Games Like Universe Sandbox

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 17.6%, Science 14.7%, Space 12.1%, Sandbox 12.1%, Education 11%

Why You'll Like It: If your favorite part was freely exploring a scientifically grounded cosmos, SpaceEngine delivers an enormous realistic universe to roam.

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 18.6%, Space 18.2%, Science 17.6%, Sandbox 13.4%, Physics 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: It turns astrophysics into a playful sandbox, letting you experiment with orbits, gravity, and catastrophic failure in a hands-on way.

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 20.7%, Science 18.7%, Education 13.2%, Space 10.2%, Sandbox 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: Like Universe Sandbox, it rewards tinkering with real physics, but focuses that experimentation on designing craft and entire missions.

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 27.1%, Science 17.5%, Sandbox 16.1%, Space 15.5%, Simulation 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: This is a simpler but very approachable space-physics sandbox centered on building rockets and learning orbital mechanics.

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: Science 20.1%, Space Sim 17.8%, Space 13.8%, Sandbox 13%, Physics 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: Despite its rougher state, it scratches the same itch for large-scale space experimentation, launches, and physics-driven chaos.

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 21.3%, Sandbox 20.2%, Physics 15%, Education 14%, Space 12.5%

Why You'll Like It: It is one of the closest pure simulation alternatives, giving you a customizable sandbox for realistic orbital and space-system behavior.

The most scientifically accurate space warfare simulator ever made. Now with Steam Workshop!

Why similar: Science 24.4%, Space 23.8%, Space Sim 15.6%, Simulation 12.6%, Realistic 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: This ultra-hard sci-fi simulator shares Universe Sandbox's love of real equations, letting orbital mechanics and Newtonian physics drive everything.

Dynamic abstract sandbox universe. Changes and evolves as you do.

Why similar: Space 23.6%, Sandbox 16.7%, Space Sim 13.4%, God Game 10.2% ★, Open World 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a more abstract but still satisfying sandbox where you grow systems, manipulate gravity, and play at a smaller cosmic scale.

WorldBox is the ULTIMATE god simulator and sandbox game. A petri dish for your fantasy civilizations. Create your own world or destroy it using many powers. Watch civilizations grow, form kingdoms, colonize new lands, sail to far continents, wars to ignite, empires to fall and towns to burn!

Why similar: God Game 34.4% ★, Sandbox 28.8%, Destruction 18.5%, Simulation 9.7%, Relaxing 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: This is a less realistic but very fun alternative for players who mainly love being an all-powerful creator and destroyer.

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 20.8%, Space Sim 18.9%, Science 18.5%, Simulation 10.2%, Sandbox 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: It channels the educational, science-forward side of Universe Sandbox through realistic Mars exploration, rovers, and space-program systems.

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 29.1%, Sandbox 11.3%, Physics 9.9%, Open World 9.8%, Space 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: This one captures the joy of realistic Newtonian movement in space, emphasizing hands-on physics rather than arcade flight.

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 43.7%, Open World 21.1%, Exploration 10.1%, Atmospheric 8.5%, Sci-fi 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: Although it's more adventure than sandbox, its miniature solar system is a brilliant playground of celestial mechanics, curiosity, and cosmic wonder.

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 18.7%, Science 17.3%, Education 14.1%, Space 12%, Sandbox 11.7%

Why You'll Like It: Managing satellites and orbital paths here taps directly into the realistic, educational space-sim side of Universe Sandbox.

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 19.8%, Science 16.3%, Space 14.8%, Physics 9.4%, Sandbox 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: Its top-down mining sim uses believable thrust, inertia, and orbital movement, making space feel mechanical and physical.

Space Engineers 2 is a playable Early Access Alpha sandbox focused on engineering, exploration, and colonization in a fully destructible universe. Design and build ships, stations, and planetary bases while uncovering the story of Miro and Ivan Sokol. Help shape the future of the Almagest system.

Why similar: Science 15.4%, Space Sim 14.8%, Destruction 12.6%, Sandbox 12.3%, Space 12%

Why You'll Like It: Like its predecessor, it offers a more construction-heavy take on space sandbox experimentation with lots of room for creative problem-solving.

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 27.2%, Space 16.3%, Sandbox 15.7%, Physics 11.6%, Open World 11.6%

Why You'll Like It: Its space sandbox focuses on building and breaking machines rather than planets, but the engineering freedom and emergent physics overlap well.

Jump straight into managing your own planets as you guide a civilization through the ages. Build the ultimate empire in The Universim, a new breed of God Game in development by Crytivo.

Why similar: God Game 33.7% ★, Sandbox 24.1%, Space 18.4%, Open World 8.2%, Simulation 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: It trades astrophysics for civilization management, but the god-game perspective, planet stewardship, and disaster tools hit a similar fantasy.

Explore the cosmos as a comet, orbiting planets with a realistic gravity system and a backdrop of procedurally generated nebulae. Learn to use planetary gravity to your advantage, and relax in the ambience of space.

Why similar: Space Sim 25.3%, Space 19.4%, Physics 12.8%, Sandbox 11.7%, Relaxing 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: If you enjoy the clean orbital side of Universe Sandbox, this gives you elegant puzzle-like experimentation with gravity and trajectories.

A dynamic soft-body physics vehicle simulator capable of doing just about anything.

Why similar: Destruction 26.2%, Sandbox 19.3%, Physics 17.1%, Open World 14.4%, Realistic 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: For pure simulation and spectacular physical destruction, few sandboxes rival the 'what happens if we try this?' appeal of Universe Sandbox.

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 20.5%, Space Sim 17.5%, Destruction 17.1%, Sandbox 13.4%, Physics 12.2%

Why You'll Like It: Its tactile, physics-aware destruction in orbit appeals if your favorite part of Universe Sandbox is methodically breaking complex things apart.

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 24.7%, Space Sim 21%, Sandbox 19.7%, Simulation 11.2%, Open World 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: It emphasizes designing and flying your own ships in a freeform space sandbox, echoing the toybox side of Universe Sandbox.

Be the architect of your own universe with Spore, an exciting single-player adventure. From Single Cell to Galactic God, evolve your creature in a universe of your own creations.

Why similar: Science 21.7%, God Game 19.6% ★, Space 14.8%, Sandbox 14.8%, Open World 11.3%

Why You'll Like It: It's far less realistic, but the journey from creation to cosmic-scale play captures a similar fascination with shaping worlds and life.

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 34.7%, Space 19.1%, Sandbox 14.7%, Physics 10.7%, Open World 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: Building weird machines and testing them in a physics-driven space setting makes it a great fit for experimentation-minded players.

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

Why similar: Space 27%, Open World 20.7%, Space Sim 19%, Sandbox 14.9%, Sci-fi 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: It is less scientific, but its vast planets, open-ended experimentation, and planetary awe make it a strong thematic alternative.

Wrangle the hands and arms of a 1970s space cosmonaut and push, pull and twist your way through an increasingly precarious range of physically simulated stellar scenarios, where without gravity, nothing is still, nothing is secure, and nothing is simple.

Why similar: Space 39.2%, Physics 31%, Simulation 16%, Atmospheric 9.3%, Indie 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: This is a smaller-scale take on realistic space physics, turning zero-gravity motion and tasks into a playful systems sandbox.

Manipulate climate, add plants and evolve creatures in this planet and life sandbox simulation game. From cells to civilizations, spread life throughout the whole planet. Or just enjoy watching your creation burn!

Why similar: Science 23.8%, God Game 21.1% ★, Sandbox 15.9%, Education 11.2%, Space 8.1%

Prepare the perfect heist in a fully destructible, simulated voxel world. Tear down walls with vehicles or use explosives to create your own shortcuts. Shape the environment to your advantage in the most creative ways you can imagine. Play solo or with up to 12 players in multiplayer.

Why similar: Destruction 34.6%, Sandbox 25.9%, Physics 19.6%, Realistic 8.7%, Simulation 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Its voxel destruction and improvisational sandbox energy make it a strong pick if the seed game's chaos is what you love most.

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: Destruction 34.4%, Sandbox 30.1%, Physics 22.3%, Simulation 13.2%

Why You'll Like It: It replaces planets with siege machines, but the creative build-test-destroy cycle and emergent physics are very much in the same spirit.

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 38.9%, Physics 28.6%, Open World 24.9%, Exploration 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: If you enjoy designing systems and then watching physics decide whether they work, SimplePlanes delivers that sandbox loop beautifully.

"Falling sand" style particle sandbox, now with circuits and stickmen!

Why similar: God Game 16.5% ★, Science 15.2%, Destruction 14.5%, Sandbox 14.4%, Education 14.2%

Start as an asteroid, grow by absorbing other celestial bodies to become a planet, a star, and ultimately a black hole. Experience realistic gravity and orbital physics in an ever-evolving sandbox universe.

Why similar: Space Sim 20.8%, Space 15.2%, God Game 14.1% ★, Sandbox 12.1%, Physics 9.9%

Shape breathtaking worlds in Terra Firma 2, a vast simulation where your creations evolve through the forces of nature. Sculpt the land, then watch as weather, erosion, and life itself transform your world into a dynamic, living ecosystem- right down to every plant and creature.

Why similar: God Game 18.9% ★, Sandbox 15.9%, Science 15.3%, Physics 10.6%, Destruction 7.4%

Explore the Solar System. Mine and drop asteroids. Colonize and terraform. Lead the space race and compete with other corporations on your way to profit. Watch the expansion of human race over the centuries.

Why similar: Science 19.2%, Space Sim 18.6%, Space 14.2%, Sandbox 12.3%, Physics 9.1%

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: Destruction 28%, Sandbox 26.4%, Open World 16.6%, Physics 15.2%, Family Friendly 7.6%

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 18.3%, Science 17%, Space 12.6%, Education 11.8%, Sandbox 11.5%

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 28.9%, Sandbox 16.7%, Education 13.2%, Space 9.4%, Simulation 8.5%

A simple black hole simulator.

Why similar: Space Sim 28.6%, Science 18.5%, Sandbox 15.8%, Simulation 7.4%, Realistic 7.2%

Create, Collect, and Crash in Autocraft, a physics destruction sandbox. Create your own cars, rockets, tanks, planes, boats, and more.

Why similar: Sandbox 28.4%, Space 18.5%, Physics 16.1%, Space Sim 14.3%, Simulation 12.2%

A fictional universe sandbox/exploration game. 🪐☄️✨ Shape your own solar system by terraforming planets. Find new species and make beautiful ecosystems . . . or breed destruction with volcanos, lightning storms and wildfires!

Why similar: Space Sim 27.8%, God Game 20.9% ★, Sandbox 16.3%, Space 14.7%, Simulation 7.8%

Falling-sand sandbox game with 500+ elements, chemistry, fire, life, food, and anything you can imagine.

Why similar: Science 27.6%, God Game 21.1% ★, Education 20.3%, Sandbox 18.7%, Relaxing 5.6%

Welcome to Ultimate Epic Battle Simulator 2, the most ridiculous and insane battle simulator in existence! Create eye watering battles with hundreds of thousands, even millions of characters on screen! Jump into multiple campaigns in game or player made, or play in sandbox mode and FPS invasion

Why similar: God Game 37.5% ★, Sandbox 32.3%, Simulation 14.9%, Realistic 10.5%, Exploration 4.9%

FIREWORKS MANIA is a small casual explosive simulator game where you play around with fireworks, create beautiful firework shows or just blow stuff up.

Why similar: Sandbox 32.4%, Destruction 21.7%, Physics 19.9%, Simulation 9.9%, Exploration 5.7%

Use your godly powers to craft amazing pixel worlds or destroy the universe! Play with physics, over 200 elements and controllable heroes. Make your own games or levels, and then share your creations online. There are no limits to your creativity and imagination!

Why similar: Sandbox 36.4%, God Game 22.6% ★, Destruction 16.3%, Physics 11.5%, Simulation 9.8%

Play with evolution! Species: ALRE is a scientifically-grounded, emergent simulation of natural selection. Creatures evolve and speciate in response to in-game mutation and selection forces, allowing you to experience and tinker with evolution in real-time.

Why similar: Science 27.6%, Sandbox 24.4%, God Game 21.8% ★, Simulation 12.5%, Education 6.7%

Take control of your own starship and blaze your trail in an ever-changing galaxy. Master the arts of combat, mining and trade or venture out into the unknown across a 1:1 scale universe.

Why similar: Space Sim 40.4%, Space 22.7%, Open World 14.4%, Sandbox 8%, Simulation 6.2%

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 20.9%, Science 19.4%, Sandbox 13.2%, Space 12.6%, Open World 9.5%

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 32.3%, Space Sim 21.2%, Sandbox 20%, Simulation 13.1%, Sci-fi 4.8%

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 24.6%, Science 18.9%, Space 14.9%, Physics 7.5%, Simulation 6.5%

Overview is a mind-changing experience about our position in the Universe. With a narrative and an interactive mode, it features realistic imagery and accurate data to leave you in awe and wonder at the vastness of the Cosmos.

Why similar: Science 20.3%, Space Sim 20.1%, Education 17.5%, Space 12.7%, Physics 8.7%

Ages of Conflict is a versatile Map Simulation game where you create and observe custom AI nations battle it out across an infinite number of worlds. Paint beautiful maps and scenarios, and command nations to change history into your liking!

Why similar: God Game 44.8% ★, Sandbox 36.9%, Simulation 15.4%, Casual 2.9%

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 31.5%, Destruction 28.6%, Simulation 16.6%, Physics 15.2%, Indie 4.9%

A single-developer passion project. A seamless full scale solar system. Thrilling action. Be part of an incredible journey as a Universe is built from the ground up!

Why similar: Space 30.3%, Space Sim 18%, Open World 16.6%, Sandbox 16.5%, Sci-fi 5.2%

Fantasy Map Simulator: Create and watch imaginary worlds evolve over centuries. Design maps, simulate nations and their politics, and control destinies. See empires rise and fall on your desktop wallpaper. A unique simulation for history buffs and creative minds.

Why similar: God Game 49.9% ★, Sandbox 39.3%, Simulation 8.9%, Indie 1.9%

Shoot, stab, burn, poison, tear, vaporise, or crush ragdolls in a large open space.

Why similar: Sandbox 41.6%, Destruction 24.7%, Physics 22.7%, Simulation 8%, Indie 1.8%

Slowmotion, gravitation control, destructible terrain, blackhole and much more! Destroy a small (huuge) building, using different types of weapons (even custom). When you get tired of exploding prepared structures, you can always visit the map editor to build whatever you want.

Why similar: Destruction 20.9%, Sandbox 17.5%, God Game 16.8% ★, Physics 12.3%, Open World 9%

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 28.4%, Space 27.6%, Sandbox 15.4%, Open World 10.3%, Simulation 8.9%

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 27.6%, Space 19.5%, Education 16.5%, Physics 13.3%, Simulation 8.9%

Water Physics Simulation & Sandbox! Build ships and let them sink! Build cars and let them sink! Use bombs and destroy ragdolls. Play with natural disasters or create towns.

Why similar: Sandbox 24.3%, Destruction 21.9%, Physics 16.5%, God Game 15.3% ★, Simulation 12.8%