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FTL: Faster Than Light official game artwork

THE PRACTICAL GUIDE

FTL: Faster Than Light Guide

This "spaceship simulation roguelike-like" allows you to take your ship and crew on an adventure through a randomly generated galaxy filled with glory and bitter defeat.

Steam ↗Windows · macOS · Linux
GameWiki Pro EditorialReviewed 5 guide topics

GET YOUR BEARINGS

Plan your next FTL: Faster Than Light session

Our independent guide breaks down FTL’s core systems—language options, Advanced Edition additions, strategic combat, pause usage, and permadeath—so you can build reliable habits without relying on hidden tricks or paid upgrades.

01 / THE GUIDE

Language Familiarity

Start a new run in a language you’re less comfortable with. Observe how menu navigation feels and note any terms that differ, reinforcing the importance of clear UI comprehension.

  • Set your preferred language in the launcher before launching the game.
  • If a language appears incomplete, confirm the latest update has been applied.

02 / THE GUIDE

Advanced Content Exploration

Run a short mission using the new alien race’s ship. Compare its performance to the default ship, highlighting how the added content influences early tactical choices.

  • Explore the new alien race early to see how its ship differs from the default options.
  • Listen to the added tracks during long voyages for variety.
FTL: Faster Than Light official gameplay screenshot
Publisher-provided gameplay image · Subset Games

03 / THE GUIDE

Power Management Drill

During a combat encounter, shift power between shields, weapons and engines three times, watching how each change affects survivability and offense. This builds intuition for rapid reallocation.

  • Consider how shifting power affects shields, weapons and engines before committing.
  • Choose weapon targets that align with your current tactical goal.

04 / THE GUIDE

Pause Timing Test

Enter a battle and pause at a critical moment. While paused, adjust crew orders or power distribution, then resume to see the immediate impact, training precise timing.

  • Use pause to review the current state of your ship before making a power shift.
  • Adjust crew orders while paused to ensure they execute as intended.

05 / THE GUIDE

Permadeath Mindset

Play a run where you treat every encounter as potentially final. Record decisions that prioritize safety over aggression, illustrating how permanent death shapes risk assessment.

  • Treat each encounter as potentially final and avoid unnecessary risks.
  • Monitor ship health and power levels closely to prevent sudden loss.

WATCH THE GAME

FTL: Faster Than Light videos

Official trailers & gameplay

INSIDE THE WORLD

Screenshots & game images

5 official screenshots

IN THIS WIKI

Your reading checklist

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QUICK ANSWERS

FTL: Faster Than Light FAQ

What languages does FTL support?

FTL supports English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian and Simplified Mandarin.

Is the Advanced Edition free for new purchases?

Yes, anyone who buys the game now receives the Advanced Edition content at no extra cost.

Can I pause during combat?

The game allows you to pause at any point in battle to evaluate the situation and issue orders.

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SOURCES & CREDITS

Official resources and further reading

Original editorial guidance. Game imagery and trailers are provided by the publisher through Steam. Media and reference links checked 2026-10-22. Game versions, supported platforms, and balance can change; consult the linked release notes for current details.