Should be able to play this in offline mode on steam.

[Integer]

Try to play this in offline mode and it tells you you have to go online in steam for it to work. I don't see any valid reason for having to play this in online mode! Also you shouldn't have to have a internet connection at all to play it.
I have not encountered any bugs in the game. I do like to play it.
I would probably spend more time on it if I could play it in offline mode!

[ohiorice]

Probably not you, but there are still folks who play games using a metered network connection. I found this on the net, on Frontier's website (it seems):

Stranded: Alien Dawn supports Steam's Offline Mode. In order to use this, you will need to start the game online once on the first launch to enable Offline Mode later.

In order to enable Offline Mode please follow Steam's instructions on how to do this:

Start Steam online - make sure the Remember my password box on the login window is checked

Verify that all game files are completely updated - you can see the update status for a game under the Library section (when the game shows as 100% - Ready it is ready to be played in Offline Mode)

Launch the game you would like to play offline to verify that there are no further updates to download - shut down the game and return to Steam once you have confirmed that the game can be played

Go to Steam > Settings to ensure the “Don't save account credentials on this computer” option is not selected

From the main Steam window, go to the Steam menu and select Go Offline

Click Restart in Offline Mode to restart Steam in Offline Mode

For further information on using Steam's offline mode please see Steam's full FAQ article here.

Note: Please be aware that you will need to have an active connection and be using Steam and Stranded: Alien Dawn online in order to receive further patch updates.

[Integer]

Ahh but I refuse to allow my PC to stay internet connected. So I use my MMC Console and disable the network adapters when I want to use my PC offline! You can use steam in offline mode while not connected. Since the game is pretty much single player I choose to do the same with being offline. I do understand your not wanting unpaid for distributions out there. I've just never been one of those people sharing illegal copies. Because then the person that brought you the game or entertainment cannot get paid for their work.
I have found a way to launch it in offline mode. I will not say how. But I've been enjoying it over the last few days.