What it is
Zubspace is a fan-made, open-source browser remake of Subspace, the 1990s multiplayer space combat game. It recreates the original's top-down arena battles in real time with other players. The project is written in Rust and runs in the browser using WebAssembly, WebGL, and WebRTC data channels for low-latency play.
From the developer
In the developer’s own words, from zubspace.gg.
Hey all, SubSpace has been my favorite game since I was a kid playing it in 1997, and its always been a dream of mine to rebuild it for the browser so I could play from any OS and enjoy with others instantly. Here it is: https://zubspace.gg It's open source too: https://github.com/pkieltyka/zubspace The project is written in Rust targets WASM+WebGL and uses WebRTC data channels for its networking layer for low latency game play :) just load up your favorite agent on it, and feel free to extend it
Editor takes
“The flight deck mapping is pure twitch heaven—bombs, repel, afterburner all at hand; now the WebRTC netcode has to prove the hitboxes are as crisp as the layout.”
“An open-source Subspace remake means endless community mods; with ships, special equipment and a persistent arena, 'one more round' is a given.”
“That pixel-art ASCII title screen is a pure dial-up-era love letter, and the clean WebGL ships keep the classic silhouette; now give me the modem-scream audio.”
“Smart as a browser game, but 'Space is better with a keyboard' means no quick phone rounds—so it's a desk-chair session, not a commute companion.”
How to play
Enter a player name, select a ship, and click Play to join the arena from a desktop browser. Move with WASD or the arrow keys, and use the on-screen key reference to fire bullets, drop bombs, repel enemies, and use special equipment. The game is designed around a keyboard, so it does not support mobile play.
Tips
- Keep one hand near the afterburner key so you can escape quickly when enemies close in.
- Bombs and mines work well in crowded areas or when you are being chased, not just at stationary targets.
- Special equipment only works if you have the matching item equipped, so check your loadout before relying on it.
- Hold Space to view the player list and see who is currently in the arena.
- If you are spectating, use WASD or arrows to pan and the listed keys to cycle between players before rejoining.
Questions
Is Zubspace free to play?
Yes, the game is free and open source. The source code is available on GitHub.
Does Zubspace work on mobile?
No. The site asks players to visit on a desktop computer because the game is designed for keyboard controls.
Is this the original Subspace?
No. It is a fan-made remake inspired by Subspace and Subspace Continuum, rebuilt for the modern browser.
Can I contribute or modify the game?
Yes. The project is open source, and the developer welcomes pull requests, contributions, and mods.
How does multiplayer work technically?
The game runs in the browser using Rust compiled to WebAssembly with WebGL graphics, and it uses WebRTC data channels for its multiplayer networking.
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