alligator]

Aw, damn. I was worried these would be the answers. Now I'm going to have to buy the game.

[CaBux]

I'd play the base game first to get comfortable with the mechanics, then the DLC. There are difference in the resources you find and some of the equipment in he DLC. Also the scarcity of food and other items in the early part of the DLC means that there is enough challenge for experienced players