Ad Astra is an open-ended space game set in a future several hundred years from now. There are no objectives other than to survive and make money. Although it's possible to trade, the emphasis has been placed firmly on combat and exploration with lucrative career opportunities available in the form of bounty hunting, deep space salvage, law enforcement and crime.

In the one hundred years since the first artificial wormhole was developed, the exploration of the star systems surrounding our sun has been aggressively pursued. Thousands of planets have been colonised and the need for an ever-greater supply of resources drives further expansion at a relentless pace. Whilst the inner star systems are relatively safe the uncontrolled pursuit of wealth has allowed crime to flourish and the frontier is effectively lawless.

Whilst alien life is abundant and varied throughout the known galaxy, nothing particularly intelligent has so far been discovered. However, constant rumours and tall stories from the distant edges of space abound and there is a dawning realisation that we may not be alone after all.