Games Like Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters

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: Top-Down Shooter 22.7%, Action RPG 17.3%, Open World 15.4%, Exploration 10.7%, Sci-fi 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: This title captures the spirit of exploration and discovery better than almost any other modern space game.

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: Open World 17.1%, Sci-fi 15.7%, Exploration 15.2%, RPG 14.4%, Action RPG 12%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a similar blend of ship customization, exploration, and engaging dialogue with alien factions.

Space adventure, open world RPG, strategy, arcade, quest and more!

Why similar: RPG 34.8%, Open World 28.7%, Sci-fi 17.3%, Procedural Generation 10.6%, Action 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly mirrors the open-ended, multi-genre, and humorous nature of the Ur-Quan universe.

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: Open World 39.7%, Sci-fi 25.6%, RPG 19.9%, Exploration 8.2%, Action 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a high-octane space adventure with a focus on ship combat and exploration in a vast, dangerous galaxy.

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: Top-Down Shooter 24.4%, Open World 15%, Procedural Generation 14.5%, Top-Down 10.4%, Exploration 10%

Why You'll Like It: A deep sandbox RPG that allows for significant ship customization and freedom to explore the stars at your own pace.

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: Open World 26.6%, Top-Down 19.2%, RPG 18.7%, Sci-fi 15.7%, Multiple Endings 13.5%

Why You'll Like It: A solid space RPG that emphasizes exploration, mining, and combat in a persistent, open-world galaxy.

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: RPG 32.5%, Procedural Generation 21.9%, Exploration 20.4%, Sci-fi 15.4%, Story Rich 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on the difficulty of space travel, landing on alien worlds, and managing diplomatic encounters.

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: Action RPG 17.7%, Top-Down Shooter 14.6%, Procedural Generation 12.9%, Open World 12.2%, Exploration 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A classic action-RPG that focuses on upgrading your ship while traveling through a dangerous, procedurally generated galaxy.

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

Why similar: Top-Down 20%, Procedural Generation 18.6%, Open World 14.6%, Sci-fi 14.5%, RPG 11.8%

Why You'll Like It: Features top-down combat and ship building that feels very similar to the classic action sequences in the Ur-Quan series.

Drox Operative 2 is a starship action RPG with warring alien races, fierce space battles, a dynamic, evolving galaxy, and co-op multiplayer for Windows and Linux.

Why similar: RPG 25.4%, Action RPG 16.6%, Procedural Generation 13.4%, Open World 10.8%, Action 10%

Why You'll Like It: An action-RPG that puts you in a dynamic, evolving galaxy where your choices impact the factions around you.

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: Procedural Generation 32.1%, Sci-fi 21.6%, Story Rich 18.2%, Pixel Graphics 17.6%, 2D 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical, narrative-heavy game that captures the feeling of being a lone commander exploring a dying galaxy.

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: Sci-fi 34%, Procedural Generation 31.8%, Top-Down 24.8%, 2D 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: Though more strategic, it provides the same tense, high-stakes space adventure feel where every decision matters.

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: Open World 27.1%, Sci-fi 25%, Exploration 18.8%, Action 14.8%, RPG 14.3%

Why You'll Like It: A classic space-sim that balances a strong narrative with ship upgrades and exploration.

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: Open World 45.1%, RPG 28.1%, Sci-fi 26.8%

Why You'll Like It: Combines RPG elements with fleet management and tactical combat, offering a grander scale of space conquest.

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: Open World 25.9%, Sci-fi 16.4%, Exploration 13.7%, Story Rich 10.5%, 2D 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: Blends top-down space combat with on-foot adventure elements in a charming, retro-inspired package.

Search for the legendary lost artifact Nienix through galaxies in conflict! An open world space action RPG adventure that can be played both alone and together!

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 21.8%, Action RPG 13.4%, PvP 11.7%, PvE 11.5%, Procedural Generation 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A looter-shooter with top-down combat that emphasizes progression and ship customization.

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: Open World 31.8%, RPG 26.2%, Procedural Generation 13.4%, 2D 9.9%, Action 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A simple but effective indie space action game that captures the core loop of exploring and fighting.

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: Choices Matter 12.6%, Top-Down 12.6%, Open World 12.3%, Multiple Endings 11.9%, Action-Adventure 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: An open-source style space trading and combat game that emphasizes freedom and exploration.

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: Sci-fi 34.9%, Pixel Graphics 25.9%, RPG 22%, 2D 17.2%

Why You'll Like It: A strategy-heavy space sim that focuses on ship management and tactical combat in a pixel-art style.

Sea of Stars is a starship roguelike, a sandbox adventure game of interstellar exploration and combat. Travel from star to star, upgrade your ship with new systems and weapons, build up your flotilla with allies and mercenaries, and take on a variety of alien menaces.

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the exploration of a vast, mysterious galaxy with a focus on adventure and discovery.

A space action-adventure unlike any other: navigate your spacecraft through a galactic-scale mystery. Make sure to loot, craft and upgrade your space fleet. Play the story campaign or test your skills in vicious arena modes against AI opponents.

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 18.5%, Open World 13.3%, Procedural Generation 13.3%, Top-Down 12.2%, Action RPG 11.7%

Why You'll Like It: An early-access adventure that leans into the RPG and exploration aspects of space travel.

Out There is an award-winning space exploration game blending roguelike, resource management and interactive fiction.

Why similar: Procedural Generation 29.9%, Sci-fi 22.6%, Exploration 21.7%, Story Rich 15.9%, 2D 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging exploration game that emphasizes resource management and the loneliness of deep space.

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: Sci-fi 40%, Exploration 26%, Pixel Graphics 17.6%, 2D 16.4%

Why You'll Like It: Offers incredible depth in ship design and physics-based top-down combat.

Oldschool action open-world sci-fi with a unique storyline, frenetic battles, crude humor, loose morals and cows.

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 22.5%, Action RPG 18.9%, Open World 13.7%, Top-Down 10.8%, Sci-fi 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: An indie RPG that focuses on the sci-fi atmosphere and ship-based action.

Shortest Trip to Earth is a roguelike spaceship simulator focused on exploration, ship management and tactical battles. Embark on a perilous journey across the universe with nuclear missiles, armed crew and a cat.

Why similar: Choices Matter 33.3%, Sci-fi 28.1%, Exploration 28.1%, 2D 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: A survival-focused space adventure that forces you to make tough decisions while managing your crew and ship.

Ring Runner combines the fast-paced action of space combat with the rich story and skill variety of an RPG.Trek across the universe in a 30 hour long story-driven campaign based on a companion Sci Fi novel, or challenge 6 scenarios alone, cooperatively, or competitively through local or online multiplayer.

Why similar: RPG 41%, Sci-fi 26.3%, Action 18.6%, Story Rich 14.1%

Why You'll Like It: Provides fast-paced, top-down combat with a variety of ship classes and unique abilities.

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: RPG 35.3%, Sci-fi 22.5%, Open World 20.6%, Action 13.2%, Exploration 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: A space-sim that puts you in the role of a captain managing a ship during a galactic conflict.

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: Top-Down Shooter 35.1%, RPG 17.7%, Open World 16.9%, Sci-fi 8.7%, Action 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: A top-down space adventure that emphasizes exploration and ship-based RPG mechanics.

Star Control is a space role-playing game in which you command Earth's first interstellar starship on a mission to save the Earth from hostile alien empires.

Why similar: Choices Matter 19.6%, Funny 18%, Story Rich 12.7%, Action-Adventure 12.7%, Multiple Endings 12.3%

Explore a vast universe with pulse-pounding action, side-splitting humor, and hair-raising plot twists in these 2 classic space adventure games.

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 24.1%, PvP 14.5%, PvE 13.3%, Funny 9.9%, Action-Adventure 9.5%

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: Sci-fi 30.8%, Action 18.4%, Procedural Generation 15.9%, Open World 15%, RPG 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the simulation and action aspects of space combat and exploration.

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: Action RPG 19.6%, Open World 15.7%, PvE 14.7%, Action-Adventure 11.6%, Exploration 10.5%

Fight fierce hostile alien space ships to neutralize their defenses before you board their ships and battle intense on-foot encounters. Eliminate their forces and steal their technology to upgrade your squad with different abilities and save the galaxy!

Why similar: Procedural Generation 33.4%, Funny 20.3%, Sci-fi 17.9%, RPG 17.7%, Action 10.6%

Fly into a charming handcrafted world and go on an adventure that mixes up open exploration with crispy twin-stick shooter action. Fight your way from the shiny overworld to the deepest caves, improve your ship and overcome the dungeons' bosses to rescue your friends!

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 27.6%, Top-Down 17.5%, Exploration 14.8%, Open World 13.7%, RPG 11.2%

Embark on an epic sci-fi, free-to-play adventure. Spacelords is a brand-new take on the shooter genre. Through its 4 vs 1 campaign, you experience both sides of the story: Join the Raiders in their fight to free the legendary Broken Planet, or switch sides and fight as the Antagonist alongside the invading hordes!

Why similar: PvP 25.8%, Action 22.5%, PvE 21.5%, Funny 15.8%, Sci-fi 14.5%

The Outer Worlds is an award-winning single-player RPG from Obsidian Entertainment and Private Division. As you explore a space colony, the character you decide to become will determine how this player-driven story unfolds. In the colony's corporate equation, you are the unplanned variable.

Why similar: Action RPG 19.6%, Open World 16.3%, Choices Matter 11.1%, RPG 9.3%, Exploration 9.1%

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: Top-Down Shooter 48.2%, RPG 31.1%, Sci-fi 8.9%, 2D 8.3%, Action 3.6%

From Space is a solo and co-op action-shooter for squads up to four players. Take on the challenge of liberating the earth from an alien infestation with your friends, using over-the-top weaponry in a post-apocalyptic world with awesomely stylized graphics. The apocalypse has never been so much fun!

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 30.1%, Action RPG 19.6%, Top-Down 14.8%, Action-Adventure 11.9%, Funny 10.7%

Lead your orbital battleships to victory in Flotilla! Fight, trade, and explore new planets in your journey through the galaxy. Featuring tactically rich 3D combat, flank and surprise the enemy from any direction. When the dust settles, generate another randomized universe for a brand new adventure!

Why similar: Procedural Generation 20.1%, Funny 17.7%, PvP 16.1%, Exploration 15.7%, Sci-fi 14.5%

The Twin paradox is an RPG where you must prepare yourself for the first time travel. Make decisions, explore, and learn real science with the scientists of the "Beyond" laboratory. It's up to you to make the journey a success.

Why similar: Multiple Endings 19.8%, RPG 16.4%, Choices Matter 14.9%, Sci-fi 11.7%, Pixel Graphics 11.4%

Pixel Privateers is a Squad Based Tactical RPG “Loot ‘Em Up” that will send your team of mercenaries through a mysterious wormhole on a quest to gather technology for your employer. An entire galaxy awaits - full of worlds to explore, factions to encounter, and epic gear to collect!

Why similar: RPG 43.5%, Pixel Graphics 22.9%, Action 14.8%, Sci-fi 10.3%, 2D 8.6%

Gaia Beyond is a handcrafted 2D Action-RPG, an exploration mix built around the core features fighting, mining and trading. Your decisions are footprints within a vast non-linear solar system. Forge alliances among numerous factions and develop relations with hundreds of NPCs.

Why similar: Action RPG 17.7%, Open World 15.5%, Top-Down 13.9%, Choices Matter 13.7%, Sci-fi 10.3%

Space Aces is an indie space shooter that plunges you into an online universe full of action, strategy, and fierce competition. Step into the cockpit and evolve from a rookie pilot into the most feared Ace in the galaxy!

Why similar: PvE 36.5%, PvP 32.3%, Sci-fi 16.7%, Action 14.5%

In Salvagers, you command a small crew of greedy explorers that land on abandoned space stations that litter the galaxy, and it's your job to loot them for anything worth a credit. Scrap tech, lost weapons, forgotten treasures - everything has a price.

Why similar: RPG 30.7%, Pixel Graphics 19.3%, 2D 14.5%, Sci-fi 13.1%, Action 13%

Create a custom character, and be whoever you want to be! Enjoy traversing strange worlds, and mastering action command combat as you fight strange and odd and weird enemies and bosses! Remember, this is your adventure!

Why similar: RPG 25.4%, Top-Down 24.8%, Pixel Graphics 16.9%, Colorful 13%, 2D 11.3%

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: PvP 27.7%, Open World 25.1%, Exploration 14.5%, PvE 13.4%, Sci-fi 13.3%

Isometric. Massively Multiplayer. Capture The Flag. Skirmish. Bug Hunt. And more. Welcome to FreeInfantry - the world's first massive multiplayer online isometric shooter.

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 40.6%, Top-Down 18.9%, PvP 15.7%, Sci-fi 10.8%, 2D 7.7%

Star Merc is an open world rpg where player choices heavily affect outcomes and drastically change the storyline. The game is about exploring different planets, learning about the inhabitants and dealing with the different factions that like to think they control the universe.

Why similar: RPG 29.4%, Open World 15.9%, Multiple Endings 14.7%, Sci-fi 12.1%, Action 11.2%

A cozy time survival roguelite in space. You steer the shippy while the shooting happens automatically. Meet cute NPCs, solve small quests, and fight quirky enemies with satisfying weapons. A shorter experience for people who don't have much time but love playing (and finishing) games.

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 29.6%, Top-Down 13.2%, Funny 11.5%, Exploration 11.2%, RPG 9.3%

PHANTOM GALAXIES™ is an epic sci-fi adventure with thrilling mecha combat. Choose between four distinct Starfighter classes and diverse weapons and gear. Once enemies, the intergalactic empires of humanity band together to battle lawless pirate factions amid war torn space!

Why similar: Open World 23.8%, PvP 22.3%, PvE 20.3%, RPG 14.3%, Sci-fi 11.3%

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: Open World 32.6%, Sci-fi 18.3%, RPG 12.4%, Exploration 11.4%, 2D 8.4%

Join the ranks of the Spiral Knights. Stranded on an alien world, you must explore the ever-changing Clockworks beneath its surface.

Why similar: RPG 35.4%, Action RPG 24.8%, Open World 16.3%, Action 12.4%, Sci-fi 11%

Play Astroflux - a retro styled, action packed MMO space shooter.

Why similar: RPG 62.4%, Action 27.4%, 2D 10.2%

Warspace 2 is a 1-4 player CO-OP space shooter with RPG elements, open-world and procedurally-generated galaxy. You can trade, craft, and fight your way through a universe, either solo or with friends.

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 30%, PvE 15.7%, Procedural Generation 13.2%, Open World 11.4%, Exploration 10.3%

An indie story-driven space shooter with intense battles, escalating enemy waves, and massive boss fights. Choose and upgrade ships, unlock powerful weapons, and protect your allies. Upgrade your base and construct a battleship to take on even stronger enemies. All set to a rock & synth soundtrack.

Why similar: Top-Down Shooter 30.1%, Action-Adventure 12.6%, Top-Down 11.5%, Exploration 8.5%, RPG 8.2%

A Sci-Fi role-playing game featuring turn-based ground combat, space exploration, deep character customization and a massive living universe with thousands of star systems. Equip your ships with the best equipment you can find, gather a powerful crew of mercenaries and set out into the void!

Why similar: Open World 30.8%, Exploration 29.2%, RPG 22.9%, Sci-fi 17.1%

A multiplayer roguelike about teamwork, survival...and cute animals in space! Play with a few friends or join a streamer's crew of dozens as you work together to battle aliens across the vast Rogue Space.

Why similar: Sci-fi 32.3%, Exploration 30.3%, Pixel Graphics 22.8%, 2D 14.6%