Building comparison
head to head
StarboundvsTerraria
Neither is meaningfully harder - they pose close to the same test. The widest gap is execution, and it is a single point.
Starbound
Optimization · Pure Optimization
A 2D sandbox of procedurally generated planets driven by crafting progression.
Terraria
Optimization · Pure Optimization
A 2D sandbox where preparation and gear tiering carry boss fights.
Starbound leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Terraria leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
StarboundTerraria
Axis by axis
Execution3 vs 4
Terraria leans a little harder on execution, though the gap is small.
Starbound
Light platforming and combat, generous margins
Terraria
Boss fights require dodging and aim under pressure.
Reads0 vs 0
Same score on reads - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Starbound
Procedural NPCs follow simple fixed behaviours
Terraria
Bosses use scripted attacks; no adaptation.
Variance4 vs 3
Starbound leans a little harder on variance, though the gap is small.
Starbound
Procedural planets and loot keep early exploration unknown
Terraria
World seeds and loot drops randomized.
Optimization7 vs 8
Terraria leans a little harder on optimization, though the gap is small.
Starbound
Gear tiers, farming, and progression routes dominate
Terraria
Gear progression and arena prep solve every boss.
A matching score does not mean a matching test. Two games can both sit at 10 on execution and demand completely different things of you - which is why the reasoning above matters more than the number beside it.