Games Like X: Tension

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 32.6%, Space Sim 20.3% ★, Simulation 14.4%, Sandbox 8.9%, Sci-fi 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: This title represents the pinnacle of the classic X-series economic and combat simulation gameplay.

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 24% ★, Simulation 12.9%, Economy 9.7%, Strategy 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a direct evolution of the mechanics found in X: Tension with improved graphics and a more expansive universe.

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 29.7% ★, Space 18.8%, Economy 14%, Simulation 11.5%, Sandbox 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: This is the most modern iteration of the series, featuring a fully dynamic economy and complex fleet management systems.

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 28.5%, Space Sim 20% ★, Simulation 13.3%, Strategy 10.2%, Economy 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: As the direct successor to X: Tension, it retains the core spirit of the early X-series while refining the trading and combat loops.

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 41.6% ★, Space 27.3%, Simulation 10.9%, Sci-fi 10.4%, Sandbox 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a massive, realistic 1:1 scale galaxy with deep trading, mining, and combat mechanics that appeal to X-series fans.

The Human Race had advanced to the point where we could travel among the stars, we developed giant automated machines to help us colonise other worlds, but there was a fault in their programming and they turned and attacked. Forcing us to lay a trap to protect Earth and exiling the Human race to stay on Earth once again.

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

Why You'll Like It: It is the essential prequel that established the universe and core gameplay pillars that X: Tension expanded upon.

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 32.9%, Simulation 20.7%, Space Sim 19% ★, Sci-fi 11.6%, Sandbox 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: While different in scope, it remains a core entry in the X-series that focuses on deep space-sim mechanics and trade.

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 Sim 29.5% ★, Space 25.7%, Simulation 13%, Sci-fi 11%, Strategy 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: It blends space simulation with 4X strategy elements, allowing players to command fleets and conquer sectors.

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

Why similar: Space Sim 32.1% ★, Space 21.1%, Economy 13.1%, Sandbox 11.9%, Simulation 11.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game combines deep space trading and empire-building with a unique procedural ship-building system.

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 33.2%, Space Sim 26.4% ★, Simulation 20.3%, Sci-fi 9.6%, Sandbox 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a sandbox experience focused on trading, mining, and combat with a high degree of player agency.

Advanced Space Flight, Combat, Trading, and Exploration Simulation. Set in a vast explorable universe, Evochron Legacy offers freeform gameplay with many diverse objectives and paths to choose from.

Why similar: Space Sim 37.7% ★, Space 23.3%, Simulation 15%, Sandbox 11.2%, Sci-fi 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: A highly detailed space simulator that emphasizes free-form exploration and a realistic Newtonian flight model.

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 44%, Space Sim 18.7% ★, Sci-fi 11.1%, Simulation 11%, Sandbox 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style 2D space sandbox that captures the trading and mission-based progression of early space-sims.

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 49.8% ★, Space 25.8%, Economy 16.9%, Strategy 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: This title features a vast open universe with a strong focus on RPG elements, trading, and large-scale fleet combat.

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 34.6%, Space Sim 30.2% ★, Simulation 16.4%, Sandbox 10.7%, Sci-fi 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: Designed as a spiritual successor to classic space-sims, it focuses on mining, trading, and ship customization.

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

Why similar: Space Sim 39.6% ★, Space 26.3%, Simulation 16.3%, Strategy 10.3%, Economy 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: A focused space-sim that emphasizes realistic orbital mechanics and a complex, player-driven economy.

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 33.1% ★, Space 19.6%, Simulation 12.4%, Sandbox 11.7%, Sci-fi 10%

Why You'll Like It: It successfully merges space-sim combat with real-time strategy elements, mirroring the empire-building feel of the X-series.

The hit mobile game Interstellar Pilot 2 has come to Steam. Join the TEF forces heading to the Gatopean sector to find a new home for mankind. Play how you like in this open world space-sim developed by Pixelfactor.

Why similar: Space Sim 28% ★, Simulation 20.2%, Space 14.6%, Strategy 13.7%, Sandbox 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a deep sandbox experience where players can trade, fight, and build their own space-faring empire.

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 35%, Space Sim 35% ★, Sci-fi 13.7%, Simulation 11.1%, Action 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: It features a classic narrative-driven space-sim experience with a modular ship upgrade system that rewards exploration.

Captain your own space ship and roam the galaxy in 3D in this tactical space simulator with tons of RPG depth ! Space has never looked so inviting - but images can betray...It has been two years since the end of the second Gemini war, the situation in the wartorn system is further from resolution than ever.

Why similar: Space 41.9%, Space Sim 29.2% ★, Simulation 14.3%, Sci-fi 10.8%, Action 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a more action-oriented approach to the space-sim genre while maintaining a persistent, open-world economy.

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 28.5%, Space Sim 27.1% ★, Simulation 15%, Strategy 9.4%, Sci-fi 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: It combines space-sim mechanics with RPG elements and strategic decision-making in a war-torn galaxy.

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 50.6%, Simulation 22.6%, Sci-fi 19%, Action 4.9%, Singleplayer 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a polished, action-heavy space-sim experience with a strong focus on loot, trading, and exploration.

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 46.2%, Space 32.8%, Sci-fi 11.7%, Action 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A classic space-sim that provides a linear but highly immersive narrative experience with arcade-style flight mechanics.

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 44.1%, Space Sim 24.8% ★, Sci-fi 13.4%, Simulation 7.5%, Sandbox 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: While more arcade-focused, it captures the feeling of being a lone trader in a dangerous, lawless sector of space.

FreeSpace 2, the follow up to the classic Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War is ready to engage you in the second round. Follow the Grand Terran Vasudan Alliance further into the mysteries of the Shivans. Get your flight stick and hit the flight deck. The last time was just a warm up.

Why similar: Space 41.4%, Space Sim 22.7% ★, Sci-fi 16.2%, Simulation 16%, Action 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: Though more combat-focused, it remains the gold standard for space-sim immersion and large-scale fleet engagements.

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 44.3%, Sci-fi 14.4%, Sandbox 13.2%, Simulation 12.9%, Strategy 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: A top-down space sandbox that emphasizes character progression, trading, and faction-based politics.

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

Why similar: Space Sim 33% ★, Space 25.6%, Economy 20.2%, Simulation 11.4%, Sci-fi 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on the logistical and economic side of space flight, emphasizing cargo transport and planetary exploration.

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 31.7%, Simulation 19%, Space Sim 17.9% ★, Sandbox 11.1%, Strategy 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a physics-based approach to space-sim gameplay, allowing players to build and manage their own space stations.

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 40.8%, Space Sim 37.7% ★, Sci-fi 16.5%, Action 3.2%, Singleplayer 1.8%

Why You'll Like It: A unique space-sim that focuses on modular ship upgrades and exploration across a dangerous, procedurally generated galaxy.

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 39.5%, Space Sim 34% ★, Simulation 26.5%

Caught in the middle of a violent conflict on the fringe of the galaxy — your ability to survive will depend on your piloting skills and combat savvy as a mercenary space fighter. But, as you explore the vastly detailed world of Tachyon: The Fringe, you will often find that the most powerful weapon on your ship is in your head.

Why similar: Space Sim 42.9% ★, Simulation 31.9%, Space 25.1%

Why You'll Like It: A classic space-sim that offers a compelling story and mission-based gameplay in a hostile frontier.

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 43.8%, Strategy 21%, Sci-fi 18.2%, Simulation 15.3%, Singleplayer 1.6%

Unending Galaxy is a unique space-sim in which you can fill any role from pirate or trader to the leader of a large galactic empire.

Why similar: Simulation 22.3%, Space 20.1%, Space Sim 18.6% ★, Strategy 16.5%, Sandbox 8%

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 40.9%, Simulation 20.2%, Space Sim 12.6% ★, Sandbox 11.7%, Sci-fi 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: A sandbox space-sim that prioritizes deep ship customization and open-world exploration.

Command a space-faring empire in Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, the new stand-alone expansion that combines 4X depth with real-time strategy gameplay.

Why similar: Space Sim 31% ★, Space 21.5%, Simulation 13.4%, Sandbox 11.5%, Sci-fi 11.4%

Space Empires V is the latest edition in the Space Empires series. This new chapter completely updates the UI and takes the player into a real-time rendered 3D universe. Watch space battles played out in glorious detail and realistic effects. Expand, Explore, Exploit, and Exterminate in a huge living breathing galaxy.

Why similar: Space 40.7%, Strategy 38.4%, Sci-fi 19%, Singleplayer 1.9%

A stand-alone expansion pack to Legions of Iron, discover new innovations and even more stunning visuals that launch the Haegemonia experience into light speed.

Why similar: Space 51%, Strategy 42.1%, Action 6.9%

The award-winning Space Empires IV Deluxe is the latest edition in the Space Empires series. A grand strategy title in the space 4X (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate) genre, Space Empires has already found a place in the heart of strategy gamers everywhere.

Why similar: Strategy 39.9%, Space 36.5%, Sci-fi 22.5%, Singleplayer 1.1%

X Rebirth VR Edition is tailored to be an immersive VR experience, based on X Rebirth: Home of Light. TRADE, FIGHT, BUILD, THINK in the X Universe - the biggest sandbox this side of the galaxy.

Why similar: Space Sim 44.9% ★, Simulation 25.3%, Space 12.5%, Sandbox 6.7%, Sci-fi 6.1%

The game expands the story of the original Perimeter in a vast singleplayer campaign.

Why similar: Strategy 59.5%, Space 40.5%

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 29.1%, Space Sim 21.3% ★, Simulation 16.2%, Sci-fi 14.3%, Sandbox 10.7%

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: Strategy 46.1%, Space 36.4%, Sci-fi 15.5%, Singleplayer 2%

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

Why similar: Space 27.9%, Simulation 25.6%, Space Sim 20.9% ★, Strategy 15.4%, Sci-fi 6%

Battlevoid: Harbinger is a hard sci-fi space exploration game blending roguelike, turn-based, star map strategy, and real-time space battles. You are a young commander venturing out into enemy territories, to unknown galaxies, never knowing what you will face as you jump out from hyperspace.

Why similar: Space 45.3%, Simulation 21.7%, Strategy 20.5%, Sci-fi 8.2%, Action 3.1%

Play as an A.I tasked with helping mankind explore the vastness of space. Customize your ship, recruit a crew, battle alien vessels, research new technology and explore randomly generated universes.

Why similar: Space Sim 32.6% ★, Simulation 25%, Space 24.3%, Strategy 18%

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 43.8%, Strategy 37.4%, Sci-fi 18%, Singleplayer 0.9%

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: Space Sim 27.7% ★, Space 15.4%, Sci-fi 13.6%, Simulation 13%, Economy 11.6%

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 Sim 28.2% ★, Strategy 26.9%, Space 26.1%, Sci-fi 17.6%, Singleplayer 1.2%

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

Why similar: Space 42.9%, Economy 30.7%, Sandbox 26.3%

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 30.7% ★, Space 21.5%, Simulation 13.3%, Sandbox 11.7%, Sci-fi 11.3%

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

Why similar: Space 30%, Simulation 21%, Space Sim 16.1% ★, Strategy 12.4%, Sandbox 10.3%

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 30.1% ★, Space 24.1%, Simulation 13.1%, Sandbox 12.4%, Strategy 7.9%

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 32.2%, Simulation 19.1%, Sci-fi 16.2%, Sandbox 15.2%, Strategy 15.1%

Distant Worlds is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game. Experience the full depth and detail of turn-based strategy, but with the simplicity and ease of real-time, and on the scale of a massively-multiplayer online game.

Why similar: Space 41.2%, Strategy 20.8%, Simulation 16.7%, Sci-fi 15.6%, Sandbox 4.2%

Parkan II is an original concept game that will allow you to feel as a pilot of a spacecraft lost somewhere in the universe. Become a pirate or mercenary, get money to buy the most powerful cruiser and show them all who is to be the new master of the galaxy. Unforgettable adventures in the Parkan II universe await you!

Why similar: Space 34.7%, Simulation 28.4%, Space Sim 22.4% ★, Sci-fi 9.3%, Action 5.2%

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 39.3% ★, Space 26.2%, Simulation 15.6%, Sandbox 15.3%, Sci-fi 1.8%

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 38.8%, Sandbox 18.2%, Space Sim 15.2% ★, Sci-fi 10.9%, Simulation 8.7%

Distant Worlds 2 is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game.

Why similar: Space 30.5%, Simulation 28.5%, Strategy 22.8%, Sci-fi 16.6%, Singleplayer 1.5%

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 32.4% ★, Space 28.3%, Sci-fi 14%, Simulation 12.2%, Sandbox 8.9%

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 Sim 26.7% ★, Space 25.8%, Simulation 14%, Sci-fi 11.6%, Sandbox 11.3%