- #1 Kerbal Space Program
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 133,317 reviews2015
Dev: SquadPub: Private Division
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 65.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
In Kerbal Space Program, take charge of the space program for the alien race known as the Kerbals. You have access to an array of parts to assemble fully-functional spacecraft that flies (or doesn’t) based on realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics.
Why similar: Space Sim 22.7% ★, Space 19.2%, Science 17.9% ★, Sandbox 14.4%, Simulation 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: The definitive experience for rocket building and orbital physics that serves as the gold standard for the genre.
- #2 Juno: New Origins
96% matchVery Positive89% of 3,369 reviews2023
Dev: Jundroo, LLC
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 12.8 hrs≥1hr: 51%
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: Space Sim 27.2% ★, Science 20.3% ★, Space 11.5%, Sandbox 11.4%, Moddable 6.8% ★
Why You'll Like It: Offers an incredibly deep modular building system and realistic physics that closely mirror the complexity of rocket science.
- #3 SimpleRockets
96% matchVery Positive85% of 363 reviews2015
Dev: Jundroo, LLC
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 96%
I am excited to release my first game on Steam! SimpleRockets was released in 2013 for mobile and I've put a ton of work into it to get it ready for PC and Mac. It was inspired by KSP, and it offers a simpler 2D experience for building rockets and exploring space with realistic orbital mechanics.
Why similar: Space Sim 41.2% ★, Sandbox 21.6%, Simulation 12.7%, Space 12%, Physics 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: A classic 2D space-sim that shares the same intuitive building and orbital mechanics found in Spaceflight Simulator.
- #4 Tiny Space Academy
95% matchMixed63% of 54 reviews2021
Dev: Full Orbit Games LLC
Windows · Mac
Tiny Space Academy is a 2D space sim where you can grow your own space agency and explore our solar system with rockets you design! Learn basic orbital mechanics, run science experiments, and get your astronauts back to Earth safely.
Why similar: Space Sim 34.4% ★, Space 20.9%, Simulation 8.6%, Physics 7.3%, Exploration 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: Captures the charming 2D aesthetic while providing a surprisingly robust simulation of space exploration and flight.
- #5 Kerbal Space Program 2
94% matchMostly Negative27% of 31,135 reviews2023
Dev: Intercept GamesPub: Private Division
Windows
Median: 7.7 hrsMean: 19.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Kerbal Space Program 2 is the sequel to the acclaimed space-flight simulation game Kerbal Space Program. Enter the next generation of space adventure with exciting new parts, stunning visuals, fully revamped UI and Map View, and rich new environments to explore.
Why similar: Space Sim 20.4% ★, Science 19.2% ★, Space 13.5%, Sandbox 13.1%, Building 5.5%
Why You'll Like It: A modern evolution of the original formula with improved visuals and expanded capabilities for interstellar travel.
- #6 SimplePlanes
94% matchVery Positive93% of 10,799 reviews2015
Dev: Jundroo, LLC
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 12.7 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Build airplanes by snapping parts together, designing wing sections, and attaching engines. At any time, you can strap yourself into the cockpit and see how it flies with realistic physics. If you're not in the mood for building, over 100,000 airplanes are available to download for free.
Why similar: Sandbox 34.5%, Moddable 16.7% ★, Building 14.4%, Exploration 13%, Physics 12.7%
Why You'll Like It: Features a highly flexible modular building system that rewards players for understanding aerodynamics and flight physics.
- #7 Cosmoteer: Starship Architect & Commander
92% matchVery Positive95% of 12,431 reviews2022
Dev: Walternate Realities
Windows
Median: 19.3 hrsMean: 40.4 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Design and simulate the starships of your dreams! Command your ship or fleet in epic battles and manage your crew while exploring a dangerous galaxy. Play alone or with friends, test your ships in online PvP, and let your imagination reach for the stars!
Why similar: Space Sim 30.2% ★, Spaceships 21.8% ★, Space 17.3%, Building 7.3%, Exploration 5.8%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on 2D ship building and physics-based combat, perfect for those who enjoy the engineering aspect of space design.
- #8 Universe Sandbox
93% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 30,587 reviews2015
Dev: Giant Army
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 23.5 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Create & destroy on an unimaginable scale with a realistic physics-based space simulator. Explore the beauty of our universe and the fragility of our planet. Use science to bend the laws of gravity, collide planets, boil away oceans, fire epic space lasers, and customize your universe.
Why similar: Science 21.8% ★, Sandbox 19.8%, Space 19%, Space Sim 15.4% ★, Simulation 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: An essential tool for experimenting with gravity and orbital mechanics on a cosmic scale.
- #9 Flyout
91% matchVery Positive81% of 2,149 reviews2023
Dev: Stonext Games
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 18.4 hrs≥1hr: 62%
Build and fly realistic aircraft. Use free-form fuselage and wing editor tools and tune your engines to recreate aircraft from any era or design your own.
Why similar: Sandbox 32.8%, Science 24.8% ★, Simulation 16.3%, Building 11.3%, Physics 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: Provides an advanced building suite that allows for precise control over vehicle design and flight dynamics.
- #10 Stormworks: Build and Rescue
90% matchVery Positive90% of 57,601 reviews2020
Dev: Geometa
Windows · Mac
Median: 17.4 hrsMean: 111.9 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Join a world where you design, create and pilot your own air sea rescue service. Release your inner hero as you battle fierce storms out at sea to rescue those in need.
Why similar: Sandbox 45.4%, Building 16.7%, Physics 13.2%, Exploration 13.2%, Open World 11.5%
Why You'll Like It: Requires deep engineering knowledge to build functional vehicles that can survive harsh physics-based environments.
- #11 Celestial Command
91% matchMixed63% of 687 reviews2014
Dev: Romenics
Windows · Mac · 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 32.5%, Space Sim 24.8% ★, Sandbox 20.6%, Simulation 12%, Building 5.5%
Why You'll Like It: A 2D space-sim that emphasizes realistic physics and modular ship construction in a challenging space environment.
- #12 Space Engineers
89% matchVery Positive89% of 133,238 reviews2019
Dev: Keen Software House
Windows
Median: 9.0 hrsMean: 95.7 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Space Engineers is a sandbox engineering game where you design and build ships, stations, and planetary bases in a fully destructible environment. Explore planets and space, mine resources, survive hazards, and engage in combat alone or with friends in Creative or Survival modes.
Why similar: Space Sim 29% ★, Space 14.9%, Sandbox 14.6%, Moddable 8.9% ★, Building 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: The premier 3D sandbox for modular engineering and building complex space-faring vessels.
- #13 SpaceEngine
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 14,936 reviews2019
Dev: Cosmographic Software
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 47.7 hrs≥1hr: 66%
The world's first science-based photorealistic interactive 3D planetarium that models the entire Universe, using procedural generation for uncharted areas.
Why similar: Space Sim 27.8% ★, Science 19.4% ★, Sandbox 17%, Space 16.5%, Open World 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: The ultimate tool for exploring the vast scale of the universe with a focus on scientific accuracy.
- #14 Flight Of Nova
87% matchVery Positive94% of 513 reviews2022
Dev: Aerovery Lab
Windows · Linux
Flight of Nova is a simulator based on newtonian mechanics in which you control spacecraft in the Noren star system. You fly multiple types of spacecraft doing transport and search missions in an environment with realistic aerodynamics and orbital physics.
Why similar: Space Sim 32.6% ★, Spaceships 20% ★, Sandbox 11.1%, Space 8.8%, Simulation 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: Features realistic space flight and atmospheric entry mechanics that provide a grounded, immersive experience.
- #15 Nimbatus - Drone Creator
88% matchVery Positive90% of 270 reviews2020
Dev: Stray Fawn Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 42 minMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 40%
Use the Nimbatus Drone Creator to construct physically simulated drones and try them out in a virtual testing environment. Do you have what it takes to become a drone engineer?
Why similar: Space Sim 24% ★, Science 17.4% ★, Sandbox 14.2%, Simulation 13.4%, Space 11.1%
Why You'll Like It: Combines procedural building with physics-based combat, allowing for endless experimentation with ship designs.
- #16 Trailmakers
86% matchVery Positive92% of 34,107 reviews2019
Dev: Flashbulb
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 15.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Build the ultimate vehicle and explore a vast open world filled with challenges and adventure. Play solo or team up with friends in multiplayer to conquer the toughest obstacles. With a thrilling campaign mode and endless creative possibilities, Trailmakers is the ultimate sandbox for adventurers.
Why similar: Space 34.5%, Sandbox 20.7%, Crafting 10.8%, Building 8.9%, Exploration 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: An accessible yet powerful sandbox that focuses on the joy of building vehicles and testing them in physics-driven worlds.
- #17 Aviassembly
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 8,303 reviews2025
Dev: Jelle Booij
Windows
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 6.9 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Build and fly your own airplane! Complete missions to earn money, upgrade your plane, and discover new locations in an open world.
Why similar: Sandbox 24%, Science 22.3% ★, Building 12.2%, Crafting 10%, Physics 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a sandbox environment where the focus is entirely on the engineering and physics of flight.
- #18 Starship EVO
86% matchVery Positive84% of 1,210 reviews2020
Dev: Moonfire Entertainment
Windows
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 55%
Mine and craft your way to orbit, build your own starship and explore a vast, dangerous galaxy alongside your crew. For players who love a meaningful survival progression, a unique and elegant building system, and epic space-opera scale.
Why similar: Space Sim 22.9% ★, Space 22.7%, Sandbox 18.6%, Simulation 9.9%, Building 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: Allows for highly detailed modular ship construction with a focus on functional engineering and interior design.
- #19 Rocket Science
85% matchVery Positive80% of 160 reviews2020
Dev: unbeGames
Windows
Take part in a space program. Design spacecrafts and send them off to explore the vast expanses of space. Experience the real scale of the Solar system and the size of its celestial bodies.
Why similar: Space Sim 23.8% ★, Science 18.3% ★, Space 14.1%, Sandbox 13.1%, Building 5.5%
Why You'll Like It: A physics-based sandbox that challenges players to design rockets capable of reaching orbit.
- #20 PixPhys
84% matchMostly Positive73% of 214 reviews2021
Dev: Red Starship
Windows · Linux
PixPhys is a 2D engineering sandbox with huge technical possibilities and scope for imagination: design equipment from a jet-powered cart to space stations.
Why similar: Sandbox 25.1%, Space 23.3%, Moddable 12.4% ★, Physics 9%, Building 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: A 2D physics sandbox that allows for creative experimentation with space-themed contraptions.
- #21 Space Simulation Toolkit
83% matchVery Positive81% of 475 reviews2020
Dev: Pavel Kudinov
Windows
Physics sandbox game that uses a graphics card as a supercomputer. Change the laws of physics, design mechanisms, create A-Life worlds and inhabit them with living beings, experiment with evolution and AI.
Why similar: Space Sim 28.2% ★, Sandbox 23.6%, Space 14.2%, Simulation 12.1%, Physics 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a sandbox environment specifically designed to test orbital mechanics and physics theories.
- #22 Archean
81% matchVery Positive88% of 236 reviews2024
Dev: batcholi
Windows · Linux
Gather resources, craft components, build vehicles, and code their logic in a physics-driven engineering sandbox and full scale space sim.
Why similar: Space Sim 23.6% ★, Science 18.2% ★, Sandbox 13.1%, Space 12.3%, Crafting 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: A unique sandbox that blends building with programming to create complex, automated space systems.
- #23 Space Mechanic Simulator
81% matchMixed63% of 117 reviews2023
Dev: Atomic JellyPub: Wildlands Interactive
Windows
Become a Space Mechanic! Get your hands dirty, explore the depths of space and repair broken machinery. Diagnose problems using diagrams and tools, perform repairs, manage your resources and watch the simulated machinery come alive. Or just gaze upon the beauty of the Solar System.
Why similar: Space Sim 33.9% ★, Science 21.6% ★, Space 17.6%, Simulation 7%, Building 5.6%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a technical look at the maintenance and repair of space equipment, perfect for fans of the space theme.
- #24 StarbaseSim
79% matchVery Positive97% of 59 reviews2025
Dev: AshtorakSimGames
Windows · Linux
Operate the Starship space launch system and learn how to catch a rocket to understand what it takes to colonize Mars in this ever-evolving simulation of SpaceX Starbase Texas.
Why similar: Space Sim 44.2% ★, Sandbox 22.4%, Space 12.3%, Simulation 10.2%, Realistic 4.4%
Why You'll Like It: An immersive simulation that focuses on the challenges of operating and maintaining a space station.
- #25 Reentry - A Space Flight Simulator
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,212 reviews2025
Dev: Lyra Creative
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 70%
Do you have what it takes to become an astronaut? Reentry is a realistic space flight simulator inspired by the early NASA space programs, from orbiting Earth in Mercury and Gemini, to the moon landing in project Apollo. Learn the procedures. Operate the spacecraft. Complete the mission.
Why similar: Space Sim 33.4% ★, Science 20.7% ★, Space 18.4%, Simulation 6.8%, Exploration 5.3%
- #26 Satellite Command
82% matchMixed64% of 80 reviews2016
Dev: Stormtide
Windows
Satellite Command is a realistic, relaxing astrophysics simulator. Complete contracts with real data, launch and take control of ever more powerful Satellites, research advanced technology and build your Space Agency!
Why similar: Space Sim 29.1% ★, Science 22.4% ★, Space 16.1%, Sandbox 16%, Simulation 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the strategic and orbital management side of space flight in a realistic simulation format.
- #27 Space Engineers 2
78% matchMostly Positive76% of 4,293 reviews2025
Dev: Keen Software House
Windows
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 58%
Space Engineers 2 is a sandbox about engineering and colonization where you build ships, stations, and planetary bases in a fully destructible world. Begin the story of Miro and Ivan Sokol, expand humanity’s foothold in the Almagest system, and fight to survive.
Why similar: Space Sim 18.2% ★, Science 15.9% ★, Sandbox 13.2%, Space 12.7%, Moddable 7.2% ★
- #28 Autocraft
82% matchMixed56% of 297 reviews2017
Dev: Alientrap
Windows · Mac
Median: 54 minMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Create, Collect, and Crash in Autocraft, a physics destruction sandbox. Create your own cars, rockets, tanks, planes, boats, and more.
Why similar: Sandbox 27.8%, Space 17.7%, Space Sim 15.9% ★, Simulation 10.6%, Building 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: Features a robust building system that emphasizes physics constraints and mechanical design.
- #29 Astrox Imperium
80% matchVery Positive85% of 1,210 reviews2019
Dev: Jace Masula
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 16.4 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 34.9% ★, Space 29.6%, Sandbox 16.6%, Simulation 8.6%, Open World 4.4%
Why You'll Like It: A space simulation that provides a deep progression system and a vast universe to explore.
- #30 TerraTech
78% matchVery Positive91% of 24,455 reviews2018
Dev: Payload StudiosPub: Mythwright
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.2 hrsMean: 33.0 hrs≥1hr: 90%
TerraTech is an open-world, sandbox adventure game, where you design and build your own creations through a mix of crafting, combat and discovery. Design vehicles from a huge library of blocks. Scavenge, craft and buy new parts to survive and become the ultimate planetary prospector.
Why similar: Sandbox 38.6%, Building 18.7%, Crafting 14.9%, Open World 10.7%, Exploration 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: A fun, physics-based sandbox that allows for creative vehicle building and exploration across alien landscapes.
- #31 The Last Starship
75% matchMostly Positive75% of 1,419 reviews2026
Dev: Introversion Software
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 10.4 hrs≥1hr: 81%
The Last Starship is a 2D space construction game where you design and upgrade your starship. Choose your path: pirate hunter, miner, engineer, spacebus driver, and more, whilst exploring vibrant star systems. Enjoy a growing sandbox world, with regular free updates. Your cosmic adventure awaits!
Why similar: Space Sim 30% ★, Space 15.6%, Sandbox 15.4%, Science 15.3% ★, Building 6.2%
- #32 Brick Rigs
74% matchVery Positive95% of 56,117 reviews2023
Dev: Fluppisoft GmbH
Windows · Linux
Median: 10.2 hrsMean: 77.6 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Build your own vehicles or download one of the more than 200,000 creations already uploaded to the Workshop and experience the dynamic driving and destruction physics of Brick Rigs!
Why similar: Sandbox 46.4%, Building 17.3%, Physics 13.3%, Open World 11.5%, Simulation 9.7%
- #33 Learn to Fly 3
77% matchVery Positive95% of 10,991 reviews2017
Dev: Light Bringer Games inc.
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 7.6 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Build your spaceship from scratch, earn funds and invest them into building a bigger, better spaceship as you try and fly your way up to space!
Why similar: Sandbox 32.5%, Space 27.1%, Simulation 13.5%, Physics 13.1%, 2D 7.8%
- #34 Space Simulator
79% matchMostly Negative36% of 162 reviews2018
Dev: Stuka Games IncPub: Brixton Dynamics Ltd
Windows
Realistic simulation of spaceflight in a full sized Solar System, with all the planets and their major moons. using real forces, distances, velocities and time. Chapter 1: The Apollo Days. Incredibly detailed Apollo Program missions starting with Apollo 8 lunar orbit missions.
Why similar: Space Sim 44.4% ★, Space 33.6%, Simulation 22%
Why You'll Like It: A straightforward simulation that allows players to practice docking and orbital maneuvers in a space environment.
- #35 Nimbatus - The Space Drone Constructor
76% matchMostly Positive79% of 2,144 reviews2020
Dev: Stray Fawn StudioPub: Stray Fawn Publishing
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Command the Nimbatus and craft drones out of hundreds of different parts. Survive unknown threats in a fully destructible, procedural universe, compete against other players in different arenas or enjoy complete creative freedom in the sandbox.
Why similar: Space Sim 35.9% ★, Space 17%, Sandbox 13.3%, Crafting 8.3%, Exploration 6.9%
- #36 Sinking Simulator
75% matchVery Positive85% of 4,380 reviews2019
Dev: WicparPub: Pac0master
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 3.2 hrs≥1hr: 41%
The sequel to the unfinished Sinking Simulator, now with a lot more POWER!!!! Witness your witty love of chaos and destruction sinking 2D ships and everything else on board!
Why similar: Sandbox 52.2%, Simulation 24.4%, Physics 12.5%, 2D 6.3%, Indie 2.9%
- #37 Next Space Rebels
73% matchVery Positive86% of 354 reviews2021
Dev: Studio Floris KaaykPub: Balor Games
Windows · Mac
SPACE IS FOR EVERYONE. In Next Space Rebels, you will develop from a naive rocket hobbyist into an experienced space activist by designing, building, and launching rockets of increasing complexity.
Why similar: Science 27.6% ★, Simulation 17.9%, Space 14.8%, Crafting 11.8%, Building 10.8%
- #38 Star Rangers™ XE
76% matchMostly Negative40% of 153 reviews2016
Dev: Project Whitecard Studios Inc.Pub: Awestruck Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Explore space and build on other worlds in Star Rangers! Star Rangers is a space exploration and construction game that allows players to build habitats and spacecraft, acquire gear and explore the solar system.
Why similar: Space Sim 22.8% ★, Science 17.1% ★, Sandbox 16.8%, Space 15.4%, Simulation 8.4%
- #39 Mars First Logistics
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 3,474 reviews2025
Dev: Shape Shop
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 10.1 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Build physically simulated rovers to transport awkwardly shaped cargo across the rugged terrain of Mars. Earn funds, unlock new parts, and use your ingenuity to help the Martians establish a new home. Playable solo or in online co-op!
Why similar: Space Sim 30.3% ★, Science 23.1% ★, Sandbox 16.1%, Building 6.9%, Exploration 6%
- #40 SpaceBourne
73% matchMostly Positive77% of 805 reviews2020
Dev: Burak Dabak
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 9.7 hrs≥1hr: 58%
Spacebourne is an open space exploration game with Rpg elements. Its world consists of different factions at war. You as an expert pilot need to choose your side or be on no one's side and create a force of your own. Load up your weapons, Ready your ship and warp to adventure.
Why similar: Space Sim 41.3% ★, Space 35.4%, Simulation 14.6%, Exploration 6.4%, Indie 2.2%
- #41 Stationeers
72% matchVery Positive88% of 8,897 reviews2017
Dev: RocketWerkz
Windows
Median: 9.8 hrsMean: 81.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Stationeers puts you in control of the construction and management of a space station to run by yourself or online with your friends. Complex atmospheric, electrical, manufacturing, agriculture, and gravitational systems require your thought and management at all times!
Why similar: Science 26.8% ★, Sandbox 18.2%, Space 18.1%, Moddable 10.8% ★, Crafting 9.7%
- #42 ΔV: Rings of Saturn
69% matchVery Positive93% of 3,305 reviews2023
Dev: Kodera Software
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.3 hrsMean: 11.6 hrs≥1hr: 85%
A physics-based mining sim, set in the thickest debris field in Sol. Every action has a reaction, lasers are invisible without a medium, and your thrust is a potent weapon. Find trade, adapt your equipment to your playstyle, hire a crew to help. Unravel the mysteries of the rings, or just get rich.
Why similar: Space Sim 26.2% ★, Science 18% ★, Space 16.9%, Sandbox 9.7%, Exploration 5.6%
- #43 Empyrion - Galactic Survival
71% matchMostly Positive79% of 34,087 reviews2020
Dev: Eleon Game Studios
Windows
Median: 6.3 hrsMean: 76.7 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 29.2% ★, Space 16.9%, Sandbox 14.1%, Simulation 7.1%, Crafting 7.1%
- #44 SpaceKraft!
69% matchVery Positive91% of 96 reviews2024
Dev: Game Dev Garage
Windows
Gather crystals, repair/run crafting facilities, upgrade your spaceship, build machines, explore the open world, find your way back to mother earth.
Why similar: Space Sim 43.5% ★, Sandbox 21.3%, Simulation 8.2%, Physics 7.9%, Building 7.3%
- #45 Jitter
67% matchVery Positive86% of 153 reviews2025
Dev: Berko Games
Windows
A sci-fi exploration & survival game where you take on the role of a spaceship’s AI. Explore, fight, and survive across a mining colony in the Main Asteroid Belt. Rebuild your ship. Rescue your crew. Reveal the truth behind your mission.
Why similar: Space Sim 36.1% ★, Space 19.2%, Sandbox 17.3%, Exploration 7.1%, Physics 6.5%
- #46 Mars Horizon
70% matchVery Positive84% of 3,058 reviews2020
Dev: Auroch Digital
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 9.3 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Lead a major space agency as you guide humanity to Mars in this strategy simulation game. Construct a base, design and build rockets, conduct missions throughout the Solar System, and write your own history of Space exploration. Created with support from the European Space Agency.
Why similar: Space Sim 33% ★, Science 24.6% ★, Space 18.7%, Building 6.6%, Exploration 5.8%
- #47 Sector Space
66% matchVery Positive96% of 53 reviews2025
Dev: Robin M. FarrellPub: Outer Vision Games
Windows · Linux
Explore a procedurally generated galaxy, mine asteroids, refine minerals, colonize planets, build stations, deploy drones, salvage rare items, construct gear, level up, improve your ship, assemble a fleet, engage in combat, and take on the void.
Why similar: Space Sim 50.9% ★, Simulation 14.3%, Exploration 8.6%, Space 8%, Crafting 6.6%
- #48 Take On Mars
72% matchMixed55% of 2,023 reviews2017
Dev: Bohemia Interactive
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 10.5 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Take On Mars places you right in the middle of mankind’s most exciting undertaking. Start out in the seat of a rover operator, finish as the first human to have ever set foot on the Red Planet.
Why similar: Space Sim 22.2% ★, Space 21%, Science 18% ★, Sandbox 10.4%, Simulation 9.3%
- #49 StarMade
71% matchMixed68% of 2,981 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 29.4%, Sandbox 25.1%, Space Sim 15.6% ★, Building 7.5%, Open World 6%
- #50 Sand:box
67% matchVery Positive94% of 1,486 reviews2023
Dev: smellymoo
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 54 minMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 49%
"Falling sand" style particle sandbox, now with circuits and stickmen!
Why similar: Sandbox 32.2%, Science 24.6% ★, Simulation 10.7%, Physics 10.2%, Crafting 7.3%
- #51 People Playground
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 308,374 reviews2019
Dev: mestiezPub: Studio Minus
Windows
Median: 7.9 hrsMean: 53.6 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Shoot, stab, burn, poison, tear, vaporise, or crush ragdolls in a large open space.
Why similar: Sandbox 44.7%, Moddable 17.5% ★, Physics 12.2%, Simulation 7.7%, Building 7.4%
- #52 Kinetic Void
74% matchOverwhelmingly Negative17% of 1,556 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 39.8%, Sandbox 20.7%, Space Sim 16.6% ★, Simulation 12.1%, Building 4.6%
- #53 Wayward Terran Frontier: Zero Falls
71% matchMixed68% of 536 reviews2016
Dev: Reason Generator Inc.
Windows
2d space combat like no other. From the perspective of a single crew member, explore the fully destructible interior of any ship in a massive living world. Engage in space combat with no hitpoints where you know your enemy is dead when you see them fall out of their ship into the cold dark of space.
Why similar: Space Sim 35.4% ★, Sandbox 17.1%, Space 15.5%, Simulation 6.2%, Open World 5.4%
- #54 Space Mechanic Simulator: Prologue
68% matchMostly Positive80% of 64 reviews2023
Dev: Atomic JellyPub: Wildlands Interactive
Windows
Space Mechanic Simulator: Prologue is a story prelude to the full version, which will introduce you to the world of cosmic repairs, greedy corporations, and cutting-edge technology.
Why similar: Space Sim 37.8% ★, Space 17.1%, Science 14.3% ★, Crafting 8.7%, Simulation 8.1%
- #55 Starbase
69% matchMixed56% of 6,702 reviews2021
Dev: Frozenbyte
Windows
Median: 14.3 hrsMean: 91.6 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Starbase is a hybrid voxel/vertex-based space MMO with a fully destructible and infinitely expanding universe, with a focus on building and designing spaceships and stations, exploration, resource gathering, crafting, trading, and combat.
Why similar: Space Sim 36.3% ★, Space 16.2%, Sandbox 16%, Building 8.2%, Simulation 6.4%
- #56 REAL MOON
65% matchMixed68% of 112 reviews2025
Dev: historia Inc.
Windows
Explore a precisely recreated lunar surface built from real data and a JAXA-backed simulation.
Why similar: Space Sim 49% ★, Space 20.6%, Simulation 14.5%, Exploration 9.2%, Open World 5%
- #57 Farlight Explorers
70% matchMixed56% of 205 reviews2019
Dev: Farlight Games Industry
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Extract and gather resources from different planets. Manage the supply of electricity, water, food and oxygen of your base in order to survive. Automate the creation of new products. Build a spaceship to transport your products to other places...
Why similar: Sandbox 36.5%, Space 25.7%, Building 16.1%, Simulation 12.2%, Crafting 6.7%
- #58 Habitat
70% matchMostly Negative40% of 261 reviews2016
Dev: 4gencyPub: Versus Evil
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Habitat is a physics-based space game where you build, fly, and fight with whatever you can find out in space. Upgrade and arm your creations with weapons and structures you find in orbit, fly and explore using rocket physics.Battle deadly enemies in Campaign Mode to save humanity or explore Sandbox Mode for true creative control.
Why similar: Space 46.3%, Sandbox 28.6%, Simulation 16.4%, Physics 5.9%, Indie 2.8%
