The release of Starfield has brought space games back into the spotlight. Since the dawn of video games, the nothingness of space has been the canvas for many of them. From Wing Commander of the 90s to the Mass Effects of 2010s, space games have gone through groundbreaking innovations, naturally with the evolution of the whole medium.
Let’s look at some titles that have already established a loyal fanbase with various features that define the setting. Here’s a list of some of the best space games like Starfield.
10 Best Space Games Like Starfield
Star Citizen
Release Year: Early Access (Since 2013) | Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Ever since Starfield’s launch was first announced one game that has received a lot of attention is Star Citizen. This multiplayer space sim by Cloud Imperium Games is far more ambitious than Starfield or any other space-themed game to date. Despite having spent over a decade of its existence in development, Star Citizen has amassed quite a fan following because of many impressive elements in its gameplay.
There is plenty to do in the game, although it is still in alpha testing phase. Cloud Imperium offers a wide range of gameplay modules which can either be enjoyed individually or collectively in what is referred to as Persistent Universe. The sum of all these modules allows you to explore a procedurally generated universe, mine for resources, craft objects, carry out various game missions or engage in multiplayer space combat with your fleet. Even though there is no real release date in sight for Star Citizen, the things you can already do in game makes it Starfield’s greatest potential rival.
No Man’s Sky
Release Year: 2016 | Platforms: PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, Nintendo Switch
If you were familiar with the gaming media in the last decade, you must have noticed this most hyped of games in the mid 2010s. While the initial release of the game was incredibly rocky, Hello Games has made one of the most remarkable turnarounds in gaming history. Over the past seven years, No Man’s Sky has received several updates that make it quite an enjoyable game to play.
While lacking in any strict mission structure, No Man’s Sky offers a great casual gaming experience that many fans of open-world space games would expect. This game continues to receive constant updates and the multiplayer more than makes up for its barebone main storyline. This still remains an ideal game for those who enjoy exploring the vast emptiness of space and landing on random planets to do odd tasks such as mining and crafting.
Star Trek Online
Release Year: 2010 | Platforms: PS 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, GeForce Now, Mac OS
This unique MMORPG lets you explore the final frontier like never before. Star Trek Online is a must-play game for long-time fans of the franchise and great place to start for aspiring Trekkies. This game is set after the events of Star Trek: Nemesis, the last movie from the original series. You get to experience every trekkie’s dream; captaining a starship and even customising it. The game features multiple story arcs with the option of siding with any faction of your choosing.
Despite being a release from well over a decade ago, Star Trek Online receives constant updates and expansions, which offer great gameplay value. The game also features voices of most of the original cast from the series. Star Trek Online is also a free-to-play AAA title which, needless to say, is crafted for loyal fans of the franchise.
Stellaris
Release Year: 2016 | Platforms: PS 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Linux, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS
Paradox Interactive’s Stellaris is a 4X grand strategy space game with chock full of content that’ll keep you engaged till the next millennium. Seriously, this game was launched in 2016 but has received 6 major free updates in the past 18 months alone. Stellaris lets you start your empire and set out on a stellar conquest which, with the game’s procedural galaxy system, can be a perpetual affair.
While combat and conquest is very much a core element of the gameplay, Stellaris offers a thoroughly rewarding exploration experience with its myriad systems and races. The game allows you to create your own play through with very little boundaries. Be it a philosophically sophisticated machine race or a group of underwater-dwelling warriors, you can create any civilization with your imagination being the only limitation. And with the perpetual updates from Paradox, the gameplay prospects are as infinite and ever expanding as the universe.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Release Year: 2021 | Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Cloud Gaming
With all the hype over Starfield, people seem to have forgotten the original space RPG heavyweight. Bioware’s magnum opus Mass Effect trilogy is truly a genre defining series that shows the prowess of the developers and the prospects of what space games could do. The series puts you in the shoes of Space Commander Shepherd, a character that is customizable in all three games which is unique for RPGs with established protagonist. Shepherd is tasked with saving the galaxy from countless threats which seem inevitable in an age of intergalactic co-existence. And every decision you make not only impacts the world of the game, but also carries over to the sequels.
The Mass Effect series is a testament to Bioware’s masterful gameplay design and character development capabilities. That includes the companion system which is arguably the best of any game. The unique romancing option and challenging decision-making system makes the series’ engaging story arc all the more immersive. Of course, you also get to pilot a spaceship across several systems.
Kerbal Space Program
Release Year: 2015 | Platforms: PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Linux, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS
Kerbal Space Program is a whimsical rendering of what actual space exploration is like. The game takes you to the distant land of Kerbin where its native tenacious, resourceful, and ever-ambitious inhabitants are always at work trying to uncover the secrets of their universe. This is one space simulation game that doesn’t compromise on the realistic aspects of space travel, especially the orbital mechanics, which is a major part of the gameplay. This is actual rocket science, so no combing the entire galaxy in search of a guy named Saren.
While designed for real space enthusiasts, Kerbal Space Program does offer a great deal of variety in gameplay for those who just want to put random rocket parts together and launch them to see what happens. Of course, the game’s original intended purpose is quite rewarding if you are ready to go through hours of in-game tutorials by resident rocket scientists Wernher von Kerman and Gene Kerman. Forget about NASA-punk, this game actually makes NASA look like a bunch of punks.
The Outer Worlds
Release Year: 2019 | Platforms: PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch
Mentioning this title could be a valid premonition if Starfield ever becomes a franchise. Obsidian might be most recognized for creating Fallout: New Vegas, which despite being a spinoff of Fallout 3, is still considered the best game of Bethesda’s popular franchise. The Outer Worlds is a title that proves that Obsidian can step in to help out with a future Starfield sequel if the need arises. The game is set in the distant future on a distant planet at the edge of the galaxy where you get to free the people in a dystopian society from its corporate overlords.
The game features some impressive graphics with many characters and creatures that bring the idea of distant alien world to life. While the game’s plot may seem like something we might actually have to worry about now, the unique quest line and consequence-based progression gives a lot to think about beyond the mundane realities of life. The game allows you to navigate your own spaceship and explore other colonies and gather allies to aid you in your fight. The companion system of this game is also quite refined.
Elite Dangerous
Release Year: 2014 | Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS
This unique space MMORPG has story-driven gameplay which sets itself apart from other games of the genre. The final entry of the iconic Elite series, Elite Dangerous has tons of content to explore in its massive open world. But, the game offers a great deal of challenge by limiting your resources at the start of the game. Your actions influence the game universe’s consequence-driven narrative which gives an acute sense of individuality and does an impressive job of world building.
You have as much responsibility in shaping the universe as the developers which raises the stakes for each action you undertake including battles and their outcomes. While the Odyssey expansion leaves much to be desired, it very much scratches the zen spacefaring itch that many are looking for in Starfield.
EVE Online
Release Year: 2003 | Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac OS, GeForce Now
This free-to-play space MMORPG is hands down the most immersive multiplayer experience of the genre with a loyal following. The game’s iconic standing amongst gamers is defined by the fact this is its 20th year online. This is a shared MMO that has stood the test of time in an impressive manner as it continues to amass followers. Players are in control of every aspect of their gameplay and have access to tons of content.
This game has evolved quite well from already great beginnings and now is the largest sandbox MMORPG experience of any genre, let alone among space games. However, be prepared to shuffle through dozens of spreadsheets if you want to be any good at this behemoth of a game.
Destiny 2
Release Year: 2017 | Platforms: PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows, Google Stadia
The destiny franchise offers the wildest of space fantasies and the second instalment remains a fan favorite with impressive gameplay value. The game improves upon many features that made the first game so great. There are several additions to the gameplay as well. Destiny 2 features a wide range of weapons and many abilities to complement each weapon type. The character classes are also well-optimized despite lacking customization options. The exploration possibilities and endless quests are worth deviating from the prospects of sandbox gameplay that most space RPGs are associated with.
The multiplayer PvP in particular has received several updates which make this a space adventure worth playing online. Other than that, periodic content updates in the form of DLCs keep this looter-shooter from getting stale.
