Games Like X3: Reunion

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 22.7% ★, Space 18%, Economy 12.6%, Trading 10.6% ★, Sandbox 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: This is the most direct modern successor to the X3 experience, offering a fully simulated living universe with deep economic and fleet management systems.

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 34.5%, Space Sim 17.2% ★, Sandbox 8.6%, Simulation 7.5%, Trading 7.3% ★

Why You'll Like It: Often considered the pinnacle of the X3 engine, it refines the mechanics of Reunion into a more polished and content-rich experience.

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 35.4% ★, Space 29.1%, Open World 7.8%, Sci-fi 7.7%, Simulation 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: It offers the most immersive and realistic flight simulation in a massive, 1:1 scale recreation of the Milky Way galaxy.

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 23.5% ★, Space 19.3%, Economy 11.3%, Flight 10%, Sandbox 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: This sandbox game allows for complex ship building and fleet management within a procedurally generated galaxy that feels very similar to the X series.

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 35.3% ★, Space 22.9%, Flight 15.4%, Economy 14.1%, Open World 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: Designed specifically to capture the feel of classic space-sims, it combines trading, combat, and exploration in a vast, open-world sandbox.

Over 20 years of legendary space battles! Explore a massive living universe of danger and opportunity in a challenging and highly rewarding space adventure. Fight, trade, build, and connect with a universe driven and shaped directly by players.

Why similar: Space Sim 24.5% ★, Space 20.5%, Trading 11.6% ★, Economy 10.8%, Sandbox 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: It provides the ultimate player-driven economy and large-scale fleet warfare experience, mirroring the long-term empire-building goals of X3.

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 52.5%, Strategy 16.8%, Sci-fi 13.9%, Simulation 10.4%, Sandbox 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers unparalleled depth in 4X empire management, allowing you to automate or micromanage every aspect of your interstellar civilization.

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 27.1%, Space Sim 24.9% ★, Sandbox 9.3%, Flight 8.9%, Sci-fi 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: It successfully blends RPG elements with large-scale fleet command and territory management in a way that feels accessible yet deep.

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 45.4%, Space Sim 20.4% ★, Sci-fi 9.6%, Open World 8%, Sandbox 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a more action-oriented take on the space-sim genre, focusing on trading and combat with a distinct, gritty sci-fi atmosphere.

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 43.7%, Space Sim 14.8% ★, Trading 8.1% ★, Sci-fi 7.7%, Open World 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style open-world space game that focuses on trading, combat, and fleet building with a nostalgic, top-down perspective.

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 32.5% ★, Space 31.5%, Sci-fi 16%, Strategy 8.3%, Simulation 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: It emphasizes the engineering and logistics side of space-sims, requiring you to design efficient ships to manage your fleet's economy and combat capabilities.

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 31.1% ★, Space 26.9%, Sandbox 13.1%, Sci-fi 9.9%, Simulation 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: This title excels at the grand-scale strategy and fleet management aspects that X3 players often enjoy when expanding their influence.

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 27.6% ★, Space 27%, Sandbox 11.3%, Simulation 9.1%, Sci-fi 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game combines sandbox building with exploration and survival, providing a vast universe to trade and fight in.

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

Why similar: Space 39.3%, Space Sim 19.1% ★, Open World 12.8%, Sci-fi 11.1%, Sandbox 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: While more focused on exploration, its deep trading, base-building, and fleet management systems offer a massive sandbox experience similar to X3.

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 23.2% ★, Space 16.1%, Trading 12.3% ★, Economy 11.4%, Sandbox 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a deep, narrative-driven sandbox experience where trading, crew management, and political maneuvering are central to your success.

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

Why similar: Space 42.6%, Strategy 20.1%, Simulation 19.4%, Sci-fi 16.1%, Singleplayer 1.7%

Why You'll Like It: A modern evolution of the 4X space genre that provides deep, automated management systems for players who enjoy the scale of X3.

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 43.6%, Flight 17.2%, Open World 12.3%, Sci-fi 11.4%, Simulation 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: While more action-focused, it offers a compelling loop of looting, trading, and upgrading your ship in a beautiful, expansive space environment.

Experience the epic space strategy games that redefined the RTS genre. Control your fleet and build an armada across more than 30 single-player missions. Choose unit types, fleet formations and flight tactics for each strategic situation.

Why similar: Space 63.7%, Sci-fi 15.3%, Strategy 14.9%, Simulation 5.1%, Singleplayer 0.8%

Why You'll Like It: It provides the gold standard for 3D fleet-based RTS combat, capturing the strategic scale of X3's late-game fleet battles.

Battle for galactic dominance in this real-time 4X strategy game with unrivaled scale! You’ll explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate through military force, diplomacy, trade, culture, influence, and other underhanded tactics.

Why similar: Space 64.6%, Strategy 16.8%, Sci-fi 15.8%, Singleplayer 2.8%

Why You'll Like It: The latest iteration of the grand strategy series, offering refined RTS mechanics for players interested in the tactical side of space warfare.

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 40.1%, Space Sim 32.1% ★, Sci-fi 10.9%, Open World 6.3%, Simulation 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: A classic space-sim that emphasizes trading, ship customization, and exploration in a narrative-driven universe.

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 31.2% ★, Space 27.1%, Sandbox 13.3%, Open World 8.3%, Simulation 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses on the technical side of space simulation, allowing players to build complex ships and stations that interact with a realistic physics engine.

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 25.6% ★, Space 19%, Sandbox 10.3%, Trading 9.6% ★, Flight 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: It combines real-time strategy with space-sim flight, allowing you to jump between commanding a fleet and piloting a single ship.

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: Space Sim 31% ★, Space 21.3%, Trading 12.3% ★, Sandbox 11.7%, Open World 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: It features detailed ship construction and economic management, allowing you to build a fleet and trade across a multiplayer-ready galaxy.

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 33.6%, Space Sim 25.5% ★, Simulation 8.6%, Sandbox 7.6%, Sci-fi 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: It combines action-RPG elements with space-sim mechanics, allowing you to command a ship and manage your crew in a hostile galaxy.

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 30.6% ★, Space 23.7%, Trading 11.4% ★, Sandbox 10.3%, Sci-fi 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: A highly technical space-sim that features Newtonian physics and a focus on realistic flight and economic trading.

Star wolves is a 3D space RPG with deep strategy and tactical elements. The game thrusts players into a world of freelance space hunters in the XXI-XXII century A.D. during a time of political crisis for the all-powerful Empire and the three mega-corporations that control all the known worlds.

Why similar: Space 68.7%, Strategy 21.8%, Sci-fi 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a unique blend of RPG and real-time strategy, focusing on managing a small squad of ships in a complex, narrative-heavy environment.

The co-op open-world space sim where everyone has a role! Pilot the ship. Reroute power. Launch nukes. Explore alien planets. Research new talents. Work together to find the Lost Colony! ...or just deliver some biscuits

Why similar: Space Sim 38% ★, Space 29.7%, Sci-fi 10.8%, Open World 9.7%, Simulation 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses on the collaborative management of a single ship, offering a deep look at the systems and operations required to survive in space.

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 22.6% ★, Space 21.9%, Economy 16.3%, Flight 11.2%, Trading 11.1% ★

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses heavily on the logistics and transportation aspect of space flight, perfect for those who enjoy the trading side of X3.

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 36.7%, Space Sim 22.1% ★, Simulation 16.5%, Strategy 12.9%, Sci-fi 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: This is a hardcore simulation that focuses on the technical operation of a ship, perfect for players who love the detailed UI and systems of X3.

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 48.6%, Sandbox 13.2%, Sci-fi 11%, Open World 9.9%, Strategy 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: An open-world space RPG that features a deep skill system and a sandbox universe where you can choose to be a trader, miner, or pirate.

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 29.8%, Space Sim 16.7% ★, Economy 9.5%, Trading 7.2% ★, Strategy 6.8%

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 53.8%, Strategy 31.4%, Sci-fi 13.4%, Singleplayer 1.1%, Action 0.4%

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 38.8%, Space Sim 17.9% ★, Simulation 12%, Sci-fi 9.5%, Sandbox 7.1%

Tactical, beautiful, and wholly unique, the GOTY-winning sci-fi RTS returns with Homeworld 3. Assume control and battle through fleet combat in dazzling, fully 3D space while the award-winning story unfolds on a galactic scale.

Why similar: Space 57.6%, Sci-fi 17%, Strategy 14.7%, Simulation 8%, Singleplayer 2.6%

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 27.1%, Space Sim 24% ★, Simulation 12.9%, Economy 9.7%, Strategy 8.3%

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 41.5%, Sandbox 17.7%, Space Sim 13% ★, Open World 9%, Sci-fi 8.1%

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 51%, Strategy 30.5%, Sci-fi 16.6%, Singleplayer 1.9%

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 48.9% ★, Space 17%, Simulation 16.8%, Sandbox 8.3%, Sci-fi 5.8%

ENDLESS™ Space is a turn-based 4X strategy game, covering the space colonization age in the ENDLESS™ Universe, where you can control every aspect of your civilization as you strive for galactic domination.

Why similar: Space 53.3%, Strategy 27.6%, Sci-fi 14.9%, Simulation 1.5%, Singleplayer 1.2%

Combining the best of space combat and real time strategy. Victory can be tactical, a dogfight or capital ship slugging match - depending on how you decide to achieve it. Space combat on a RTS scale with space sim savagery.

Why similar: Space 40.3%, Space Sim 17.7% ★, Simulation 15%, Strategy 14.4%, Sci-fi 10%

A spaceship building and universe-exploration game. Collect resources, expand and grow your fleet, and conquer your personal galaxy. Stellar ambience by Peaks.

Why similar: Space 50.3%, Sandbox 22.3%, Strategy 10.3%, Sci-fi 6.2%, Open World 5.6%

ENDLESS™ Space 2 is a Strategic Space Opera, featuring the compelling “just one more turn” gameplay, set in the mysterious ENDLESS™ Universe. As the leader of your civilization, will you impose your vision and build the greatest stellar empire?

Why similar: Strategy 75.8%, Space 18.7%, Sci-fi 3.8%, Open World 0.7%, Sandbox 0.7%

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: Space 25.5%, Space Sim 18.9% ★, Simulation 13.8%, Strategy 13.2%, Sandbox 9.2%

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

Why similar: Space 58.8%, Strategy 11.1%, Sci-fi 7.9%, Simulation 7.2%, Open World 7%

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

In Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity, you are the leader of a civilization embroiled in a galactic war, fighting for the survival of your entire race against relentless foes.

Why similar: Space Sim 41.8% ★, Space 35%, Sci-fi 12.8%, Strategy 10.4%

EVERSPACE™ combines fast-paced combat with roguelike elements, great visuals and a captivating story. It takes you on a challenging journey through an ever-changing, beautifully crafted universe full of surprises. Shoot, craft and loot your way to victory while the odds are stacked against you.

Why similar: Space 49.7%, Space Sim 26.6% ★, Sci-fi 9.8%, Flight 8.6%, Action 2.5%

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 35.4%, Space Sim 22.5% ★, Simulation 10.6%, Sandbox 8.1%, Sci-fi 7.2%

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 60.1%, Strategy 26.7%, Sci-fi 12.4%, Singleplayer 0.8%

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 56.5%, Strategy 16.2%, Simulation 13.2%, Sci-fi 7.1%, Open World 3.9%

Build a civilization that will stand the test of time in the largest space-based strategy game ever! Choose from dozens of unique races and make a name for yourself across the galaxy through diplomacy, espionage, technological advances, and more.

Why similar: Space 43%, Sandbox 24.3%, Sci-fi 19.2%, Strategy 13.5%

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 37.5% ★, Space 31.1%, Simulation 9.4%, Strategy 7.8%, Trading 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 39.4%, Space Sim 27.5% ★, Sandbox 11.1%, Simulation 9.1%, Open World 6.2%

Take command of a civilization that has just achieved faster-than-light travel in Galactic Civilizations IV, the newest entry in the award-winning space 4X strategy game series. Explore the galaxy, colonize worlds, shape cultures, make alliances, fight wars and pioneer new technologies.

Why similar: Space 41.1%, Sandbox 18.2%, Sci-fi 14%, Simulation 12%, Strategy 10.7%

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 38.5%, Space Sim 21.4% ★, Trading 9.7% ★, Flight 9%, Sci-fi 6.9%

A next-gen re-imagination of a groundbreaking 80s classic. Carrier Command: Gaea Mission brings a breathtaking combination of action and strategy elements.

Why similar: Strategy 46.4%, Sci-fi 20.8%, Open World 14.1%, Action 8.2%, Simulation 7.7%

StarDrive 2 is an exciting and evolutionary step forward for the StarDrive franchise. In this eagerly anticipated sequel, the core mechanics have evolved to incorporate a turn-based strategic layer, featuring spectacular realtime battles.

Why similar: Space 52.4%, Strategy 28%, Sci-fi 18.7%, Singleplayer 0.9%

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 59.8%, Strategy 23.9%, Sci-fi 15.4%, Singleplayer 1%

Fight, explore the stars, trade, and lead your fleet across the galaxySpace Commander: War and Trade is an ultimate single player space-sim featuring spectacular graphics, intuitive combat and deep mechanics.

Why similar: Space Sim 39% ★, Space 20.8%, Flight 15.7%, Economy 14.3%, Sci-fi 5.5%

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 35.8%, Space Sim 21% ★, Sci-fi 12.2%, Sandbox 12%, Simulation 9.7%