AETHUS (v1.0)

AETHUS places you in the role of Maeve, a former mining engineer for the Astral Resource Corporation (ARC), a powerful megacorporation known for ravaging planets for profit. Seeking to escape ARC’s control, Maeve stakes her own mining claim on a remote world, where she uncovers the remnants of a failed science expedition and abandoned facilities steeped in mystery. Armed with basic mining gear, stories from her grandfather, and a loyal AI drone companion, you’ll explore a richly detailed world to unravel the secrets behind a newly discovered, immensely powerful element—secrets the corporate overlords are desperate to keep hidden. The gameplay in AETHUS combines exploration, resource gathering, and crafting with a deep modular building system that allows you to establish and expand your mining operation. From growing plants and raising fish in customizable habitats to prospecting for gems and mining hundreds of resources underground using lasers, drills, and explosives, there’s a strong focus on progression and creativity. Upgrading your suit and drone enhances your ability to venture further and uncover more of the world’s hidden layers. Built with story at its core, AETHUS delivers a narrative-driven experience where choices matter, set against a dystopian corporate backdrop. Players can tailor their experience with adjustable game modifiers, offering everything from relaxed exploration to challenging survival scenarios. Developed by indie creator Pawsmonaut Games in Edinburgh, AETHUS emphasizes ethical, old-school game development without microtransactions or early access, promising a thoughtful and immersive sci-fi adventure.