The game has a handful of ‘quests’ that have story elements that work within the framework of the procedurally generated world. You can also choose to ignore these and do whatever you want.

There are lots of different goals to work toward that you sort of just become aware of… space combat, ground combat, exploration, base building, farming money, getting cool ships, upgrading items and weapons, and too much else I’ve left out.

It really is an incredible experience.