Games Like Space Trader: Merchant Marine

You are the captain of a starship venturing through a massive open universe. Customize your crew and take command at the helm of your very own ship as you explore a galaxy torn apart by internal strife, alien threats, and political intrigue.

Why similar: Economy 27.2%, Management 22.2%, Open World 18.6%, Sci-fi 18.3%, Strategy 13.7%

Why You'll Like It: It perfectly captures the mercenary lifestyle, blending complex trading, ship management, and tactical combat in a rich sci-fi universe.

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: Economy 23.5%, Open World 17.5%, Management 14.2%, First-Person 11.7%, Strategy 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: This is the gold standard for space-trading simulations, offering a massive, player-driven economy that rewards shrewd business deals and tactical fleet management.

A space trader & combat sim meets squad-RPG, large scale conquest, choice driven gameplay with fluid & punchy tactical real-time combat set in a dynamic open-world sandbox.

Why similar: Cyberpunk 29.1%, Open World 23.3%, Strategy 22.2%, Sci-fi 14.3%, Choices Matter 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: A blend of trading and tactical combat that captures the indie, low-budget charm and gameplay loop of the seed game.

Out of cash, out of luck, out on the fringe. Juno Markev has a killer to tail, a debt to pay, and more trouble headed her way. Rebel Galaxy Outlaw takes place in a greasy, blue-collar world of outlaws, truckers, cops and thieves.

Why similar: Open World 37.8%, Sci-fi 22.3%, First-Person 17.9%, 3D 12.9%, Action 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers a gritty, action-heavy space experience that mirrors the mercenary-for-hire vibe of the seed game.

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: Shooter 41.8%, Open World 34.2%, Sci-fi 16%, Action 8%

Why You'll Like It: This title combines fast-paced arcade shooter combat with satisfying loot-based trading and exploration elements.

Explore the vast reaches of VoidExpanse -- mine asteroids, upgrade your ship, trade, complete missions, advance your character and survive fast-paced combat with hostile aliens and mercenaries in the rich and exciting Sci-Fi universe of VoidExpanse!

Why similar: Open World 32.1%, Character Customization 25%, Sci-fi 18.1%, Strategy 17%, Action 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A top-down action-RPG that emphasizes the open-world trading and combat progression found in Space Trader.

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: Open World 47.7%, Sci-fi 23.8%, First-Person 15.7%, Strategy 7.3%, Action 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: It offers an unparalleled sense of scale for space trading, allowing players to act as independent pilots navigating a dangerous, realistic galaxy.

Choose your own destiny as you explore an open-world procedurally generated galaxy where anything is possible. Become a miner, a trader, a bounty hunter, a pirate, or perhaps a jack of all trades. Start off small and build your way to the top but remember with every action, comes consequences.

Why similar: Open World 55.2%, Sci-fi 29.1%, Action 15.7%

Why You'll Like It: An action-oriented space RPG that focuses heavily on looting, trading, and upgrading your ship to survive hostile sectors.

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: Economy 32.1%, Open World 25.1%, Management 17.2%, Sci-fi 14.2%, 3D 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: This sandbox game allows you to build your own ships from scratch, focusing on the core loop of mining, trading, and fighting in deep space.

Cosmonautica is a fresh take on space trading in a procedurally generated universe, paired with quirky humor for your intergalactic enjoyment.

Why similar: Diplomacy 33.5% ★, Economy 18.6%, Management 11.5%, Choices Matter 10.3%, Open World 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A quirky space-trading sim that balances economic management with crew interactions and ship maintenance.

Rebel Galaxy is a swashbuckling space adventure, with action-packed combat, exploration, discovery, trade, and “negotiation” with the outlandish denizens at the edge of the known universe.

Why similar: Open World 51.4%, Sci-fi 31.5%, Action 8%, Strategy 4.8%, Shooter 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on broadside combat and trading, providing a satisfying sense of progression as you upgrade your vessel.

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: Open World 45.5%, Sci-fi 27.9%, First-Person 26.6%

Why You'll Like It: A unique take on space trading that focuses on the literal act of hauling cargo through dangerous space lanes.

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: Sci-fi 36.6%, First-Person 26.3%, Strategy 19.8%, Open World 14.8%, Action 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: While more focused on salvage, it captures the 'blue-collar' space worker aesthetic and the grind of earning credits in a corporate-dominated galaxy.

Lean on your network of in-game friends and family to trade, mine and explore in this genre-busting space simulation.

Why You'll Like It: A procedural space-trading game that emphasizes the social and economic interactions of a living, breathing galaxy.

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: Open World 36.3%, Strategy 34.9%, Sci-fi 15.7%, Action 13.1%

Why You'll Like It: It features a dynamic, persistent universe where trading and combat are essential for building your faction and surviving.

Start with nothing... End with everything! All you have is a basic ship, barely fit for combat, with it you'll start your journey and empire. A open world space sandbox, inspired by and expanding the classics.

Why similar: Open World 36.4%, Strategy 22.3%, Sci-fi 19%, 3D 12.9%, Action 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: Combines space-sim, action, and strategy, allowing for a diverse gameplay experience that shifts between piloting and managing.

Create a thriving space station in a lost sector. Face thrilling challenges head-on, from pirate raids to asteroid impacts, as you lead your company to new heights.

Why similar: Colony Sim 31.3%, Cyberpunk 14.2%, Base Building 13%, Economy 12.5%, Management 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the management and economic side of space stations, catering to the colony-sim interest of the seed game.

A hyperdrive malfunction sends Keith T. Maxwell tumbling through space and time to fight for his life against a mysterious alien armada that is wreaking havoc.

Why similar: Shooter 49.5%, 3D 20.6%, Sci-fi 20.6%, Action 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: A classic space-trading and combat game that provides a straightforward, mission-based progression similar to the seed game.

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: Base Building 30.2%, Shooter 26.3%, Open World 26%, Sci-fi 12.5%, Action 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the scavenging and trading loop, capturing the 'scrappy' feel of working in a dangerous space environment.

SAIL THE STARS. BETRAY YOUR QUEEN. MURDER A SUN. Sunless Skies is a Gothic Horror roleplay game with a focus on exploration and exquisite storytelling.

Why similar: Choices Matter 100%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a dark, atmospheric take on trading and exploration, focusing on the high-stakes nature of navigating dangerous frontiers.

Fight, explore the stars, trade, and lead your fleet across the galaxySpace Commander: War and Trade is an ultimate single player space-sim featuring spectacular graphics, intuitive combat and deep mechanics.

Why similar: Base Building 42.8%, Economy 24.3%, 3D 10.1%, Action 8.8%, Sci-fi 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a balanced mix of combat, exploration, and economic trading missions in a classic space-sim format.

Build your way to success! Trade your way to the top! Explore your way to infamy! Do it all your way!

Why similar: Colony Sim 48.9%, Base Building 25.3%, Management 13.4%, Strategy 12.4%

Why You'll Like It: While a colony sim, it shares the space-station management and resource-trading elements found in the colony-sim aspects of the seed game.

Trade your wares and eliminate the competition in a cutthroat world. Buy new ships and stations to mine and haul resources. Explore the vast emptiness of space.

Why similar: Strategy 47.5%, Economy 36.9%, Action 15.6%

Why You'll Like It: A deep space-sim that emphasizes the strategic and economic aspects of managing a fleet in a realistic setting.

Fight, loot, explore and craft in the living open world of Starpoint Gemini 3. Assemble your trusty ship and boost your RPG skills to face all challenges.

Why similar: Dark Humor 36%, Open World 25.3%, Sci-fi 16%, First-Person 15.7%, Action 7%

Why You'll Like It: An action-focused space RPG that provides a cinematic experience while maintaining core trading and exploration mechanics.

Run a market on your space station. Restore and upgrade the station, expand your services, and sell to a variety of alien customers. Experience the challenge of managing a business in space and growing your market

Why similar: Economy 30.5%, Management 19.3%, Cyberpunk 18.2%, First-Person 12.3%, Sci-fi 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the management and economic aspects of running a shop, appealing to the trading-sim side of the seed game.

FPS is a Sci-Fi cargo pilot sim, with an engaging emergent mission-driven storyline, with a real-time economy with free flight and trading, on an alien world to explore. All in customizable upgradeable, well-simulated VTOL craft with real weather, and flight dynamics.

Why similar: Economy 26.2%, Lore-Rich 23.1%, Management 13.8%, Open World 12.8%, First-Person 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the transportation and economic logistics of moving goods across a challenging planetary environment.

Explore the farthest reaches of Human Space in this open-world space adventure. Compelled to journey to the Galactic Core by a mysterious hyperintelligence, you must fight your way through dozens of star systems teeming with clashing empires, expansionist AIs, and fearsome xenophobes.

Why similar: Open World 56.5%, Sci-fi 31.5%, Action 12%

Why You'll Like It: A classic indie space-trading and combat game that emphasizes ship customization and survival in a hostile universe.

Oldschool action open-world sci-fi with a unique storyline, frenetic battles, crude humor, loose morals and cows.

Why similar: Open World 51.6%, Sci-fi 34.2%, Action 14.2%

Why You'll Like It: An indie sci-fi RPG that emphasizes action and exploration within a dangerous, procedurally generated sector.

You're in charge of managing the pawn shop in this weird galaxy. Make deals with strange customers, flip items, attend auctions and keep the shop going!

Why similar: FPS 39.6%, Shooter 20.5%, Sci-fi 13.6%, First-Person 13.3%, Management 13%

Manage your own pawn shop in the weird galaxy. Purchase and sell different items, attend auctions, stop thieves and keep the shop going!

Why similar: FPS 27.7%, Management 20.2%, Shooter 19.9%, First-Person 11.1%, 3D 8%

Buy, sell, and trade organs in a strange and evolving universe. Dive into the quivering innards of alien capitalism in the sci-fi body horror market tycoon game you didn't know you needed.

Why similar: First-Person 43.3%, Strategy 39%, Action 17.7%

Mech Merc Company is a 90s style mech combat simulator with business management elements. Buy and sell mechs, customize your mechs, hire and fire AI pilots, manage your business expenses, and complete tactical objective-based missions.

Why similar: FPS 25.3%, Shooter 25.1%, Management 20.1%, Sci-fi 13.9%, First-Person 11.1%

Fight, trade, mine, and explore the galaxy in this old-school space combat simulator. You are a freelance pilot who survived an assassination attempt. Travel the open world, chase bounties, get new ships, upgrade your gear, and, why not, maybe even save humankind!

Why similar: Shooter 27%, Open World 22.9%, First-Person 17%, Sci-fi 15.8%, 3D 11.5%

Star Merchant is a galactic trading sim where you become a space entrepreneur. Buy and sell items, fight pirates, upgrade your ship and try to meet your goal without going broke!

Why similar: Strategy 65.3%, Management 20.8%, Sci-fi 13.9%

Drifter is an open-world sandbox space trading game with a procedurally-generated galaxy 100,000 light years across made up of tens of thousands of star systems to explore and features an original soundtrack by composer Danny Baranowsky.

Why similar: Open World 57.2%, Sci-fi 24.2%, Action 18.6%

Why You'll Like It: A sandbox space-trading game that focuses on the freedom of exploration and the necessity of upgrading your ship to survive.

Run a shop in the zombie apocalypse! Trade batteries, craft stock, manage your staff, and fend off undead hordes. Will you be a hero, or profit at any cost? Your choices shape your store - and your fate.

Why similar: Economy 23.3%, FPS 18.5%, Base Building 15.8%, Management 15.7%, Dark Humor 13.1%

Endless Sky is a 2D space trading and combat game inspired by the classic Escape Velocity series. Work your way up from a relatively wimpy shuttle, cargo ship, or fighter, to a highly upgraded and customized flagship or to a massive fleet of warships or freighters.

Why similar: Open World 45.5%, Sci-fi 24.2%, Economy 17.7%, Action 6.6%, Strategy 6%

Run your own Shooting Range. Manage your supplies, rent guns, and sell ammo packs. Expand and upgrade your shop; level up your popularity to get even better equipment. Open various cases and sell the skins you got from them. Join shooting tournaments and much more!

Why similar: Gun Customization 25%, Economy 22.4%, Shooter 14.1%, Management 13.7%, Strategy 9%

Run your own Shooting Range. Manage your supplies, rent guns, and sell ammo packs. Expand and upgrade your shop; level up your popularity to get even better equipment. Open various cases and sell the skins you got from them. Join shooting tournaments and much more!

Why similar: Economy 37.3%, Management 23.6%, Shooter 16.6%, First-Person 9.4%, 3D 6.7%

A sci-fi colony sim driven by an intelligent AI storyteller. Generates stories by simulating psychology, ecology, gunplay, melee combat, climate, biomes, diplomacy, interpersonal relationships, art, medicine, trade, and more.

Why similar: Colony Sim 48.4%, Base Building 21.8%, Management 9.4%, Open World 7.7%, Strategy 6.7%

Uncover a goldmine in the used car market! Sniff out deals, buy low, modify, and sell high. Your journey from amateur grease monkey to car dealer magnate awaits. How fast will you rise in this lucrative venture?

Why similar: FPS 29.3%, Open World 23.1%, Management 20.5%, First-Person 16.4%, 3D 10.8%

Explore asteroid fields, trade rare resources, and upgrade your ship in Cosmic Miners. Navigate faction alliances, complete missions, and rise through the ranks in a dynamic space adventure where your choices shape your path to cosmic power.

Why similar: Cyberpunk 23.1%, Shooter 20.6%, Economy 17.8%, Open World 14.4%, Sci-fi 11.1%

Explore a handcrafted survival game with an emphasis on crafting and base building. Export manufactured goods to earn funding, manage colonists, defend against hostile aliens, and work towards terraforming Ceres from a frozen ball of ice to a tropical paradise.

Why similar: Colony Sim 40.9%, Base Building 17.6%, Open World 12.1%, Management 10.2%, First-Person 6%

Free stand‑alone Prologue. Shape a grand colony where every life bends to your will. Feel the weight of absolute power as you decree laws, then march into chaos, leading squads in roguelite FPS battles from brutal skirmishes to large-scale battlefields. Play Sector One now & wishlist the full game.

Why similar: Colony Sim 44.9%, Base Building 17.7%, Dark Humor 10.7%, Management 7.9%, Character Customization 7.3%

Operate an advanced mining ship in a fully destructible and open-world environment!

Why similar: Shooter 42.3%, Action 35.7%, Sci-fi 22.1%

Design your dream space station in Space Architect! Master the power of automation or 'hire' an army of crewmates to handle your ever-growing production. Mine asteroids, fabricate goods, and engage in interstellar trade to pay off the menacing Big Evil Corp. Will you thrive in the vastness of space?

Why similar: Colony Sim 41.6%, Base Building 19.1%, Economy 13%, Management 11.5%, Strategy 7.9%

Buy low, sell high, and short an entire universe of babies in this arcade stock market sim set in the world of Space Warlord Organ Trading Simulator.

Why similar: Economy 41.5%, Management 26.1%, Strategy 22.6%, 3D 9.8%

Fast paced FPS with high customizational freedom. From game mode customization to an in depth weapon tuning and attachment system up to detailed character customizations, while it was developed so you can choose to either go for high performance or graphical fidelity without an high end PC.

Why similar: FPS 29.8%, Gun Customization 27.1%, Shooter 15.6%, Character Customization 8.5%, First-Person 6.9%

In the anarchic world of Freeman: Guerrilla Warfare, only the mightiest warlord rules. Start with a pistol and a few militias, you will set yourself on a wild and ambitious journey towards world domination. Enjoy the immersive combination of intense FPS and sandbox strategy.

Why similar: FPS 29.2%, Shooter 23.6%, Strategy 16%, Open World 14.7%, First-Person 10.2%

Storage Dealer Simulator invites you to a world where your bargaining skills will be tested to the limits, and you'll never know what lies behind each door. Are you ready to become a top-tier trader? Join the warehouse adventure with Storage Dealer Simulator!

Why similar: FPS 43%, Management 21.3%, Open World 15.1%, First-Person 13%, 3D 7.6%

Objects in Space is a retro space game centred on 2D point-and-click stealth action in a massive open world. Players have their own customisable ships and can meet people, become a trader, bounty hunter, explorer, scavenger or all of them at once.

Why similar: Strategy 47%, Action 19.5%, Open World 18.9%, Sci-fi 14.5%

Navigate a living, AI-driven universe spanning 150+ planets and 600+ intelligent NPCs. Rise from a rookie trader to a galactic tycoon: manage storefronts, forge a Commerce Guild, and become the nexus between Factions, steering the fate of the Galaxy.

Why similar: Colony Sim 39.4%, Base Building 17.2%, Economy 16.5%, Management 14.7%, Open World 12.2%

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: Open World 37%, First-Person 23%, Sci-fi 17.6%, 3D 14.6%, Action 7.8%

The life of an independent mercenary is rarely without excitement. Your spacecraft awaits and your adventure begins in the Sapphire star system.

Why similar: Open World 51.9%, Sci-fi 34.1%, Action 14%

Explore and colonize a vast universe. Discover resources. Build cities. Make spacecraft. Walk aboard them. Operate their controls. Command a crew of NPCs. Lift off. Fly up through the atmosphere to outer space. Land on other worlds, anywhere, not at designated places. Build an empire.

Why similar: Colony Sim 46%, FPS 25.9%, Economy 17.2%, Management 10.9%

Travel. Buy. Sell. Protect. Fight. Do Quests.

Why similar: Open World 100%

Live your medieval trader life! Buy low, sell high and explore the world! Buy ships, build businesses, find or train captains. Deal with pirates, manipulate mayors and challenge traders. React to hundreds of events that shape your very own procedurally-generated world!

Why similar: Economy 52.9%, Management 31.3%, Strategy 15.7%