- #1 Main Assembly
97% 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 26.5% ★, Robots 16.3%, Automation 11.5%, Crafting 9.6%, Logic 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: Shares the core mechanic of building complex, custom robots and vehicles using modular parts and advanced logic programming.
- #2 Space Engineers
96% 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 25.9%, Space 12.8%, Building 10%, Sandbox 9.2%, Survival 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a similar deep engineering sandbox where you construct functional spaceships and automated systems in a destructible environment.
- #3 TerraTech
96% 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: Robots 21.7%, Building 15.6%, Sandbox 12.7%, Crafting 11.9%, Open World 10.5%
Why You'll Like It: Captures the joy of snapping together modular blocks to build custom combat vehicles and automated bases in an open world.
- #4 Plasma
95% 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 25.7% ★, Robots 13.7%, Automation 12.1%, Sandbox 10.2%, Logic 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on visual scripting and physics-based construction, making it a great alternative for players who love building custom interactive mechanisms.
- #5 Cosmoteer: Starship Architect & Commander
94% 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 27.8%, Space 15.4%, Sci-fi 14.8%, Building 12.1%, Strategy 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: Allows you to design custom spaceships from modular components and command them in tactical battles, much like Nimbatus.
- #6 Reassembly
94% matchVery Positive94% of 4,100 reviews2015
Dev: Anisoptera GamesPub: Indie Voyage
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 26.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%
A spaceship building and universe-exploration game. Collect resources, expand and grow your fleet, and conquer your personal galaxy. Stellar ambience by Peaks.
Why similar: Space 25.9%, Building 21.6%, Sandbox 16.7%, Strategy 11.1%, Sci-fi 6.1%
Why You'll Like It: Features modular ship building and tactical space combat within a sprawling, sandbox universe.
- #7 Starbase
93% 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 23.4%, Programming 15.3% ★, Space 10.1%, Building 9.4%, Robots 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: A massive multiplayer space game featuring hyper-detailed ship building, material crafting, and programmable computer chips.
- #8 From the Depths
92% 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: Crafting 17.4%, Building 17.2%, Space 16%, Sandbox 15%, Physics 12.4%
Why You'll Like It: Provides extreme depth in custom vehicle construction, physics simulation, and programmable logic systems for combat.
- #9 Juno: New Origins
91% 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: Programming 25.3% ★, Space Sim 22.4%, Automation 10.5%, Space 9.2%, Building 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: Appeals to the engineering mindset with precise rocket and vehicle building combined with custom visual programming.
- #10 Avorion
91% 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 33.2%, Space 15.7%, Building 12.4%, Sandbox 11.7%, Sci-fi 9.9%
Why You'll Like It: Combines procedural space exploration with block-by-block ship construction and empire building.
- #11 Interstellar Rift
90% 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 27%, Crafting 11.4%, Space 10.6%, Building 9.9%, Sandbox 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: A ship-building open-world space game where players design functional interiors and automated systems.
- #12 Infinifactory
89% matchVery Positive95% of 2,485 reviews2015
Dev: Zachtronics
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Infinifactory is a sandbox puzzle game by Zachtronics, the creators of SpaceChem and Infiniminer. Build factories that assemble products for your alien overlords, and try not to die in the process.
Why similar: Programming 33.3% ★, Automation 17.8%, Building 11.6%, Sandbox 9.4%, Puzzle 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: Satisfies the programming and automation urge with 3D puzzle design requiring clever mechanical solutions.
- #13 Astro Colony
86% 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: Space Sim 18.8%, Automation 18%, Space 15%, Crafting 9.2%, Building 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: Blends space exploration with automated base building and resource management logistics.
- #14 Hardspace: Shipbreaker
87% 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 Sim 21.3%, Space 21.1%, Sci-fi 13.7%, Physics 11.1%, Sandbox 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: Shares the sci-fi setting and an appreciation for zero-G physics, cutting tools, and structural destruction.
- #15 Autonauts
88% matchVery Positive89% of 4,970 reviews2019
Dev: DenkiPub: Curve Games
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 14.0 hrs≥1hr: 86%
In Autonauts you must build, create, and automate. Start by establishing a colony, crafting bots and teaching them via Scratch-style programming to build an ever evolving autonomous paradise of agriculture, industry and enlightenment.
Why similar: Programming 44% ★, Automation 22.3%, Crafting 9.5%, Building 7%, Sandbox 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on teaching simple programming and automation logic to build worker bots and establish colonies.
- #16 StarMade
89% 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 22.6%, Sandbox 14.1%, Space Sim 12.4%, Building 10.8%, Open World 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: A voxel-based space sandbox that lets players build massive custom starships and stations with automated defense systems.
- #17 Empyrion - Galactic Survival
85% 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 21.7%, Space 12.1%, Building 9.1%, Crafting 9.1%, Survival 7.5%
Why You'll Like It: Combines survival mechanics with creative vessel building and open-world space exploration.
- #18 Starship EVO
84% 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 Sim 21%, Space 20.8%, Building 16.2%, Sandbox 12.2%, Sci-fi 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: Offers smooth block-based ship construction and seamless space exploration in a vibrant sci-fi universe.
- #19 The Last Starship
82% 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 28.1%, Space 14.1%, Automation 11.9%, Building 10.5%, Sandbox 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the meticulous design and tactical management of custom-built starships navigating dangerous space sectors.
- #20 Space Trash Scavenger
83% matchVery Positive83% of 528 reviews2024
Dev: SquarePlay GamesPub: Paradox Arc
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 9.0 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Grab your jetpack and explore procedural asteroid fields, derelict spaceships and abandoned outposts. Build and automate your Space Rig to process scavenged trash. Craft, trade and fight your way home in this interstellar, open-world survival sandbox.
Why similar: Automation 15.2%, Space Sim 14.4%, Space 12%, Crafting 11.3%, Building 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: Combines open-world survival with custom sci-fi vehicle building in a debris-filled orbital environment.
- #21 Celestial Command
86% 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 26.9%, Space Sim 20.9%, Sandbox 12.2%, Strategy 10.5%, Sci-fi 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: A physics-based space strategy game where players construct stations and ships with realistic orbital mechanics.
- #22 Craftomation 101: Programming & Craft
82% 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 31.5% ★, Robots 17%, Automation 15.6%, Crafting 10.8%, Sandbox 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: Directly appeals to the programming aspect of Nimbatus by utilizing visual code to automate tiny robots.
- #23 Sandustry
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 5,238 reviews2026
Dev: Lantto GamesPub: Hooded Horse
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 9.6 hrsMean: 16.2 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Explore and mine fully destructible worlds. Automate increasingly complex production chains. Delve deep to uncover an ancient civilization’s powerful secrets and learn to love the sand in this factory game where every pixel is a valuable resource.
Why similar: Automation 18.9%, Crafting 14.6%, Building 11.6%, Sandbox 11.4%, Open World 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on open-world automation and crafting mechanics within a sandbox environment.
- #24 Between the Stars
79% matchMostly Positive74% of 2,502 reviews2024
Dev: Isolated Games
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 6.4 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Become the Captain of an interstellar cruiser and journey across the galaxy to save the Republic. During your journey you will have to make important decisions, improve the weaponry of your ship and fight against numerous enemies.
Why similar: Space Sim 30.1%, Space 22.5%, Strategy 9.7%, Sci-fi 8.9%, Sandbox 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi action game where you captain a customizable warship through dynamic space encounters.
- #25 Kinetic Void
84% 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%, Space Sim 16.1%, Sandbox 14.1%, Sci-fi 13%, Building 8%
Why You'll Like It: Features a component-based ship building system designed for complete creative freedom in space.
- #26 Mechanica
81% matchMixed63% of 640 reviews2020
Dev: Deimos Interactive
Windows
Mechanica is a multiplayer open-world survival game involving building and programming. Create your own bases, defenses, manufacturing systems and more. Explore the map and expand the scope and complexity of your creations.
Why similar: Programming 37.9% ★, Robots 13.6%, Building 11.1%, Automation 10.1%, Logic 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: An indie sandbox game centered around base building and programming automated mechanical units.
- #27 Sprocket
78% matchVery Positive92% of 13,075 reviews2021
Dev: Hamish Dunn
Windows
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 39.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Carefully balance mobility, firepower and armour in a dedicated tank designer. Then uncarefully put them to the test in a series of combat scenarios progressing through the ages of the tank. Here, your limit is what you can fit inside your hull and turret while still being able to move forwards.
Why similar: Building 38.9%, Sandbox 37.6%, Physics 19.7%, Action 3.9%
Why You'll Like It: Though focused on tanks rather than drones, it shares the intricate, millimeter-precise custom vehicle design mindset.
- #28 Space Pirates And Zombies 2
80% matchMostly Positive79% of 2,842 reviews2017
Dev: MinMax Games Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 13.4 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Design and then improve the ultimate mothership. Explore a persistent living galaxy populated by 200 unique captains that can do everything you can do. Survive the zombie infection and then fight them back. Make allies and start your own faction. Build your empire. Also includes Sandbox Mode.
Why similar: Space 29.2%, Strategy 14%, Open World 10.2%, Sci-fi 8%, Sandbox 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: Features modular ship construction where components are scavenged and snapped together to survive a hostile galaxy.
- #29 Besiege
78% 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: Building 25.4%, Sandbox 23.9%, Physics 20.7%, Strategy 17%, Puzzle 12.9%
Why You'll Like It: A classic physics building sandbox where you construct mechanical war machines to solve creative destruction challenges.
- #30 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: Space Sim 17.8%, Space 12.3%, Building 9.8%, Sandbox 9.2%, Sci-fi 8.3%
- #31 Desynced
75% matchMostly Positive80% of 2,067 reviews2026
Dev: Stage Games Inc.Pub: Forklift Interactive
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 18.9 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Desynced is a sci-fi strategy game with fully customizable units and behaviors. Gather, build, research, and explore the unknown. Alone or with friends, unveil the mystery of an AI on the edge of self-awareness and uncover the hidden truth in this blend of strategy, automation, and exploration.
Why similar: Programming 33.5% ★, Automation 17%, Building 9.6%, Sandbox 9.6%, Sci-fi 9.1%
- #32 Outerverse
79% matchMixed50% of 125 reviews2022
Dev: Tbjbu2Pub: indie.io
Windows
Build automated machines and weapons across the universe, beat massive bosses, experience cosmic events and explore unique landmarks in this quest driven automation crafting adventure game. Includes a manual scenario for crafting instead of machines for those not a fan of logic/automation!
Why similar: Programming 21.8% ★, Space Sim 20.2%, Automation 11.9%, Space 9.8%, Crafting 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: A crafting and sandbox survival game featuring creature creation and technological progression.
- #33 ΔV: Rings of Saturn
76% 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 29.8%, Space 18.6%, Sci-fi 12.2%, Physics 10.2%, Open World 8.5%
- #34 Nimbatus - Drone Creator
77% 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: Space Sim 21.6%, Programming 12.3% ★, Crafting 11.8%, Space 9.9%, Sandbox 9%
- #35 Astrometica
74% matchVery Positive82% of 3,211 reviews2024
Dev: BeryMeryPub: RockGame S.A.
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 19.3 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Astrometica is a space exploration and base-building survival game. After a catastrophic event, explore vast space, gather resources, build bases, and uncover cosmic mysteries. Use advanced technology, craft tools, and discover new blueprints to survive and thrive in the unknown.
Why similar: Space Sim 30.3%, Automation 13.1%, Space 11.8%, Crafting 11.7%, Survival 9%
- #36 Autonauts vs Piratebots
76% matchMostly Positive77% of 526 reviews2022
Dev: DenkiPub: Curve Games
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Create, automate and defend an impenetrable base. Assemble and command a Bot army to combat an entire Piratebot invasion. Build, program and battle your way through five different zones.
Why similar: Programming 24.1% ★, Automation 19.7%, Crafting 14.3%, Robots 11.5%, Sandbox 10.6%
- #37 Icaria
74% matchMostly Positive76% of 82 reviews2026
Dev: Blindsight Games LLC
Windows
Icaria is a robot colony builder where everything can be programmed. Build factories, design logistic networks, terraform the landscape, and explore an unknown alien world.
Why similar: Programming 26.7% ★, Automation 13.6%, Robots 12.1%, Crafting 9.5%, Building 8%
- #38 Stardeus
75% matchVery Positive87% of 1,562 reviews2022
Dev: Kodo LinijaPub: Paradox Arc
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.6 hrsMean: 22.6 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Stardeus is a deep colony sim set on a broken starship manned by drones and hibernating human survivors. As the AI, have your drones repair your ship, save your crew and travel the stars in this beautiful simulation.
Why similar: Space Sim 23%, Space 13.5%, Crafting 11.8%, Sci-fi 9.3%, Sandbox 8.7%
- #39 Trailmakers
73% 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 21.9%, Crafting 12.3%, Building 10.7%, Sandbox 9.8%, Physics 8.5%
- #40 Dyson Sphere Program
72% 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 24%, Space 18.7%, Space Sim 14.1%, Building 11.2%, Open World 8.7%
- #41 Astrometica: Prologue
72% matchVery Positive90% of 1,306 reviews2024
Dev: BeryMeryPub: RockGame S.A.
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Astrometica: Prologue is the free game about surviving in space. You need to use your skills and tools to stay alive. There are many challenges to face, and you need to fight to survive. You also need to build a new base in space.
Why similar: Space Sim 26.3%, Automation 11.8%, Space 10.7%, Building 9.6%, Crafting 9.4%
- #42 Spaceflight Simulator
71% 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 36.2%, Space 17%, Sandbox 13.3%, Crafting 8.1%, Exploration 6.7%
- #43 eXoSpace Combat Engineer
70% matchVery Positive87% of 125 reviews2026
Dev: Fantastimaker
Windows
Snap, rotate and launch your own warship in minutes, then pilot it into bullet-hell boss fights to hunt the galaxy's supervillains. Master intuitive engineering, evolve from drone to dreadnought, and use the fully gridless designer to build anything you can imagine!
Why similar: Space Sim 28.3%, Space 14.7%, Building 12.3%, Sci-fi 10.6%, Sandbox 8.2%
- #44 Astrox Imperium
73% matchVery Positive84% of 1,264 reviews2019
Dev: Jace Masula
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 16.1 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Astrox Imperium is a relaxing space game where you fly around a generated universe. Mining, Fighting, Building, Exploring, and Surviving. What makes this game unique? You have complete control of how it plays. A robust sandbox and lots of MOD tools. Make it your game, and play it your own way.
Why similar: Space Sim 36.4%, Space 30.6%, Sandbox 12.2%, Open World 10.1%, Sci-fi 7.8%
- #45 Archean
71% 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 27.3% ★, Space Sim 21.3%, Space 10.7%, Crafting 10.2%, Building 8.9%
- #46 Atomcraft
68% matchVery Positive95% of 434 reviews2026
Dev: Triplejump
Windows
A sandbox adventure where every pixel is physically and chemically simulated! Build intricate, fully functional machines from the pixels around you. Harvest, react, and manipulate all 118 elements to craft everything from simple tools to complex systems.
Why similar: Crafting 23.2%, Sandbox 18.8%, Survival 14.6%, Physics 13.5%, Logic 8.8%
- #47 Modulus: Factory Automation
67% matchVery Positive91% of 869 reviews2026
Dev: Happy VolcanoPub: Kwalee
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 14.2 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Build, automate, & optimize production lines across sky islands with real spatial constraints. Every production line is an open-ended puzzle: which operators to use, how to route your belts and how to fit your factory into the landscape. Your solutions, like your factories, are uniquely your own.
Why similar: Automation 21.2%, Building 13.2%, Crafting 11.5%, Sandbox 11.1%, Logic 10.3%
- #48 Autocraft
73% 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: Sandbox 19.8%, Building 17.5%, Space 17.2%, Space Sim 16.1%, Physics 13%
- #49 Kerbal Space Program
69% 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: Space Sim 28.4%, Space 23.1%, Sandbox 12.6%, Physics 10.1%, Building 9.1%
- #50 Penkura
70% matchVery Positive90% of 202 reviews2018
Dev: LionsArt
Windows
Penkura is a sci-fi base-building survival game where you construct a colony from a top-down command system, explore an alien world in first person, and use programmable bots to gather resources, build, repair, and keep your base alive.
Why similar: Programming 26.6% ★, Robots 16.2%, Automation 14.2%, Crafting 10.4%, Sci-fi 8.3%
- #51 Astronomics
67% matchVery Positive89% of 727 reviews2025
Dev: Numizmatic
Windows
Median: 7.7 hrsMean: 15.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Welcome to the asteroid belt. The work is dangerous, the asteroids are temporary, and Earth is prohibitively expensive. Build automated mining operations, complete contracts, and earn your way back home.
Why similar: Robots 20.6%, Space 19.2%, Sci-fi 10.6%, Physics 10.5%, Sandbox 10.4%
- #52 Starcom: Nexus
69% matchVery Positive90% of 2,322 reviews2019
Dev: Wx3 Labs, LLC
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 13.5 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Suddenly thrown into an unknown galaxy, you must explore, fight or befriend aliens and transform your ship from a small survey vessel into a powerful battlecruiser to unravel the mystery of the forces that brought you here and find your way home.
Why similar: Space 29.3%, Space Sim 24%, Sci-fi 13.8%, Open World 8.7%, Exploration 8.6%
- #53 PixPhys
70% 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 25.1% ★, Automation 14%, Space 13%, Robots 11.5%, Sandbox 10.2%
- #54 Prospector
67% matchMixed70% of 152 reviews2025
Dev: Loonworks Games
Windows
Land on a distant planet in this chill resource management game. Harvest alien resources, build and automate machinery, uncover secrets across the stars and strike shipping deals with distant colonies for exclusive rewards!
Why similar: Robots 16.1%, Automation 12.9%, Crafting 9.9%, Space 9.8%, Building 8.6%
- #55 SpaceCraft
66% 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 24.6%, Space 13.9%, Automation 13.2%, Crafting 11%, Sci-fi 9.7%
- #56 Space Haven
63% 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 24.8%, Space 14%, Building 10.3%, Sandbox 9.6%, Survival 9%
- #57 Rocket Science
68% 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: Space Sim 27.2%, Space 15.5%, Building 11.3%, Sandbox 10.5%, Physics 9%
- #58 Duskers
67% matchVery Positive90% of 2,819 reviews2016
Dev: Misfits Attic
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 10.5 hrs≥1hr: 59%
Pilot drones into derelict spaceships to find the means to survive and piece together how the universe became a giant graveyard.
Why similar: Programming 40.2% ★, Space 17.5%, Survival 10.2%, Strategy 8.4%, Exploration 8.4%