Games Like Children of a Dead Earth

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 24.1%, Science 23.2% ★, Space Sim 14.1% ★, Realistic 10.8%, Sci-fi 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features highly realistic physics and orbital mechanics in a mining-focused space simulation.

Take command of your hand-tailored fleet of space warships and use realistic radar, electronic warfare, advanced movement controls in 3D space, and precision targeting to outmaneuver and outwit your opponents in a simulation-heavy tactical space game like no other.

Why similar: Strategy 39.1%, Simulation 38.6%, Sandbox 18.2%, Singleplayer 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on realistic sensor management, electronic warfare, and tactical fleet combat in 3D space.

In Kerbal Space Program, take charge of the space program for the alien race known as the Kerbals. You have access to an array of parts to assemble fully-functional spacecraft that flies (or doesn’t) based on realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics.

Why similar: Space 31.6%, Science 26.5% ★, Space Sim 14.1% ★, Simulation 13.3%, Sandbox 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for orbital mechanics and complex vehicle engineering in a physics-based environment.

Our goal is to depict the possibilities of space exploration & combat within a realistic environment- to emphasize the "science" in science-fiction. Key features to include: proper orbital mechanics for all objects in space, detailed ship system control, functionality, inter-dependency & damage reaction.

Why similar: Space Sim 37.4% ★, Simulation 34.9%, Space 27.7%

Why You'll Like It: Offers an incredibly detailed and realistic cockpit simulation experience for space flight.

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 37.2%, Simulation 16.5%, Sci-fi 16.2%, Space Sim 13.8% ★, Strategy 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: Features a deep physics-based simulation of industrial deconstruction in zero-gravity environments.

Do you have what it takes to become an astronaut? Reentry is a realistic space flight simulator inspired by the early NASA space programs, from orbiting Earth in Mercury and Gemini, to the moon landing in project Apollo. Learn the procedures. Operate the spacecraft. Complete the mission.

Why similar: Science 25.6% ★, Space 25.2%, Space Sim 17.2% ★, Realistic 15.4%, Simulation 12.1%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a hyper-realistic simulation of space flight based on real-world NASA missions and hardware.

An alien invasion has fractured humanity into seven ideological factions each with a unique vision for the future. Lead your chosen faction to take control of Earth’s nations, expand across the Solar System, and battle enemy fleets in tactical combat.

Why similar: Simulation 39.4%, Strategy 38.6%, Sandbox 18.3%, Singleplayer 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: A grand strategy game that utilizes realistic orbital mechanics and hard science fiction themes for interplanetary warfare.

Create & destroy on an unimaginable scale with a realistic physics-based space simulator. Explore the beauty of our universe and the fragility of our planet. Use science to bend the laws of gravity, collide planets, boil away oceans, fire epic space lasers, and customize your universe.

Why similar: Science 27.9% ★, Space 27%, Simulation 12.6%, Realistic 10.9%, Space Sim 8.2% ★

Why You'll Like It: Provides a powerful physics engine for simulating celestial bodies and orbital interactions.

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 28.9%, Space Sim 18.9% ★, Sci-fi 18.7%, Strategy 12.7%, Simulation 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on the structural and functional design of starships for tactical combat.

Kerbal Space Program 2 is the sequel to the acclaimed space-flight simulation game Kerbal Space Program. Enter the next generation of space adventure with exciting new parts, stunning visuals, fully revamped UI and Map View, and rich new environments to explore.

Why similar: Science 27.9% ★, Space 21.8%, Space Sim 12.4% ★, Realistic 10.4%, Simulation 9%

Why You'll Like It: Expands on the original's orbital mechanics and engineering challenges with modern graphical fidelity.

Nuclear war simulator is a detailed realistic simulation and visualization of large-scale nuclear conflicts with a focus on humanitarian consequences. It lets you design conflict scenarios and estimate the consequences using a population density map and realistic weapons effects.

Why similar: Realistic 38.7%, Simulation 36.3%, Sandbox 9.7%, Strategy 9.2%, Difficult 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: Shares the same commitment to high-fidelity, realistic modeling of complex systems and global conflict.

Battle for survival in the skies of a mysterious future Earth in this unique action-strategy game mixing arcade combat, exploration, management and diplomacy. As giant flying ships wage spectacular aerial warfare, a prophecy tells of one who will save the world – could it be you?

Why similar: Strategy 34.8%, Simulation 30.8%, Sci-fi 26.6%, Singleplayer 4.6%, Indie 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: Combines physics-based combat with complex strategic management and ship design in a unique setting.

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 39.8%, Simulation 19.1%, Strategy 12.8%, Space Sim 11.4% ★, Sci-fi 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: A space simulation that emphasizes orbital physics and modular ship construction.

Bring to life anything you can imagine from rockets and airplanes to cars and more. Automate them with a visual programming language. Explore 3D planets and make your own. Share your creations online. Complete contracts, conquer milestones, and unlock technology in the newly added Career Mode.

Why similar: Science 35% ★, Space 22.1%, Space Sim 19.5% ★, Realistic 15.7%, Sandbox 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: Allows for deep customization and engineering of spacecraft with a strong focus on realistic physics and orbital flight.

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 27.1%, Space Sim 19.9% ★, Realistic 18.7%, Simulation 13.4%, Strategy 12.5%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a comprehensive sandbox for engineering, building, and managing complex space-faring structures.

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 35.2%, Simulation 21.5%, Strategy 21.2%, Sci-fi 11.1%, Space Sim 9.8% ★

Why You'll Like It: Blends space simulation with strategic fleet management and tactical combat.

In Spaceflight Simulator, you will get to build your rockets, plan launches and flights, attempt landings, deploy payloads and explore new worlds.

Why similar: Space 25.9%, Science 25.5% ★, Space Sim 19.7% ★, Simulation 12.3%, Sandbox 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: A simplified but accurate representation of rocket design and orbital mechanics.

Satellite Command is a realistic, relaxing astrophysics simulator. Complete contracts with real data, launch and take control of ever more powerful Satellites, research advanced technology and build your Space Agency!

Why similar: Science 29.8% ★, Space 23.7%, Space Sim 16.2% ★, Simulation 12.7%, Strategy 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the realistic management of satellite constellations and orbital paths.

Take part in a space program. Design spacecrafts and send them off to explore the vast expanses of space. Experience the real scale of the Solar system and the size of its celestial bodies.

Why similar: Science 25.4% ★, Space 21.7%, Space Sim 13.8% ★, Realistic 12.5%, Simulation 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the physics and engineering challenges of building and launching rockets.

Design, build and control your own space station. Mission command and control is in your hands and only careful planning and vigilant supervision will keep your crew and space station safe.

Why similar: Space 26.3%, Realistic 14.6%, Space Sim 14.4% ★, Simulation 14.1%, Strategy 12.7%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the realistic management and engineering challenges of maintaining a space station.

Build and design your own fleets and stand opposed to the Particulate in this physics/strategy/RTS/fleet hybrid. Build partially destructible and self repairing ships that interact with enemies less controlled by some scripted logic and more driven by a real time massive physics particle simulation.

Why similar: Space 33.7%, Strategy 29.9%, Simulation 24.2%, Sci-fi 9.2%, Indie 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: A strategy game that uses fluid dynamics and physics-based combat mechanics.

House of the Dying Sun is a tactical space shooter that puts you in the cockpit of the universe's most terrifying starfighter. Hunt the enemies of the Empire and bring ruin to their people.

Why similar: Space 37.4%, Space Sim 27.3% ★, Simulation 19.3%, Sci-fi 9.4%, Strategy 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical space combat game that emphasizes precision and ship-to-ship maneuvering.

The ultimate space capital ship combat compendium is the evolution of hard core space combat sims. The only game of its kind currently in existence.

Why similar: Space 39.1%, Simulation 19.3%, Sci-fi 18.4%, Strategy 18.4%, Space Sim 3.4% ★

Why You'll Like It: A complex space simulation that covers a wide range of tactical and strategic operations.

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 34.4%, Simulation 32%, Space Sim 19.2% ★, Sci-fi 12.2%, Indie 2.1%

Why You'll Like It: Features space combat that emphasizes tactical positioning and simulation elements.

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 49.1%, Sci-fi 12.2%, Sandbox 10.9%, Space Sim 9.8% ★, Simulation 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A sandbox game that allows for the complex construction of ships and stations with physics-based movement.

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: Space 41.5%, Strategy 22.8%, Simulation 21.8%, Sandbox 13.9%

Become a Space Mechanic! Get your hands dirty, explore the depths of space and repair broken machinery. Diagnose problems using diagrams and tools, perform repairs, manage your resources and watch the simulated machinery come alive. Or just gaze upon the beauty of the Solar System.

Why similar: Science 24.2% ★, Space 21.9%, Space Sim 15.8% ★, Realistic 13.1%, Simulation 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the technical and engineering aspects of maintaining space equipment.

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: Science 22.7% ★, Space 20.2%, Realistic 12.2%, Space Sim 10.9% ★, Simulation 9.5%

Have you ever wanted to be admiral of a huge, sprawling space battle-fleet of your own design? Ever wanted to design a fleet of battle-cruisers so powerful they can rip all who oppose them into space-dust? Ever wanted to build a battleship with purple rotating radars and 64 engines? Well we have good news for you...

Why similar: Space 34.7%, Strategy 28.6%, Simulation 24.7%, Sci-fi 10%, Indie 2.1%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the strategic design and automated combat of large-scale space fleets.

Distant Worlds 2 is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game.

Why similar: Space 32.7%, Strategy 26%, Simulation 24.4%, Sci-fi 15.7%, Singleplayer 1.1%

Realistic simulation of spaceflight in a full sized Solar System, with all the planets and their major moons. using real forces, distances, velocities and time. Chapter 1: The Apollo Days. Incredibly detailed Apollo Program missions starting with Apollo 8 lunar orbit missions.

Why similar: Space 42.6%, Simulation 36.3%, Space Sim 21.1% ★

Why You'll Like It: Provides a basic simulation of space flight and orbital mechanics for casual enthusiasts.

The world's first science-based photorealistic interactive 3D planetarium that models the entire Universe, using procedural generation for uncharted areas.

Why similar: Science 23.6% ★, Space 22.3%, Space Sim 14.1% ★, Realistic 12.6%, Sci-fi 11.6%

Ancient Space is a story driven single player real time strategy game where you take command of a fleet embarking on a scientific mission to chart undiscovered reaches of space called ‘The Black Zone’. Overcome overwhelming odds and fight for your life and the survival of your ship and its crew.

Why similar: Space 47%, Strategy 28.5%, Sci-fi 13%, Realistic 5.1%, Space Sim 4.9% ★

Why You'll Like It: A strategy-focused space game that emphasizes fleet management and tactical positioning.

Habitat is a physics-based space game where you build, fly, and fight with whatever you can find out in space. Upgrade and arm your creations with weapons and structures you find in orbit, fly and explore using rocket physics.Battle deadly enemies in Campaign Mode to save humanity or explore Sandbox Mode for true creative control.

Why similar: Space 46.3%, Strategy 22.9%, Simulation 21.4%, Sandbox 7.5%, Indie 1.9%

Why You'll Like It: A strategy game where players construct space stations from salvaged orbital debris.

Distant Worlds is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game. Experience the full depth and detail of turn-based strategy, but with the simplicity and ease of real-time, and on the scale of a massively-multiplayer online game.

Why similar: Space 43.8%, Strategy 23.7%, Sci-fi 14.7%, Simulation 14.3%, Sandbox 2.1%

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 30.7%, Space Sim 24.6% ★, Simulation 15%, Sci-fi 10.1%, Strategy 10.1%

The ultimate space simulator game, precisely modeling the space and space environment inside the International Space Station (ISS).

Why similar: Simulation 30.6%, Space Sim 27.5% ★, Space 18.9%, Realistic 14.6%, Sci-fi 7.7%

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 37.1%, Space Sim 28.8% ★, Sci-fi 12.5%, Simulation 11.9%, Strategy 3.6%

Take command of a vast interstellar empire and safeguard your species from total extinction in a procedurally generated 3D galaxy (with the option to flatten it) from 1 System to 10,000+! Prove your species' ingenuity through a deep and intricate combat system where anything (from individual components on ships to the stars themselves)...

Why similar: Space 48.4%, Strategy 36.1%, Sci-fi 12.7%, Indie 2.3%, Singleplayer 0.6%

In this turn-based strategic artillery game, players wage interplanetary wars by developing their home planets and firing massive barrages through the unpredictable gravity fields of the solar system.

Why similar: Space 37.1%, Strategy 29.3%, Simulation 24.5%, Sci-fi 6.5%, Indie 1.9%

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 54.8%, Strategy 19%, Sandbox 12.7%, Sci-fi 8.6%, Simulation 2.3%

Battle for galactic dominance in this real-time 4X strategy game with unrivaled scale! You’ll explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate through military force, diplomacy, trade, culture, influence, and other underhanded tactics.

Why similar: Space 56%, Strategy 24.5%, Sci-fi 17.4%, Singleplayer 2.1%

Command: Modern Operations is the next generation in cross-domain modern wargaming. It enables you to simulate every military engagement from post World War II to the present day and beyond. The scale is primarily tactical/operational, although strategic scale operations are also possible.

Why similar: Simulation 54.8%, Strategy 28.1%, Realistic 10.5%, Difficult 6%, Singleplayer 0.8%

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 40.9%, Strategy 16.1%, Sci-fi 15.2%, Space Sim 12% ★, Simulation 7.7%

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 22.7%, Science 20.1% ★, Space Sim 16.5% ★, Simulation 11.3%, Strategy 11.1%

Design warships the way you want them, command fleets, win the naval arms race for your nation!

Why similar: Realistic 42.9%, Simulation 40.2%, Sandbox 16.9%

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 31%, Space Sim 20.1% ★, Simulation 17.1%, Sci-fi 12%, Strategy 11.6%

Fly near-future aircraft with immersive physics on intense battlefields, facing land, air and sea threats. Wage war against AI or other players with an array of potent weapons. Wield tactical and strategic nuclear weapons, capable of annihilating anything in their path.

Why similar: Simulation 37%, Realistic 32.7%, Sci-fi 30.3%

Experience the epic space strategy games that redefined the RTS genre. Control your fleet and build an armada across more than 30 single-player missions. Choose unit types, fleet formations and flight tactics for each strategic situation.

Why similar: Space 54.3%, Strategy 21.4%, Sci-fi 16.6%, Simulation 7.1%, Singleplayer 0.6%

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 48.3%, Strategy 23.3%, Simulation 18.5%, Sci-fi 7.8%, Indie 1.3%

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 50.8%, Simulation 20.1%, Sci-fi 11.9%, Space Sim 8% ★, Sandbox 6.9%

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 45.5%, Space Sim 20.2% ★, Simulation 17.3%, Sci-fi 7.8%, Sandbox 6.7%

A sci-fi simulation game, in which players must design, assemble and test spaceships, in a bid to build a supreme Galactic Mega-Corporation. Gain your reputation by engineering and selling your own spacecraft, testing them to the limit in RTS missions and simulated emergency and combat situations.

Why similar: Simulation 32.5%, Space 30.6%, Strategy 26.3%, Sci-fi 8.3%, Indie 2.3%

The first ever auto-battler game, from way back in 2009Who needs backstory? Who needs resource-gathering? Diplomacy is so last year. Gratuitous Space Battles cuts right to the chase of sci-fi strategy games, and deals with large, completely unjustified space battles between huge opposing space fleets.

Why similar: Space 35.5%, Strategy 21.1%, Sci-fi 16%, Simulation 13.2%, Sandbox 8.1%

From commanding the battle standing on the bridge of your flagship all the way down to tactical infantry firefights - AFF brings together all the combat you ever wanted in a rich science fiction setting. Boarding, pilotable capital ships, deep weapon customization and full AI support included!

Why similar: Space 48.4%, Sci-fi 24.8%, Simulation 23.2%, Indie 2.3%, Singleplayer 1.3%

Gather resources, craft components, build vehicles, and code their logic in a physics-driven engineering sandbox and full scale space sim.

Why similar: Science 30.3% ★, Space 22.7%, Space Sim 16.4% ★, Realistic 13.7%, Simulation 10.6%

A single-developer passion project. A seamless full scale solar system. Thrilling action. Be part of an incredible journey as a Universe is built from the ground up!

Why similar: Space 54.7%, Sci-fi 14.7%, Space Sim 14.2% ★, Sandbox 8%, Simulation 5.7%

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 27.1%, Space Sim 23.3% ★, Simulation 13.8%, Strategy 13.6%, Sci-fi 12.3%