- #1 X4: Foundations
97% matchMostly Positive80% of 27,985 reviews2018
Dev: Egosoft
Windows · Linux
Median: 5.1 hrsMean: 94.2 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Your journey to building a vast space empire begins behind the controls of a single ship. Explore the stars, trade goods, fight battles, build stations, buy and equip ships, and command fleets in a living, fully simulated universe that reacts to your decisions.
Why similar: Space Sim 19.6% ★, Trading 13.4% ★, Economy 10.9%, Flight 10.2%, Sandbox 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: This game provides the deep economic and empire-building simulation that complements the sandbox nature of Avorion.
- #2 Space Engineers
96% matchVery Positive89% of 133,238 reviews2019
Dev: Keen Software House
Windows
Median: 9.0 hrsMean: 95.7 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Space Engineers is a sandbox engineering game where you design and build ships, stations, and planetary bases in a fully destructible environment. Explore planets and space, mine resources, survive hazards, and engage in combat alone or with friends in Creative or Survival modes.
Why similar: Space Sim 27.5% ★, Space 13.9%, Building 13.8%, Sandbox 13.2%, Open World 10.9%
Why You'll Like It: It offers the most comparable experience to Avorion in terms of block-based ship construction and physics-driven space exploration.
- #3 Empyrion - Galactic Survival
96% matchMostly Positive79% of 34,087 reviews2020
Dev: Eleon Game Studios
Windows
Median: 6.3 hrsMean: 76.7 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Build and explore in a true space sandbox survival adventure. Construct mighty capital vessels, sprawling planetary settlements, and vast space stations in your galactic journey to discover the mysteries of Empyrion!
Why similar: Space Sim 20.4% ★, Voxel 16.9% ★, Space 11.6%, Building 11.2%, Sandbox 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: It combines modular ship building with survival mechanics and planetary exploration in a vast, procedurally generated universe.
- #4 Cosmoteer: Starship Architect & Commander
95% matchVery Positive95% of 12,431 reviews2022
Dev: Walternate Realities
Windows
Median: 19.3 hrsMean: 40.4 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Design and simulate the starships of your dreams! Command your ship or fleet in epic battles and manage your crew while exploring a dangerous galaxy. Play alone or with friends, test your ships in online PvP, and let your imagination reach for the stars!
Why similar: Spaceships 29% ★, Space Sim 23.9% ★, Space 13.5%, Building 13.5%, Sci-fi 10.9%
Why You'll Like It: This title excels at modular ship design and tactical combat, mirroring the core building loop of Avorion.
- #5 StarMade
94% matchMixed68% of 2,981 reviews2014
Dev: Schine GmbH
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 18.8 hrs≥1hr: 54%
The ultimate space sandbox. Participate in epic fleet battles, form alliances, strive to dominate entire galaxies and harness the universe’s resources for your industrious empire or the destruction of others. Customise your experience, the universe is yours!
Why similar: Space 20%, Voxel 17.5% ★, Sandbox 16.5%, Building 12.2%, Open World 11.1%
Why You'll Like It: A voxel-based space sandbox that allows for immense scale in ship construction and station building.
- #6 Elite Dangerous
94% matchMostly Positive77% of 105,113 reviews2015
Dev: Frontier Developments
Windows
Median: 18.4 hrsMean: 146.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Take control of your own starship and blaze your trail in an ever-changing galaxy. Master the arts of combat, mining and trade or venture out into the unknown across a 1:1 scale universe.
Why similar: Space Sim 37.7% ★, Space 18%, Open World 12.5%, Trading 7.8% ★, Sci-fi 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: It provides a realistic, massive-scale space flight simulation with a focus on trading, mining, and combat.
- #7 Starship EVO
93% matchVery Positive84% of 1,210 reviews2020
Dev: Moonfire Entertainment
Windows
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 55%
Mine and craft your way to orbit, build your own starship and explore a vast, dangerous galaxy alongside your crew. For players who love a meaningful survival progression, a unique and elegant building system, and epic space-opera scale.
Why similar: Space Sim 16% ★, Space 15.7%, Building 15.3%, Voxel 13.6% ★, Sandbox 12.4%
Why You'll Like It: A highly detailed ship-building sandbox that emphasizes mechanical engineering and complex ship systems.
- #8 No Man's Sky
92% matchVery Positive85% of 402,164 reviews2016
Dev: Hello Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 20.2 hrsMean: 70.4 hrs≥1hr: 94%
No Man's Sky is a game about exploration and survival in an infinite procedurally generated universe.
Why similar: Space 23.9%, Open World 20%, Space Sim 19.9% ★, Sandbox 13%, Sci-fi 10.8%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a massive, procedurally generated galaxy focused on exploration, base building, and ship customization.
- #9 From the Depths
91% matchVery Positive89% of 12,523 reviews2020
Dev: Brilliant Skies Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 40.6 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Over 1000 unique components allow you to build and command voxel vehicles from the deep ocean to outer space! Forge strategies, allegiances and fleets strong enough to destroy eight deadly factions of the planet and reign supreme. A genre-defying mashup of simulation, building, RTS and RPG.
Why similar: Voxel 25.7% ★, Vehicular Combat 21.7% ★, Building 18.1%, Sandbox 16.4%, Space 13.3%
Why You'll Like It: It offers unparalleled depth in vehicle design and combat systems, appealing to players who enjoy the technical side of Avorion.
- #10 Starbase
91% matchMixed56% of 6,702 reviews2021
Dev: Frozenbyte
Windows
Median: 14.3 hrsMean: 91.6 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Starbase is a hybrid voxel/vertex-based space MMO with a fully destructible and infinitely expanding universe, with a focus on building and designing spaceships and stations, exploration, resource gathering, crafting, trading, and combat.
Why similar: Space Sim 25.8% ★, Voxel 14.1% ★, Building 13.6%, Space 11.3%, Open World 10.9%
Why You'll Like It: A massively multiplayer space-sim that features highly detailed, destructible ship building and engineering.
- #11 SpaceBourne 2
89% matchMostly Positive77% of 4,992 reviews2025
Dev: Burak Dabak
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 10.9 hrs≥1hr: 70%
Embark on a journey to greatness. Get ready for adrenaline-fueled battles and a chance to claim your place in the galaxy. Grab the controls of your ship, gear up for the fight, and unleash your ambition to conquer and build a new empire in the vastness of space.
Why similar: Space Sim 26.6% ★, Flight 20.2%, Economy 10.7%, Space 10.1%, Open World 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: It blends space-sim elements with RPG progression and base-building, offering a similar sense of personal growth in space.
- #12 Reassembly
90% matchVery Positive94% of 4,066 reviews2015
Dev: Anisoptera GamesPub: Indie Voyage
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.1 hrsMean: 26.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%
A spaceship building and universe-exploration game. Collect resources, expand and grow your fleet, and conquer your personal galaxy. Stellar ambience by Peaks.
Why similar: Building 29.6%, Space 27.9%, Sandbox 23.9%, Open World 8%, Sci-fi 5.5%
Why You'll Like It: This game features procedural ship construction and faction-based warfare in a 2D space sandbox environment.
- #13 Interstellar Rift
89% matchMixed68% of 1,655 reviews2020
Dev: Split PolygonPub: Iceberg Interactive
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 33.2 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Interstellar Rift is an open world starship simulator with an emphasis on ship construction and multi-player interaction. Survive in a hostile galaxy with your own custom designed and constructed starship. Invite other players to join your crew or fight them across the galaxy!
Why similar: Space Sim 25.4% ★, Trading 14.7% ★, Building 12.1%, Sandbox 10.8%, Space 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: It focuses on ship interior design and crew management, providing a more intimate look at space-faring life.
- #14 Space Haven
88% matchVery Positive86% of 9,719 reviews2020
Dev: Bugbyte Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 20.2 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Embark on a space voyage with your ragtag crew of civilians in search of a new home. Build spaceships tile by tile, create optimal gas conditions, manage the needs and moods of their crew, encounter other space-faring groups, and explore the universe in this spaceship colony simulation.
Why similar: Space Sim 24.1% ★, Building 13.3%, Space 13.2%, Sandbox 12.9%, Open World 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: This title focuses on ship-based colony management and modular construction, perfect for fans of the management aspects of Avorion.
- #15 Star Valor
87% matchVery Positive89% of 3,325 reviews2022
Dev: Rafael Burgos
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 28.8 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Choose your own destiny as you explore an open-world procedurally generated galaxy where anything is possible. Become a miner, a trader, a bounty hunter, a pirate, or perhaps a jack of all trades. Start off small and build your way to the top but remember with every action, comes consequences.
Why similar: Space 32.7%, Sandbox 26%, Open World 18.5%, Sci-fi 11.9%, Exploration 10.9%
Why You'll Like It: A sandbox space RPG that emphasizes ship customization, trading, and combat in a procedurally generated galaxy.
- #16 EVERSPACE™ 2
86% matchVery Positive86% of 12,587 reviews2023
Dev: ROCKFISH Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 7.7 hrsMean: 29.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
EVERSPACE 2 is a fast-paced single-player spaceship shooter with exploration in space and on planets, tons of loot, RPG elements, mining, and crafting. Experience an exciting sci-fi story set in a vivid, handcrafted open world full of secrets, puzzles, and perils.
Why similar: Flight 21.4%, Space 18.1%, Open World 13%, PvE 10.5%, Action RPG 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: It provides a polished, action-oriented space exploration experience with deep loot and ship customization systems.
- #17 Endless Sky
86% matchVery Positive92% of 6,938 reviews2015
Dev: Michael Zahniser
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 13.6 hrs≥1hr: 50%
Endless Sky is a 2D space trading and combat game inspired by the classic Escape Velocity series. Work your way up from a relatively wimpy shuttle, cargo ship, or fighter, to a highly upgraded and customized flagship or to a massive fleet of warships or freighters.
Why similar: Space 29.3%, Space Sim 17.1% ★, Trading 13.7% ★, Open World 12.6%, Sci-fi 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: A classic open-world space trading and combat game that offers a vast galaxy to explore and conquer.
- #18 Stationeers
84% matchVery Positive88% of 8,897 reviews2017
Dev: RocketWerkz
Windows
Median: 9.8 hrsMean: 81.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Stationeers puts you in control of the construction and management of a space station to run by yourself or online with your friends. Complex atmospheric, electrical, manufacturing, agriculture, and gravitational systems require your thought and management at all times!
Why similar: Building 24.2%, Space 23.6%, Sandbox 23%, Management 15.4%, Sci-fi 13.9%
Why You'll Like It: This game offers extreme depth in engineering and automation, perfect for players who love the technical building aspects of space games.
- #19 Barotrauma
82% matchVery Positive94% of 84,235 reviews2023
Dev: FakeFishPub: Daedalic Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.9 hrsMean: 54.3 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Barotrauma is a 2D co-op submarine simulator – in space, with survival horror and RPG elements. Steer your submarine, complete missions, fight monsters, fix leaks, operate machinery, man the guns and craft items, and stay alert: danger in Barotrauma doesn’t announce itself!
Why similar: Sci-fi 39.3%, Management 37.3%, Simulation 23.4%
Why You'll Like It: While set in an alien ocean, it captures the intense co-op ship management and engineering challenges found in space sims.
- #20 Celestial Command
85% matchMixed63% of 687 reviews2014
Dev: Romenics
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 62%
Mine asteroids, salvage space debris, design your own small or massive spacecraft using individual functional components, complete missions, and engage in battles against enemies in a vast galaxy with realistic physics based on orbital mechanics or in a classic physics mode.
Why similar: Space 28%, Space Sim 21.6% ★, Sandbox 17.2%, Building 11.1%, Simulation 9.5%
Why You'll Like It: It features physics-based space construction and orbital mechanics, providing a challenging building experience.
- #21 Dyson Sphere Program
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 90,027 reviews2021
Dev: Youthcat StudioPub: Gamirror Games
Windows
Median: 13.2 hrsMean: 75.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Build the most efficient intergalactic factory in space simulation strategy game Dyson Sphere Program! Harness the power of stars, collect resources, plan and design production lines and develop your interstellar factory from a small space workshop to a galaxy-wide industrial empire.
Why similar: Space 20%, Building 15.4%, Space Sim 14.8% ★, Sandbox 11.8%, Open World 11.7%
Why You'll Like It: It focuses on large-scale interstellar logistics and building, appealing to players who enjoy the empire-building scope of Avorion.
- #22 Starpoint Gemini Warlords
84% matchMostly Positive73% of 3,569 reviews2017
Dev: Little Green Men Games
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 11.0 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Strategy from the front lines! Starpoint Gemini Warlords combines 3rd person capital spaceship combat with 4X strategy and RPG gameplay elements. Build mighty war fleets and send them into battle or lead them into combat yourself. Become the Warlord and conquer the Gemini system!
Why similar: Spaceships 23.8% ★, Space Sim 20% ★, Space 12.7%, Flight 12.4%, Open World 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: It successfully merges space combat with 4X-style empire management and fleet command.
- #23 Void Destroyer 2
83% matchVery Positive80% of 664 reviews2020
Dev: Iteration 11
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 14.5 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Start with nothing... End with everything! All you have is a basic ship, barely fit for combat, with it you'll start your journey and empire. A open world space sandbox, inspired by and expanding the classics.
Why similar: Space Sim 23.5% ★, Flight 13.5%, Trading 12.9% ★, Sandbox 10.6%, Space 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: A sandbox space-sim that combines tactical combat, trading, and ship design into a cohesive experience.
- #24 Starcom: Unknown Space
81% matchVery Positive93% of 4,082 reviews2024
Dev: Wx3 Labs, LLC
Windows
Median: 7.9 hrsMean: 16.2 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Starcom: Unknown Space is an action RPG of space exploration and adventure. Build your own starship while discovering an epic story in a universe of strange mysteries, alien factions and uncharted worlds.
Why similar: Space Sim 30.1% ★, Space 22.2%, Open World 13.3%, Building 9.5%, Action RPG 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: It emphasizes exploration and modular ship upgrading in a narrative-driven space adventure.
- #25 Astrox Imperium
81% matchVery Positive85% of 1,210 reviews2019
Dev: Jace Masula
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 16.4 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Astrox Imperium is a relaxing space game where you fly around a generated universe. Mining, Fighting, Building, Exploring, and Surviving. What makes this game unique? You have complete control of how it plays. A robust sandbox and lots of MOD tools. Make it your game, and play it your own way.
Why similar: Space Sim 33% ★, Space 27.6%, Sandbox 15%, Open World 11.1%, Simulation 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: A single-player space-sim that offers a deep sandbox experience with a focus on mining, trading, and combat.
- #26 PULSAR: Lost Colony
80% matchVery Positive90% of 5,694 reviews2021
Dev: Leafy Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.5 hrsMean: 16.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
The co-op open-world space sim where everyone has a role! Pilot the ship. Reroute power. Launch nukes. Explore alien planets. Research new talents. Work together to find the Lost Colony! ...or just deliver some biscuits
Why similar: Spaceships 30% ★, Space Sim 25% ★, Space 11.4%, Open World 9.5%, PvE 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: A co-op space-sim that requires players to work together to operate a ship, capturing the team-based spirit of Avorion.
- #27 TerraTech
79% matchVery Positive91% of 24,455 reviews2018
Dev: Payload StudiosPub: Mythwright
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.2 hrsMean: 33.0 hrs≥1hr: 90%
TerraTech is an open-world, sandbox adventure game, where you design and build your own creations through a mix of crafting, combat and discovery. Design vehicles from a huge library of blocks. Scavenge, craft and buy new parts to survive and become the ultimate planetary prospector.
Why similar: Building 29.7%, Sandbox 25.1%, Open World 19.5%, Vehicular Combat 13.5% ★, Exploration 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: It offers modular vehicle building and sandbox exploration, focusing on combat and resource gathering.
- #28 Space Engineers 2
77% matchMostly Positive76% of 4,293 reviews2025
Dev: Keen Software House
Windows
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 58%
Space Engineers 2 is a sandbox about engineering and colonization where you build ships, stations, and planetary bases in a fully destructible world. Begin the story of Miro and Ivan Sokol, expand humanity’s foothold in the Almagest system, and fight to survive.
Why similar: Space Sim 22.3% ★, Building 15.8%, Sandbox 15.4%, Space 15.3%, Open World 11%
- #29 Space Pirates And Zombies 2
79% matchMostly Positive79% of 2,826 reviews2017
Dev: MinMax Games Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 13.5 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Design and then improve the ultimate mothership. Explore a persistent living galaxy populated by 200 unique captains that can do everything you can do. Survive the zombie infection and then fight them back. Make allies and start your own faction. Build your empire. Also includes Sandbox Mode.
Why similar: Space 36.6%, Open World 16%, Sandbox 12.3%, Building 10.1%, Space Sim 8.5% ★
Why You'll Like It: It features a unique ship-building system and a dynamic, faction-driven galaxy that reacts to player actions.
- #30 Between the Stars
76% matchMostly Positive74% of 2,427 reviews2024
Dev: Isolated Games
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 8.9 hrs≥1hr: 49%
Become the Captain of an interstellar cruiser and journey across the galaxy to save the Republic. During your journey you will have to make important decisions, improve the weaponry of your ship and fight against numerous enemies.
Why similar: Space Sim 31.3% ★, Space 24%, Sandbox 10.5%, Flight 8.2%, Sci-fi 8%
- #31 EVE Online
78% matchMostly Positive74% of 38,402 reviews2010
Dev: CCP
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 136.7 hrs≥1hr: 73%
Over 20 years of legendary space battles! Explore a massive living universe of danger and opportunity in a challenging and highly rewarding space adventure. Fight, trade, build, and connect with a universe driven and shaped directly by players.
Why similar: Space Sim 22% ★, Trading 15.3% ★, Space 10.7%, Economy 9.8%, Open World 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: The definitive massive-scale space economy and empire-building game for players looking for long-term strategic depth.
- #32 Star Conflict
77% matchMostly Positive73% of 15,084 reviews2013
Dev: Star Gem Inc.Pub: Gaijin Network Ltd
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 34.3 hrs≥1hr: 63%
Star Conflict is an action-packed, massively multiplayer space simulation game that puts players in the role of elite pilots engaging in a widespread interplanetary skirmish. The whole world for PVP and PVE!
Why similar: Space Sim 20.8% ★, Flight 16%, Trading 14.3% ★, Sandbox 9.5%, Choose Your Own Adventure 9.4%
- #33 Rebel Galaxy
76% matchVery Positive85% of 8,230 reviews2015
Dev: Double Damage Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 13.6 hrs≥1hr: 62%
Rebel Galaxy is a swashbuckling space adventure, with action-packed combat, exploration, discovery, trade, and “negotiation” with the outlandish denizens at the edge of the known universe.
Why similar: Space 30.5%, Space Sim 23.5% ★, Open World 13.7%, Sci-fi 10.3%, Trading 7.1% ★
- #34 Ostranauts
74% matchMostly Positive80% of 2,398 reviews2020
Dev: Blue Bottle GamesPub: Kitfox Games
Windows
Median: 5.1 hrsMean: 26.8 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Navigate your scrappy ship through the boneyard in search of valuable parts in abandoned vessels. Use salvage to upgrade your ship, or sell it for cash to pay down your mounting debt, or restock fuel, air, or food. Fly and role-play aboard your dream spaceship in this hardcore noir space-sim.
Why similar: Flight 21.1%, Spaceships 19.5% ★, Space Sim 15.1% ★, Trading 10.6% ★, Space 7.9%
- #35 Void Crew
71% matchVery Positive87% of 8,134 reviews2024
Dev: Hutlihut GamesPub: Focus Entertainment
Windows
Median: 9.0 hrsMean: 16.4 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Void Crew is a Chaotic, Co-op Roguelite game for 1 to 6 players: Outfit your spaceship and crew for thrilling quests, brave fierce enemies in Space Battles... and try not to panic!
Why similar: Space Sim 44.7% ★, Space 16.4%, Flight 15.2%, PvE 9.6%, Sci-fi 5.9%
- #36 Kinetic Void
78% matchOverwhelmingly Negative17% of 1,556 reviews2014
Dev: Badland Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Kinetic Void is a 3D space adventure with a focus on customization and enjoyable space simulation. The shipyard allows players to construct their ship piece by piece. Ships can be as simplistic as a cockpit, a hull, a engine and a gun, or as complex as a player wants.
Why similar: Space 34.9%, Sandbox 17.6%, Space Sim 14.8% ★, Sci-fi 10.2%, Simulation 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: It provides a modular ship-building system that allows for significant customization of combat capabilities.
- #37 X3: Reunion
75% matchMostly Positive72% of 725 reviews2006
Dev: Egosoft
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 36 minMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 41%
X3: Reunion continues the epic space saga, blending deep space trading and intense real-time combat. Explore a vast universe, establish your empire, and shape the new frontier. With enhanced graphics and intricate economies, it's a journey of strategy, simulation, and interstellar intrigue.
Why similar: Space Sim 23.5% ★, Space 19.3%, Economy 11.3%, Flight 10%, Sandbox 9.9%
- #38 Nimbatus - The Space Drone Constructor
72% matchMostly Positive79% of 2,144 reviews2020
Dev: Stray Fawn StudioPub: Stray Fawn Publishing
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Command the Nimbatus and craft drones out of hundreds of different parts. Survive unknown threats in a fully destructible, procedural universe, compete against other players in different arenas or enjoy complete creative freedom in the sandbox.
Why similar: Space Sim 33.4% ★, Space 15.6%, Building 12.4%, Sandbox 11.8%, Sci-fi 9.9%
- #39 X Rebirth
75% matchMixed44% of 7,305 reviews2013
Dev: Egosoft
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 19.2 hrs≥1hr: 88%
In the distant future, the X universe faces a period of profound and irrevocable change. While the universe stumbles towards an uncertain future, countless adventures await as new enemies rise in search of power.
Why similar: Space 27.9%, Space Sim 22.1% ★, Sci-fi 10.9%, Simulation 10%, Sandbox 9.9%
- #40 Starcom: Nexus
71% matchVery Positive91% of 2,274 reviews2019
Dev: Wx3 Labs, LLC
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 13.6 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Suddenly thrown into an unknown galaxy, you must explore, fight or befriend aliens and transform your ship from a small survey vessel into a powerful battlecruiser to unravel the mystery of the forces that brought you here and find your way home.
Why similar: Space 30.3%, Space Sim 24.7% ★, Sci-fi 12.1%, Open World 11.3%, Exploration 8.8%
- #41 Wayward Terran Frontier: Zero Falls
73% matchMixed68% of 536 reviews2016
Dev: Reason Generator Inc.
Windows
2d space combat like no other. From the perspective of a single crew member, explore the fully destructible interior of any ship in a massive living world. Engage in space combat with no hitpoints where you know your enemy is dead when you see them fall out of their ship into the cold dark of space.
Why similar: Space Sim 25.5% ★, Sandbox 11.8%, Space 11%, Trading 11% ★, Vehicular Combat 10.7% ★
- #42 The Last Starship
69% matchMostly Positive75% of 1,419 reviews2026
Dev: Introversion Software
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 10.4 hrs≥1hr: 81%
The Last Starship is a 2D space construction game where you design and upgrade your starship. Choose your path: pirate hunter, miner, engineer, spacebus driver, and more, whilst exploring vibrant star systems. Enjoy a growing sandbox world, with regular free updates. Your cosmic adventure awaits!
Why similar: Space Sim 29.8% ★, Space 15.2%, Sandbox 14.6%, Building 14.5%, Sci-fi 8.8%
- #43 Planet Explorers
73% matchMixed62% of 6,817 reviews2016
Dev: Pathea Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 12.8 hrs≥1hr: 73%
Planet Explorers is an open world sandbox adventure RPG game set on a distant planet. The game uses a new OpenCL calculated voxel system to allow players to change the terrain in any way, create new objects such as weapons, vehicles, objects, and do it anywhere.
Why similar: Sandbox 28.5%, Open World 21.5%, Building 15.1%, Voxel 11.5% ★, Exploration 7.7%
- #44 Evochron Mercenary
73% matchMostly Positive77% of 434 reviews2012
Dev: StarWraith 3D Games LLC
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 6.8 hrs≥1hr: 73%
The life of an independent mercenary is rarely without excitement. Your spacecraft awaits and your adventure begins in the Sapphire star system.
Why similar: Space Sim 25.1% ★, Space 23%, Flight 10.4%, Sandbox 10.2%, Open World 9.2%
- #45 Evochron Legacy SE
72% matchVery Positive83% of 440 reviews2016
Dev: StarWraith 3D Games LLC
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 6.9 hrs≥1hr: 61%
Advanced Space Flight, Combat, Trading, and Exploration Simulation. Set in a vast explorable universe, Evochron Legacy offers freeform gameplay with many diverse objectives and paths to choose from.
Why similar: Space Sim 30.5% ★, Trading 16.5% ★, Space 13.7%, Sandbox 11.6%, Open World 9.5%
- #46 TerraTech Worlds
70% matchMixed63% of 2,175 reviews2024
Dev: Payload StudiosPub: Mythwright
Windows
Median: 7.6 hrsMean: 22.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
TerraTech Worlds is an open world, build-craft adventure game, set on an uncharted alien world. Play solo or with friends, explore your surroundings, craft unique vehicles, construct automated bases, and battle your way through hazards and enemies to harness the power of your environment
Why similar: Building 18.9%, Sandbox 18.8%, Open World 15.2%, Vehicular Combat 12.3% ★, Space 10.1%
- #47 Hardspace: Shipbreaker
68% matchVery Positive89% of 21,702 reviews2022
Dev: Blackbird Interactive
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 23.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Equipped with cutting-edge salvaging tech, carve & slice spaceships to recover valuable materials. Upgrade your gear to take on more lucrative contracts and pay your billion credits debt to LYNX Corp!
Why similar: Space Sim 25% ★, Space 24.9%, Sandbox 16.1%, Sci-fi 13.5%, Building 8.2%
- #48 Istrolid
70% matchVery Positive87% of 2,684 reviews2016
Dev: treeform
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 10.8 hrs≥1hr: 50%
In Istrolid you design your own unique spaceships from a large number of parts to fit your strategy and play style. With no set units or factions you are free to create a fleet where each ship has its own balanced strengths and weaknesses, from basic fighters and bombers to hulking battleships and speedy destroyers.
Why similar: Building 39.7%, Space 32.9%, Sandbox 17.2%, Sci-fi 10.3%
- #49 ΔV: Rings of Saturn
67% matchVery Positive93% of 3,305 reviews2023
Dev: Kodera Software
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.3 hrsMean: 11.6 hrs≥1hr: 85%
A physics-based mining sim, set in the thickest debris field in Sol. Every action has a reaction, lasers are invisible without a medium, and your thrust is a potent weapon. Find trade, adapt your equipment to your playstyle, hire a crew to help. Unravel the mysteries of the rings, or just get rich.
Why similar: Space Sim 26.6% ★, Vehicular Combat 17.4% ★, Space 16.9%, Open World 9.6%, Sandbox 9.4%
- #50 Stormworks: Build and Rescue
66% matchVery Positive90% of 57,601 reviews2020
Dev: Geometa
Windows · Mac
Median: 17.4 hrsMean: 111.9 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Join a world where you design, create and pilot your own air sea rescue service. Release your inner hero as you battle fierce storms out at sea to rescue those in need.
Why similar: Flight 28%, Sandbox 21.2%, Building 19.1%, Open World 15%, Third Person 9.2%
- #51 X3: Terran Conflict
69% matchVery Positive85% of 2,841 reviews2008
Dev: Egosoft
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 32.2 hrs≥1hr: 51%
It is the year 2938. The long wished-for encounter of the X Universe and the Earth holds both joy and sorrow for the people. Despite flourishing trade, the clash of the diverse races, cultures and life forms creates new tensions, mistrust and open conflict that need to be overcome!
Why similar: Space 23.3%, Space Sim 19.9% ★, Trading 12.4% ★, Sandbox 11.2%, Economy 7.9%
- #52 Executive Assault 2
66% matchVery Positive83% of 1,726 reviews2023
Dev: Hesketh Studios Ltd
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 8.4 hrs≥1hr: 76%
The RTS/FPS phenomenon has moved into space! Build your base on an asteroid, command fleets of starships for epic battles, pilot fighters, mine and trade resources, assemble robots to defend or assault other stations. Take sole command or share the glory as you fight for control of the quadrant.
Why similar: Space Sim 47.2% ★, Building 23.7%, Space 19.9%, Sci-fi 9.2%
- #53 Cubic Odyssey
64% matchMostly Positive74% of 2,483 reviews2025
Dev: Atypical GamesPub: Gaijin Network Ltd
Windows
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 12.3 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Embark on a galactic journey in Cubic Odyssey, an open-world adventure where you explore vibrant planets, craft tools, build vehicles, and fight the Red Darkness. Uncover ancient mysteries, and shape a universe full of life, danger, and limitless possibilities!
Why similar: Sandbox 21.6%, Building 21.4%, Space 14.8%, Open World 14.3%, Sci-fi 12.9%
- #54 Jump Space
62% matchVery Positive86% of 10,042 reviews2025
Dev: Keepsake Games
Windows
Median: 5.9 hrsMean: 9.7 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Jump Space (formerly Jump Ship) is a mission based co-op PvE for 1-4 players, where you are the crew of a spaceship. Transition seamlessly from crewing the ship to on-foot exploration and space walks. Explore, upgrade, and survive intense encounters in deep space together.
Why similar: Spaceships 33.2% ★, Space 20.3%, PvE 15.3%, Flight 14.8%, Sci-fi 9.9%
- #55 Cosmic Miners
65% matchMixed58% of 60 reviews2025
Dev: bitByte Games
Windows
Explore asteroid fields, trade rare resources, and upgrade your ship in Cosmic Miners. Navigate faction alliances, complete missions, and rise through the ranks in a dynamic space adventure where your choices shape your path to cosmic power.
Why similar: Space Sim 29.7% ★, Flight 17%, Space 13%, Economy 10.7%, Open World 8.5%