Games Like Hardspace: Shipbreaker

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 25.2%, Space Sim 19.1%, Physics 15.1%, Sci-fi 14.1%, Sandbox 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game features realistic physics-based space mining that requires careful maneuvering and precise tool usage similar to shipbreaking.

Dust off your torch and hammer - it's time to get back to work, you have a new job to do. Visit the new beach coast with the largest, biggest ship graveyard in the world, dismantle huge ship parts and collect tons of precious steel. Roll up your sleeves, it's time to get back to the business.

Why similar: Destruction 49%, Sandbox 14.9%, Simulation 14.1%, Building 9.6%, First-Person 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: It mirrors the core gameplay loop of salvaging and dismantling large-scale industrial structures for profit.

In Viscera Cleanup Detail, you step into the boots of a space-station janitor tasked with cleaning up after various horrific sci-fi horror events. Instead of machineguns and plasma-rifles, your tools are a mop and bucket. That hero left a mess, and it's up to you to deal with the aftermath.

Why similar: Simulation 23.6%, Physics 21.2%, Space 18.9%, Sci-fi 14.4%, First-Person 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the blue-collar, methodical nature of cleaning up hazardous work sites after the action has concluded.

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 22.6%, Space Sim 21.5%, Physics 15.3%, Sandbox 14%, Simulation 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: The physics-based construction and destruction mechanics allow for deep interaction with ship components in a zero-G environment.

Survive in outer space! Together with your immortal chicken, discover the truth behind your sudden spaceship crash. Craft tools, pilot vehicles, and even control space stations to survive and explore the wreckage.

Why similar: Space 40.5%, Sandbox 21%, Sci-fi 19.2%, First-Person 8.3%, Open World 4%

Why You'll Like It: This survival game features a strong focus on salvaging wreckage and managing limited resources while floating in space.

Release the Pressure with PowerWash Simulator! Wash away your worries with the soothing sounds of high-pressure water. Fire up your power washer and blast away every speck of dirt and grime you can find, all with the simple satisfaction of power-washing to a sparkling finish.

Why similar: Sandbox 38.5%, Simulation 26.9%, First-Person 18.5%, Relaxing 10.9%, Singleplayer 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: The satisfying, methodical, and meditative process of cleaning complex objects provides a similar sense of accomplishment to clearing a ship's hull.

Haul cargo, trade salvage and keep your space suit close as you search for fame and fortune among the stars in a game that puts an interstellar twist on the truck sim genre.

Why similar: Space 19.9%, Space Sim 19.4%, Physics 13.2%, Sci-fi 11.7%, Sandbox 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the blue-collar, working-class experience of navigating space while managing the maintenance of your vehicle.

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 34.6%, Sci-fi 13.6%, Sandbox 13.2%, Space Sim 12.4%, Building 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: It scales up the industrial management aspect, tasking players with constructing massive structures across a solar system.

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: Space 30.5%, Physics 22%, Sandbox 19.2%, Sci-fi 18.3%, Building 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a complex, high-stakes engineering experience where managing atmospheric and electrical systems is critical to survival.

Work your way to a service empire. Get your hands dirty in a highly realistic simulation game that pays major attention to details. Pay a visit to a new Auction house and buy cars in various conditions. Expand your range of services by investing in a new work space and equipment.

Why similar: Sandbox 38.1%, Simulation 34.2%, First-Person 10.1%, Puzzle 8%, Open World 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a highly tactile, part-by-part disassembly and repair experience that appeals to the same mechanical curiosity.

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 27.8%, Space Sim 23.8%, Sci-fi 23%, Building 9%, Simulation 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: The ship-building mechanics allow for intricate design and physics-based interactions during combat and maintenance.

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 26.1%, Space Sim 24%, Sandbox 15.8%, Sci-fi 14.2%, Simulation 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: This gritty space survival game focuses heavily on salvaging parts from derelict ships to keep your own vessel operational.

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 50.7%, Simulation 29.8%, Strategy 12.9%, Singleplayer 4.6%, Action 2%

Why You'll Like It: The game focuses on maintaining a complex submarine in a hostile environment, requiring constant repair and system management.

Satisfactory is a first-person open-world factory building game with a dash of exploration and combat. Play alone or with friends, explore an alien planet, create multi-story factories, and enter conveyor belt heaven!

Why similar: Sandbox 31.7%, Building 18.5%, Sci-fi 13%, Open World 12.6%, Simulation 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: The focus on building and optimizing massive industrial systems provides a deep sense of engineering satisfaction.

Renovate & build II World War tanks. Experience highly detailed & realistic simulation game. Take tanks fully apart by using different tools. Transform them from rusty and ruined to fully working. Check them on the training ground, sell or put into your own museum.

Why similar: Simulation 31.3%, Building 25.5%, First-Person 21.9%, Relaxing 10.5%, Singleplayer 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a granular, realistic approach to the disassembly and restoration of heavy machinery.

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 30.8%, Space Sim 17.9%, Physics 14.7%, Sandbox 14.6%, Simulation 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a deep, physics-based understanding of space flight and engineering that is essential for any space-sim enthusiast.

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 24.3%, Space Sim 20.6%, Sandbox 14.7%, Sci-fi 13.7%, Simulation 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: Managing the systems, air, and structural integrity of a space station requires the same attention to detail as a shipbreaker.

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 39%, Sandbox 21.7%, Building 13.4%, Sci-fi 7.8%, Strategy 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: The modular ship-building system is highly satisfying and rewards players for understanding structural integrity.

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 23.3%, Space Sim 20.8%, Sandbox 13.1%, Sci-fi 12.8%, Simulation 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a deep, complex simulation of space industry and economy that rewards players for understanding how systems work.

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 25%, Space 24.9%, Sandbox 16.1%, Sci-fi 13.5%, Building 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: The focus on building and customizing ships from modular blocks provides a similar creative outlet to the deconstruction process.

You've barely managed to escape your exploding spaceship. Now in an old escape pod, you hurtle through space at the mercy of the cosmos. With no knowledge of the pod’s complex systems, your life depends on a technical manual and your own wits. How long can you survive?

Why similar: Space 30.6%, Space Sim 19.9%, Sci-fi 15.3%, Simulation 11.5%, Physics 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: It forces players to perform high-pressure repairs on life-support systems in a cramped, dangerous space environment.

Become a Mech Mechanic to deconstruct, rebuild, paint and fix gigantic iron machines. You live in an age of enormous machines and you better get ready to get your hands dirty!

Why similar: Space 21.7%, Sandbox 18%, Sci-fi 16.6%, Physics 12.9%, Futuristic 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses on the tactile repair and maintenance of complex mechs, appealing to players who enjoy the technical side of machinery.

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 51.5%, Sci-fi 21.8%, Simulation 13%, Open World 8.7%, Singleplayer 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: While more action-oriented, the focus on looting and upgrading your ship in a vast space environment provides a satisfying progression loop.

Pilot drones into derelict spaceships to find the means to survive and piece together how the universe became a giant graveyard.

Why similar: Space 44.1%, Sci-fi 17.8%, Simulation 11.3%, Puzzle 10.3%, Procedural Generation 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: The remote, methodical exploration and salvage of derelict ships via drone control creates a tense, puzzle-like atmosphere.

Descend into the depths of an alien underwater world filled with wonder and peril. Craft equipment, pilot submarines and out-smart wildlife to explore lush coral reefs, volcanoes, cave systems, and more - all while trying to survive.

Why similar: Sci-fi 31.1%, Sandbox 26.9%, Open World 16.8%, First-Person 16.7%, Singleplayer 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: The core loop of scavenging for materials to upgrade your gear and base in a hostile alien environment feels very similar to the progression in Shipbreaker.

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 31%, Space 30.7%, Sci-fi 13.3%, Simulation 7%, Sandbox 7%

Why You'll Like It: The realistic scale and the need to manage ship systems and cargo make it a quintessential space-sim experience.

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 28.2%, Sandbox 14.5%, Space Sim 13.6%, Simulation 10.7%, Sci-fi 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: It features advanced physics-based building and mechanical systems that allow for highly detailed ship creation.

Space Engineers 2 is a playable Early Access Alpha sandbox focused on engineering, exploration, and colonization in a fully destructible universe. Design and build ships, stations, and planetary bases while uncovering the story of Miro and Ivan Sokol. Help shape the future of the Almagest system.

Why similar: Destruction 20.9%, Space 16.9%, Space Sim 11.8%, Sandbox 11.1%, Physics 10.9%

Explore a drowned Earth, restore lost systems, and raise the last human seeds in this first-person survival-crafting adventure. Build, scavenge, defend, and launch humanity back to the stars.

Why similar: Sandbox 23.3%, Physics 22.6%, Sci-fi 20.3%, Simulation 12.7%, First-Person 10.3%

Visit the largest ship graveyard in the world. A dozen kilometers of beach filled with wrecks. Hundreds of ships wrecked on the coast. Thousands of tons of steel. Choose the most valuable ship for you and start the adventure. Play as one of the workers during the most dangerous work in the world!

Why similar: Destruction 35.5%, Physics 17.5%, Sandbox 16.6%, Simulation 11.2%, First-Person 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: The original title in the series provides a foundational experience in industrial salvage and dismantling.

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 20.8%, Space 19%, Destruction 16%, Sandbox 11.8%, Sci-fi 10.5%

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 36.7%, Sandbox 14.6%, Space Sim 13.6%, Simulation 12.5%, Sci-fi 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: It emphasizes physics-based space construction and the management of individual ship components.

Explore the Solar System. Mine and drop asteroids. Colonize and terraform. Lead the space race and compete with other corporations on your way to profit. Watch the expansion of human race over the centuries.

Why similar: Space 23.2%, Space Sim 17.2%, Physics 14%, Sandbox 12.9%, Sci-fi 10.8%

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: Space 23.8%, Space Sim 17.4%, Physics 15.4%, Sandbox 14.4%, Sci-fi 9.6%

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 45.1%, Space Sim 16.9%, Sci-fi 15.6%, Sandbox 6.3%, Open World 4.8%

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 21.5%, Space 20.8%, Sci-fi 13.5%, Physics 11%, Sandbox 10.3%

Welcome to Sunshine Heavy Industries! As the new spaceship engineer, solve increasingly tricky design puzzles with your own personal style. Manage customer demands, juggle budget and ship performance, and survive the questionable decision making skills of your business partner.

Why similar: Space 34.1%, Sandbox 20.4%, Building 10.4%, Puzzle 9.5%, Sci-fi 9.4%

Stardeus is a deep colony sim set on a broken starship manned by drones and hibernating human survivors. As the AI, have your drones repair your ship, save your crew and travel the stars in this beautiful simulation.

Why similar: Space 25.6%, Space Sim 20.5%, Sci-fi 15%, Sandbox 14.3%, Simulation 7.1%

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 52.5%, Space Sim 23.4%, Sci-fi 16.9%, Singleplayer 1.9%, Simulation 1.5%

Grab your jetpack and explore procedural asteroid fields, derelict spaceships and abandoned outposts. Build and automate your Space Rig to process scavenged trash. Craft, trade and fight your way home in this interstellar, open-world survival sandbox.

Why similar: Space 28.2%, Space Sim 15.9%, Sandbox 15.5%, Sci-fi 12.3%, Building 7.6%

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 56%, Sci-fi 21.9%, Strategy 8.9%, Great Soundtrack 5.2%, Simulation 5.2%

Build physically simulated rovers to transport awkwardly shaped cargo across the rugged terrain of Mars. Earn funds, unlock new parts, and use your ingenuity to help the Martians establish a new home. Playable solo or in online co-op!

Why similar: Space Sim 24.9%, Physics 18.6%, Sandbox 17.1%, Building 9%, Simulation 8.8%

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%, Sci-fi 16%, Space Sim 15.3%, Simulation 14.4%, Sandbox 9.2%

Deconstruction Simulator is the ultimate demolition simulator, offering you complete freedom of action and a wide array of contracts to complete. Get ready for spectacular destruction.

Why similar: Destruction 39.6%, Sandbox 15.9%, Simulation 11.3%, Building 9.8%, Physics 9.4%

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 22%, Space Sim 18.6%, Physics 12.4%, Sandbox 11.6%, Sci-fi 10.9%

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 43.9%, Sandbox 14.4%, Sci-fi 13.2%, Simulation 12.3%, Space Sim 9%

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 24.3%, Space Sim 22.8%, Sandbox 15.2%, Sci-fi 14.4%, Simulation 8.6%

Top-down action and space exploration meet asteroid mining automation! Navigate to randomly generated asteroids passing by and start mining. Impress your employer, upgrade your equipment, fight off pirates and save up for that ticket to Earth so you can finally come home... for the very first time.

Why similar: Space 31.5%, Physics 18.9%, Sci-fi 14.9%, Sandbox 14.7%, Procedural Generation 8.9%

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: Space 25.6%, Space Sim 24.1%, Sci-fi 12.6%, Physics 12.2%, Simulation 9.4%

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 38.6%, Space Sim 22.5%, Sandbox 13.9%, Simulation 10.4%, Sci-fi 8.8%

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 40.1%, Space Sim 16.5%, Sandbox 12.6%, Sci-fi 11.6%, Simulation 10.1%

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 35.4%, Space Sim 22%, Sci-fi 12%, Simulation 10.5%, Sandbox 10%

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 25.2%, Space Sim 23.1%, Physics 15.8%, Sandbox 14.3%, Sci-fi 14.3%

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 40.1%, Sandbox 14.1%, Sci-fi 13.8%, Space Sim 13.6%, Open World 5.7%

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 49.5%, Sci-fi 14.2%, Space Sim 13.9%, Simulation 7%, Sandbox 6.6%

Face the supernatural dangers of the Olympic Exclusion Zone with a car as your only lifeline in this driving survival adventure! Scavenge resources, load up your trusty station wagon, and drive like hell to make it through alive.

Why similar: Sci-fi 32.1%, Sandbox 25.3%, Simulation 14.4%, First-Person 13.9%, Building 12.7%

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: Space 20.5%, Space Sim 17.5%, Destruction 17.1%, Sandbox 13.4%, Physics 12.2%

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 23.4%, Space 20.9%, Sandbox 14.6%, Destruction 12.4%, Sci-fi 10.6%

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 38.7%, Space Sim 20.4%, Sandbox 16.3%, Simulation 13.6%, Procedural Generation 4.9%