Egosoft’s X Universe series has been around for almost two decades, first launched back in 1999. The series has its basis in space combat, but also covers trading, exploring and building. X Rebirth was originally published in 2013, but now Egosoft have announced that the title has been rebuilt from the ground up to be suitable for virtual reality (VR).

X Rebirth VR Edition is based on X Rebirth: Home of Light, though features an entirely new in-house engine based on Vulkan technology. While the title has been designed with VR in mind, with a cockpit-style user interface that has been tweaked to take advantage of VR and motion controllers, users will have the option to switch to a 2D monitor view when needed.

Users will be able to build their own ships and create a fighting force to take on enemies, capture territory and set up bases, or with the full simulated economy players can choose to become a captain of industry and rake in the cash, or simply play as a freelancer and take on daring missions.

The title has been released into Early Access, and is available on Steam for HTC Vive or the Oculus Store for Oculus Rift, priced at $39.99 (USD). The developers anticipate X Rebirth VR Edition remaining in Early Access for roughly three months. Various areas of the title have yet to be finalised, so players may find some of the localisation is not fully complete, and there may be some issues with motion controllers.

Egosoft are encouraging players who wish to help with the development process of X Rebirth VR Edition to subscribe to the Egosoft forum to report bugs and make suggestions that could improve gameplay. Users who subscribe to the forums will also receive exclusive updates on future plans for the title.

A video trailer for X Rebirth VR Version is available to view below.

VRFocus will bring you further news on X Rebirth VR Edition as it becomes available.