Welcome to Blix’s ultimate guide to the top 10 space games! We observe many games – new (look at our “Elden Ring Is Cross-Platform? Guide” article) and old (our chart of games based on Dune starts with ancient ones).
In this article, we celebrate the finest titles that have defined the space game genre. That selection is based on innovative gameplay, immersive storytelling, and graphics. Plus, an essential factor is memory. Does the community remember the game?
So, whether you’re a seasoned space explorer or new to the cosmos, this list highlights the must-play games that offer unparalleled adventures among the stars.
Contents
- 1 Highlights
- 2 Top Space Games List
- 3 Elite Dangerous
- 4 Features
- 5 Why we chose it
- 6 Starfield
- 7 Features
- 8 Why we chose it
- 9 No Man’s Sky
- 10 Features
- 11 Why we chose it
- 12 Stellaris
- 13 Features
- 14 Why we chose it
- 15 EVE Online
- 16 Features
- 17 Why we chose it
- 18 Homeworld Series
- 19 Features
- 20 Why we chose it
- 21 Outer Wilds
- 22 Features
- 23 Why we chose it
- 24 X4: Foundations
- 25 Features
- 26 Innovations
- 27 Graphics and Sound
- 28 Story and Universe
- 29 Multiplayer
- 30 Why we chose it
- 31 Everspace 2
- 32 Features
- 33 Why we chose it
- 34 Helldivers 2
- 35 Features
- 36 Why we chose it
- 37 Summary
Highlights
- Best space-themed games in history
- Release date: developer, publisher release date, and platforms for each
- Description of the gameplay and universes of the games
- Metacritic score and explanations of the game’s impact
Top Space Games List
Welcome to the last frontier!
- Elite Dangerous
- Starfield
- No Man’s Sky
- Stellaris
- EVE Online
- Homeworld Series
- Outer Wilds
- X4: Foundations
- Everspace 2
- Helldivers 2
Elite Dangerous
Elite Dangerous
Developer: Frontier Developments
Publisher: Frontier Developments
Release Year: 2014
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Elite Dangerous is a space simulation game where players pilot spacecraft across a realistically modeled galaxy. The game features trading, exploration, mining, and combat. Players start with a simple ship and can upgrade to more advanced models. The game’s vast universe offers immense freedom.
Features
GamesPlay: Elite: Dangerous
The game’s realistic star system, created with scientific data, provides a unique exploration experience. Players can participate in community goals and events.
Innovations
Elite Dangerous introduced a persistent online universe with a fully simulated galaxy, setting new standards for space exploration games.
Graphics and Sound
The game boasts stunning graphics with detailed celestial bodies. Realistic sound effects and a dynamic soundtrack enhance the space-faring experience.
Story and Universe
The game’s lore includes three main factions vying for control, with a living galaxy where player actions can influence the political landscape.
Multiplayer
Players can interact in a shared universe, collaborating or competing in various missions.
Why we chose it
Elite Dangerous stands out for its realistic depiction of space and the vast, player-driven universe. It holds a Metacritic score of 80. Critics praised the game for its scale and realism. It still has a dedicated player base and significantly influenced the genre.
Starfield
Starfield
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Release Year: 2023
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S
Starfield is an action RPG set in space, offering an open-world experience where players can explore planets, engage in space combat, and customize their spacecraft.
Features
Starfield Official Gameplay Trailer
The game provides a comprehensive character creation system and impactful narrative choices that influence the story and the world around you.
Innovations
Starfield blends the expansive open-world exploration of previous Bethesda titles with a space setting, introducing new mechanics and technologies.
Graphics and Sound
Starfield showcases advanced graphics, detailed planetary landscapes, and realistic space environments. The sound design and music score enhance the immersion.
Story and Universe
Set in a vast universe with rich lore, Starfield follows a unique narrative driven by player choices and actions.
Multiplayer
Currently, Starfield focuses on single-player experiences, emphasizing story and exploration.
Why we chose it
Starfield’s potential to redefine space RPGs and immersive world make it a must-watch title. It holds a Metacritic score of 83. Given Bethesda’s reputation, anticipation for Starfield is high. It’s expected to set new benchmarks for space RPGs.
No Man’s Sky
No Man’s Sky
Developer: Hello Games
Publisher: Hello Games
Release Year: 2016
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
No Man’s Sky is an exploration and survival game set in a procedurally generated universe. Players explore infinite planets, gather resources, build bases, and discover new species.
Features
10 Minutes of No Man’s Sky: Beyond PlayStation VR Gameplay
The game’s procedurally generated universe ensures that no two planets are alike. Multiplayer and base-building updates have significantly expanded gameplay. What is important is that the game uses VR, which is still rare.
Innovations
No Man’s Sky introduced an unprecedented scale of procedural generation, creating an almost infinite universe for players to explore.
Graphics and Sound
The game features vibrant, diverse planetary environments. Its ambient soundtrack and sound design create a soothing yet adventurous atmosphere.
Story and Universe
No Man’s Sky doesn’t have a traditional narrative but offers profound lore and mysteries scattered across the universe, encouraging exploration.
Multiplayer
The game now includes multiplayer, allowing players to explore and build together.
Why we chose it
No Man’s Sky’s vast, ever-expanding universe and innovative procedural generation make it a landmark title in space gaming. It holds a Metacritic score of 71. Initially criticized, the game has redeemed itself with numerous updates, earning praise for its ambitious scope and ongoing development.
Stellaris
Stellaris
Developer: Paradox Development Studio
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
Release Year: 2016
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Stellaris is a grand strategy game set in space. Players control an interstellar empire, managing resources, diplomacy, exploration, and warfare.
Features
Let’s Try: Stellaris | Gameplay from Paradox’s Space Game …
The game offers deep customization of races and governments. Its real-time with pause mechanics allows for intricate strategic planning.
Innovations
Stellaris combines grand strategy with space exploration, introducing unique mechanics like ethics and traits for species.
Graphics and Sound
Stellaris features detailed star maps and planetary systems. Its soundtrack and sound effects enhance the epic scope of interstellar conquest.
Story and Universe
The game’s narrative emerges through player actions and randomly generated events, creating unique stories for each playthrough.
Multiplayer
Multiplayer mode supports cooperative and competitive gameplay, enhancing the strategic experience.
Why we chose it
Stellaris’s strategic depth and expansive universe make it a standout title in the grand strategy genre. It holds a Metacritic score of 78. Stellaris is praised for its depth and replayability, which have influenced other strategy games with its innovative blend of mechanics.
EVE Online
EVE Online
Developer: CCP Games
Publisher: CCP Games
Release Year: 2003
Platforms: PC
EVE Online is a space-based MMORPG where players can engage in trading, combat, exploration, and political intrigue in a persistent universe.
Features
EVE Online – Gameplay (2021) PC HD
The game’s core aspects are its player-driven economy and politics, characterized by massive battles involving thousands of players.
Innovations
EVE Online’s persistent universe and complex player-driven systems have set new standards for MMORPGs.
Graphics and Sound
The game features detailed spaceship models and expansive space environments. Its sound design adds to the immersive experience.
Story and Universe
EVE Online’s lore is rich and player-driven, with actual events influencing the game’s history.
Multiplayer
The game is entirely multiplayer, with player interactions driving the game’s economy and politics.
Why we chose it
EVE Online’s unparalleled player-driven universe and longevity make it a seminal space game. It holds a Metacritic score of 88. EVE Online is renowned for its complexity and depth, and it has a dedicated community and numerous accolades.
Homeworld Series
Homeworld
Developer: Relic Entertainment
Publisher: Sierra Studios, THQ Nordic
Release Year: 1999 – 2015
Platforms: PC
Homeworld is a real-time strategy game set in space. Players control fleets of ships, manage resources, and engage in tactical combat.
Features
Homeworld Remastered: 37 Minutes of Gorgeous HD …
The game features authentic 3D movement and combat in space, allowing for strategic depth.
Innovations
Homeworld introduced fully 3D space combat, setting a new standard for RTS games.
Graphics and Sound
The series features detailed ship models and beautiful space environments. Its soundtrack and sound effects are highly praised.
Story and Universe
The story follows the journey of a displaced race seeking their homeworld. The lore is rich in history and conflict.
Multiplayer
The game includes multiplayer modes for competitive and cooperative play.
Why we chose it
Homeworld’s pioneering 3D combat and compelling narrative make it a classic space RTS. The series holds a Metacritic score of 93 for the Remastered Collection.
Homeworld is acclaimed for its innovative gameplay and storytelling, influencing future RTS titles.
Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds
Developer: Mobius Digital
Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
Release Year: 2019
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Outer Wilds is an exploration game where players investigate a solar system stuck in a time loop. The goal is to uncover the mystery behind the loop and the fate of an ancient civilization.
Features
Outer Wilds Gameplay
The game’s time loop mechanic creates a unique exploration experience, with each loop lasting 22 minutes.
Innovations
Outer Wilds combines open-world exploration with a narrative-driven mystery, using a time loop to create dynamic storytelling.
Graphics and Sound
The game features stylized graphics that enhance the sense of wonder. Its ambient soundtrack and sound effects create an immersive atmosphere.
Story and Universe
The narrative is rich with lore, focusing on the mysteries of the Nomai civilization and the time loop.
Multiplayer
The game is single-player only, focusing on personal discovery and exploration.
Why we chose it
Outer Wilds’ unique time loop mechanic and engaging mystery make it a standout title. It holds a Metacritic score of 85. Outer Wilds received critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay and storytelling.
X4: Foundations
X4: Foundations
Developer: Egosoft
Publisher: Egosoft
ReleaseYear: 2018
Platforms: PC
X4: Foundations is a space trading and combat game that offers an open-ended sandbox experience. Players can pilot various spacecraft, manage fleets, build stations, and trade resources across a dynamic universe. The game allows players to take on multiple roles, from a lone explorer to a mighty empire builder.
Features
X4 Foundations Gameplay Official
One of the unique aspects of X4: Foundations is its detailed ship management system, which lets players personally pilot any ship in the game. The modular station building and economic simulation add layers of depth, making the player’s decisions impactful.
Innovations
X4: Foundations introduced seamless transitions between ship interiors and exteriors, enhancing immersion. The game also boasts a highly dynamic economy where every action affects the universe.
Graphics and Sound
The game features impressive graphics, highly detailed spacecraft, and vibrant space environments. Its sound design and soundtrack complement the immersive gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.
Story and Universe
X4: Foundations offers a rich universe with a complex backstory and multiple factions. The narrative is player-driven, with missions and storylines that unfold based on player choices and actions.
Multiplayer
X4: Foundations is primarily a single-player experience focusing on personal exploration and empire-building.
Why we chose it
X4: Foundations stands out for its detailed ship management, dynamic economy, and immersive universe, making it a top choice for space simulation enthusiasts. The game received positive reviews for its depth and complexity. It has a dedicated fanbase that has significantly contributed to the space simulation genre.
Everspace 2
Everspace 2
Developer: Rockfish Games
Publisher: Rockfish Games
Release Year: 2021
Platforms: PC
Everspace 2 is a fast-paced space shooter with RPG elements. Players explore open-world environments, engage in dogfights, and loot resources to upgrade their ships.
Features
EVERSPACE 2 Gameplay Walkthrough – No Commentary …
The game combines space combat with deep story-driven quests and RPG progression, offering a diverse gameplay experience.
Innovations
Everspace 2 enhances the space shooter genre with open-world exploration and a rich narrative.
Graphics and Sound
The game features high-quality visuals with vibrant space environments. Its dynamic soundtrack and sound design intensify the combat experience.
Story and Universe
The narrative follows a clone pilot as he uncovers his past and deals with factions and conflicts in space. The story-driven approach adds depth to the gameplay.
Multiplayer
Everspace 2 focuses on a single-player experience.
Why we chose it
Everspace 2’s blend of space combat and RPG elements makes it a noteworthy addition. It holds a Metacritic score of 81. Everspace 2 received positive reviews for its engaging gameplay and visual fidelity, carving a niche in the space shooter genre.
Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2
Developer: Arrowhead Game Studios
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release Year: 2024 (Upcoming)
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5
Helldivers 2 is a cooperative twin-stick shooter set in a dystopian future. Players fight to protect Super Earth from alien threats, emphasizing teamwork and strategic play.
Features
Helldivers 2 – 18 Minutes of Explosive Gameplay 4K 60FPS
The game features dynamic missions, a robust arsenal of weapons, and deep customization options. The focus on cooperative gameplay sets it apart.
Innovations
Helldivers 2 promises to enhance the twin-stick shooter genre with improved mechanics and cooperative elements.
Graphics and Sound
The game showcases advanced graphics, detailed alien environments, and explosive effects. Its sound design and music score enhance the chaotic combat experience.
Story and Universe
Set in a dystopian future, players take on the role of Helldivers, elite soldiers fighting against alien invasions to protect humanity.
Multiplayer
Helldivers 2 emphasizes cooperative multiplayer, with up to four players working on missions.
Why we chose it
Helldivers 2’s focus on cooperative gameplay and dynamic missions makes it a highly anticipated title, given its predecessor’s success and improvements in gameplay and graphics.
Summary
That article is about the top 10 space games, but many other engaging titles exist. For instance, Star Wars: Squadrons delivers exciting dogfighting in the Star Wars universe.
Surviving Mars focuses on the challenge of colonizing and surviving on Mars take note, Elon Musk). Astroneer provides a fun experience of exploring and crafting on different planets,
