Since its ambitious debut, No Man’s Sky has become synonymous with boundless exploration, survival, and discovery across the stars. Its unmatched level of freedom reshaped expectations for spacefaring adventures, yet as the genre matures, a new wave of games is preparing to push those ideas further, offering their own interpretations of infinite skies and uncharted frontiers.
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From narrative-driven journeys to hard science fiction simulators, numerous upcoming titles aim to explore various aspects of what makes space so alluring. Vast galaxies, mysterious planets, interstellar travel, and survival against the odds remain at their core, ensuring the next generation of space exploration games will be as ambitious as they are imaginative.
SpaceCraft
From Automation To Planetary Exploration
SpaceCraft
- Released
- 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Shiro Games
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Simulation
Set in the aftermath of humanity’s desperate escape from war machines known as the Tripods, SpaceCraf t offers a vast galaxy to explore and rebuild within. Players freely traverse star systems, asteroid belts, derelict ships, and planetary surfaces, scanning for resources and uncovering the remnants of lost civilizations.
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Every discovery fuels survival, as mined materials can be crafted into advanced components and starship parts, or traded across a dynamic player-driven economy. Beyond exploration, players construct automated outposts and defend themselves from roaming pirates, giving them a true sense of purpose in a galaxy full of ruin and decay.
Light No Fire
A World Even Larger Than Before
Light No Fire
- Developer(s)
- Hello Games
WHERE TO PLAY
From Hello Games, the studio behind No Man’s Sky, comes Light No Fire, an ambitious fantasy adventure set on a single, procedurally generated planet the size of Earth. Unlike the developer's previous survival game, the focus is not on galaxies but on the richness of one vast, living world where players can climb mountains, cross oceans, and traverse continents in a seamless, shared space brimming with life.
The game blends survival mechanics with cooperative freedom, encouraging exploration as a group rather than a solitary mission. Mounts, sailing vessels, and airships expand mobility, giving players more options to traverse the world, and by merging the infinite possibilities of procedural design with a more grounded, Earth-like scale, players will never run out of things to see and do.
Falling Frontier
Strategy Among The Stars
- Release Date: Coming Soon
- Developer: Stutter Fox Studios
Falling Frontier reshapes the real-time strategy genre with a hard sci-fi focus on reconnaissance, logistics, and ship design. Set in a procedurally generated star system, players establish orbital shipyards, supply depots, and colonies while competing against rival human factions for resources and territory.
The combat balances cinematic spectacle with tactical nuance, as shots ricochet, subsystems fail under fire, and ambushes allow nimble ships to overcome heavy cruisers. The emphasis is for sure on agency, as players are given all the tools they need to wield entire fleets however they choose, all within a universe that seems to have no end.
For The Stars
The Next Big Space Exploration Hit
- Release Date: Coming Soon
- Developer: Snail Games USA
For the Stars invites players to explore a vast galaxy filled with diverse planets, strange alien ruins, and rare resources. Each world players encounter has unique ecosystems and challenges that range from environmental hazards to hostile creatures, forcing them to adapt to their surroundings every time they touch down.
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Customization truly is king here, with everything from ship to player model appearances being fully customizable to the player's tastes and desires. With so much to do and see, few space games on the horizon can compete with the level of scale and depth offered by For The Stars.
Haunted Space
Cosmic Horror Brought To Life
- Release Date: Coming Soon
- Developer: Italian Games Factory
Haunted Space combines deep space simulation with a horror-infused narrative, pitting players against colossal Lovecraftian creatures scattered across multiple star systems. The universe is filled with ancient, godlike entities composed of organic matter and debris, each presenting multi-stage, high-stakes encounters.
Players have lots of options in terms of their space adventures, as ships can be crafted, upgraded, and tailored for specific missions, while the innovative co-pilot system allows seamless control ranging from full simulation to arcade-style play. The system also supports accessibility features, including eye-tracking, ensuring that the horror and challenge of the void can be experienced by a wide audience.
Breathedge 2
Blending The Past And The Future
- Release Date: Q1 2026
- Developer: RedRuins Softworks
Breathedge 2 continues the ironic, retro-futuristic saga of The Man, navigating intergalactic crises alongside a crew of unique companions. Players explore multiple planetary clusters, each with distinct zones, colorful environments, and hazards ranging from unique wildlife to floating debris.
Each crew member plays a vital role in the success of the adventure, but they also require a good amount of attention and care to make the most of their individual talents. This creates a unique gameplay loop where players have to constantly consider the wider group rather than themselves as a solo captain.
Inter Solar 83
Sending You Back To The 80s
- Release Date: To be announced
- Developer: First Time Games
Inter Solar 83 is a uniquely stylized VR game that sends players across the stars to explore the unknown. The main draw comes from the visuals, taking inspiration from classic technology and 8-bit PCs to deliver an experience that looks and feels unlike anything else.
Players need to manage plenty of different systems on their trips, seeking out resources to fuel their desire to make the next jump. With the entire experience being playable in VR, players will have a blast being fully immersed in this charming yet enticing universe.
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