Game developers have been tackling the dark expanse of space for a long time, with many succeeding in shooting for the stars and actually reaching out to grab one. I love me a good space game, and even more than that, I love a good open-world space game.
There’s just something about venturing into the unknown and forging your own adventure that makes the 500 hours it takes to finish these kinds of games really worthwhile.
However, there are truly only nine games I consider the best at melding space with open-world features. To be among the greatest, I need some convincing that I’m actually in space and not just in a simulation with a black sky and spaceships overhead.
9
Astroneer | Fun With Friends
2019 | System Era Softworks | PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC
Visually, I’d compare Astroneer to No Man’s Sky, but recommend it more for players who enjoy gameplay like that found in Minecraft. You’re able to play with friends and terraform the planet to create custom bases and builds while also keeping track of all the resources you can collect.
You’re able to play alone or with friends for a more chaotic experience to seek the secrets of the universe. Honestly, you can dig straight into the center of the planet you’re on, just because you wanted to, if you really felt like it.
Astroneer has been out for a little while, and so there are now two DLC packs to pick up, including Megatech and Glitchwalkers, each adding a new narrative and gameplay mechanic to the insanity.
Don’t let the bright colors and silly ingenuity fool you, because each of the seven planets you’re able to explore is unique in its geography and biomes, giving you a real challenge whenever you go out.
8
Underspace | Suspended Belief
2019 | Pastaspace Interactive | PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series, and PC
Do you remember Freelancer? Well, this isn’t that. Underspace is a spiritual successor to Freelancer, with a few different unique upgrades and a Lovecraftian take on things.
The open-world sandbox RPG is in early access and gives you a massive 114 star systems you can explore via accelerated travel lanelines. That’s right, instead of good old fast travel, you’ll be gliding through space like the space pilot you are.
Underspace feels a lot like Dark Souls in that you can suddenly run into a massive beast just by randomly travelling to new areas. Each of these creatures is quite literally world-eating, helping make venturing out in space far more terrifying. Alongside these creatures are never-ending storms that wreak additional havoc on various star systems. Will you survive space?
7
Starsector | Battles Galore
2011 | Fractal Softworks | PC
Starsector is significantly different than the other games we’ve already talked about. Instead of a dynamic 3D landscape, you’ll be piloting your ship in top-down, 2D combat.
Instead of being able to mine for resources and travel to different planets, Starsector focuses more on leveling up your skills and commanding your fleet to be successful in harsh battles. Yeah, you are still able to claim worlds and build outposts, but the real meat of the game lies in space battles.
Eventually, you’ll be leading a massive fleet fitted with high-intensity weapons or even an elite task force with hand-picked officers at your command.
The biggest takeaway from the game is the massive library of user-made mods that are available. It’s been in steady development since 2013, with fans adding features such as additional story content, ships, and even gameplay mechanics.
6
Mass Effect: Andromeda | Planet Traversal
2017 | Bioware | PS4, PC, and Xbox One
Of all the Mass Effect games, Mass Effect: Andromeda is the only one that really utilizes open-world mechanics. Sure, some areas are rather large, and you’re able to take the Mako out on some planets that encourage exploration, but not on the scale of Andromeda.
In this installment, the primary planets Sara or Scott Ryder visits on Tempest are open-world and require the use of the Nomad the get around. As you discover new areas, you can get out of the vehicle and fast travel anywhere you’d like on the planet.
Unfortunately, you aren’t able to play multiplayer in the open space, though a few features new to the franchise, like jumping via jetpack and having free rein to assign any skills you want, are an acceptable trade.
It’s also important to note that, unlike most of the entries on this list, you aren’t able to customize or have control of your ship, with most of the gameplay featuring over-the-shoulder combat.
5
Starfield | Finest Exploration
2023 | Bethesda Game Studios | PC and Xbox Series
Starfield is Bethesda’s first crack at a space adventure, and I believe I’m one of the few who really enjoyed it. While it isn’t necessarily Skyrim in space like we all hoped, it definitely has key Bethesda features that make it feel familiar and brand-new at the same time.
I’d consider Starfield to be a mix of both No Man’s Sky and The Outer Worlds in the context of completing missions and travelling from planet to planet. You’re even able to customize your ship to your liking, being able to put rooms and storage areas wherever you wish.
Also similar to The Outer Worlds, you can recruit various companions who each have their own stories that can also be followed alongside the main story and any other side quests.
The open stretch of space is pretty massive, and so it can be a bit overwhelming as you continue to unlock new places. Personally, the new travelling features introduced in Starfield really make walking around so much more bearable.
4
Empyrion – Galactic Survival | A Mix of Survival
2015 | Eleon Game Studios | PC
Empyrion – Galactic Survival combines survival gameplay with space simulations, offering you complete freedom to explore the galaxy.
You’re even able to terraform planets and dig up resources to craft equipment and weapons for the best chance of surviving against hostile aliens. Alongside these structures, you’re also able to construct huge ships that can be taken across the galaxy.
You’re able to go in solo or with friends in multiplayer, but the real fun is in all the mods that provide you with all-new scenarios and items.
Of course, if you’re looking for a bit cozier of an experience with a space-themed background, then you can also enjoy the Creative Mode. This mode forgets about needing food and resources and lets you just focus on building things and sharing them with the community.
3
X4: Foundations
2018 | Egosoft | PC
X4: Foundations is more of a simulation than a game. The universe and beings that live within it are truly alive and interact with one another as you do your own thing.
By ‘your own thing,’ I mean just that: you create your own story. You’ll go down the path of explorer, pirate, or warrior, in a galaxy that reacts to your every move and constantly evolves.
Here, you do have control over customizing your ship, and you are able to either pilot it yourself or hand over the controls to a crew member.
Even then, you can always fast-travel if you aren’t too worried about the immersive aspect. Best of all, regular free updates based on community feedback add fresh gameplay.
2
Elite Dangerous | A True Simulation
2014 | Frontier Developments | PC, Xbox One, and PS4
Elite Dangerous is another one that lets you take control of a starship, though at much higher consequences than any of the other games I’ve already talked about here.
You can play alone or with friends, but regardless of what you do, it can permanently affect the state of the galaxy. Player actions aren’t only crucial, but help evolve the overall narrative as a contribution that matters.
Just as you’re able to travel to different planets within the Milky Way, you’re also able to engage in interstellar combat against rival ships.
These battles can be intense and result in genuine losses for both yourself and your enemies. However, the point of the game is to move forward and forge your path, and be prosperous by trading, mining, and visiting new worlds.
1
No Man’s Sky | Open Expanse
2014 | Hello Games| PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2
No Man’s Sky has always been an interesting game to me because of how hard the developers, Hello Games, have worked to ensure it’s the game that players truly want. In it, you are traversing the dynamic and ever-reaching expanse of space on your own.
You’re able to land on different planets, create bases, forge friendships, learn new languages, craft spaceships, and so much more. It’s also great that the general art direction of the game is absolutely beautiful to look at.
There is a larger role-playing community for this game, and it really is quite impressive. I’d compare No Man’s Sky to Sea of Thieves in the context of being way more fun if you have friends who are willing to go and explore with you, forging your destinies and discovering new things together.
Now, the game has so many new additions and even has VR support for an even more immersive experience. Just remember that there’s a world outside the game.
For more lists like this, check out 8 amazing combat systems in forgettable JRPGs, or the one here on all easter eggs in Dying Light – The Beast.
