Summary
- X4: Foundations, Space Engineers, and Astroneer are among the best open-world space simulators with mixed reviews but still enjoyed by players.
- No Man's Sky and Elite Dangerous offer immersive open-world experiences with the freedom to explore, discover, and engage in epic space battles.
- Everspace 2, Starfield, and Pulsar: Lost Colony provide intense battles, loot collection, and cooperative gameplay in the vastness of space.
Open-world titles have explored a wide range of themes and genres over the years that have captivated players and left them free to wander. One of the most popular themes that have left players to adventure freely is that of space which has been made even greater through the genre of simulation.
These space simulators have only become more popular over the years with many looking forward to the likes of the Xbox and PC exclusive of Starfield. Until then, players still have many games that simulate space and, therefore, these are by far some of the best open-world space simulators players should try.
Updated on February 12, 2024, by Megan Smith: Some of the best space games to be created are those that are well-known as space sim titles, allowing players to truly experience what it's like to explore space or adventure across the galaxy in a spaceship. Space simulators pair greatly with other genres, such as Bethesda's most recent RPG, Starfield. While the game has had many mixed reviews, overall, players who enjoy an RPG have loved the galaxies that Bethesda has simulated for them to explore and the freedom to create the spacecraft of their dreams. With this in mind, these are by far the best open-world space sim games that players have enjoyed in recent years.
13 X4: Foundations
Metascore: 59
X4: Foundations
- Released
- November 30, 2018
- Developer(s)
- Egosoft
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
X4: Foundations is a truly immersive experience that begins with the player selecting from various game starts, each with their roles and relationships. While a player may start in a specific direction, they are always free to explore other avenues while they explore space and all the technology within it.
While many space simulators leave players to build their bases on various planet surfaces, X4: Foundations allows its space explorers to build their space stations across the wide-open galaxy. Gradually players will expand to own their empire as they make space their own. Even with overall mixed critic reviews, many players have found enjoyment in the realism given by X4: Foundations.
12 Space Engineers
Metascore: 68
Space Engineers
- Released
- February 28, 2019
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Simulation, Sandbox
Sandbox titles like Space Engineers are another great game that easily simulates space while allowing players to explore an open world even with its mixed reviews from critics. Starting on a single planet, players must first collect resources to build their perfect space vessel before they should consider exploring elsewhere.
Once players have created their perfect spaceship they can finally get into the real open world of Space Engineers; astronauts can escape the hemisphere of the current planet they're on to finally explore the rest of space. With both single-player and multiplayer available there is plenty to explore alone or with friends.
11 Astroneer
Metascore: 71
Astroneer
Another sandbox that simulates space with a colorful twist is Astroneer. Similar to Space Engineers, players are left to explore various planets (and the distant corners of space) to find interesting new resources and a new place to build a base.
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These bases can be created both above and below ground, as the game gives players the tools to dig deep under the surface of the planets they explore. Besides this freedom to explore and gut the various planets of Astroneer, the space sandbox also has a fascinating story that players can explore with others. The different way of holding gear in the player's backpack that has a limited amount of space makes this open-world simulation stand out against the rest.
10 No Man's Sky
Metascore: 71
No Man's Sky
- Released
- August 9, 2016
- Developer(s)
- Hello Games
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Nintendo Switch 2
Out of all the inspiring space simulators available to players, one of the greatest open-world experiences for players is that of No Man's Sky., this title also has a story that players are free to pursue across the various solar systems, although, the real joy comes from the player making their adventures.
From finding unexplored worlds with the weirdest of wildlife. There are plenty of environments to explore and alien species to learn about. The game has improved wonderfully over the years with players finally being able to join others on their adventures. Even with its rocky beginning that affected its overall Metacritic score, No Man's Sky has redeemed itself to create one of the greatest open-world space simulation games to date.
9 Elite Dangerous
Metascore: 80
Elite Dangerous
- Released
- December 16, 2014
- Developer(s)
- Frontier Developments
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4
- Genre(s)
- Flight Simulator
Even massive multiplayer titles such as Elite Dangerous have the chance to be a great space simulator, and it has proved to players that it has everything a space explorer would need to adventure across the galaxy in a perfect render of space.
The player's actions change what is happening across the galaxy as players get involved in epic space battles while they witness the fall of various governments. Not to forget to mention how much there is to do away from other players such as adventuring across planets and finding black holes that marvel their discoverers.
8 Everspace 2
Metascore: 81
Everspace 2
- Released
- April 6, 2023
- Developer(s)
- ROCKFISH Games
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Genre(s)
- Sci-Fi
Everspace 2 is a fast-paced spaceship shooter title that allows players to freely explore space and the various planets they visit to collect as much loot as their spacecraft can possibly carry. Simulating galaxies that are filled with sentient life, every battle in Everspace 2 feels epic and intense as they fight for the right to continue plundering across space.
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Besides these intense battles, the open-world of this spaceship simulator is filled with interesting puzzles and mysteries for the player to uncover, as well as various other dangers that a player's ship may not be able to handle.
7 Starfield
Metascore: 83
Starfield
- Released
- September 6, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Bethesda
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Bethesda is known to make some of the most-loved RPG franchises for the western market. Though their recent title, Starfield, took them further than before with the game simulating what life could be like out in space, humanity has finally made it to the stars with cities already established across different galaxies.
The player is left to freely explore the galaxy and the planets within, not only the planets that have life established on them already but also the worlds that are yet to have colonists on them, providing random mystery, dangers, and lasting adventures.
6 Pulsar: Lost Colony
Metascore: 83
- Platform: PC
- Released: 2021-07-22
- Developer: Leafy Games
- Genre: Simulation, Action-Adventure
Play alone or with up to four friends in a space game that relies on the teamwork of others. In Pulsar: Lost Colony every player must first choose a role to fulfill on the ship before their entire crew can begin their exploration of the galaxy.
Looting planets and space stations i important to find the vital resources needed as the group explores while thrilling moments can be found in the fast-paced spaceship combat that will have the entire team rushing around. Pulsar: Lost Colony may look simplistic, but it's a space simulator to enjoy with others. Although the game hasn't earned enough critic reviews to land it a proper score the game has amazed players anyway.
5 The Outer Worlds
Metascore: 85
The Outer Worlds
- Released
- October 25, 2019
- Developer(s)
- Obsidian Entertainment
- Genre(s)
- RPG
While The Outer Worlds is mostly an Action role-playing game, it still simulates space for the player as well as revealing a world full of lore. The Outer Worlds take place across a variety of planets where a large corporation known as Spacers Choice owns most planets and the people within them.
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Besides the incredible main story, players are free to explore at their own pace and are encouraged to do so. With plenty of ways for a gamer to develop their character, flaws are praised in this title as not everyone is going to be perfect at exploring the galaxy. The Outer Worlds could have found itself higher on this list if it had pushed the spaceship out further when simulating space.
4 Outer Wilds
Metascore: 85
Outer Wilds
On the more relaxing side of adventuring the galaxy, the Outer Wilds has an interesting story that players will gradually uncover as they explore space in their tiny ship. Players explore a solar system that finds itself stuck in a loop.
It is up to the player to uncover why that is the case while they land on the various planets that make up this solar system. What makes this place even more exciting is how the looping of time changes the locations found; when a player visits an underground city at one moment it may be fine, but sometime later it is lost underneath the sand; something few other space simulators have explored.