Star Reach is set in space in the 23rd century. After an unsuccessful peace attempt between the seven alien nations present in the galaxy, war spread out with each nation trying to take control over the others.

Gameplay is real-time, simultaneous action/strategy and blends economic strategy with outer-space combat. The player is in command of an expedition to conquer and control a galaxy of alien worlds. Victory is achieved by controlling every planet in the galaxy or by destroying enemies' headquarters. The player is in control of a vast fleet to assist in setting up colonies on other planets that can be used to take advantage of the available resources for production of goods for trade or production of weapons.