- #1 Kerbal Space Program
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 133,317 reviews2015
Dev: SquadPub: Private Division
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 65.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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: Science 19.5% ★, Space Sim 17.9% ★, Space 13%, Moddable 11.1% ★, Sandbox 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: This is the definitive space-sim that shares the seed game's core focus on realistic orbital mechanics and modular rocket construction.
- #2 SimplePlanes
96% matchVery Positive93% of 10,799 reviews2015
Dev: Jundroo, LLC
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 12.7 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Build airplanes by snapping parts together, designing wing sections, and attaching engines. At any time, you can strap yourself into the cockpit and see how it flies with realistic physics. If you're not in the mood for building, over 100,000 airplanes are available to download for free.
Why similar: Flight 21.3%, Automation 17.2%, Moddable 17% ★, Building 13.2%, Sandbox 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: Developed by the same team, this game shares the same intuitive building interface and physics-based flight model.
- #3 Flyout
96% matchVery Positive81% of 2,149 reviews2023
Dev: Stonext Games
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 18.4 hrs≥1hr: 62%
Build and fly realistic aircraft. Use free-form fuselage and wing editor tools and tune your engines to recreate aircraft from any era or design your own.
Why similar: Jet 32.2% ★, Flight 20.6%, Science 13.7% ★, Building 11.3%, Sandbox 10.5%
Why You'll Like It: It offers an incredibly deep aerodynamic and jet-building experience that rivals the seed game in technical detail and design freedom.
- #4 Stormworks: Build and Rescue
95% matchVery Positive90% of 57,601 reviews2020
Dev: Geometa
Windows · Mac
Median: 17.4 hrsMean: 111.9 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Join a world where you design, create and pilot your own air sea rescue service. Release your inner hero as you battle fierce storms out at sea to rescue those in need.
Why similar: Programming 23.2% ★, Flight 15.4%, Automation 13.1%, Building 11%, Base Building 10.7%
Why You'll Like It: It features a highly complex logic and microcontroller system that rewards players for building intricate, functional vehicles.
- #5 Space Engineers
94% matchVery Positive89% of 133,238 reviews2019
Dev: Keen Software House
Windows
Median: 9.0 hrsMean: 95.7 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 19.8% ★, Moddable 16.9% ★, Building 10.7%, Base Building 10.6%, Space 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: This sandbox provides a massive scale for building complex space stations and ships with a focus on survival and engineering.
- #6 Main Assembly
94% matchVery Positive84% of 1,337 reviews2021
Dev: Bad Yolk GamesPub: Team17
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 7.0 hrs≥1hr: 50%
You’re the designer, engineer and architect if you can imagine it you can create it! Construct robots of any shape or size from eight-legged spider bots to eerie UFO contraptions.
Why similar: Programming 27.4% ★, Science 21.5% ★, Automation 14.4%, Building 11.4%, Sandbox 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: It focuses heavily on robotics and visual programming, allowing you to build and script custom machines from scratch.
- #7 Spaceflight Simulator
93% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 7,486 reviews2022
Dev: Team Curiosity ✦
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 14.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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 Sim 27.2% ★, Science 20.3% ★, Space 11.5%, Sandbox 11.4%, Moddable 6.8% ★
Why You'll Like It: A more accessible, 2D take on the orbital mechanics and rocket building found in the seed game.
- #8 Besiege
92% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 52,104 reviews2020
Dev: Spiderling Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 19.1 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Besiege is a physics building game about constructing medieval machines to annihilate armies, obliterate castles and overcome challenging obstacles. Conquer the campaign or skirmish with friends in Multiplayer!
Why similar: Moddable 23.8% ★, Flight 20.6%, Level Editor 18.9%, Building 14.9%, Sandbox 11.5%
Why You'll Like It: A physics-based construction game that emphasizes mechanical engineering and logic to solve creative challenges.
- #9 Plasma
91% matchVery Positive90% of 1,062 reviews2023
Dev: Dry CactusPub: Dry Licorice
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 38%
Plasma is a pure engineering sandbox. Use advanced visual programming and robotics tools to create anything you can imagine.
Why similar: Programming 33.8% ★, Automation 17.6%, Building 14.6%, Sandbox 14.3%, Base Building 7%
Why You'll Like It: A spiritual successor to visual programming-based building games that utilizes advanced physics for creative construction.
- #10 From the Depths
91% matchVery Positive89% of 12,523 reviews2020
Dev: Brilliant Skies Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 40.6 hrs≥1hr: 81%
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: Building 34.1%, Sandbox 24.3%, Physics 21.2%, Space 20.4%
Why You'll Like It: This game offers unparalleled depth in vehicle construction, allowing for complex logic, AI programming, and physics-based combat.
- #11 Stationeers
90% matchVery Positive88% of 8,897 reviews2017
Dev: RocketWerkz
Windows
Median: 9.8 hrsMean: 81.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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: Programming 21.1% ★, Science 16.4% ★, Moddable 13.3% ★, Automation 11.9%, Base Building 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: It is a deeply technical simulation that focuses on atmospheric systems, logic, and complex base construction.
- #12 Scrap Mechanic
89% matchVery Positive92% of 117,049 reviews2016
Dev: Axolot Games
Windows
Median: 11.1 hrsMean: 57.3 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Enter the creative paradise of Scrap Mechanic! Build fantastic machines, go on adventures with your friends and defend against waves of evil Farmbots in this imaginative multiplayer survival sandbox. With Scrap Mechanic’s powerful creation tools you can engineer your own adventures!
Why similar: Building 25.6%, Sandbox 16.5%, Base Building 14.4%, Physics 14.1%, Open World 14%
Why You'll Like It: It features a robust logic gate system and physics-based building that mirrors the creative freedom of the seed game.
- #13 Trailmakers
89% matchVery Positive92% of 34,107 reviews2019
Dev: Flashbulb
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 15.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Build the ultimate vehicle and explore a vast open world filled with challenges and adventure. Play solo or team up with friends in multiplayer to conquer the toughest obstacles. With a thrilling campaign mode and endless creative possibilities, Trailmakers is the ultimate sandbox for adventurers.
Why similar: Jet 36.5% ★, Space 17.3%, Building 13%, Sandbox 9.7%, Physics 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: This game combines accessible vehicle building with physics-based exploration and challenging sandbox environments.
- #14 Nimbatus - Drone Creator
88% matchVery Positive90% of 270 reviews2020
Dev: Stray Fawn Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 42 minMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 40%
Use the Nimbatus Drone Creator to construct physically simulated drones and try them out in a virtual testing environment. Do you have what it takes to become a drone engineer?
Why similar: Science 17.8% ★, Space Sim 17.8% ★, Flight 13.7%, Programming 9.8% ★, Sandbox 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: This game excels at procedural drone construction and logic-based automation within a space-themed sandbox.
- #15 Universe Sandbox
87% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 30,587 reviews2015
Dev: Giant Army
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 23.5 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 25.3% ★, Space 13.7%, Sandbox 13.4%, Space Sim 13% ★, Education 10.3%
Why You'll Like It: It provides the scientific scale and gravitational physics context essential for understanding space exploration.
- #16 Starship EVO
86% matchVery Positive84% of 1,210 reviews2020
Dev: Moonfire Entertainment
Windows
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 55%
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: Building 23.7%, Space Sim 23.2% ★, Space 19.8%, Sandbox 15.2%, Open World 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: It provides a highly detailed building experience with a focus on interior design and mechanical functionality in space.
- #17 Craftomation 101: Programming & Craft
84% matchVery Positive85% of 620 reviews2024
Dev: Luden.io
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 64%
You land on a frozen planet in a tiny rocket with a robot inside. Harvest and combine materials to discover new ones. Use visual programming to make the robot do the tiresome work for you. Slowly build a gang of self-sustaining robot workers and watch them terraform the planet.
Why similar: Programming 36.3% ★, Automation 19.5%, Education 18.5%, Base Building 12.5%, Sandbox 11%
Why You'll Like It: It centers on the programming and automation aspects of the seed game through a puzzle-based approach.
- #18 Rover Builder
85% matchMixed68% of 81 reviews2022
Dev: Hatfuls GamesPub: PQube
Windows
Rover Builder is a 3D engineering sim tasking you to create the right rover to complete the job. Unleash your creativity in the garage, building vehicles using an impressive array of parts, materials and machinery. Or try your hand at level editor - creating entire missions and levels from scratch!
Why similar: Science 27.5% ★, Level Editor 20.4%, Building 15.8%, Sandbox 12.1%, Space 11.5%
Why You'll Like It: This title is dedicated to the engineering challenges of building vehicles specifically designed for difficult terrain.
- #19 Autocraft
86% matchMixed56% of 297 reviews2017
Dev: Alientrap
Windows · Mac
Median: 54 minMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Create, Collect, and Crash in Autocraft, a physics destruction sandbox. Create your own cars, rockets, tanks, planes, boats, and more.
Why similar: Building 23.9%, Sandbox 22.1%, Space Sim 15.8% ★, Physics 15.3%, Space 15.1%
Why You'll Like It: A sandbox focused on building complex machines with physics-based interactions and modular components.
- #20 KitHack Model Club
83% matchMostly Positive78% of 666 reviews2024
Dev: Floating Origin InteractivePub: Curve Games
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 6.9 hrs≥1hr: 48%
Developed by the creator of the original Kerbal Space Program, KitHack Model Club is a physics-based model building sandbox that offers limitless freedom for you and your friends. Design, build, battle, fly (and crash!) your very own RC vehicles, or experiment with over 2,400 ready-made vehicles!
Why similar: Moddable 18.6% ★, Level Editor 13.7%, Automation 12.6%, Education 11.8%, Building 9.9%
Why You'll Like It: A physics-based sandbox focused on remote-controlled vehicle construction and testing in an open world.
- #21 SpaceEngine
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 14,936 reviews2019
Dev: Cosmographic Software
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 47.7 hrs≥1hr: 66%
The world's first science-based photorealistic interactive 3D planetarium that models the entire Universe, using procedural generation for uncharted areas.
Why similar: Space Sim 19.2% ★, Science 18.6% ★, Flight 15.1%, Education 10.8%, Space 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: The ultimate tool for exploring the vast, realistic scale of the universe with scientific accuracy.
- #22 Tiny Space Academy
84% matchMixed63% of 54 reviews2021
Dev: Full Orbit Games LLC
Windows · Mac
Tiny Space Academy is a 2D space sim where you can grow your own space agency and explore our solar system with rockets you design! Learn basic orbital mechanics, run science experiments, and get your astronauts back to Earth safely.
Why similar: Space Sim 29.9% ★, Education 15.9%, Space 15.7%, Building 15.1%, Physics 12.4%
Why You'll Like It: A charming, physics-based approach to space exploration and rocket design that is easy to pick up.
- #23 TerraTech
82% matchVery Positive91% of 24,455 reviews2018
Dev: Payload StudiosPub: Mythwright
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.2 hrsMean: 33.0 hrs≥1hr: 90%
TerraTech is an open-world, sandbox adventure game, where you design and build your own creations through a mix of crafting, combat and discovery. Design vehicles from a huge library of blocks. Scavenge, craft and buy new parts to survive and become the ultimate planetary prospector.
Why similar: Building 37.1%, Sandbox 24.6%, Open World 20.1%, Physics 8.5%, Exploration 6%
Why You'll Like It: It focuses on modular vehicle building and physics-based combat in a vast, open-world sandbox.
- #24 Archean
80% matchVery Positive88% of 236 reviews2024
Dev: batcholi
Windows · Linux
Gather resources, craft components, build vehicles, and code their logic in a physics-driven engineering sandbox and full scale space sim.
Why similar: Programming 21.2% ★, Science 16.1% ★, Space Sim 15.1% ★, Moddable 10% ★, Building 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: A sandbox with a strong focus on programming and building within a persistent, physics-driven world.
- #25 GearBlocks
79% matchVery Positive91% of 717 reviews2023
Dev: SmashHammer Games
Windows · Linux
Explore a world of creative building, interactive machines, and gears - lots of gears. Build all things mechanical: cars, trucks, cranes, tanks, gearboxes, engines, clocks, anything you can think of. Test your creations to destruction in challenging scenarios, and share them in the workshop!
Why similar: Moddable 31.3% ★, Building 25%, Sandbox 16.4%, Physics 15.6%, Open World 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: A physics-based sandbox that emphasizes mechanical engineering and complex, moving machine construction.
- #26 Poly Bridge 3
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,977 reviews2023
Dev: Dry Cactus
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 71%
The best just got better! Rediscover your engineering creativity in this genre-defining bridge engineering and puzzle solving masterpiece.
Why similar: Building 29.5%, Level Editor 28.1%, Moddable 22.9% ★, Physics 17.7%, Singleplayer 1.8%
Why You'll Like It: It focuses on the structural engineering and physics principles that are fundamental to any building-based game.
- #27 orbit.industries
81% matchMixed61% of 87 reviews2022
Dev: LAB132Pub: Klabater
Windows · Linux
🚀 Become a Space Pioneer by building and managing a station of your own on the orbit of distant planets! Focus on design and management or fulfill objectives to progress. 🛰️ Explore, Build and Prosper!
Why similar: Space Sim 23% ★, Science 19.5% ★, Automation 15.6%, Space 14.7%, Building 12%
Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on the space station management and orbital logistics side of the space-sim genre.
- #28 Aviassembly
76% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 8,303 reviews2025
Dev: Jelle Booij
Windows
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 6.9 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Build and fly your own airplane! Complete missions to earn money, upgrade your plane, and discover new locations in an open world.
Why similar: Jet 22.9% ★, Flight 22.1%, Science 14.2% ★, Building 14%, Sandbox 8.9%
- #29 Satellite Command
81% matchMixed64% of 80 reviews2016
Dev: Stormtide
Windows
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 25.6% ★, Space Sim 24.1% ★, Education 16.1%, Space 11.4%, Sandbox 10.7%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a realistic simulation of orbital mechanics and satellite management in a focused, indie package.
- #30 PixPhys
79% matchMostly Positive73% of 214 reviews2021
Dev: Red Starship
Windows · Linux
PixPhys is a 2D engineering sandbox with huge technical possibilities and scope for imagination: design equipment from a jet-powered cart to space stations.
Why similar: Programming 21.3% ★, Moddable 15.4% ★, Automation 12.9%, Building 9.9%, Sandbox 9%
Why You'll Like It: A 2D sandbox that emphasizes physics-based building and experimentation with various materials and forces.
- #31 Space Engineers 2
75% matchMostly Positive76% of 4,293 reviews2025
Dev: Keen Software House
Windows
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 58%
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 17.5% ★, Moddable 15.9% ★, Space Sim 14.5% ★, Building 11%, Space 8.7%
- #32 Reentry - A Space Flight Simulator
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,212 reviews2025
Dev: Lyra Creative
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 70%
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: Space Sim 21.6% ★, Science 18.5% ★, Flight 18.1%, Space 10.2%, Education 8.4%
- #33 Kerbal Space Program 2
77% matchMostly Negative27% of 31,135 reviews2023
Dev: Intercept GamesPub: Private Division
Windows
Median: 7.7 hrsMean: 19.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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 21% ★, Space Sim 16.2% ★, Moddable 11.1% ★, Building 10.9%, Space 9.2%
- #34 Rocket Science
77% matchVery Positive80% of 160 reviews2020
Dev: unbeGames
Windows
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 16.2% ★, Space Sim 15.1% ★, Flight 12.1%, Building 8.8%, Education 8.6%
- #35 Nimbatus - The Space Drone Constructor
76% matchMostly Positive79% of 2,144 reviews2020
Dev: Stray Fawn StudioPub: Stray Fawn Publishing
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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: Programming 25.2% ★, Space Sim 22.1% ★, Automation 11.4%, Space 9%, Building 8.8%
- #36 Avorion
74% matchVery Positive90% of 14,288 reviews2020
Dev: Boxelware
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 18.6 hrsMean: 98.8 hrs≥1hr: 90%
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 27.7% ★, Flight 21.1%, Building 14.4%, Space 11.6%, Sandbox 11.1%
- #37 ΔV: Rings of Saturn
73% matchVery Positive93% of 3,305 reviews2023
Dev: Kodera Software
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.3 hrsMean: 11.6 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 Sim 24.7% ★, Science 23.5% ★, Space 13.7%, Physics 10.1%, Open World 7.9%
- #38 Automation - The Car Company Tycoon Game
75% matchVery Positive94% of 16,959 reviews2015
Dev: Camshaft Software Ltd
Windows
Median: 9.7 hrsMean: 53.6 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Make your dream cars a reality with Automation’s unparalleled car and engine design tools. Gain a competitive edge through smart engineering and business decisions to help you build an automotive empire. Will you become an industry leader, or just a footnote in automotive history?
Why similar: Science 17.5% ★, Building 17.2%, Moddable 15.5% ★, Automation 11.9%, Education 11.3%
- #39 StarbaseSim
73% matchVery Positive97% of 59 reviews2025
Dev: AshtorakSimGames
Windows · Linux
Operate the Starship space launch system and learn how to catch a rocket to understand what it takes to colonize Mars in this ever-evolving simulation of SpaceX Starbase Texas.
Why similar: Space Sim 29.4% ★, Flight 23.2%, Sandbox 12%, Education 11.9%, Realistic 7.4%
- #40 Mars Horizon
74% matchVery Positive84% of 3,058 reviews2020
Dev: Auroch Digital
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 9.3 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Lead a major space agency as you guide humanity to Mars in this strategy simulation game. Construct a base, design and build rockets, conduct missions throughout the Solar System, and write your own history of Space exploration. Created with support from the European Space Agency.
Why similar: Science 24.9% ★, Space Sim 24.1% ★, Education 16%, Building 12.1%, Space 11.7%
- #41 Virtual Circuit Board
71% matchVery Positive93% of 302 reviews2023
Dev: Reverie Foundry
Windows · Linux
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 21.2 hrs≥1hr: 55%
Virtual Circuit Board is the sandbox drawing-based logic simulator where you can build, program, decorate, and simulate anything from simple monochrome circuits to complex and colorful computers. Play with digital logic in this sandbox-only experience.
Why similar: Programming 31.2% ★, Science 20.7% ★, Education 14.2%, Automation 12.9%, Building 11.1%
- #42 Dyson Sphere Program
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 90,027 reviews2021
Dev: Youthcat StudioPub: Gamirror Games
Windows
Median: 13.2 hrsMean: 75.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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: Automation 24.6%, Base Building 17.6%, Space 14.3%, Building 13.6%, Space Sim 12.2% ★
- #43 Mars First Logistics
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 3,474 reviews2025
Dev: Shape Shop
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 10.1 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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: Science 26.2% ★, Space Sim 24.9% ★, Building 14.3%, Sandbox 10.6%, Physics 9.6%
- #44 The Last Starship
69% matchMostly Positive75% of 1,419 reviews2026
Dev: Introversion Software
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 10.4 hrs≥1hr: 81%
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 Sim 22.9% ★, Science 16.1% ★, Base Building 12.3%, Building 11.9%, Automation 11.6%
- #45 I Fetch Rocks
69% matchVery Positive95% of 121 reviews2025
Dev: SarumXR
Windows
Embark on your asteroid hauling career with Veritago Fortana. Start with a basic ship and earn credits to upgrade, customise and repair as you try to fulfil larger and harder contracts. Built exclusively for VR, use your own hands to build, wire and fly using 100s of interconnecting components.
Why similar: Programming 18.8% ★, Flight 14.4%, Science 13.7% ★, Automation 10.9%, Education 10.6%
- #46 Flight Of Nova
70% matchVery Positive94% of 513 reviews2022
Dev: Aerovery Lab
Windows · Linux
Flight of Nova is a simulator based on newtonian mechanics in which you control spacecraft in the Noren star system. You fly multiple types of spacecraft doing transport and search missions in an environment with realistic aerodynamics and orbital physics.
Why similar: Space Sim 29.6% ★, Flight 25.4%, Physics 8.6%, Realistic 8.5%, Open World 8.2%
- #47 Astro Colony
70% matchVery Positive82% of 2,509 reviews2022
Dev: Terad Games
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 16.3 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Explore endless Universe and create the most efficient constellation of colonies. Build conveyor systems to automate production. Take care of Astronauts and their needs! Establish new colonies as part of intergalactic simulation.
Why similar: Automation 20.6%, Base Building 18.2%, Space Sim 17.7% ★, Space 12.6%, Building 12.2%
- #48 Space Simulation Toolkit
71% matchVery Positive81% of 475 reviews2020
Dev: Pavel Kudinov
Windows
Physics sandbox game that uses a graphics card as a supercomputer. Change the laws of physics, design mechanisms, create A-Life worlds and inhabit them with living beings, experiment with evolution and AI.
Why similar: Space Sim 25.9% ★, Sandbox 17.4%, Physics 15.7%, Education 15.1%, Space 11.3%
- #49 JOY OF PROGRAMMING - Software Engineering Simulator
69% matchMostly Positive78% of 349 reviews2025
Dev: Prof. SchererPub: PlayWay S.A.
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 1.8 hrs≥1hr: 43%
Use real Python code to automate machines, robots, drones and more: Program self-driving vehicles; crack passwords; apply machine learning; automate logistics; use image processing to guide missiles. Gain real coding skills and solve exciting bite-sized programming challenges.
Why similar: Programming 29.3% ★, Science 17.3% ★, Automation 14.3%, Education 11.9%, Moddable 11.7% ★
- #50 Starbase
71% matchMixed56% of 6,702 reviews2021
Dev: Frozenbyte
Windows
Median: 14.3 hrsMean: 91.6 hrs≥1hr: 91%
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 28.7% ★, Programming 20.4% ★, Building 16.2%, Space 11%, Open World 10.8%
- #51 Take On Mars
72% matchMixed55% of 2,023 reviews2017
Dev: Bohemia Interactive
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 10.5 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Take On Mars places you right in the middle of mankind’s most exciting undertaking. Start out in the seat of a rover operator, finish as the first human to have ever set foot on the Red Planet.
Why similar: Science 20.5% ★, Space Sim 18.3% ★, Space 14.9%, Building 10.2%, Education 8.4%
- #52 SpaceBourne 2
66% matchMostly Positive77% of 4,992 reviews2025
Dev: Burak Dabak
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 10.9 hrs≥1hr: 70%
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 25.2% ★, Flight 19.6%, Science 18.9% ★, Base Building 12.4%, Space 8.3%
- #53 Solargene
65% matchMostly Positive76% of 819 reviews2026
Dev: Alexander Semenov
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 34.8 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Take Command of a Space Corporation in the Sci-Fi Simulator Solargene! Manage personnel, design and develop colonies and orbital stations across the solar system! Mine resources, establish logistics, research cutting-edge technologies, trade, and complete missions
Why similar: Space Sim 25.5% ★, Base Building 14.6%, Moddable 14.4% ★, Building 12.1%, Flight 10.5%
- #54 X4: Foundations
67% matchMostly Positive80% of 27,985 reviews2018
Dev: Egosoft
Windows · Linux
Median: 5.1 hrsMean: 94.2 hrs≥1hr: 80%
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 Sim 27.8% ★, Flight 14.9%, Moddable 14.3% ★, Space 11.2%, Sandbox 10.9%
- #55 Logic World
67% matchVery Positive94% of 349 reviews2021
Dev: Mouse Hat Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Invent a new computer! Logic World is a first-person sandbox simulation game that's all about digital logic. Play alone or with friends, design unique machines, build up layers of complexity, and experience the joy of circuits!
Why similar: Science 24.9% ★, Education 16.9%, Automation 16.6%, Building 13.8%, Moddable 11.9% ★
- #56 SimpleRockets
68% matchVery Positive85% of 363 reviews2015
Dev: Jundroo, LLC
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 96%
I am excited to release my first game on Steam! SimpleRockets was released in 2013 for mobile and I've put a ton of work into it to get it ready for PC and Mac. It was inspired by KSP, and it offers a simpler 2D experience for building rockets and exploring space with realistic orbital mechanics.
Why similar: Space Sim 47% ★, Sandbox 19.8%, Physics 18.1%, Space 11.8%, Indie 3.3%
- #57 Cosmoteer: Starship Architect & Commander
64% matchVery Positive95% of 12,431 reviews2022
Dev: Walternate Realities
Windows
Median: 19.3 hrsMean: 40.4 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Design and simulate the starships of your dreams! Command your ship or fleet in epic battles and manage your crew while exploring a dangerous galaxy. Play alone or with friends, test your ships in online PvP, and let your imagination reach for the stars!
Why similar: Space Sim 41.1% ★, Building 24.8%, Space 20.2%, Exploration 7.3%, Singleplayer 3.4%
