Games Like EVE Online

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 30.5%, Space 14.8%, Massively Multiplayer 11.8%, Open World 10.7%, Trading 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: It is the closest big-budget alternative for players who want a huge open galaxy, player interaction, trading, mining, faction work, and high-stakes space sim immersion.

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 21.6%, Trading 20.4%, Space 12.4%, Economy 10.4%, Open World 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: Its complex economy, fleet building, trading, mining, station management, and open-ended sandbox progression make it one of the strongest single-player substitutes for EVE.

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 22.2%, Trading 15.1%, Space 10.9%, Economy 9.5%, Open World 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: Its mix of exploration, ship construction, mining, trading, combat, and player-run servers captures a lot of EVE's sandbox freedom in a more build-heavy form.

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 27.8%, Space 23.3%, Mining 17.3% ★, Sandbox 10.1%, Open World 10%

Why You'll Like It: This is one of the most openly EVE-inspired games on Steam, built around mining, hauling, fitting ships, faction space, and a slow-burn sandbox grind.

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 27.6%, Trading 17.9%, Space Sim 15.8%, Open World 12.3%, Sci-fi 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: Despite its 2D presentation, it nails EVE-style open-ended progression through trading, ship upgrading, faction politics, exploration, and self-directed goals.

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 29.4%, Massively Multiplayer 19.4%, Open World 13.2%, Space 13.1%, Sandbox 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses on player-built ships, mining, hauling, industry, and a dangerous persistent space sandbox that echoes EVE's risk-versus-reward loop.

Albion Online is a fantasy sandbox MMORPG featuring a player-driven economy, classless combat system, and intense PvP battles. Explore a vast open world full of danger and opportunity. Grow your wealth, forge alliances, and leave your mark on the world of Albion.

Why similar: Massively Multiplayer 29.4%, Open World 24%, Sandbox 13.8%, Economy 8.3%, PvP 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: Even without spaceships, its full-loot PvP, player-driven economy, dangerous open world, and alliance politics make it one of the best EVE-like sandbox MMOs.

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 30.6%, Mining 14.1% ★, Lore-Rich 12%, Space 11.8%, Open World 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: This open-world space sandbox emphasizes factions, trading, mining, combat, and building up your place in a living galaxy much like a solo-friendly EVE-like.

No Man's Sky is a game about exploration and survival in an infinite procedurally generated universe.

Why similar: Space 24.1%, Open World 21%, Space Sim 19.6%, Sandbox 10.3%, Exploration 10%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the vast-universe fantasy, resource gathering, exploration, trading, and multiplayer space lifestyle, though with a more accessible and less ruthless tone.

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 25.7%, Space 13.2%, Open World 10.8%, Sandbox 9.9%, Co-op 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: Players who enjoy EVE's industrial side may love its engineering-heavy sandbox of mining, logistics, shipbuilding, and multiplayer space operations.

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 19.6%, Trading 17.3%, Sandbox 8.8%, Open World 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: Its classic space sandbox formula of trading, station building, fleet growth, and dynamic sector-based conflict strongly overlaps with EVE's empire-building appeal.

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 23.1%, Space 13.4%, Co-op 10.6%, Open World 10.6%, Sandbox 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: It mixes survival, exploration, mining, base building, and ship construction into a broad sandbox that appeals to EVE players who like self-sufficient space living.

In Star Trek Online, the Star Trek universe appears for the first time on a truly massive scale. Players take the captain's chair as they command their own starship and crew. Explore strange new worlds, seek out new life and new civilizations, and boldly go where no one has gone before.

Why similar: Massively Multiplayer 28.4%, Space 22.2%, Sci-fi 12.3%, Open World 11.2%, Character Customization 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: It is far more theme-park than sandbox, but it still offers persistent progression, starship-focused MMO play, and plenty of fleet-based sci-fi role fulfillment.

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 24%, Trading 23.1%, Massively Multiplayer 15%, Open World 9.9%, Sandbox 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: This is a lighter and more combat-focused online space game, but it still appeals if your favorite part of EVE is piloting outfitted ships against other players.

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 28.6%, Trading 22%, Space 13.1%, Open World 9.5%, Sandbox 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: This is a deeper, more simulation-forward open-universe space game with mining, trading, mercenary work, exploration, and a strong sense of pilot freedom.

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 Sim 30.3%, Space 19.6%, Open World 14%, Sandbox 10.1%, Sci-fi 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: It blends open-world space trading, combat, faction control, and larger strategic fleet management in a way that scratches EVE's commander fantasy.

Star Sonata 2 is a space sandbox MMO that combines elements of action, RPG, and empire creation into a truly unique MMO. Explore the sandbox style universe, build persistent bases, construct trade ships, and even fight your way to the top and claim the Emperor’s Throne!

Why similar: Trading 28.9%, Space Sim 26.3%, Space 17.1%, Sandbox 12.4%, PvP 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: This lesser-known space MMO leans hard into persistent-world sandbox systems, clans, territory pressure, and long-term progression.

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 28.1%, Space Sim 22%, Simulation 11.2%, Sci-fi 9.6%, Sandbox 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Though more streamlined than other X games, it still offers a large-scale economy, trading, stations, and open-ended space career progression.

Trade your wares and eliminate the competition in a cutthroat world. Buy new ships and stations to mine and haul resources. Explore the vast emptiness of space.

Why similar: Space Sim 40.3%, Space 19.9%, Trading 14.5%, Simulation 8%, Economy 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: Its strong emphasis on trading, logistics, station economics, and fleet management makes it a great pick for players who care most about EVE's economic gameplay.

Command a fleet of ships to hunt aliens, trade resources and loot treasure! Form corporations with your friends while fighting a never-ending intergalactic war in this open-world online space adventure!

Why similar: Space Sim 28.2%, Space 13.5%, Massively Multiplayer 13.4%, Open World 11.4%, PvP 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: It is a persistent online space RPG centered on progression, shared-world activity, and the long-term grind of building strength in a dangerous galaxy.

Entropia Universe is a unique massively multiplayer online game (MMO) where virtual assets hold real-world value and players can participate in a thriving virtual sandbox economy.

Why similar: Trading 24.3%, Space 13.5%, Open World 11.8%, Sandbox 11.6%, PvP 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: Its player economy, persistent world, risk-aware progression, and social sandbox structure echo the market and long-term investment side of EVE.

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 21.7%, Trading 17.7%, Mining 15.8% ★, Space 8.8%, Open World 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: Its focus on mining, crafting, ship interiors, co-op space operations, and exploration gives it some of the same lived-in sandbox appeal as EVE's industrial careers.

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 24.6%, Space 20.8%, Trading 11.5%, Economy 10.5%, Sandbox 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: This older X entry still captures the classic loop of trading, combat, station growth, and carving out your own role in a living space economy.

In Prosperous Universe start your galactic empire by trading on the real-time market exchange with other real players. Build your 1st base from humble beginnings & watch as your business flourishes with complex supply chain strategies. Economics, politics & realism fuel this immersive business MMO.

Why similar: Trading 20.4%, Space Sim 17.1%, Massively Multiplayer 12.4%, Economy 11.6%, Space 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: If the market game is your favorite part of EVE, this MMO economy sim captures the satisfaction of production chains, logistics, and player-driven industrial competition.

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 31.8%, Space 25.1%, Sandbox 8.6%, Simulation 8.3%, Sci-fi 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers a more action-RPG take on commanding and upgrading a starship while navigating factions, missions, and an unstable galaxy.

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 29.3%, Space Sim 22.4%, Open World 13.8%, Trading 9.4%, Sci-fi 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: For players who mainly enjoy the trader-mercenary lifestyle, it offers open-ended contracts, ship upgrading, faction hostility, and a strong frontier-space vibe.

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 23.8%, Trading 18.5%, Mining 16.1% ★, Space 10.5%, Open World 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: It combines space trading and dogfighting with the ability to command larger forces, offering a nice bridge between pilot action and fleet-level control.

The Universe is yours. SpaceCraft is an online space exploration and building game. Explore a vast galaxy of solar systems and planets, mine and craft resources, design and build ships, automate planetary bases and interplanetary logistics, trade and cooperate.

Why similar: Space Sim 20.4%, Massively Multiplayer 14.4%, Space 12%, Open World 9.5%, Sandbox 8.3%

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: Trading 22.6%, Space Sim 20.6%, Economy 9%, Difficult 9%, Space 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: It is more RPG and crew-management focused, but its open-ended careers, trading, faction reputation, exploration, and emergent sandbox decision-making align well with EVE's freedom.

STAR WARS™: The Old Republic™ is a free-to-play MMORPG that puts you at the center of your own story-driven saga. Play as a Jedi, Sith, Bounty Hunter, or one of many other iconic STAR WARS roles in the galaxy far, far away over three thousand years before the classic films.

Why similar: Massively Multiplayer 21.1%, Open World 20.9%, Character Customization 18.7%, Space 14%, Sci-fi 8.6%

Design and build a massive interstellar fleet in this simulation sandbox. Strip space of its minerals for profit, but stay alert: your greed attracts the alien. Master deep base-building and deploy warships to protect your empire in immersive real-time space.

Why similar: Space Sim 20%, Trading 18.6%, Mining 13% ★, Economy 9.8%, Space 9.6%

Guild Wars 2 is an award-winning online roleplaying game with fast-paced action combat, deep character customization, and no subscription fee required. Choose from an arsenal of professions and weapons, explore a vast open world, compete in PVP modes and more. Join over 16 million players now!

Why similar: Massively Multiplayer 29.6%, Character Customization 23.7%, PvP 14.6%, Third Person 12.7%, Adventure 8%

PlanetSide 2 is an all-out planetary war, where thousands of players battle as one across enormous continents. Utilize infantry, ground and air vehicles, and teamwork to destroy your enemies in this revolutionary first-person shooter on a massive scale.

Why similar: Massively Multiplayer 46%, Open World 18.9%, Sci-fi 8.5%, PvP 7.7%, Space 7.4%

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 26%, Open World 19.4%, PvE 12.6%, Exploration 10.5%, Third Person 9.7%

A unique space strategy game where thousands of players participate in one shared galaxy.

Why similar: Space 34.8%, Massively Multiplayer 29.6%, Strategy 8.8%, Sci-fi 8.4%, PvP 6.3%

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 25.4%, Sandbox 16.4%, Open World 14.7%, Space Sim 13.4%, Sci-fi 7%

Stars End is a sci-fi survival sandbox set on the wild frontier of a distant star system. Play solo or host your own server as you craft, build, and battle to survive in a galaxy shaped by danger, discovery, and your own grit.

Why similar: Space Sim 17.4%, Massively Multiplayer 17%, Space 11.2%, Co-op 10.3%, Open World 8.1%

Explore the mysteries of Sol and experience exhilirating first-person shooter combat in Destiny 2. Unlock powerful abilities and collect unique gear across story missions, co-op, and PvP modes.

Why similar: Massively Multiplayer 17.7%, Open World 14.5%, Lore-Rich 13.1%, Space 13.1%, Co-op 12%

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 26.6%, Space 24.8%, Open World 10.3%, Trading 10.2%, Simulation 9.5%

Andromeda is a hybrid between a Space 4X and an MMO. An online universe sandbox with 2 galaxies full of planets to colonize. Build structures like Mines to generate resources to build ships and engage in fleet battles with NPCs and other players, or just sit and chat with the friendly community.

Why similar: Space Sim 29.9%, Massively Multiplayer 12.6%, Mining 11.9% ★, Space 9.8%, Trading 8.8%

Played by over 20 million Adventurers - Black Desert Online is an open-world, action MMORPG. Experience intense, action-packed combat, battle massive world bosses, fight alongside friends to siege and conquer castles, and train in professions such as fishing, trading, crafting, cooking, and more!

Why similar: Sandbox 32.5%, PvP 25.6%, Exploration 18.8%, Open World 10.4%, Character Customization 8.8%

RuneScape is a high fantasy open world MMORPG. Explore an ever changing and evolving living world where new challenges, skills, and quests await. Featuring unprecedented player freedom, you choose how to play, adventure, and grow.

Why similar: Massively Multiplayer 31.8%, Open World 23%, Character Customization 12.1%, Lore-Rich 11.5%, PvE 7.9%

Space MMORPG where players can fly on different ships, collecting devices, subsystems and navigations or finding new weapons that will serve in battles. Take part in battles, explore the world, mine ore, trade, fight and build your own clan with a station.

Why similar: Trading 30.3%, Massively Multiplayer 22.2%, Space 16.8%, PvP 10.5%, PvE 8.3%

Fight, trade, mine, and explore the galaxy in this old-school space combat simulator. You are a freelance pilot who survived an assassination attempt. Travel the open world, chase bounties, get new ships, upgrade your gear, and, why not, maybe even save humankind!

Why similar: Space Sim 22.3%, Trading 21.7%, Mining 17.5% ★, Space 10.5%, Open World 7.8%

Pixel Starships is an FTL-style online sci-fi strategy builder and management game with a competitive PVP tournament. Set in the retro galaxy, your role is to explore space, meet aliens, and develop your ship, crew and AI. The game contains deep strategic and 4x elements. PSS is community-driven.

Why similar: Space Sim 40.1%, Massively Multiplayer 22.8%, Space 20%, Sci-fi 10.7%, Strategy 6.3%

Infinity: Battlescape is a multiplayer space combat sim supporting hundreds of players on a single server. Join one of the corporate factions and fight for domination of a seamless, true-to-scale procedural star system. Participate in massive space and planetary battles involving hundreds of ships.

Why similar: Space Sim 30.2%, Massively Multiplayer 26.6%, Space 21.7%, Simulation 8.6%, Sci-fi 6.4%

Fly through Subspace, build your own ship, and engage in epic battles. Mine asteroids and research new technologies. Uncover the origins of the alien homeworld by solving weekly events in this Co-op PvE MMO.

Why similar: Massively Multiplayer 24.5%, Space 21.2%, Mining 16.6% ★, PvE 11.3%, Sci-fi 8.9%

Player bases are located on asteroids, which travel within the Oort Cloud. Once they’ve acquired the appropriate skills, players can control their asteroid’s movements. Mass-combat enthusiasts will love the Arena: here, players can battle it out against alien races or other Astro Lord players.

Why similar: Space Sim 17.5%, Massively Multiplayer 14.2%, Space 11.7%, Economy 9%, Open World 8.3%

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 34.7%, Open World 18.9%, Sandbox 14.3%, Sci-fi 11%, Character Customization 8.8%

Dark Orbit is a free-2-play space MMO where three companies battle for galactic domination. Customize ships, trade resources, fight aliens and uncover a grand conspiracy on your epic cosmic journey. Thrilling PvP and PvE missions await! Will you lead your faction beyond the final frontier?

Why similar: Space Sim 48%, Massively Multiplayer 15.8%, Space 13.6%, Adventure 9%, Third Person 8%

Experience the hardcore reality of the Middle Ages. Master survival, engage in deep-rooted RPG elements, navigate a bustling economy, build communities, and employ diplomatic strategy to thrive in Abella's vast expanse.

Why similar: Massively Multiplayer 22.4%, Economy 18%, Sandbox 14.4%, PvP 13.1%, Open World 12.1%

Naev is a game about space exploration, trade and combat. Players travel the galaxy and earn money by trading, fighting and performing missions.

Why similar: Trading 28.6%, Space Sim 28.1%, Space 15%, Open World 10%, Exploration 6.5%

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 25.9%, Space Sim 24.7%, Sandbox 15.5%, Simulation 10.6%, Open World 10.3%

Immerse yourself in thrilling naval battles and assemble an armada of over 800 ships from the first half of the 20th century — from stealthy destroyers to gigantic battleships. Change the look of your ship, choose upgrades to suit your play style, and go into battle with other players!

Why similar: PvP 34.7%, Co-op 27.3%, PvE 22.9%, Simulation 15.1%