Dicevaders vs StarVaders: How the Two Games Connect

By Kestrel Abernethy · Updated October 1, 2026

“StarVaders” is the most searched companion term next to Dicevaders, and 27 of the 128 positive English Steam reviews on launch week mention it. Here is how the two fit together.

Same studio, same universe, opposite sides

The playtest announcement says each Dicevaders commander is “based on the bosses from StarVaders”, and the store page warns that “the legendary Pilots from StarVaders will show up to protect the planet”. So the heroes of the first game are the pilots you fight here.

How they play differently

The developer has been open about it on the Steam forum:

• StarVaders is the precise one. It has perfectly telegraphed enemy actions and chain reactions; Dicevaders is built around “vibing out” the score instead, with no score preview.
• Dicevaders is about builds. It is “less tactically heavy, but more about making builds and long term decision making”, and pivoting between builds is a key skill.
• Constellations echo StarVaders packs. The full game’s randomized unit modifiers work “similar to the pack system in StarVaders”.

Most launch reviews that mention StarVaders are positive, but one negative review from a StarVaders fan found Dicevaders too modifier-heavy and RNG-driven by comparison.

Do you need to play StarVaders first?

No. The story and systems stand on their own and the tutorial assumes no prior knowledge. Knowing the pilots from StarVaders is a bonus, not a requirement.

Buying both

Dicevaders launched with a bundle that includes StarVaders (and another with Balatro), which lowers the price if you complete the set. See release date and price for the launch details.