- #1 Kerbal Space Program
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 147,368 reviews2015
Dev: SquadPub: Private Division
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 66.3 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 18.8%, Space Sim 17.2%, Space 12.5%, Moddable 10.8%, Sandbox 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: The definitive physics-based space flight simulator that shares the core orbital mechanics and rocket-building DNA of Juno.
- #2 SimplePlanes
96% matchVery Positive93% of 10,914 reviews2015
Dev: Jundroo, LLC
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 12.6 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 26.5%, Moddable 16.3%, Automation 14.8%, Building 12.6%, Sandbox 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: Developed by the same team, this game offers an identical building and flight physics engine tailored for aircraft and ground vehicles.
- #3 Kerbal Space Program 2
96% matchMostly Negative26% of 32,033 reviews2023
Dev: Intercept GamesPub: Private Division
Windows
Median: 7.7 hrsMean: 19.4 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 20.4%, Space Sim 15.8%, Moddable 10.9%, Building 10.6%, Space 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: A modern evolution of the original, featuring improved visuals and expanded capabilities for interstellar exploration and colony building.
- #4 Stormworks: Build and Rescue
95% matchVery Positive91% of 60,190 reviews2020
Dev: Geometa
Windows · Mac
Median: 17.4 hrsMean: 113.9 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 16%, Automation 12%, Building 11.1%, Base Building 10.5%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on complex logic, sensors, and mechanical engineering to create functional vehicles for rescue missions.
- #5 Space Engineers
94% matchVery Positive89% of 134,498 reviews2019
Dev: Keen Software House
Windows
Median: 9.0 hrsMean: 96.5 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 19.2%, Moddable 16.5%, Building 10.4%, Base Building 10.1%, Space 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: A deep engineering sandbox that allows for complex voxel-based ship construction and mechanical automation in space.
- #6 Main Assembly
94% matchVery Positive83% of 1,355 reviews2021
Dev: Bad Yolk GamesPub: Team17
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 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 25.9% ★, Science 20.2%, Building 11.3%, Automation 11.2%, Education 11.1%
Why You'll Like It: Features a robust robotics construction system paired with a visual programming interface similar to Juno's automation tools.
- #7 Plasma
93% matchVery Positive90% of 1,160 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% ★, Automation 15.4%, Building 14.1%, Sandbox 13.6%, Base Building 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: An advanced physics-based engineering game that utilizes a visual programming system to bring complex machines to life.
- #8 Stationeers
92% matchVery Positive88% of 9,306 reviews2017
Dev: RocketWerkz
Windows
Median: 9.8 hrsMean: 85.8 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: Science 21.2%, Moddable 17.2%, Automation 13.9%, Base Building 11.7%, Building 11.1%
Why You'll Like It: Provides high-fidelity atmospheric, electrical, and logic-based engineering for building and maintaining space stations.
- #9 Spaceflight Simulator
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 9,809 reviews2022
Dev: Team Curiosity ✦
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 15.3 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 26.4%, Science 19.4%, Space 11.1%, Sandbox 10.9%, Moddable 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: A streamlined but accurate take on rocket building and orbital mechanics that is perfect for quick space-sim sessions.
- #10 Nimbatus - The Space Drone Constructor
91% matchMostly Positive79% of 2,173 reviews2020
Dev: Stray Fawn StudioPub: Stray Fawn Publishing
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 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 25.3% ★, Space Sim 22.4%, Automation 10.5%, Space 9.2%, Building 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: Allows for procedural drone building with a focus on physics-based flight and automated logic systems.
- #11 Trailmakers
90% matchVery Positive92% of 39,576 reviews2019
Dev: Flashbulb
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 15.5 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: Flight 28.5%, Space 19.5%, Building 14.8%, Sandbox 11%, Physics 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: Offers intuitive modular vehicle building with a strong emphasis on physics and creative experimentation.
- #12 Besiege
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 53,310 reviews2020
Dev: Spiderling Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 18.7 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 22.8%, Flight 20.3%, Level Editor 18%, Building 14.3%, Sandbox 10.8%
Why You'll Like It: A physics-based construction game that rewards creative mechanical design and structural engineering in a sandbox setting.
- #13 Starship EVO
89% matchVery Positive83% of 1,546 reviews2020
Dev: Moonfire Entertainment
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 6.4 hrs≥1hr: 59%
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 22.9%, Space Sim 21.3%, Space 19%, Sandbox 14%, Open World 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: A sandbox space game with a heavy focus on detailed ship construction and interactive mechanical parts.
- #14 KitHack Model Club
88% matchMostly Positive76% of 688 reviews2024
Dev: Floating Origin InteractivePub: Curve Games
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 47%
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 18.3%, Level Editor 13.5%, Education 11.8%, Automation 11.2%, Building 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: A physics-based vehicle building game that emphasizes moddability and realistic flight dynamics.
- #15 Scrap Mechanic
85% matchVery Positive92% of 123,030 reviews2026
Dev: Axolot Games
Windows
Median: 11.5 hrsMean: 65.6 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 24.9%, Sandbox 15.8%, Open World 13.9%, Base Building 13.8%, Physics 13.3%
Why You'll Like It: A creative sandbox game focused on building moving machines, automated systems, and complex mechanical contraptions.
- #16 Universe Sandbox
87% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 32,344 reviews2015
Dev: Giant Army
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 24.5 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 20.7%, Space Sim 20.1%, Education 12.6%, Space 8.9%, Sandbox 8%
Why You'll Like It: A scientific simulation of space and gravity that complements the orbital mechanics and scale found in Juno.
- #17 From the Depths
86% matchVery Positive89% of 12,853 reviews2020
Dev: Brilliant Skies Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 40.8 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 32%, Sandbox 22.5%, Physics 19.2%, Space 19.1%, Simulation 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: An incredibly deep engineering simulation that requires designing complex weapon systems and vehicles from individual components.
- #18 Cosmoteer: Starship Architect & Commander
86% matchVery Positive94% of 12,916 reviews2022
Dev: Walternate Realities
Windows
Median: 19.3 hrsMean: 41.3 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 38.8%, Building 23.7%, Space 19.3%, Exploration 6.9%, Simulation 5.3%
Why You'll Like It: Features detailed starship design with physics-based combat and modular systems that reward efficient engineering.
- #19 SpaceEngine
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 16,682 reviews2019
Dev: Cosmographic Software
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 43.9 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 18.9%, Science 18.1%, Flight 14.6%, Education 10.5%, Space 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: A procedural universe exploration tool that provides a realistic backdrop for those who enjoy the scale of space-sim games.
- #20 Automation - The Car Company Tycoon Game
84% matchVery Positive94% of 18,050 reviews2015
Dev: Camshaft Software Ltd
Windows
Median: 9.8 hrsMean: 53.9 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: Building 16.5%, Science 16.5%, Moddable 14.8%, Education 10.9%, Sandbox 10.5%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a deep engineering simulation focused on engine design and vehicle manufacturing from the ground up.
- #21 Logic World
83% matchVery Positive94% of 369 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: Programming 24.9% ★, Science 18.4%, Moddable 13.1%, Education 11.8%, Automation 11.5%
Why You'll Like It: A deep dive into digital logic and circuit design that mirrors the programming and automation aspects of Juno.
- #22 Tiny Space Academy
82% matchMixed64% of 55 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 28.2%, Education 15.3%, Space 14.9%, Building 14.2%, Physics 11.4%
Why You'll Like It: A charming 2D take on rocket science and space exploration that simplifies complex physics into an accessible format.
- #23 Mars Horizon
81% matchVery Positive84% of 3,099 reviews2020
Dev: Auroch Digital
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 9.2 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 24.1%, Space Sim 23.3%, Education 15.8%, Building 11.6%, Space 11.4%
Why You'll Like It: A management simulation that captures the progression and technical challenges of running a space agency.
- #24 TerraTech
80% matchVery Positive91% of 25,032 reviews2018
Dev: Payload StudiosPub: Mythwright
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.7 hrsMean: 32.4 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 37.2%, Sandbox 24.4%, Open World 20.6%, Physics 8.3%, Exploration 6%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on modular vehicle building and exploration, allowing players to construct unique machines for combat and resource gathering.
- #25 Take On Mars
82% matchMixed55% of 2,032 reviews2017
Dev: Bohemia Interactive
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 10.8 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 19.3%, Space Sim 17.2%, Space 14.1%, Building 9.6%, Education 8%
Why You'll Like It: A realistic simulation of Martian exploration that focuses on rover engineering and survival mechanics.
- #26 Avorion
79% matchVery Positive90% of 14,588 reviews2020
Dev: Boxelware
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 18.9 hrsMean: 99.6 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 26.5%, Flight 20.6%, Building 13.9%, Space 11.2%, Sandbox 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: Combines space exploration with a modular ship-building system that allows for highly customized vessel designs.
- #27 Autocraft
81% matchMixed56% of 298 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 22.2%, Sandbox 20.3%, Space Sim 14.6%, Space 14.1%, Physics 13.8%
Why You'll Like It: A physics-based sandbox that allows for the construction of complex vehicles and machines with a focus on mechanical interaction.
- #28 Poly Bridge 3
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,176 reviews2023
Dev: Dry Cactus
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 6.3 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 26.2%, Level Editor 24.4%, Moddable 19.5%, Physics 16%, Simulation 12.4%
Why You'll Like It: A physics-based engineering puzzle game that tests structural integrity and material management.
- #29 Aviassembly
76% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 9,569 reviews2025
Dev: Jelle Booij
Windows
Median: 6.3 hrsMean: 7.5 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: Flight 24.6%, Building 18.6%, Science 18.1%, Sandbox 11.5%, Physics 11%
- #30 PixPhys
79% matchMostly Positive74% of 218 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 20.7% ★, Moddable 15.2%, Automation 11.4%, Building 9.8%, Space 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: A 2D sandbox that focuses on complex physics interactions and creative building in a pixelated environment.
- #31 Space Engineers 2
77% matchMostly Positive75% of 5,654 reviews2025
Dev: Keen Software House
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 11.6 hrs≥1hr: 64%
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: Science 16.7%, Moddable 15.6%, Space Sim 13.9%, Building 10.8%, Space 8.7%
- #32 Solar Expanse - Space Exploration Manager
75% matchVery Positive87% of 1,372 reviews2026
Dev: SpaceOpsPub: Games Operators
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 16.0 hrs≥1hr: 75%
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: Science 23%, Space Sim 19.3%, Space 11%, Sandbox 9%, Education 8.4%
- #33 Rocket Science
77% matchVery Positive81% of 176 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 15.8%, Space Sim 14.7%, Flight 12.1%, Building 8.6%, Education 8.6%
- #34 Satellite Command
78% matchMixed64% of 81 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 24.6%, Space Sim 23.1%, Education 15.8%, Space 11%, Sandbox 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: A realistic simulation of managing satellites in orbit, focusing on the technical aspects of space operations.
- #35 Craftomation 101: Programming & Craft
73% matchVery Positive84% of 705 reviews2026
Dev: Luden.io
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 6.8 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Program a crew of tiny robots to turn a frozen planet into a living world. Connect visual code blocks, automate crafting, and build a workforce that fuels itself. Keep the heat flowing, refine your machines, and watch your ideas come to life.
Why similar: Programming 35.7% ★, Education 18.8%, Automation 17.6%, Base Building 12.2%, Sandbox 10.8%
- #36 Reentry - A Space Flight Simulator
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,372 reviews2025
Dev: Lyra Creative
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 72%
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 20.8%, Science 17.8%, Flight 17.7%, Space 9.8%, Education 8.2%
- #37 Nimbatus - Drone Creator
76% matchVery Positive91% of 275 reviews2020
Dev: Stray Fawn Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 42 minMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 41%
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%, Space Sim 15.9%, Flight 12.6%, Programming 9.8% ★, Sandbox 7.5%
- #38 Archean
74% matchVery Positive88% of 252 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 20.6% ★, Science 15.8%, Space Sim 14.8%, Moddable 9.8%, Building 8.6%
- #39 SimplePlanes 2
71% matchVery Positive92% of 1,439 reviews2026
Dev: Jundroo, LLC
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 9.0 hrs≥1hr: 56%
SimplePlanes is back! Build planes, cars, or anything else using powerful procedural parts! Explore detailed environments with friends in multiplayer, cause chaos, or download 1,000,000 community crafts for free.
Why similar: Programming 32.5% ★, Automation 16.5%, Building 16.4%, Sandbox 12.4%, Open World 11%
- #40 StarbaseSim
73% matchVery Positive95% of 62 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 27.8%, Flight 22.4%, Education 11.4%, Sandbox 11.1%, Realistic 7.1%
- #41 Astro Colony
71% matchVery Positive81% of 2,730 reviews2026
Dev: Terad Games
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 16.0 hrs≥1hr: 77%
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 18.2%, Space Sim 17.6%, Base Building 17.5%, Space 12.6%, Building 11.6%
- #42 orbit.industries
74% matchMixed60% of 91 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 19.6%, Science 16.7%, Moddable 12.9%, Space 12.6%, Automation 12.1%
- #43 ΔV: Rings of Saturn
70% matchVery Positive92% of 3,475 reviews2023
Dev: Kodera Software
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.3 hrsMean: 11.8 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 23.9%, Science 22.7%, Space 13.3%, Physics 9.5%, Open World 7.9%
- #44 Code: Terraform
69% matchVery Positive84% of 310 reviews2026
Dev: AppsMafia
Windows · Linux
A deep automation and programming game on a frozen alien planet. Write real code to drive rovers, run power grids, fabricate parts, and fly drone fleets across the world. Your scripts run while you plan your next move. The more you terraform, the more the planet responds.
Why similar: Programming 32.3% ★, Automation 16%, Building 11.6%, Base Building 11.2%, Sandbox 9.5%
- #45 Starbase
72% matchMixed55% of 6,768 reviews2021
Dev: Frozenbyte
Windows
Median: 14.2 hrsMean: 91.5 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 27.5%, Programming 19.6% ★, Building 15.5%, Space 10.6%, Open World 10.6%
- #46 I Fetch Rocks
70% matchVery Positive94% of 124 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 21.2% ★, Flight 14.4%, Science 13.8%, Education 9.3%, Automation 8.9%
- #47 Space Simulation Toolkit
72% matchVery Positive81% of 535 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 23.6%, Sandbox 16.1%, Education 14.4%, Physics 14.1%, Space 10.3%
- #48 Flight Of Nova
70% matchVery Positive93% of 568 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 28.3%, Flight 24.6%, Realistic 8.2%, Physics 8.1%, Open World 8%
- #49 Mars First Logistics
67% matchVery Positive95% of 3,795 reviews2025
Dev: Shape Shop
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 10.4 hrs≥1hr: 80%
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 25.4%, Space Sim 24%, Building 13.7%, Sandbox 10.2%, Physics 9%
- #50 Virtual Circuit Board
69% matchVery Positive92% of 323 reviews2023
Dev: Reverie Foundry
Windows · Linux
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 20.1 hrs≥1hr: 53%
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 30.4% ★, Science 18.5%, Education 14.9%, Automation 13.6%, Building 9.8%
- #51 Rover Builder
71% matchMixed68% of 82 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 26.6%, Level Editor 19.6%, Building 15.2%, Sandbox 11.5%, Space 11.1%
- #52 JOY OF PROGRAMMING - Software Engineering Simulator
68% matchMostly Positive77% of 398 reviews2025
Dev: Prof. SchererPub: PlayWay S.A.
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 1.9 hrs≥1hr: 41%
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 25.5% ★, Science 17.9%, Automation 13.4%, Education 12.6%, Moddable 12.1%
- #53 The Last Starship
67% matchMostly Positive75% of 1,705 reviews2026
Dev: Introversion Software
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 12.3 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 22.4%, Science 15.7%, Base Building 12%, Building 11.7%, Automation 10.3%
- #54 Milling machine simulator
69% matchVery Positive88% of 199 reviews2022
Dev: Igor FrankPub: U&I NEXT
Windows
Milling machine simulator will inspire novices and experts alike. Realistic physics and movements allow you to familiarize yourself with the machine in a 3D workshop setting. Enjoy playing around, learning and prototyping in Free milling mode. Or challenge yourself in Career mode.
Why similar: Programming 26.4% ★, Moddable 14.3%, Education 13.4%, Automation 10.9%, Building 8.7%
- #55 Dyson Sphere Program
66% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 91,831 reviews2021
Dev: Youthcat StudioPub: Gamirror Games
Windows
Median: 13.0 hrsMean: 76.0 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 22.1%, Base Building 17.1%, Space 14.3%, Building 13.4%, Space Sim 12%
- #56 World of Contraptions
68% matchVery Positive87% of 97 reviews2022
Dev: JCP Games Studio
Windows
World of Contraptions is a physics-based building game in which you build the most varied contraptions to solve the most diverse types of puzzles. Win dozens of levels with different types of obstacles. Design the best contraption for each challenge using a giant collection of blocks.
Why similar: Programming 20% ★, Science 18.7%, Building 11.1%, Level Editor 10.9%, Automation 10.2%
- #57 Solargene
65% matchMostly Positive76% of 855 reviews2026
Dev: Alexander Semenov
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 33.9 hrs≥1hr: 70%
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 25.1%, Moddable 14.2%, Base Building 14.1%, Building 11.8%, Flight 10.5%
- #58 Flyout
66% matchVery Positive83% of 2,296 reviews2023
Dev: Stonext Games
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 19.2 hrs≥1hr: 61%
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: Flight 28.9%, Science 18.8%, Building 15.4%, Sandbox 14.2%, Physics 9.8%
- #59 SpaceBourne 2
64% matchMostly Positive76% of 5,166 reviews2025
Dev: Burak Dabak
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 11.1 hrs≥1hr: 72%
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%, Flight 20.1%, Science 18.8%, Base Building 12.1%, Space 8.4%
