Games Like Between the Stars

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 40.8%, Space Sim 19.9%, Sci-fi 8.6%, RPG 7.5%, Open World 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game excels at capturing the feel of commanding a massive cruiser in intense broadside space combat.

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 38.7%, Space 23.5%, RPG 12.7%, Flight 10.5%, Open World 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: This title significantly expands on the captain-focused gameplay of the original with deeper RPG mechanics and a vast, dynamic galaxy to explore.

You are the captain of a starship venturing through a massive open universe. Customize your crew and take command at the helm of your very own ship as you explore a galaxy torn apart by internal strife, alien threats, and political intrigue.

Why similar: Space Sim 25.4%, Space 16.4%, Sci-fi 10%, Tactical RPG 9.6%, Sandbox 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: It offers an incredibly deep role-playing experience where your decisions as a ship captain directly influence the political landscape of the galaxy.

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 39.4%, Space Sim 20.1%, RPG 10.1%, Sci-fi 9.8%, Open World 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: It combines exploration and ship customization with a strong emphasis on discovery and narrative-driven encounters.

Your journey to building a vast space empire begins behind the controls of a single ship. Explore, trade, fight, and build as you rise to command fleets, stations, and entire economies in a living, fully simulated universe that reacts to every decision.

Why similar: Space Sim 26.3%, Space 23.8%, Sandbox 8.4%, Sci-fi 7.5%, Simulation 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: For players who want the ultimate simulation experience, this game provides unparalleled depth in economy, fleet management, and ship customization.

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.

Why similar: Space 39.6%, Space Sim 19.7%, Sci-fi 11.4%, Strategy 9.7%, Simulation 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: This classic focuses heavily on the stress and strategy of managing a ship's systems and crew during critical combat encounters.

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: Space 35.1%, RPG 9.9%, Flight 9.1%, Sci-fi 9%, Open World 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: It shifts the focus to a high-octane action-RPG experience with excellent ship progression and exploration mechanics.

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: Space Sim 29.9%, Space 26.9%, Sci-fi 13.5%, Strategy 7.3%, Simulation 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game allows for intricate ship design and tactical combat, perfect for players who enjoy customizing their cruiser's weaponry and layout.

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: Space 23.4%, Space Sim 23.1%, RPG 8.1%, Sci-fi 6.9%, Sandbox 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: This title blends RPG elements with 4X strategy, allowing you to command a fleet and manage territory in a space-faring setting.

A procedural co-op space sandbox where players can build their own space ships out of dynamically scalable blocks. Fight epic space battles, explore, mine, trade, wage wars and build your own empire to save your galaxy from being torn apart by an unknown enemy.

Why similar: Space Sim 30.6%, Space 23.5%, Sandbox 10.1%, Flight 8%, Sci-fi 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a massive sandbox environment where building your own ship block-by-block is central to your survival and success.

The Long Journey Home combines an open world full of galaxies, planets and anomalies with quests and mechanics of a rogue-like RPG. One destination. Endless adventures. Where will this journey take you?

Why similar: Space 36.2%, RPG 16.7%, Simulation 14.2%, Strategy 12.8%, Sci-fi 7%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the feeling of a desperate, long-distance voyage where every decision and resource management choice matters.

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 38.5%, Strategy 9.3%, RPG 9.1%, Open World 5.9%, Simulation 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: It features a unique physics-based combat system and a focus on building a fleet in a chaotic, post-apocalyptic galaxy.

Crying Suns is a tactical rogue-lite that puts you in the role of a space fleet commander as you explore a mysteriously fallen empire. In this story rich experience inspired by Dune and Foundation, each successful run will uncover the truth about the Empire... and yourself as well.

Why similar: Space 48.3%, Sci-fi 15.9%, Strategy 15.7%, Roguelite 11.2%, Indie 6%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical roguelite that emphasizes narrative choices and the weight of command while exploring a dying empire.

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 43.8%, Space Sim 16.1%, Sci-fi 7.7%, Open World 6.7%, RPG 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: A classic open-world space game that allows you to start as a humble pilot and work your way up to commanding massive warships.

Battlevoid: Harbinger is a hard sci-fi space exploration game blending roguelike, turn-based, star map strategy, and real-time space battles. You are a young commander venturing out into enemy territories, to unknown galaxies, never knowing what you will face as you jump out from hyperspace.

Why similar: Space 47.4%, Strategy 14.3%, Simulation 11.8%, Sci-fi 5.9%, Roguelite 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A streamlined strategy game that focuses on ship management and tactical combat against waves of hostile alien forces.

Halcyon 6: Starbase Commander is a retro space strategy RPG with base building, deep tactical combat, crew management and emergent storytelling.

Why similar: Space 44.8%, Strategy 16.7%, RPG 14%, Simulation 9.3%, Tactical RPG 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled strategy RPG that focuses on base management and tactical ship combat against an alien threat.

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 38.3%, Space Sim 28%, Simulation 9.6%, Sandbox 8.8%, Open World 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A sandbox space-sim that provides a great deal of freedom in how you choose to make your living among the stars.

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 36.7%, Space 28%, Sci-fi 7.4%, Open World 6.9%, Simulation 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: The definitive space-sim for those who want a realistic, massive-scale galaxy to trade, fight, and explore in.

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 29.1%, Space 20.1%, Sandbox 9.1%, Sci-fi 7.1%, Simulation 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game successfully mixes action-oriented space combat with strategic elements like mining and fleet command.

Darkstar One offers a fantastic amount of freedom of choice. The story-based missions gradually lead you deeper into the galaxy to new races, new technologies and ever stronger opponents. Explore a vast array of solar systems in search of hidden artifacts of ancient races, essential objects for upgrading your ship--the Darkstar One.

Why similar: Space 34.6%, Space Sim 29.7%, Sci-fi 9.3%, Action 7.3%, RPG 6%

Why You'll Like It: A classic narrative-driven space-sim that focuses on upgrading your ship while uncovering a deep galactic mystery.

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 31.8%, Space Sim 19.7%, Simulation 10.9%, Sandbox 10.7%, Sci-fi 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a highly detailed building experience that lets you create and pilot your own custom starships in a sandbox environment.

Objects in Space is a retro space game centred on 2D point-and-click stealth action in a massive open world. Players have their own customisable ships and can meet people, become a trader, bounty hunter, explorer, scavenger or all of them at once.

Why similar: Space 27%, Space Sim 17.8%, RPG 12.3%, Simulation 12.2%, Strategy 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A hardcore simulation that emphasizes tactical sensor management and realistic ship operations over arcade-style combat.

SAIL THE STARS. BETRAY YOUR QUEEN. MURDER A SUN. Sunless Skies is a Gothic Horror roleplay game with a focus on exploration and exquisite storytelling.

Why similar: Space 38.6%, RPG 27%, Survival 8.8%, Adventure 7.5%, Indie 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game prioritizes atmosphere and narrative, offering a unique, haunting exploration experience in a Victorian-inspired space setting.

Explore the vast reaches of VoidExpanse -- mine asteroids, upgrade your ship, trade, complete missions, advance your character and survive fast-paced combat with hostile aliens and mercenaries in the rich and exciting Sci-Fi universe of VoidExpanse!

Why similar: Space 40.5%, RPG 12.1%, Sandbox 9.2%, Sci-fi 9.1%, Open World 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a solid RPG foundation with open-world exploration and a skill-based progression system.

Explore the farthest reaches of Human Space in this open-world space adventure. Compelled to journey to the Galactic Core by a mysterious hyperintelligence, you must fight your way through dozens of star systems teeming with clashing empires, expansionist AIs, and fearsome xenophobes.

Why similar: Space 30.5%, Space Sim 24%, Sci-fi 8.5%, RPG 7.9%, Open World 7%

Why You'll Like It: A unique action-RPG that focuses on exploration and ship upgrades as you travel through various star systems.

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 35.6%, Space Sim 24.3%, Simulation 11.3%, Sci-fi 7.1%, Sandbox 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A complex space-sim that offers a seamless transition from planet surface to space, focusing on realistic flight mechanics.

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 34.2%, Space Sim 28.3%, RPG 7.6%, Sci-fi 7.4%, Open World 7.2%

Pilot your ship in the seamless open world made of space, planets, and more. Find new ships and equipment, find allies and beat all the enemies in this open source space shooter!

Why similar: Space 47.8%, RPG 20.4%, Open World 10.8%, Action 9%, Indie 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, indie action-RPG that distills space exploration and combat into a highly replayable experience.

Landinar: Into the Void is a top-down space-adventure-RPG. You are recruited as a rookie bounty hunter in the oppressive Landinar Empire. On your journey through the quadrant you will meet diverse characters, build your own spaceship and choose your battles.

Why similar: Space 29%, Space Sim 26.7%, RPG 11.8%, Sandbox 6.1%, Action 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses on the adventure and RPG aspects of space travel, emphasizing ship customization and quest-driven exploration.

Starship Inspector is a Space Roguelike in which every choice you make matters. Save a galaxy or rescue your crew member? Serve an evil empire or help an ancient tribe? You'll constantly have to make hard decisions and deal with consequences.

Why similar: Space 20.2%, Space Sim 15.9%, Strategy 12.7%, RPG 11%, Simulation 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: This strategy-simulation game puts you in charge of maintaining a ship's integrity and crew morale during long-haul space missions.

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 37.6%, Sandbox 13.5%, Space Sim 12.7%, Open World 7.4%, Sci-fi 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: This voxel-based sandbox allows for immense creativity in ship construction and large-scale space battles.

Spacebourne is an open space exploration game with Rpg elements. Its world consists of different factions at war. You as an expert pilot need to choose your side or be on no one's side and create a force of your own. Load up your weapons, Ready your ship and warp to adventure.

Why similar: Space 37.3%, Space Sim 27.6%, RPG 15.7%, Simulation 13.1%, Indie 4.8%

EVERSPACE™ combines fast-paced combat with roguelike elements, great visuals and a captivating story. It takes you on a challenging journey through an ever-changing, beautifully crafted universe full of surprises. Shoot, craft and loot your way to victory while the odds are stacked against you.

Why similar: Space 42.8%, Space Sim 24.7%, Sci-fi 8.4%, Action 6.8%, Flight 5%

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: Space Sim 30.1%, Space 23.5%, Sandbox 9.8%, Flight 8.5%, Simulation 7.7%

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 33.3%, Space Sim 15.9%, Simulation 10.2%, Sandbox 8.7%, RPG 7.2%

Take the role of Captain in this Space Survival Simulation as you explore a massive star system in search of a new home for humanity. Outfit your ship, hand pick your crew and set off on a journey through an open-world where you must scavenge resources, shelter civilians and outrun a hostile alien force.

Why similar: Space 46.5%, Simulation 16.8%, Strategy 14.6%, Action 5.8%, Indie 5.7%

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 29.6%, Space Sim 19%, Sandbox 11.8%, RPG 10.8%, Sci-fi 9%

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 40.4%, Space Sim 20.1%, Simulation 13.3%, Sci-fi 9.8%, Sandbox 6.2%

Take on the role of a spaceship captain. Explore new worlds, and engage in intense ship-to-ship battles. Develop unique battle tactics, upgrade your ship, and recruit crew members as you fight for peace or piracy.

Why similar: Space 40.5%, Sandbox 13.2%, Strategy 11.8%, Sci-fi 8.9%, Simulation 8.7%

The Battle of Sol is an intense space action game where you participate in epic capital ship battles, thrilling dogfights, space station raids, and much more as you liberate humanity's solar system from enemies determined to bring us to its fiery end.

Why similar: Space 29.9%, Space Sim 28.2%, Simulation 18.1%, Action 9.9%, Sci-fi 8.3%

The hit mobile game Interstellar Pilot 2 has come to Steam. Join the TEF forces heading to the Gatopean sector to find a new home for mankind. Play how you like in this open world space-sim developed by Pixelfactor.

Why similar: Space Sim 27.5%, Space 16.7%, Simulation 12%, Strategy 10.4%, Sandbox 9.9%

Azulgar: Star Commanders is a Sci-Fi open world sandbox game that puts you in a command of your own custom made space ship. Explore aftermath of the Azulgar event that reshaped the face of the solar system.

Why similar: Space 33.6%, Simulation 15.8%, Sci-fi 12.4%, Action 9.8%, Adventure 7.7%

Combining the best of space combat and real time strategy. Victory can be tactical, a dogfight or capital ship slugging match - depending on how you decide to achieve it. Space combat on a RTS scale with space sim savagery.

Why similar: Space 34.3%, Space Sim 16.2%, Simulation 13.6%, Strategy 12.9%, Sci-fi 8.4%

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 26.6%, Space 24.5%, Sandbox 9.7%, Sci-fi 8.2%, Simulation 7.6%

Dangerous is an epic 3D open and living world space combat RPG sandbox with an immersive and riveting story. Are you the feared war criminal who will destroy all life or the savior of the universe? Gather your wingmen and travel the galaxy in search of answers.

Why similar: Space 22%, Space Sim 21.1%, RPG 13.7%, Simulation 11.5%, Strategy 9.9%

Design your battleship and fight your way through unforgiving space. This is a tale of a lone spaceship on a centuries-long mission. As the captain, you´ll make strategic decisions, explore unknown sectors, meet allies and enemies, gather resources, technology and crew. To battle stations!

Why similar: Space 30.1%, Simulation 15.8%, Strategy 15.1%, Sci-fi 11.4%, Action 9.4%

Captain your own space ship and roam the galaxy in 3D in this tactical space simulator with tons of RPG depth ! Space has never looked so inviting - but images can betray...It has been two years since the end of the second Gemini war, the situation in the wartorn system is further from resolution than ever.

Why similar: Space 35%, Space Sim 20.8%, RPG 7.4%, Tactical RPG 6.4%, Sci-fi 6.2%

Play as an A.I tasked with helping mankind explore the vastness of space. Customize your ship, recruit a crew, battle alien vessels, research new technology and explore randomly generated universes.

Why similar: Space Sim 28.5%, Space 24.7%, RPG 15.5%, Simulation 13.3%, Strategy 12.2%

Fight, explore the stars, trade, and lead your fleet across the galaxySpace Commander: War and Trade is an ultimate single player space-sim featuring spectacular graphics, intuitive combat and deep mechanics.

Why similar: Space Sim 36.7%, Space 18.2%, RPG 13.6%, Flight 9%, Action 7%

The spiritual successor to Freelancer with a Lovecraftian, sandbox RPG twist. Explore a vast handmade universe with mod support and PvP/co-op multiplayer. You're going to need a bigger ship.

Why similar: Space Sim 25.8%, Space 21.9%, Flight 9%, RPG 8.3%, Sandbox 7.9%

STAR-BOX – RPG Adventures in Space!Strap on your gravity boots, power up your laser, and climb aboard your spaceship for a retro-styled, RPG-jaunt into the unknown!Travel an open-world, sandbox universe where you are the architect of your own story.

Why similar: Space 25.2%, RPG 19.4%, Simulation 13.1%, Sandbox 8.1%, Sci-fi 7.2%

Explore a randomly generated Galaxy populated with factions, enemies, missions, and items providing you with a unique experience each time you play.

Why similar: Space 48.8%, Sci-fi 10.3%, RPG 9.4%, Strategy 7.6%, Action 6.4%

A space trader & combat sim meets squad-RPG, large scale conquest, choice driven gameplay with fluid & punchy tactical real-time combat set in a dynamic open-world sandbox.

Why similar: Space 28.6%, RPG 13.3%, Space Sim 13.2%, Simulation 10.4%, Strategy 7.9%

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 30.8%, Space 21.2%, Sandbox 9.8%, RPG 9.1%, Simulation 7.3%

Explore a procedurally generated galaxy, mine asteroids, refine minerals, colonize planets, build stations, deploy drones, salvage rare items, construct gear, level up, improve your ship, assemble a fleet, engage in combat, and take on the void.

Why similar: Space Sim 41%, RPG 19.8%, Simulation 14.7%, Space 11.1%, Sci-fi 3.8%

3030 Deathwar is a unique mix of Adventure and Space Sim. Explore star systems, mine and hunt pirates in top-down mode. Leave your ship and switch into classic Adventuring mode, where you explore derelicts, talk to shady characters or head over to the space bar for a drink.

Why similar: Space 30.8%, Space Sim 19.4%, Simulation 8.9%, Sci-fi 8%, Sandbox 6.6%

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 39.9%, Space 22.4%, Sci-fi 7.5%, Simulation 7%, Roguelite 6.9%

A sci-fi exploration & survival game where you take on the role of a spaceship’s AI. Explore, fight, and survive across a mining colony in the Main Asteroid Belt. Rebuild your ship. Rescue your crew. Reveal the truth behind your mission.

Why similar: Space Sim 31.8%, Space 26.7%, Sandbox 10.1%, Sci-fi 9.2%, Open World 7.3%

Exiled to a deep space mining sector, you are left with a crappy ship, a laser, and a small mining beam. It is up to you to survive by working your way through the galaxy. Mine asteroids, refine and trade the ore, buy upgrades for your ship, hunt pirates... you get it.

Why similar: Space 36.4%, Space Sim 24.9%, Simulation 11.7%, Sandbox 10.2%, Open World 6%

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: Space 47.3%, Sandbox 17.6%, Strategy 10.2%, Sci-fi 5.8%, Action 5.7%