- #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 18.7%, Space 15.7%, Space Sim 13.8%, Sandbox 10.5%, Moddable 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: The original remains the closest match, combining modular rocket construction, orbital mechanics, mission planning, and delightfully catastrophic physics-driven failures.
- #2 Juno: New Origins
96% matchVery Positive89% of 3,554 reviews2023
Dev: Jundroo, LLC
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 13.6 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Bring to life anything you can imagine from rockets and airplanes to cars and more. Automate them with a visual programming language. Explore 3D planets and make your own. Share your creations online. Complete contracts, conquer milestones, and unlock technology in the newly added Career Mode.
Why similar: Science 20.4%, Space Sim 15.8%, Moddable 10.9%, Building 10.6%, Space 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: This deep aerospace sandbox lets you build custom rockets, planes, and spacecraft before flying them through a solar system with detailed physics.
- #3 Spaceflight Simulator
96% 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 20.7%, Science 18.9%, Space 13.7%, Sandbox 13%, Building 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: It offers an accessible 2D version of the Kerbal loop, centered on assembling rockets, achieving orbit, and exploring celestial bodies.
- #4 Space Engineers 2
95% 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 16.1%, Moddable 11.8%, Space Sim 10.8%, Space 10.5%, Building 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: Its voxel-based ship construction and physics sandbox provide extensive freedom to engineer spacecraft, stations, and vehicles for space exploration.
- #5 Reentry - A Space Flight Simulator
94% 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: Science 21.5%, Space Sim 20.1%, Space 14.9%, Difficult 8.4%, Open World 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: A more serious simulator of historical-style spacecraft operations, reentry, navigation, and mission procedures for players who enjoy the technical side of spaceflight.
- #6 Rocket Science
94% 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 19.4%, Space Sim 14.5%, Space 11.6%, Building 10.2%, Sandbox 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: This rocket-building sandbox focuses directly on designing spacecraft and solving the practical physics challenges of getting them into space.
- #7 Space Engineers
93% 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 17%, Moddable 14.3%, Space 11.8%, Building 11.1%, Sandbox 10.4%
Why You'll Like It: Build, pilot, and maintain complex ships and orbital bases in a highly creative physics sandbox with survival and engineering systems.
- #8 Flyout
91% 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: Science 24.9%, Sandbox 23.1%, Building 19.9%, Physics 15.4%, Simulation 10.5%
Why You'll Like It: It captures the iterative joy of designing experimental aircraft and spacecraft, then testing whether your engineering can actually fly.
- #9 Take On Mars
92% 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 20.1%, Space 18.3%, Space Sim 14.3%, Building 9.7%, Sandbox 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: It combines realistic Mars exploration with rover design, scientific objectives, and a methodical simulation-oriented approach to planetary missions.
- #10 Starship EVO
91% 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: Space 20.6%, Building 19.3%, Space Sim 14.8%, Sandbox 14.8%, Simulation 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: This sandbox supports detailed spaceship construction, planetary exploration, and first-person piloting in a procedurally generated universe.
- #11 SimplePlanes
90% 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: Moddable 19.7%, Building 18.9%, Sandbox 18%, Physics 15.4%, Open World 11.7%
Why You'll Like It: Its flexible vehicle editor and physics-driven flight testing make it a great fit for players who primarily enjoy building and refining vehicles.
- #12 Flight Of Nova
89% 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 27%, Physics 11.4%, Sandbox 10.9%, Space 10.1%, Open World 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: This realistic near-future flight simulator makes atmospheric ascent, orbital travel, and spacecraft handling feel technical and rewarding.
- #13 Mars First Logistics
88% 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 23.1%, Space Sim 17.5%, Building 12.1%, Sandbox 11.3%, Physics 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: Build awkward custom rovers and use them to solve physics-heavy delivery problems across the Martian surface.
- #14 Stationeers
89% 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 25.3%, Moddable 16.1%, Space 13.5%, Building 12.9%, Sandbox 12.1%
Why You'll Like It: Its intricate space-base engineering, resource systems, atmospherics, and automation reward the same methodical problem-solving as a Kerbal mission.
- #15 Stormworks: Build and Rescue
86% 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: Sandbox 26.4%, Building 24.2%, Physics 18.1%, Open World 16.9%, Exploration 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: Although Earthbound, its modular vehicle construction and physics-based testing strongly suit players who love engineering something from scratch and making it work.
- #16 Lunar Flight
87% matchVery Positive81% of 682 reviews2012
Dev: Shovsoft
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 3.4 hrs≥1hr: 70%
A modern take on the classic arcade game, Lunar Lander, Lunar Flight extends the experience to a fully fictionalized and accessible lunar module simulator
Why similar: Space 39.8%, Simulation 20.7%, Physics 17.4%, Realistic 9.7%, Difficult 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: A focused lunar-lander simulation that turns low-gravity thrust management, fuel conservation, and precision landings into the core challenge.
- #17 Universe Sandbox
86% 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 21.6%, Space Sim 16.9%, Space 11.6%, Sandbox 10.2%, Physics 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: While it is more of a celestial physics toy than a spacecraft builder, it strongly appeals to the curiosity about gravity, planets, and space science behind Kerbal.
- #18 Trailmakers
85% 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: Space 27.5%, Building 16.2%, Sandbox 15.1%, Physics 13.1%, Open World 11%
Why You'll Like It: A more playful construction sandbox where you design vehicles piece by piece and immediately put their physics and handling to the test.
- #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: Science 22%, Space Sim 18.4%, Space 14.9%, Sandbox 13.2%, Open World 11.1%
Why You'll Like It: Its enormous simulated universe is ideal for players who want to follow Kerbal's launches with expansive, realistic astronomical exploration and discovery.
- #20 Cosmoteer: Starship Architect & Commander
84% 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 21.8%, Space 17%, Building 16.1%, Difficult 12.2%, Sci-fi 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: It turns spaceship design into an immediately testable challenge, as your layouts directly affect power, crew flow, combat, and survival.
- #21 ΔV: Rings of Saturn
83% 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: Science 18.6%, Space Sim 15.7%, Space 13.7%, Physics 9.2%, Difficult 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: Its scientifically grounded asteroid-belt mining and ship customization offer a more grounded, systems-heavy take on piloting in space.
- #22 Children of a Dead Earth
82% matchVery Positive90% of 942 reviews2016
Dev: Q Switched Productions, LLC
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 23.6 hrs≥1hr: 65%
The most scientifically accurate space warfare simulator ever made. Now with Steam Workshop!
Why similar: Science 27.8%, Space 22%, Space Sim 12.4%, Realistic 10.6%, Simulation 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: This hard-science strategy game lets you design spacecraft and fight with realistic orbital mechanics, propulsion constraints, and weapon systems.
- #23 From the Depths
81% 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 25.8%, Sandbox 22.8%, Space 19.9%, Physics 18.9%, Simulation 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: Design exceptionally detailed vehicles and autonomous systems, then test their propulsion, weapons, and AI in a demanding physics sandbox.
- #24 Starbase
82% 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 25%, Building 17.1%, Space 15.1%, Sandbox 13.3%, Open World 12.2%
Why You'll Like It: This ambitious MMO sandbox features detailed spaceship construction, resource gathering, and engineering systems in a persistent space setting.
- #25 Avorion
80% 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 24.7%, Space 16.3%, Building 15.6%, Sandbox 14.9%, Open World 10.5%
Why You'll Like It: Build modular spaceships block by block, upgrade their systems, and explore a large procedural galaxy with a strong engineering emphasis.
- #26 Solar Expanse - Space Exploration Manager
78% 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 23.5%, Space Sim 15.9%, Space 14.1%, Sandbox 11.2%, Physics 9.5%
- #27 Besiege
79% 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 27.6%, Building 21.4%, Sandbox 20.4%, Physics 17.7%, Simulation 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: It replaces rockets with medieval machines, but its build-test-rebuild design process delivers similarly satisfying engineering puzzles and chaotic failures.
- #28 Aviassembly
77% 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: Science 21.7%, Building 21.6%, Sandbox 16.9%, Physics 15.6%, Open World 9%
- #29 Empyrion - Galactic Survival
79% matchMostly Positive78% of 34,438 reviews2020
Dev: Eleon Game Studios
Windows
Median: 6.2 hrsMean: 77.1 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Build and explore in a true space sandbox survival adventure. Construct mighty capital vessels, sprawling planetary settlements, and vast space stations in your galactic journey to discover the mysteries of Empyrion!
Why similar: Space Sim 19.4%, Space 15.2%, Building 13.8%, Sandbox 11.3%, Open World 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: It blends spacecraft and base building with planetary exploration and survival, offering a more action-oriented alternative to Kerbal's sandbox.
- #30 SimplePlanes 2
75% 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: Building 26.6%, Sandbox 25.3%, Open World 18.8%, Exploration 10.5%, Simulation 9.4%
- #31 Nimbatus - The Space Drone Constructor
78% 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: Space Sim 24.6%, Space 15.8%, Building 11.8%, Sandbox 11.1%, Physics 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: Construct programmable drones from modular parts and experiment with how their designs perform in hostile physics-based space missions.
- #32 Hardspace: Shipbreaker
76% matchVery Positive89% of 22,441 reviews2022
Dev: Blackbird Interactive
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 24.0 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Equipped with cutting-edge salvaging tech, carve & slice spaceships to recover valuable materials. Upgrade your gear to take on more lucrative contracts and pay your billion credits debt to LYNX Corp!
Why similar: Space 24.1%, Space Sim 17.4%, Physics 15.5%, Sandbox 14.3%, Sci-fi 9.7%
- #33 Approximately Up
72% matchVery Positive94% of 1,121 reviews2026
Dev: Approximately Games
Windows
Median: 12.9 hrsMean: 33.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Build, crash, rebuild! Explore new planets in co-op multiplayer with your fully modular spaceship made from whatever bolts together long enough to fly. Mount giant thrusters, annoying cables, and everything in between. Complete wild missions, face the dangers of space and argue with your crew!
Why similar: Space Sim 35.5%, Sandbox 20.4%, Funny 9.7%, Exploration 7.6%, Open World 7.2%
- #34 Rodina
76% matchVery Positive93% of 1,333 reviews2014
Dev: Elliptic Games
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 72%
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 29.5%, Open World 15.1%, Space Sim 15.1%, Sandbox 14.7%, Exploration 10.6%
- #35 Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
74% matchMixed60% of 22,687 reviews2024
Dev: Asobo StudioPub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 21.1 hrsMean: 133.9 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Explore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
Why similar: Sandbox 19.4%, Realistic 18.7%, Simulation 14.6%, Open World 14.5%, Exploration 9.4%
- #36 X-Plane 11
74% matchVery Positive93% of 20,340 reviews2017
Dev: Laminar Research
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 14.8 hrsMean: 161.3 hrs≥1hr: 91%
The future of flight simulation is now! X-Plane 11 is the detailed, realistic, and modern simulator you’ve been waiting for. Intuitive user interface, 3-D cockpits, new effects, 3-D sound, living airports and world-wide scenery.
Why similar: Simulation 21.8%, Open World 21.4%, Realistic 21%, Physics 12.1%, Sandbox 9.2%
- #37 Celestial Command
77% matchMixed62% of 705 reviews2014
Dev: Science Interactive
Windows · Linux
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 62%
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 30.6%, Sandbox 17.1%, Space Sim 17%, Building 11.3%, Simulation 9.1%
- #38 Starfield
73% matchMixed57% of 175,516 reviews2023
Dev: Bethesda Game StudiosPub: Bethesda Softworks
Windows
Median: 36.7 hrsMean: 76.4 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Starfield is the first new universe in 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4.
Why similar: Space 27.3%, Open World 16.3%, Space Sim 15.7%, Moddable 13%, Sci-fi 9.4%
- #39 The Last Starship
71% 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 21.4%, Science 18.8%, Space 15%, Building 13.6%, Sandbox 13.3%
- #40 StarMade
75% matchMixed68% of 2,992 reviews2014
Dev: Schine GmbH
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 18.8 hrs≥1hr: 54%
The ultimate space sandbox. Participate in epic fleet battles, form alliances, strive to dominate entire galaxies and harness the universe’s resources for your industrious empire or the destruction of others. Customise your experience, the universe is yours!
Why similar: Space 25.2%, Sandbox 19.2%, Building 14.5%, Open World 11.8%, Space Sim 9.9%
- #41 SpaceCraft
71% matchMixed64% of 2,773 reviews2026
Dev: Shiro Games
Windows
Median: 14.0 hrsMean: 54.1 hrs≥1hr: 91%
The Universe is yours. SpaceCraft is an online space exploration and building game. Explore a vast galaxy of solar systems and planets, mine and craft resources, design and build ships, automate planetary bases and interplanetary logistics, trade and cooperate.
Why similar: Space Sim 24.3%, Space 19.3%, Sandbox 15.7%, Open World 12.3%, Sci-fi 8.3%
- #42 Ostranauts
70% matchMostly Positive77% of 3,288 reviews2026
Dev: Blue Bottle GamesPub: Kitfox Games
Windows
Median: 6.8 hrsMean: 32.6 hrs≥1hr: 73%
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 Sim 24.4%, Space 16.4%, Sandbox 14.5%, Difficult 14.2%, Building 8.1%
- #43 X4: Foundations
72% matchMostly Positive80% of 30,300 reviews2018
Dev: Egosoft
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 95.4 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Your journey to building a vast space empire begins behind the controls of a single ship. Explore, trade, fight, and build as you rise to command fleets, stations, and entire economies in a living, fully simulated universe that reacts to every decision.
Why similar: Space Sim 22.4%, Moddable 17.9%, Space 17.2%, Sandbox 13.2%, Open World 10.2%
- #44 Star Trucker
70% matchMostly Positive78% of 5,396 reviews2024
Dev: Monster and MonsterPub: Raw Fury
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 13.1 hrs≥1hr: 78%
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 Sim 20.2%, Space 13.8%, Moddable 13.5%, Physics 10.2%, Sandbox 9.1%
- #45 ASTRONEER
70% matchVery Positive92% of 139,497 reviews2019
Dev: System Era Softworks
Windows
Median: 11.5 hrsMean: 44.7 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Interact with strange new worlds in a unique and tactile way, molding the environment itself as if it were clay in your hands. Build your base, master resource management, automate your production lines, and more as you unravel the mysteries of the universe, alone or with friends.
Why similar: Space 24.8%, Open World 16.6%, Sandbox 15.8%, Building 14.1%, Exploration 9%
- #46 Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) 40th Anniversary Edition
67% matchMostly Positive79% of 73,147 reviews2026
Dev: Asobo StudioPub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 35.2 hrsMean: 164.9 hrs≥1hr: 98%
From gliders and helicopters to wide-body jets, fly highly detailed and accurate aircraft in the Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition. The world is at your fingertips.
Why similar: Open World 24.5%, Realistic 19%, Physics 17.8%, Simulation 17.6%, Multiplayer 9.8%
- #47 SpaceBourne 2
69% 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 30.9%, Science 28.9%, Space 16.2%, Open World 12.2%, Building 11.7%
- #48 Space Haven
67% matchVery Positive86% of 11,153 reviews2026
Dev: Bugbyte Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 21.0 hrs≥1hr: 71%
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 Sim 21.4%, Space 16.8%, Building 14.9%, Sandbox 14.2%, Open World 9.5%
- #49 Elite Dangerous
71% matchMostly Positive77% of 107,797 reviews2015
Dev: Frontier Developments
Windows
Median: 18.3 hrsMean: 149.0 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 32.7%, Space 21.4%, Open World 12.4%, Sandbox 6.9%, Exploration 6.7%
- #50 Starminer
68% matchMostly Positive73% of 1,894 reviews2026
Dev: CoolAndGoodGames
Windows
Median: 7.0 hrsMean: 26.4 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Design and build a massive interstellar fleet in this simulation sandbox. Strip space of its minerals for profit, but stay alert: your greed attracts the alien. Master deep base-building and deploy warships to protect your empire in immersive real-time space.
Why similar: Space Sim 27.5%, Space 17.9%, Sandbox 16.9%, Physics 11.9%, Open World 10.9%
- #51 EVERSPACE™ 2
68% matchVery Positive86% of 13,135 reviews2023
Dev: ROCKFISH Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 7.5 hrsMean: 29.8 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 37.1%, Open World 22.2%, Exploration 14.3%, Sci-fi 11.3%, Simulation 8.2%
- #52 Poly Bridge 2
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 8,237 reviews2020
Dev: Dry Cactus
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 17.4 hrs≥1hr: 67%
The acclaimed bridge-building indie-hit is back! More levels, more features, more physics fun!
Why similar: Building 29.3%, Physics 19%, Sandbox 18.2%, Difficult 17.9%, Simulation 7.6%
- #53 Interstellar Rift
69% matchMixed68% of 1,667 reviews2020
Dev: Split PolygonPub: Iceberg Interactive
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 35.6 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Interstellar Rift is an open world starship simulator with an emphasis on ship construction and multi-player interaction. Survive in a hostile galaxy with your own custom designed and constructed starship. Invite other players to join your crew or fight them across the galaxy!
Why similar: Space Sim 25.1%, Building 15.4%, Space 13.8%, Sandbox 13.5%, Open World 10.9%
- #54 Archean
67% 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: Science 19.8%, Space Sim 14.9%, Building 10.4%, Space 10.4%, Sandbox 10%
- #55 Nuclear Option
65% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 11,179 reviews2023
Dev: Shockfront Studios
Windows
Median: 9.5 hrsMean: 28.2 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Fly near-future aircraft with immersive physics across dynamic battlefields, facing land, air, and sea threats. Wage war against AI or rival pilots using an array of advanced weaponry, including tactical and strategic nuclear weapons capable of annihilating anything in your path.
Why similar: Sandbox 30%, Physics 27.2%, Realistic 16.9%, Sci-fi 14.4%, Simulation 11.5%
- #56 Kinetic Void
73% matchOverwhelmingly Negative17% of 1,558 reviews2014
Dev: Badland Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 76%
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 37.2%, Sandbox 17.3%, Space Sim 11.5%, Building 9.6%, Simulation 9.3%
- #57 Cities: Skylines II
66% matchMixed56% of 92,848 reviews2023
Dev: Iceflake StudiosPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 23.7 hrsMean: 77.2 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Raise a city from the ground up and transform it into a thriving metropolis with the most realistic city builder ever. Push your creativity and problem-solving to build on a scale you've never experienced. With deep simulation and a living economy, this is world-building without limits.
Why similar: Building 28.6%, Sandbox 23.1%, Moddable 17.9%, Simulation 12%, Realistic 9.1%
- #58 StarbaseSim
66% 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 33.7%, Sandbox 20.6%, Space 12.7%, Realistic 8.9%, Simulation 8.6%
