Games Like Star Control®: Origins

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 44.9%, Sci-fi 20.1%, Exploration 14.4%, Story Rich 7.9%, Action 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: It perfectly captures the feeling of exploring a mysterious galaxy and engaging in dialogue-heavy encounters with strange alien species.

Starcom: Unknown Space is an action RPG of space exploration and adventure. Build your own starship while discovering an epic story in a universe of strange mysteries, alien factions and uncharted worlds.

Why similar: Space 27.4%, Aliens 16%, Exploration 11.2%, Sci-fi 10.8%, Story Rich 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: An excellent refinement of the exploration-focused space RPG formula with improved mechanics and a compelling narrative.

Experience the award-winning space saga. Travel to hyperspace, discover alien worlds, and meet an eclectic cast of characters. Find out what happened after the Ur-Quan invasion. And if the war still rages, fight for Earth and the Alliance of Free Stars!

Why similar: Choices Matter 19.4%, Funny 18%, Action-Adventure 12.8%, Story Rich 12.7%, Multiple Endings 12.3%

Why You'll Like It: This is the definitive classic that inspired the entire genre, offering unparalleled exploration, humor, and diplomatic depth.

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: Third-Person Shooter 17.7%, Space 15.4%, Shooter 12.8%, Third Person 9.9%, Story Rich 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a high-octane, action-oriented space experience with a strong focus on exploration and loot-driven progression.

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: Moddable 55.7% ★, Sci-fi 23.1%, Space 21.2%

Why You'll Like It: A deep, complex space RPG that emphasizes diplomacy, trade, and exploration in a living, reactive galaxy.

Space adventure, open world RPG, strategy, arcade, quest and more!

Why similar: Space 64.8%, Sci-fi 15.6%, Adventure 8.5%, Atmospheric 6.6%, Action 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game mirrors the quirky humor and complex diplomatic interactions found in Star Control while adding deep sandbox simulation elements.

The Outer Worlds is an award-winning single-player RPG from Obsidian Entertainment and Private Division. As you explore a space colony, the character you decide to become will determine how this player-driven story unfolds. In the colony's corporate equation, you are the unplanned variable.

Why similar: Choices Matter 18.4%, Space 15%, Shooter 12.3%, Story Rich 12%, Sci-fi 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers a sharp, satirical sci-fi narrative where player choice and character interaction are at the forefront of the experience.

Fire up a wild ride across the cosmos with a fresh take on Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. In this action-adventure game, you are Star-Lord leading the unpredictable Guardians from one explosion of chaos to the next. You got this. Probably.

Why similar: Third-Person Shooter 21.2%, Choices Matter 12.2%, Space 10.4%, Story Rich 9.9%, Aliens 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: This title excels at providing a humorous, story-driven space adventure with a memorable cast of characters.

The Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition includes single-player base content and over 40 DLC from the highly acclaimed Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3 games, including promo weapons, armors, and packs — remastered and optimized for 4K Ultra HD.

Why similar: Third-Person Shooter 22.6%, Choices Matter 19%, Space 14.7%, Story Rich 14.6%, Sci-fi 12%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for story-rich space RPGs where your choices and relationships with alien crew members define the outcome of the galaxy.

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: Space 52.6%, Sci-fi 19.8%, Third Person 7.5%, Adventure 5.3%, Exploration 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses on the thrill of ship-to-ship combat and the atmosphere of being a lone captain in a dangerous, expansive frontier.

HIGH ON KNIFE DLC OUT NOW!! - Humanity is being threatened by an alien cartel who wants to use them as drugs. It’s up to you to rescue and partner with charismatic, talking guns, take down Garmantuous and his gang, and save the world!

Why similar: Dark Humor 34.6%, Shooter 13.4%, Sci-fi 12.1%, Action-Adventure 11.5%, Story Rich 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: Matches the specific brand of irreverent, dialogue-heavy, and comedic sci-fi writing found in Origins.

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: Moddable 39.6% ★, Space 23.2%, Sci-fi 13.9%, Exploration 10.8%, Atmospheric 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a complex, economy-driven space simulation for players who enjoy managing fleets and large-scale galactic operations.

Inspired by BioShock and System Shock 2, Void Bastards is a revolutionary new strategy-shooter that will test your wits as well as exercise your aim. Can you lead the misfit prisoners of the Void Ark through the derelict spaceships and myriad dangers of the Sargasso Nebula?

Why similar: Shooter 35.1%, Space 34.7%, Sci-fi 22.6%, Action 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: Features a distinct, irreverent sense of humor and a unique sci-fi aesthetic that fans of comedic space games will appreciate.

Strategy from the front lines! Starpoint Gemini Warlords combines 3rd person capital spaceship combat with 4X strategy and RPG gameplay elements. Build mighty war fleets and send them into battle or lead them into combat yourself. Become the Warlord and conquer the Gemini system!

Why similar: Moddable 37.5% ★, Space 30.2%, Third Person 16.3%, Sci-fi 16%

Why You'll Like It: Combines tactical space combat with strategic empire-building elements in a persistent universe.

Named Game of the Year 2019 by Giant Bomb, Polygon, Eurogamer, and The Guardian, Outer Wilds is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning open world mystery about a solar system trapped in an endless time loop.

Why similar: Space 32.6%, Exploration 19.2%, Story Rich 18.9%, Sci-fi 12.1%, Atmospheric 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the wonder and mystery of space exploration, rewarding curiosity and discovery above all else.

Shortest Trip to Earth is a roguelike spaceship simulator focused on exploration, ship management and tactical battles. Embark on a perilous journey across the universe with nuclear missiles, armed crew and a cat.

Why similar: Space 25.4%, Aliens 23.9%, Choices Matter 19.2%, Sci-fi 15.6%, Exploration 11.6%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging roguelite that emphasizes ship survival and exploration in a hostile, unpredictable galaxy.

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 49.4%, Sci-fi 23.3%, Exploration 18.5%, Action 4.5%, Adventure 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a massive, realistic galaxy to explore for those who enjoy the simulation and scale of space travel.

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: Space 36.7%, Aliens 20.2%, Sci-fi 15%, Exploration 13.3%, Atmospheric 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A sandbox space RPG that focuses on action, exploration, and character progression through ship upgrades.

3030 Deathwar is a unique mix of Adventure and Space Sim. Explore star systems, mine and hunt pirates in top-down mode. Leave your ship and switch into classic Adventuring mode, where you explore derelicts, talk to shady characters or head over to the space bar for a drink.

Why similar: Space 33.6%, Sci-fi 15.5%, Story Rich 10.5%, Adventure 9.6%, Exploration 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A quirky, story-driven adventure that blends exploration with classic space combat mechanics.

This "spaceship simulation roguelike-like" allows you to take your ship and crew on an adventure through a randomly generated galaxy filled with glory and bitter defeat.

Why similar: Space 62.1%, Sci-fi 32.2%, Adventure 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the intense, high-stakes feeling of managing a starship and its crew during desperate encounters.

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 54.3%, Sci-fi 20.1%, Action 11%, Adventure 8.9%, Exploration 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the role-playing aspects of commanding a starship and making critical decisions during space encounters.

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 35.3%, Sci-fi 31.8%, Exploration 15.5%, Atmospheric 10.8%, Adventure 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: Offers deep ship customization and tactical combat that allows for creative problem-solving in space.

No Man's Sky is a game about exploration and survival in an infinite procedurally generated universe.

Why similar: Space 42.4%, Sci-fi 21.3%, Exploration 20.2%, Atmospheric 7%, Adventure 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: The ultimate sandbox for players who want to explore a vast, procedurally generated universe at their own pace.

Roleplaying in the ruins of interplanetary capitalism. Live the life of an escaped worker, washed-up on a lawless station at the edge of an interstellar society. Inspired by the flexibility and freedom of TTRPGs, explore the station, choose your friends, escape your past and change your future.

Why similar: Space 23.4%, Sci-fi 17.7%, Story Rich 17.6%, Multiple Endings 16.1%, Exploration 11.3%

Why You'll Like It: A deeply narrative-driven sci-fi experience that focuses on character choices and survival in a unique space setting.

Take the role of Captain in this Space Survival Simulation as you explore a massive star system in search of a new home for humanity. Outfit your ship, hand pick your crew and set off on a journey through an open-world where you must scavenge resources, shelter civilians and outrun a hostile alien force.

Why similar: Space 75.4%, Adventure 12.7%, Action 11.9%

Why You'll Like It: A strategic survival game that tasks you with protecting a fleet of civilian ships across a dangerous galaxy.

Darkstar One offers a fantastic amount of freedom of choice. The story-based missions gradually lead you deeper into the galaxy to new races, new technologies and ever stronger opponents. Explore a vast array of solar systems in search of hidden artifacts of ancient races, essential objects for upgrading your ship--the Darkstar One.

Why similar: Space 49.4%, Sci-fi 23.9%, Exploration 13.4%, Action 13.3%

Why You'll Like It: A classic space-sim that balances action-packed combat with a central, character-driven narrative.

Managing a fleet across a dangerous galaxy. Every star and planet holds untold riches and dangers. Each encounter will require skills in trading, diplomacy, and combat. Allocate power to engines, charge all weapons, and take on the worst the galaxy has to handle.

Why similar: Space 34.8%, Funny 22.7%, Sci-fi 21.2%, Exploration 16.7%, Adventure 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features a charming retro aesthetic with a focus on exploration, diplomacy, and managing a crew in deep space.

A Sci-Fi role-playing game featuring turn-based ground combat, space exploration, deep character customization and a massive living universe with thousands of star systems. Equip your ships with the best equipment you can find, gather a powerful crew of mercenaries and set out into the void!

Why similar: Dark Humor 38.1%, Space 20.3%, Exploration 16.8%, Sci-fi 13.3%, Atmospheric 7.1%

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: Space 37.9%, Moddable 28.4% ★, Sci-fi 15.2%, Multiple Endings 9.5%, Action 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: An open-world space RPG that offers a solid mix of action, exploration, and character development.

An intergalactic conspiracy threatens the fate of humanity! Team up with a wide cast of talking alien guns as you shoot, stab, and skate your way through the exotic locales to take down the bad guys and save your favorite species (humans)!

Why similar: Dark Humor 20.6%, Aliens 20.2%, Shooter 14.2%, Action-Adventure 12.5%, Sci-fi 9.4%

The Director's Cut of Strike Suit Zero delivers the definitive version with a graphical overhaul, restructured campaign and more content. Pilot the mecha Strike Suit across massive fleet battles where your dogfighting skills will decide Earth's fate.

Why similar: Space 51.2%, Sci-fi 23.8%, Action 14.1%, Shooter 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers fast-paced, cinematic space combat that emphasizes the action-adventure aspects of the genre.

Explore a vast universe with pulse-pounding action, side-splitting humor, and hair-raising plot twists in these 2 classic space adventure games.

Why similar: Aliens 13.8%, Third Person 13.1%, Funny 12.4%, Space 12%, Shooter 11.9%

As a space bear, human or any other race, venture forth into the galaxy, create custom ships, conquer new worlds, build new colonies and defend your very existence against those who would take what is yours.

Why similar: Space 68.5%, Sci-fi 31.5%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a 4X strategy perspective for players who want to manage an entire interstellar empire.

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: Space 23.7%, Dark Humor 22.9%, Third Person 15.7%, Sci-fi 13.8%, Exploration 11.1%

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: Aliens 29.1%, Space 23.7%, Sci-fi 14.6%, Exploration 13.9%, Atmospheric 8.3%

As humanity’s elite space trooper, you take on a heroic, action-packed adventure throughout the galaxy. Explore planets, protect colonies, and be the first to meet the unknown! Dive into the original story inspired by James S.A. Corey’s The Expanse series...

Why similar: Third-Person Shooter 21.7%, Space 12.8%, Aliens 9.1%, Third Person 9%, Shooter 8.4%

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 33.7%, Third Person 28.6%, Sci-fi 19.9%, Exploration 17.8%

In the distant future, the X universe faces a period of profound and irrevocable change. While the universe stumbles towards an uncertain future, countless adventures await as new enemies rise in search of power.

Why similar: Space 56.2%, Sci-fi 24.4%, Action 7.8%, Moddable 7.2% ★, Exploration 2%

INSOMNIA is a dieselpunk sci-fi RPG about the slowly degrading remnants of human society attempting to survive on an abandoned space metropolis. Develop your character, explore lovingly handcrafted locations, interact with peculiar NPCs and factions and try to stay alive in this brutal world.

Why similar: Choices Matter 13.3%, Third Person 12.6%, Sci-fi 11.9%, Space 11.9%, Shooter 10.6%

Take command of Naval Strike Group 7 and lead your fleet to victory in full 3D tactical space combat. Star Hammer: The Vanguard Prophecy is a sci-fi strategy saga that will test your skills as both capital assault ship Captain and naval fleet Commander.

Why similar: Space 38%, Aliens 35.6%, Sci-fi 14.5%, Adventure 11.9%

You've been abducted by an intergalactic megacorporation, Glorpo Inc! Work off your debt with your alien crew - abduct new recruits, take care of alien babies and cook up some questionable space snacks!

Why similar: Aliens 37.3%, Story Rich 24.5%, Sci-fi 16.5%, Funny 12.3%, Adventure 9.4%

Drox Operative is a starship action RPG with warring alien races, fierce space battles, a dynamic, evolving galaxy, and co-op multiplayer for Windows and Mac.Eons ago the Drox ruled the galaxy through their mighty Operatives. These elite starship captains were trained to accomplish the impossible at whatever cost necessary.

Why similar: Space 58.8%, Sci-fi 28.1%, Action 13.1%

Hyperjump into the dark recesses of space with Genesis Alpha One - a roguelike FPS where you must build, maintain and navigate your ship through a galaxy filled with hostile alien and human threats. Explore, create and survive the militarized space race in order to secure humanity’s future.

Why similar: Space 41.1%, Sci-fi 31.8%, Multiple Endings 27.2%

"WELCOME TO THE PIONEER PROGRAM! As the newest recruit of Kindred Aerospace - The 4th best interstellar space exploration company - Your job is to determine if the planet ARY-26 planet is fit for humans. You may be short on equipment and experience, but you'll figure it out. Good luck!

Why similar: Dark Humor 25.4%, Action-Adventure 21.6%, Exploration 19.5%, Adventure 9.9%, Action 9.1%

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 62.3%, Sci-fi 16%, Action 11.3%, Adventure 6.1%, Exploration 4.3%

Build and command a fleet of starships and travel between planets as you explore, build, negotiate, and fight to preserve your vision for humanity.

Why similar: Space 67.8%, Sci-fi 32.2%

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 61.3%, Sci-fi 19.9%, Action 9.7%, Adventure 9.1%

A sci-fi comedy adventure game

Why similar: Third Person 28.2%, Space 19.7%, Funny 19%, Adventure 13%, Sci-fi 12%

Take Your Creature From Zero To Galactic HeroGet out of your starship and turn your Spore creatures into legendary Space Captains. For the first time, beam down with your allies to take on action-packed, planetside adventures. Complete quests, collect rewards, and even create your own missions.

Why similar: Space 37.6%, Exploration 16.4%, Sci-fi 13.2%, Funny 12.8%, Action 9.2%

Star Conflict is an action-packed, massively multiplayer space simulation game that puts players in the role of elite pilots engaging in a widespread interplanetary skirmish. The whole world for PVP and PVE!

Why similar: Aliens 31.2%, Third Person 21.2%, Shooter 18.6%, Sci-fi 14.9%, Atmospheric 8.7%

Take command of a vast interstellar empire and safeguard your species from total extinction in a procedurally generated 3D galaxy (with the option to flatten it) from 1 System to 10,000+! Prove your species' ingenuity through a deep and intricate combat system where anything (from individual components on ships to the stars themselves)...

Why similar: Space 73.2%, Sci-fi 26.8%

Take control of Nara on a quest to destroy the dark cult that created her. Unlock devastating weapons & mind-bending abilities in an evolution of the space-combat shooter. Along with Forsaken, her sentient starfighter, explore ancient temples, engage in zero-g combat & venture beyond waking reality.

Why similar: Space 24.4%, Action 16.4%, Shooter 16.1%, Adventure 14.7%, Sci-fi 12.9%

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: Space 21.4%, Third Person 20%, Shooter 16.9%, Sci-fi 14.3%, Combat 11.6%

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 70.5%, Sci-fi 17.5%, Atmospheric 12.1%

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

Why similar: Space 25.1%, Choices Matter 20.4%, Funny 17.3%, Sci-fi 14.8%, Exploration 10.1%

Take on the role of the Lieutenant Commander, ace fighter pilot, as you search for a new home, battle a mysterious enemy, and rescue humanity from a fiery end.

Why similar: Space 62.5%, Action 37.5%

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 80.8%, Exploration 19.2%

Planets, aliens, resources, upgrades, caves, mapping & documenting star systems ... seek a new home for the human race. An all-inclusive (admittedly janky) procedural space-sim made by solo developer Schmidt Workshops.

Why similar: Space 29.7%, Aliens 26.9%, Sci-fi 15.1%, Exploration 12.8%, Atmospheric 10.2%

Time for your toughest mission yet! Recruit and train your crew to tackle the growing threat from alien and android armies as you defend Earth to become a Galactic Legend in Space Crew: Legendary Edition. All new content free to existing owners of Space Crew!

Why similar: Space 43.8%, Sci-fi 32.4%, Action 12.3%, Adventure 11.5%

Take on the role of a spaceship captain. Explore new worlds, and engage in intense ship-to-ship battles. Develop unique battle tactics, upgrade your ship, and recruit crew members as you fight for peace or piracy.

Why similar: Space 53.4%, Sci-fi 21.1%, Exploration 18.3%, Atmospheric 7.3%