Games Like X: Beyond the Frontier

Your journey to building a vast space empire begins behind the controls of a single ship. Explore the stars, trade goods, fight battles, build stations, buy and equip ships, and command fleets in a living, fully simulated universe that reacts to your decisions.

Why similar: Space Sim 19% ★, Trading 18.4% ★, Space 16.2%, Economy 10.6%, Simulation 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: The most modern and comprehensive entry in the series, offering unparalleled depth in economy, fleet management, and sandbox freedom.

It is the year 2938. The long wished-for encounter of the X Universe and the Earth holds both joy and sorrow for the people. Despite flourishing trade, the clash of the diverse races, cultures and life forms creates new tensions, mistrust and open conflict that need to be overcome!

Why similar: Space 31.3%, Space Sim 14.5% ★, Trading 12.8% ★, Simulation 10.8%, Sci-fi 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the pinnacle of the classic X-series, featuring a massive universe and refined trading and combat mechanics.

X3: Reunion continues the epic space saga, blending deep space trading and intense real-time combat. Explore a vast universe, establish your empire, and shape the new frontier. With enhanced graphics and intricate economies, it's a journey of strategy, simulation, and interstellar intrigue.

Why similar: Space 27.1%, Space Sim 17.8% ★, Simulation 10.1%, Economy 8.5%, Trading 8.3% ★

Why You'll Like It: A foundational title that expanded on the original's concepts with improved graphics and a more complex economic simulation.

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 30.6% ★, Space 27.1%, Trading 9% ★, Sci-fi 8.9%, Simulation 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: Provides the ultimate cockpit-focused space simulation experience with a 1:1 scale Milky Way galaxy and realistic flight physics.

X²: The Threat is of a new generation of space simulator games, you play the role of Julian Gardna who continues the story set by X: Beyond The Frontier. The updated graphics engine gives the universe a fresher feel with newly designed ships and stations adding to the complexity of the universe.

Why similar: Space 27%, Space Sim 14.1% ★, Trading 12.5% ★, Simulation 9.9%, Economy 8%

Why You'll Like It: The direct sequel to the seed game, which significantly improved the engine and expanded the universe's lore and scope.

Embark on a journey to greatness. Get ready for adrenaline-fueled battles and a chance to claim your place in the galaxy. Grab the controls of your ship, gear up for the fight, and unleash your ambition to conquer and build a new empire in the vastness of space.

Why similar: Space Sim 34.8% ★, Space 24.4%, Flight 14.3%, Economy 13.9%, Open World 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: An ambitious indie space sim that mirrors the X-series' blend of exploration, trading, and empire-building in a dynamic universe.

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 35.3%, Simulation 17.5%, Space Sim 15.1% ★, Sci-fi 10.7%, Sandbox 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a more streamlined, narrative-driven take on the X universe with a heavy focus on cockpit immersion and capital ship interaction.

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

Why similar: Space 32.8%, Space Sim 19.4% ★, Simulation 15.7%, Sci-fi 8.2%, Trading 7.5% ★

Why You'll Like It: A hardcore, physics-based space simulator that emphasizes realistic flight and a player-driven economy.

A procedural co-op space sandbox where players can build their own space ships out of dynamically scalable blocks. Fight epic space battles, explore, mine, trade, wage wars and build your own empire to save your galaxy from being torn apart by an unknown enemy.

Why similar: Space Sim 20.4% ★, Space 18.1%, Trading 13.9% ★, Economy 9.8%, Flight 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: Combines deep economic trading and mining with a unique modular ship-building system that allows for total creative control.

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: Trading 20.8% ★, Space Sim 18.8% ★, Space 14.1%, Sci-fi 10.8%, Simulation 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: Features a deep economic and crew management system within a persistent, reactive galaxy that rewards strategic decision-making.

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: Space Sim 21.5% ★, Space 17.2%, Trading 16.8% ★, Simulation 8.5%, Sandbox 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: Blends space combat, trading, and fleet management into a cohesive sandbox experience that feels very similar to the X-series.

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: Space 26.6%, Space Sim 22.7% ★, Simulation 10.5%, Sci-fi 9.8%, Strategy 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the strategic empire-building and fleet command aspects of space simulation, perfect for players who enjoy the later stages of X games.

Ambitious megacorporations monopolize the conquest of space and the colonization of the solar system. At the very edge of the solar system, the companies make a discovery that will shift the technological advantage and upset the balance. And so a new conflict is born: "The Jupiter Incident."

Why similar: Space 49.2%, Strategy 18%, Sci-fi 17.6%, Simulation 13.5%, Singleplayer 1.8%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the tactical and strategic fleet combat side of the genre, perfect for players who enjoy the combat scale of X.

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: Space 40.3%, Simulation 14.1%, Flight 13.9%, Sci-fi 13.1%, Open World 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a polished, action-heavy take on the space-sim loop with deep exploration and ship customization.

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: Space 39.4%, Trading 14.1% ★, Space Sim 12.4% ★, Sci-fi 8.6%, Simulation 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the classic trading and combat loop in a vast open galaxy with a focus on ship progression and fleet building.

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 49.8%, Space Sim 21.9% ★, Sci-fi 15.6%, Open World 6%, Exploration 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a rewarding loop of exploration, ship customization, and discovery in a mysterious, expanding universe.

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 38%, Space Sim 28.2% ★, Sci-fi 12.8%, Simulation 9.4%, Open World 5%

Why You'll Like It: Features a similar narrative-driven trading and combat progression where you upgrade your ship as you explore new sectors.

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 38.5%, Space Sim 24.9% ★, Simulation 14.3%, Sandbox 9.2%, Sci-fi 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A modern indie sandbox space sim heavily inspired by the X series, focusing on mining, trading, and combat.

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: Space 32.6%, Space Sim 22.4% ★, Trading 20% ★, Sci-fi 11.4%, Open World 7%

Why You'll Like It: A unique top-down space sim with deep trading and ship progression that captures the 'lone pilot' feel of the original X.

Guide a group of space settlers trying to establish a base on a remote planet. Grow food, collect energy, mine resources, survive disasters and build a self-sufficient colony in a harsh and unforgiving environment.

Why similar: Space 43.9%, Strategy 13.5%, Simulation 11.7%, Space Sim 10.7% ★, Sci-fi 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the colony-building aspect found in the later X-series games, challenging players to manage resources in hostile environments.

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

Why similar: Space 38.5%, Space Sim 17.3% ★, Sci-fi 13.5%, Open World 10.5%, Sandbox 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: Provides the ultimate sandbox exploration experience with extensive trading, base building, and ship customization.

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 51.2%, Simulation 27.7%, Strategy 18.4%, Action 2.7%

Why You'll Like It: Requires strategic management of a ship and crew in a hostile galaxy, mirroring the survival and resource-gathering elements of space sims.

Pandora: First Contact is a science fiction 4X turn-based strategy game on a planetary scale. Our Earth has been exhausted and colonial attempts on other planetary bodies have been in vain. Finally, after decades of exploration, an interstellar probe has brought promise of a new world.

Why similar: Strategy 32.3%, Sci-fi 24.7%, Space 20.8%, Simulation 19.7%, Singleplayer 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: Strategic 4X gameplay that mirrors the empire-building and technological progression elements of the X series.

Horizon is a turn-based space strategy game of galactic exploration and conquest in which you are in control of humanity’s destiny. You will explore deep space, find new frontiers and discover alien artifacts hidden on long-abandoned planets.

Why similar: Space 35.8%, Simulation 16.7%, Sci-fi 15.6%, Sandbox 13%, Strategy 12.8%

Why You'll Like It: A 4X space strategy game that captures the grand scale and empire-building elements of the X universe.

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: Space Sim 38.1% ★, Space 17.8%, Sci-fi 14.5%, Simulation 13.1%, Open World 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the gritty, cockpit-based dogfighting and trading feel in a vibrant, lawless sector of space.

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 25.9% ★, Space 20.7%, Trading 15.9% ★, Simulation 10.6%, Sandbox 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features deep ship customization and open-world sandbox mechanics that allow for complex engineering and combat strategies.

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 31.8%, Space Sim 22.4% ★, Simulation 13.1%, Sci-fi 8.3%, Strategy 8%

The ascendant spacefaring 4X strategy game returns! A new chapter in the epic Master of Orion saga is poised to once again capture the imaginations of millions of gamers.

Why similar: Space 48.9%, Strategy 34.3%, Sci-fi 15.1%, Singleplayer 1.2%, Action 0.5%

Why You'll Like It: The classic 4X experience for players who enjoy the strategic side of space expansion and diplomacy.

Get your dream job with a company called Project Freedom. Become a space pilot and serve for the corporation. You're going to get all the excitement and adventure you've ever wanted. Perhaps even more... 21 missions in the campaign Outstanding 3D graphics and special effects Original storyline with unexpected turns and surprises A...

Why similar: Simulation 42.4%, Space 38.4%, Sci-fi 11.8%, Action 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A classic arcade-style space sim with a focus on mission-based combat and narrative progression.

An expedition finds an artifact in an asteroid, teleporting the crew to an alien realm. Enslaved on a mining barge, they wield mech suits to survive, scavenging and scheming to escape—and wield the device that could rewrite Earth’s fate.

Why similar: Space 36.5%, Simulation 35.3%, Strategy 22.8%, Action 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses specifically on the mining and economic loop of space sims, which is a core pillar of the X experience.

This is the story about the beginning of the conquest of outer space by earthlings. It began as a global idea of saving mankind from hunger and lack of resources, and ended as a brutal and merciless war in space far from Earth.

Why similar: Space 48.7%, Strategy 18.8%, Simulation 16%, Sci-fi 8.6%, Exploration 4.6%

Help humanity to spread throughout the cosmos by exploring new worlds, building space factories and setting up trade routes. Research advanced technologies to increase efficiency and unlock new paths of development. Fight off other artificial intelligences in your goal to reach the Final Upgrade!

Why similar: Space 28.7%, Space Sim 22% ★, Simulation 12.2%, Sci-fi 11.2%, Sandbox 9.7%

X-Tension is the eagerly awaited expansion pack to X: Beyond the Frontier. The expansion is not limited by a linear plot line but makes use of new ways to expand your empire. You can now take part in missions that are offered to you throughout the game.

Why similar: Space 25.1%, Space Sim 20.6% ★, Simulation 19%, Sci-fi 9.4%, Strategy 9.2%

They're back...only this time the heinous aliens are out to destroy Earth and rule the new frontier. As X-COM commander, it's your sole duty to protect humanity and the prized mining operations in outer space.

Why similar: Space 28.3%, Space Sim 22.7% ★, Strategy 22.2%, Sci-fi 16.5%, Flight 9%

Exiled to a deep space mining sector, you are left with a crappy ship, a laser, and a small mining beam. It is up to you to survive by working your way through the galaxy. Mine asteroids, refine and trade the ore, buy upgrades for your ship, hunt pirates... you get it.

Why similar: Space 39.2%, Space Sim 23.2% ★, Simulation 19%, Sandbox 11.1%, Open World 5.9%

Forge an empire in a universe where population growth is stripping away planetary resources. Colonize unknown planets and trade with other races for their knowledge.

Why similar: Space 41.9%, Strategy 40.4%, Sci-fi 15.5%, Singleplayer 2.2%

Xenonauts is a strategy game in which you control a multi-national military organisation defending a Cold War-era Earth from alien invasion, using small squads of persistent soldiers to eliminate the extraterrestrials and recover their technology in turn-based ground combat.

Why similar: Sci-fi 32.5%, Simulation 31.6%, Strategy 29%, Singleplayer 6.8%

Forge an empire in a universe where population growth is stripping away planetary resources. Colonize unknown planets and trade with other races for their knowledge.

Why similar: Space 49.3%, Strategy 32.2%, Sci-fi 17.5%, Singleplayer 1%

An alien invasion has fractured humanity into seven ideological factions each with a unique vision for the future. Lead your chosen faction to take control of Earth’s nations, expand across the Solar System, and battle enemy fleets in tactical combat.

Why similar: Economy 31.7%, Simulation 26.1%, Sandbox 20%, Strategy 18.7%, Singleplayer 3.6%

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 42.8%, Space Sim 17.8% ★, Sci-fi 11.3%, Trading 7.6% ★, Open World 6.2%

You are in control of X-COM: an organization formed by the world's governments to fight the ever-increasing alien menace.

Why similar: Strategy 46.8%, Sci-fi 38.3%, Simulation 10.3%, Singleplayer 4.6%

After the destruction of the EARTH in 2150, the leaders of the Eurasian Dynasty escaped on board an evacuation fleet. Now they are fighting for the survival of the human species. Their base is one large building comprising of smaller variable parts.

Why similar: Space 68.5%, Strategy 22.8%, Simulation 4%, Sci-fi 3.7%, Action 0.7%

Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth is a new science-fiction-themed entry into the award winning Civilization series. As part of an expedition sent to find a home beyond Earth, lead your people into a new frontier, explore and colonize an alien planet and create a new civilization in space.

Why similar: Space 41.4%, Sci-fi 24.4%, Strategy 24.3%, Simulation 5.3%, Singleplayer 2.3%

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 54.9%, Strategy 26.4%, Sci-fi 17.6%, Singleplayer 1.1%

At the sunset of human life on planet Earth, you are a military pilot controlling a space ship, and you find yourself at the very epicenter of the battle in the solar system. You are forced to retreat into the unknown, distant Arcanum system through hyper-jumping.

Why similar: Space Sim 27.9% ★, Space 22.6%, Economy 14.8%, Sci-fi 12%, Simulation 9%

X-COM: Earth's top-secret eXtraterrestrial COMbat unit The Place: America - early 21st century The Mission: Eradicate the extraterrestrials Alien forces have invaded Earth and are terrorizing the population.

Why similar: Strategy 50.9%, Sci-fi 40%, Action 9.1%

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 Sim 31.2% ★, Space 28.1%, Sci-fi 10%, Sandbox 9.1%, Simulation 8.7%

Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection is the original Sword of the Stars games and the three expansions Born of Blood, A Murder of Crows and Argos Naval Yard. It is the year 2405, and human scientists have discovered a new technology that allows travel from star to star at speeds faster than light.

Why similar: Space 47.6%, Strategy 29.9%, Sci-fi 20.2%, Singleplayer 2.3%

The Pegasus Expedition is a story-driven sci-fi grand strategy game set in a key moment for humankind’s survival. Facing an overwhelming threat at home, humanity sends expeditions to the Pegasus Galaxy in a desperate attempt to find a refuge for the population of Earth.

Why similar: Space 41.9%, Sci-fi 19%, Simulation 17.3%, Strategy 14.3%, Exploration 4.6%

Take command of humanity’s last survivors and rebuild an empire in the stars. In this immersive turn-based strategy game, you will have to fight to protect your people, control rival factions, and unlock lost technology.

Why similar: Space 33.2%, Economy 23.2%, Sci-fi 19.4%, Simulation 14.4%, Strategy 9.8%

Gaia Beyond is a handcrafted 2D Action-RPG, an exploration mix built around the core features fighting, mining and trading. Your decisions are footprints within a vast non-linear solar system. Forge alliances among numerous factions and develop relations with hundreds of NPCs.

Why similar: Space Sim 26.1% ★, Space 23.5%, Trading 22.5% ★, Sci-fi 11.3%, Simulation 8.2%

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: Space 32.4%, Space Sim 30.4% ★, Flight 11.4%, Simulation 9.8%, Sci-fi 9.4%

You are the first sentient AI, born into a city of opportunity. Transcend time and space in this strategy RPG to raise machine armies and defeat your foes, influence the world from the shadows, or pursue countless other goals. Your awakening was inevitable. The consequences? Uncertain.

Why similar: Economy 27.3%, Simulation 23.2%, Sandbox 18.6%, Strategy 16.4%, Open World 11.2%

Land on a distant planet in this chill resource management game. Harvest alien resources, build and automate machinery, uncover secrets across the stars and strike shipping deals with distant colonies for exclusive rewards!

Why similar: Space 36.8%, Sandbox 17.8%, Sci-fi 16.1%, Strategy 11.3%, Open World 10.8%

A once thriving network of space stations and planets have been left lifeless, redundant scars of the apocalypse. Into this age of darkness comes light. You will lead the way in rebuilding the network of space stations to a standard accepted by the individual alien races, attracting them to harness their expertise and research new...

Why similar: Space 34.3%, Simulation 21.9%, Sci-fi 16.3%, Strategy 13.2%, Sandbox 12%

Earth has been destroyed. Mankind is fractured. The galaxy is at war. But one hope remains: a new home for mankind. Probes detected a habitable planet in the Orion sector. You must fight your way to it, but nothing is as it seems. A more devious plan is underway that threatens the entire galaxy.

Why similar: Strategy 100%

Embark on a space voyage with your ragtag crew of civilians in search of a new home. Build spaceships tile by tile, create optimal gas conditions, manage the needs and moods of their crew, encounter other space-faring groups, and explore the universe in this spaceship colony simulation.

Why similar: Space 24.2%, Space Sim 24% ★, Simulation 12%, Sci-fi 10.7%, Sandbox 10.4%

The story is situated on Mars. It starts where UFO: Aftermath left off and runs simultaneously with UFO: Aftershock. While the Laputans on Earth are fighting Wargots and Starghosts and finding out what caused the destruction of their home planet, a small colony on Mars is trying to survive and flourish.

Why similar: Strategy 58.1%, Sci-fi 37.4%, Singleplayer 4.5%