GAMERS DECIDE - ASTRONEER

[Top 15] Best Sci-Fi Games To Play Right Now

vansaders — Mon, 03 May 2021 15:36:38 +0000

It seems now more than ever, we’ve entered a Golden Age of video game design and concept. There is always a new game on the horizon that promises a truly revolutionary take on a beloved setting or idea. This is of course, only good news for game aficionados. If you’re one for exploring the depths of space, or like to imagine the different futures humanity may mold, sci-fi games are sure to draw you in with ease. Here are some of the top-rated games of the season that are must-plays:

15. Borderlands 3 (PC / PS4 / XBO / PS5)

Play as a death-defying Vault Hunter in this latest release of the Borderlands looter-shooter. New guns, new enemies, and a new story are all packed into this adventure, perfect for playing by yourself or with a friend in tow.

With highly addictive gameplay, Borderlands 3 will leave you craving more before you ever finish
Replayable and offering up additional action skills that allow the player to pick their own playstyle, Borderlands 3 is fast-paced and a modern take on the original beloved games

14. Destiny 2 (PC / PS3 / PS4 / XBO)

Choose between three classes in this first-person shooter. As a defender of the Last City, you are known as a Guardian, whose job is to protect humanity from darkness. This game will hook you and keep your attention for hours to come.

Featuring raids and complex encounters, Destiny is bound to scratch that particular gaming itch. With fluid combat and a comprehensive gearing system, powering yourself up in Destiny 2 is just a rewarding as the gameplay itself
In addition to multiplayer and PvP content, Destiny 2 has a story arc you can follow if you’re looking for a more PvE-focused experience
Destiny 2 is Free-To-Play!

13. Astroneer (PC / PS4 / XBO)

A much “cuter” game than one would expect in the Sci-Fi category, Astroneer holds its own in this lineup. If you’re looking for something bright, squishy-looking and comical while also dishing out some danger, then Astroneer is for you. Survive on a planet’s surface, drill your way to the core, and keep going!

Build custom bases with your friends or by yourself in this sandbox game. Your range of options is nearly limitless
With seven different unique worlds to explore in entirety, tame the surface, risk the caves and drill your way to the planet’s core to claim the ultimate prize
This game moves at your pace, whether you’re hoping to steam-roll through each planet you land on or take your time to casually explore
Earn emotes, cosmetic skins and find fun toys while out adventuring!

12. RimWorld (PC)

Anything can happen in this game. From man-eating rabbit hordes to ancient alien killing machines, to more simple occasions like a break-up between colonists, you’ll be left guessing in the best of ways when playing RimWorld. Build a working colony in unforgiving conditions, fend off random attacks and interact with the world in incredible ways.

Tend to the needs and( many times) eclectic desires of your band of colonists. Some may be wrestling with addiction, while others are simply incapable of certain tasks, but all of them have their own special character traits that will make them an interesting addition to your own story
Designed to be a rather twisted tale, there are three choices of AI Storytellers in RimWorld. Each has their own niche for different playstyles. If you’re craving an insane adventure with absurd situations, or merely want to sit back and relax on the path to survival, you’ll find what you’re looking for in one of these three Storytellers. Regardless of your choice, you’re going to have some pretty interesting stories to tell yourself at the end of a playthrough
Each new world you play in RimWorld is generated, meaning that no playthrough will be like the other!

11. Star Wars: The Old Republic (PC)

Immerse yourself in your very own Star Wars story with this fantastic MMO. Whether you want to live out your dreams of being a Sith or a flirtatious Smuggler, SWTOR can readily supply a story-driven experience.

Choose between eight different classes and storylines, each with their own missions and ultimate objectives. SWTOR allows you to feel like a hero, even if you’re playing a “bad guy”. Your path is your own!
Though this MMO is centered on its superb BioWare story-telling, it is by no means limited to it. There’s lots of different activities to engage in, such as raids, PvP and even roleplaying
With over twenty amazing planets, you can roam about the Star Wars universe of your own volition! Discover lore objects and uncover powerful datacrons that will adjust your stats permanently

10. No Man’s Sky (PC / PS4 / PS5 / XBO)

Travel to any planet of your choice in this exploration game. Boasting an infinite procedurally generated universe, No Man’s Sky will whisk you away to far-off worlds and present you with new challenges, new lifeforms and an adventure all your own.

Your adventure depends entirely on your choices in No Man’s Sky. Upgrade your ship and armor, flee dangerous pirate encounters or stand and fight for the riches you’ve accumulated
Many people have a lot of things to say about No Man’s Sky's initial release – and though a lot has changed for it since then, one thing that definitely hasn’t faltered, is how much these game developers care about their game. Reacting to criticism with grace and a can-do attitude, this game is constantly being tweaked to make it a better more immersive experience for the player

9. Among Us (PC / XBO / Nintendo Switch / iOS / Android)

Play as part of a crew – the catch? One of you is an imposter, whose only goal is to kill the rest of the crew before all the tasks can be completed. Call meetings, attempt to root out the imposter and keep your eyes peeled for any suspicious activity!

Play with friends or online with randoms, Among Us is extremely affordable and will provide you with a fun way to pass the time
Having just recently received a new map update, Among Us is still adding in new crew skills and new ways to manipulate and trick one another
With simple mechanics and easily accessible, Among Us truly can be for everyone

8. Cyberpunk 2077 (PC / PS4 / PS5 / XBO)

Move through the megalopolis of Night City as V on the search for immortality itself. Open-world and centered on the action of city-life, find your own way through this futuristic dystopia and shape your journey with the choices you make. With a few initial hiccups, this game made headlines for weeks. Not to fear, the bug-fixes have finally arrived!

With an extremely immersive story, the depth of each character in Cyberpunk will blow you away
Though the main story line is of course the big attraction here, Cyberpunk also features some rather fantastic side-quests that will draw you into the world even deeper. Some may be off the beaten path however, so it’s a good idea to fully explore your surroundings and really take your time while playing
The environments and world-building in Cyberpunk are extremely detailed and compelling. Night City truly feels lived in!

7. The Outer Worlds (PC / PS4 / XBO / Nintendo Switch)

A single-player RPG taking place in the furthest reaches of colonial space, you’ll find yourself in the middle of a deadly conspiracy. How you react to this game’s villains and NPCs will determine how your story becomes shaped, delivering a story that is individualistic

Though Outer Worlds features a main story that is shorter than say, Cyberpunk, it’s without a doubt extremely polished. Your choices matter greatly, and go on to seriously affect decisions later on in the game. Morality really matters
- This game lets you take full control: no matter how important an NPC is to the game, you can kill them and change the direction of the story completely.
Outer Worlds tracks your gameplay flaws, and will find what you aren’t that amazing at. Though it will punish you in some ways with these flaws, it will reward you in other ways. The feature is optional, but it truly draws you into who your character becomes and is extremely interactive

6. Elite Dangerous (PC / PS4 / XBO)

Elite Dangerous features the full galactic proportions of our very own Milky Way, and allows you to speed through the stars in your own space vessel. Face the ever-changing power dynamics of this futuristic take on our own galaxy and forge your way to the top from nearly nothing.

The real stars and planets of our own galaxy are the setting of Elite Dangerous, which makes for an interesting concept all its own. You could almost imagine this as the not-too-distant future
Your actions affect the story-line. Explore, mine, or attack other ships all in an attempt to become one of the Elite
Here’s another game with very invested game developers. This game is constantly receiving updates, all of which are based on player feedback

5. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (PC / PS4 / XBO)

Taking place five years after the events of Revenge of the Sith, this amazing game will throw you into Cal Kestis’ shoes: an ex-Jedi on the run, suppressing his connection to the Force in order to blend in more easily and go by unnoticed. Cinematic and masterfully animated, you will feel as if you too are struggling to survive in an Empire-governed world.

Heralded as the Star Wars version of Dark Souls, Fallen Order offers beautifully choreographed combat that is more rewarding the more you practice it
- Learn Force abilities throughout your adventure that further hone your prowess in combat!
The models in this game are all created using motion-capture technology, which gives them extremely life-like movement
Star Wars is known for its uncanny ability to tug on the heartstrings when it comes to family themes and bonds of friendship that get forged along the way: Fallen Order is no different. Prepare to become invested in these characters!

4. Horizon Zero Dawn (PC / PS4)

Beloved by gamers all across the globe, Horizon Zero Dawn will take you on a journey into another world where machines reign supreme. With a brilliantly designed atmosphere and endless open-world options, Horizon Zero Dawn will test your endurance and leave you craving more.

With incredibly satisfying combat, it’s easy to feel as if you have the prowess of Aloy herself as you take aim with her distinctive bow
Entrenched in superstition and a mysterious future where machine and Nature coexist in a single setting, this game’s story will lead you on a path of reflection and self-discovery
Horizon Zero Dawn is expertly designed, with breath-taking views. You’ll be taking trips out into the wilderness just to enjoy the sights alone

3. Subnautica (PC / PS4 / XBO / Nintendo Switch)

Labelled as a survival game taking place on an alien world almost completely covered in water, Subnautica will surprise you – in more ways than one. Whether becoming awestruck by the gorgeous designs of these alien creatures, terror-stricken by their immense size or just… entranced by that… beautiful creature… Subnautica will draw you in just like a mesmer.

Subnautica has possibly one of the best stories to have come out recently, and with a sequel in development and well on the way to release (Subnautica: Below Zero), this small developer keeps delivering over and over. Meaningful and absolutely engaging, you will feel invested in this journey as if you’re really treading water on the planet’s surface yourself, fighting to survive.
If the deep, open water terrifies you, prepare yourself to be scared witless. At least on Earth’s oceans, there’s usually not anything lurking below. On 4546B’s… there always is.
Construct a futuristic base that will allow you to survive the harsh waters of this alien world, befriend a tentacled fish, discover the dark truth behind the state of the oceans, reactivate ancient alien technology and become the best (and only) Cyclops captain on the surface. There’s so much to learn about 4546B – all you have to do is dive in.

2. DOOM Eternal (PC / PS4 / PS5 / XBO / Nintendo Switch)

Earth has been invaded by the army of Hell, and you’re the only one who can stop them. A modern rendition on the classic slayer game, DOOM Eternal has defined goals and compelling villains that will keep you slaying for hours to come.

The soundtrack of DOOM games has always been deeply adored by its fanbase. This game is no different. You’ll feel like an unstoppable force as you slay your way through wave after wave of demons with this soundtrack to accompany you
Combat is king in DOOM, and how you go about it is entirely in your hands. Run and gun, or melee your way to victory.
- Combat is never repetitive and stays diverse and new despite being the main focus of DOOM’s gameplay
There are plenty of secrets and hidden items to be found within DOOM Eternal. Some may even change how you play the game!

1. Deep Rock Galactic (PC / XBO)

Deep Rock Galactic is a fantastic 4-player Co-Op where you can play as a dwarf – in space! You’ll begin each mission on your company’s space rig, and launch each mission from the drop pod. Your main objective: mine precious goods for Deep Rock Galactic and survive waves of alien bug swarms.

Deep Rock has fantastic music that accompanies it throughout each mission. From spooky tunes that make you check over your shoulder for a grabber to pumped-up arrangements that get your dwarven blood going, there isn’t a moment in this small game that isn’t overlaid with a fantastic soundtrack to back it up and bring it to life.
Play as one of four different classes: Scout, Gunner, Engineer or Driller. Each have different strengths and different abilities that they can use during an encounter, with their own unique weapons and grenades.
Deep Rock doesn’t just feature hordes of bugs to fight with some unique enemies scattered here and there: there are boss fights you can stumble upon at random during each mission, different statuses that your intended encounter can begin with that may change how it all goes down, as well as different mission types.
This game is hilarious. With a plethora of unique voice lines for each class, each alcoholic beverage and even for each enemy ping, you are bound to be bent over with laughter at some of the ridiculous, yet strangely called-for comments these dwarves make along their travels.

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Dive into some of the best Sci-Fi Games of the season

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Top 11 Games Like Astroneer (Games Better Than Astroneer in Their Own Way)

josh_henreckson — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 03:57:53 +0000

Astroneer is a stylish game about exploring space and making it your own. From the charming, abstract art style, to the sculpting tool that lets players literally reshape the world around them, to the diverse and multilayered design of those worlds, this game is all about giving players a rewarding sense of discovery.

With Astroneer recently moving out of early access with its full launch on February 6, this is a great time for gamers to climb in their spaceships and explore the creative worlds that gaming has to offer. Whether you love Astroneer, or are looking for a different flavor of space adventure, these eleven games will satisfy your sense of curiosity.

11. Empyrion - Galactic Survival

Empyrion - Galactic Survival Gameplay

There’s a little bit of everything in Empyrion - Galactic Survival. It’s still in early access, but this game already includes a nice mixture of mechanics and gameplay styles that add to its appeal in the crowded survival genre. You start off stranded on a planet, but can eventually explore the open world of space in singleplayer or multiplayer, and in several difficulty settings so you’ll always face a satisfying challenge. One of the game’s biggest selling points is its rewarding base-building system, which allows you to protect yourself from the dangers of your new homeworld while also piecing together a familiar home.

Home sweet home: Nothing is more rewarding than starting with nothing and building something awesome.

Customizable exploration: You won’t be stranded forever—design and build your own spaceships.

10. Osiris: New Dawn

Osiris: New Dawn Gameplay

It’s the year 2078, and you are one of earth’s first interplanetary explorers. You’ve crash landed in the dangerous Gliese 581 system, and now you’ll have to fight to survive.

Osiris: New Dawn strikes a balance between exploration, base-building, and satisfyingly smooth gunplay battles against giant alien creatures. It’s still in early access and a bit rough around the edges, but its visuals are often gorgeous. The developers nailed both the cold, vast emptiness of space and the bright colors and alien life of strange planets.

Work together: alien lifeforms are big, fast, and aggressive.

Get back to work: Escape your first planet and discover the secrets of the Gliese system.

9. Breathedge

Breathedge Gameplay

You’re just a simple man trying to get your grandpa’s ashes to his funeral on time. Then your space hearse explodes and you’re stuck alone in a debris field. Suddenly, you’re forced into a struggle for survival with nothing but your determination, your dry sense of humor, and your grandpa’s beloved immortal chicken. This game is dark, hilarious, and will be a breath of fresh air (pun intended) if you love the genre but are tired of games that take themselves too seriously.

Spacewalk: Just because this is a humor game, doesn’t mean it can’t look amazing too.

Not quite alone: You do have one friend left with you in space.

8. No Man's Sky

No Man's Sky Gameplay

After it’s controversial launch, few gamers haven’t heard of No Man’s Sky. While it delivered on its promise to be a practically-infinite space exploration game with millions of worlds to discover, many gamers felt cheated by the game’s lack of depth and an absence of promised content.

Since its release in 2016, though, Hello Games has continued to work on making No Man’s Sky an excellent experience. With added base-building and multiplayer, third-person view, graphics improvements, as well as many quality of life updates, this game now has far more depth to complement it’s massive scope.

Variety: Experience colorful, procedurally-generated worlds across a vast galaxy.

Friends: It’s a big universe, but there’s no need to travel it alone.

7. Star Citizen

Star Citizen Gameplay

Star Citizen is an upcoming space simulator currently in alpha, but available to play today. Its unfinished state may be a barrier for some players, but this game is worth mentioning because of its sheer ambition. It looks to thrust players into a massive world with deep faction gameplay, a player-driven economy, huge multiplayer battles, and deep customization. If it can deliver these features, it could be one of the most immersive multiplayer games ever made.

Visuals: Even in alpha, this game can look stunning.

FPS: Battle in space and on the ground.

6. Mass Effect: Andromeda

Mass Effect: Andromeda Gameplay

In Mass Effect: Andromeda, you take on the role of one of the Ryder twins as you come to lead the crew of a 600-year expedition to the Andromeda Galaxy. This was never going to be easy, but upon arriving, you find the situation is much worse than you could have imagined. This is the first true roleplaying game on this list, and the focus is much more on story and combat than in the others. Still, exploration and a sense of wonder are some of the main themes of the game, and you’ll find plenty of beautiful worlds hiding ancient secrets.

Explorer or warrior: Lead the Andromeda Initiative and protect settlements from dangerous enemies.

Companions: Explore with a colorful crew.

5. Elite Dangerous

Elite Dangerous Gameplay

Elite Dangerous throws its players into an unbelievably massive, 1:1 scale simulation of the Milky Way Galaxy with nothing but a starship. Pilots can dogfight with pirates and explore 400 billion star systems alone or in multiplayer. The game lets you choose whether to seek out the thrills of space combat, find work in the wide galaxy, or peacefully explore distant systems. The learning curve is steep, but the flight simulator gameplay can be incredibly immersive.

Take control: customize your systems and take flight.

Familiar worlds: Mars looks a little different in this futuristic setting.

4. Maia

Maia Gameplay

Your job is simple: control a group of humans as they struggle to build and sustain a colony on a poisonous world that is constantly battered by violent natural disasters like earthquakes, meteor strikes, and deadly solar flares. Simple, yes, but not easy. In other space exploration games, the world is wide and unlimited. In Maia, you’re stuck with next to nothing on an inhospitable world. Do your best to keep your people alive.

Adapt: Design and build your colony.

Disasters: Be prepared to respond to deadly emergencies.

3. PULSAR: Lost Colony

PULSAR: Lost Colony Gameplay

Team up with up to three friends and become the crew of a starship traveling the galaxy in search of the Lost Colony. Each player has a vital, specialized role, so the entire crew must work together to overcome the challenges they meet in space. Singleplayer is available with AI crewmates, but this game is best enjoyed with a group. With a variety of missions both in space and planetside, this game allows sci-fi fans to experience the thrill of a space epic together.

Crewmates: Be sure to choose the right person for the job.

Beam me up: Teleport to and from alien worlds to complete missions on the ground.

2. Stationeers

Stationeers Gameplay

If you’re looking for a game about boundless, laidback exploration, Stationeers is not for you. This game is all about the challenge of building a complex, functioning base in an unfriendly environment with limited resources. Stationeers is deep and difficult—you’ll have to pay attention to energy, resources, electrical and gravitational systems, health, temperature, and a huge array of other factors when building and maintaining your space station. If you’re up for a challenge, this game might be up your alley.

Stationeering: Manage the complex systems of your new home.

Mining: Head outside to gather the materials you need to survive.

1. HELLION

HELLION Gameplay

You entered cryosleep expecting to wake in the thriving colony of Hellion. When you woke, you were one of thousands of survivors stranded in the wreckage of a derelict colony. HELLION blends space exploration with the gameplay of a multiplayer survival game. Establish bases in starships, work together, or trust no one—just beware of other survivors jetpacking toward your airlock with machine guns.

Equipment: Stash your loot in your ship and gear up for the dangers of Hellion.

Derelict: Scavenge the ruins of the colony in search of answers...or just to survive.

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The lovely game world of Astroneer

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Top 11 Ultimate Best Space Games To Play in 2019

rallymonkee — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 21:38:52 +0000

Let's Countdown The Best Space Games of Today

What are the very best space games you can play in 2019? Which games let you get your interstellar travel on and finally realize your fantasy of visiting strange planets and meeting alien races? Which games make you feel like you’re just a few midichlorians away from being a ship-driving, blaster-wielding star jockey with more guts than sense? Here are the top 11 ultimate best space games to play in 2019.

11. Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2

Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2 Gameplay

Made by the team behind the celebrated Warhammer 4,000 tabletop game, Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2 is an exciting and engrossing experience that lets you vie for control of the Warhammer 4K universe. Can you survive, conquer, and dominate?

Play as one of the original twelve factions featured in the tabletop game. Embark on one of three solo campaigns, or test your skills against other spacefarers in multiplayer. Experience space combat at its most thrilling, and see if you have what it takes to be king of space mountain!

What makes this one of the best space games:

Dynamic campaigns that adjusts to your gameplay for enhanced replay value
Improved multiplayer mode that gives the game added depth and dimension
Dramatic narrative that links the game to the larger Warhammer 4,000 universe
Spectacular graphical detail that shines in 4K

Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2 is available now on Steam.

Run and gun: Gather your fleet, shoot the bad guys, and get home in time for supper.

Ramming speed: Sometimes, a little extra force is required to get the job done.

10. Space Engineers

Space Engineers Gameplay

Space Engineers is a sandbox game that lets you build and develop ships, space stations, and whole colonies. Get down and dirty in the world of interstellar construction, and scratch your resource management and development itch.

Inspired by the realities of space travel and habitation, Space Engineers emphasizes exploration and construction, but it packs a punch as well. Play as a badass welder or as a badass gunfighter, and get to know the galaxy from all angles.

Build a universe of your own, and learn the joys of cosmic construction!

What makes this one of the best space games:

Realistic physics engine that makes space construction true to life
Fully destructible objects, from ships to entire planets
Robust and enthusiastic modding community

Space Engineers is in Early Access on Steam.

If you build it, it will explore: Learn the ins and outs of resource management and ship construction.

It’s probin’ time: Send probes throughout the galaxy to find resources and shoot little green men.

9. Empyrion - Galactic Survival

Empyrion - Galactic Survival Gameplay

Empyrion - Galactic Survival is a space-based sandbox-and-survival game that tasks you with staying alive in a cold and harsh frontier populated by strange planets and bizarre creatures. Do your best to keep breathing in a universe that offers wealth,resources, and so, so many ways to die.

Explore planets, and find and develop resources. Grow crops, and create thriving settlements. Encounter new lifeforms, and choose to either cooperate with them or blow them up. Hunt, capture, and raise alien creatures for food, or train them to be warbeasts.

Indulge your wildest impulses—construct whatever you want, and go wherever you please in this massive and amazing universe.

What makes this one of the best space games:

A unique blend of open world, survival, shooter, and resource development
Extensive crafting and tech trees for customized play
Fully modifiable terrain
Amazing wildlife and enemy races
In-depth and intuitive farming and food systems

Empyrion - Galactic Survival is in Early Access on Steam.

A boy and his habitat: Use your character to develop your home base, and strike out in search of new life and supplies.

It’s clobberin’ time: The rock golem is only one of many creatures who’d really like to squish you.

8. Stellaris

Stellaris Gameplay

Stellaris is a strategy game from Paradox Interactive, the company that brought you the Crusader Kings and Europa Universalis series.In a cutthroat universe, you must test yourself against the rest of the galaxy and become the leader of a interplanetary empire.

Spread your footprint across the cosmos with this engaging and captivating mix of adventure and strategy. Face off against aliens, colonize distant worlds, and make decisions that affect your entire career.

Start small, build your brand, and finish as galactic overlord!

What makes this one of the best space games:

Paradox’s trademark depth of gameplay
Complex and effective diplomatic system
Gorgeous visuals
Thousands of planets, resulting in endless possible outcomes

Stellaris is available now on Steam.

Like snowflakes, only planets: Each planet is unique and offers special challenges and rewards.

Let’s get it on: When diplomacy fails, it’s time to negotiate with lasers.

7. Endless Space® 2

Endless Space® 2 Gameplay

Endless Space® 2 is a strategic space opera that lets you conquer the universe and discover the secret behind the mysterious substance known as Dust. Take down your otherworldly opponents, and become master of the stars.

Lead one of eight civilizations, all competing for dominance. Manage your settlements, and develop your resources. Get hooked on the complex narrative in this addicting space strategy game that leaves you saying, “one more turn…”

What makes this one of the best space games:

Well-written narrative
Highly customizable ships, settlements, and strategies
A Hero Recruitment system that provides champions when you most need them

Endless Space® 2 is available now on Steam.

One faction to rule them all: Choose which faction you play on your way to cosmic dominance.

Soup it up and watch it go: Select and customize your ship for maximum strategic value.

6. No Man's Sky

No Man's Sky Gameplay

In No Man’s Sky, explore an entire galaxy of planets and creatures. Released to great expectations, and regularly updated to meet those expectations, the game allows you to trade, explore, and fight, either solo or with others. Embark on a grand voyage of exploration, and see worlds you never dreamed were possible.

Become a diplomat and arrange for trade, or become a freebooter and grab someone else’s goods. Set foot on unexplored lands. Move ever deeper into the galaxy, and discover the secrets that lie there.

Play No Man’s Sky, and take part in mankind’s thrilling voyage of discovery.

What makes this one of the best space games:

A galaxy shared by all players, leading to countless encounters and opportunities
Limitless horizons, allowing for constant and expanding exploration
Regular updates and added content have developed the game into a complex and one-of-a-kind experience.
An enthusiastic and expansive player community

No Man’s Sky is available now on Steam.

Blammo: If exploration turns sour, there’s always guns, right?

Amblin’: Use walkers and ships to protect your weak, fragile body from alien environments.

5. ASTRONEER

ASTRONEER Gameplay

In ASTRONEER, you discover the galaxy and reshape it as you wish. Work with other players in this open-world survival game to build bases, manage infrastructure, and expand human understanding.

Don’t just explore—build the universe as you see fit.

Play with up to four others, and drop in or out as you wish. Learn how to adapt and conquer planets and alien creatures. Construct and modify everything—vehicles, bases, and terrain. Take on solar systems, and come out on top.

What makes this one of the best space games:

Procedurally generated planets
Fully deformable and customizable terrain
Dynamic multiplayer experience

ASTRONEER is in Early Access on Steam.

Have it your way: Build the vehicles you want, and modify the worlds you explore however you please.

The world is ours: Play with your buddies in a fully drop-in/drop-out multiplayer experience.

4. Breathedge

Breathedge Gameplay

In Breathedge, you play as a simple man who finds himself in the middle of a galactic conspiracy. Do your best to survive in this clever and humorous survival adventure game, and don’t forget to bring the duct tape—you’ll need it.

Use your ingenuity (and duct tape) to create objects. Rescue a damsel. Create your own space station, and deck it out as you see fit. Discover dark forces responsible for your predicament, and come out on top.

Can you triumph over the bad guys and look damn good while you do it?

What makes this one of the best space games:

Witty, tongue-in-cheek narrative
Boundless and creative construction options
Immortal chicken. Yes, you heard me correctly.
Engaging and entertaining art style

Breathedge is in Early Access on Steam.

Furry friends: Encounter all manner of beasts, many of them already dead.

This old ship: Yeah, fixing this is gonna take a whole lot of duct tape.

3. Elite Dangerous

Elite Dangerous Gameplay

Elite Dangerous is a massively multiplayer experience that puts you in the shoes of a hungry, up-and-coming starship captain. Start with almost nothing, and build your way to fortune and glory as you fight, trade, and negotiate with other players.

Explore the vast galaxy. Join in galactic warfare, or strike out on your own to blaze a new trail in uncharted space. Live in an open world like no other, and learn why the Elite series has been at the forefront of entertainment since gaming’s earliest days. Get rich, and get lost in the wonder and beauty of interstellar travel!

What makes this one of the best space games:

Uses the actual Milky Way galaxy as its canvas
Continually growing and expanding with each new update
One of the largest open-world maps of all time

Elite Dangerous is available now on Steam.

Pew-pew, my friend: You can play nice with others, or you can play rough.

So many worlds, so many stations: Build space stations, and look down on your new worlds from above.

2. Oxygen Not Included

Oxygen Not Included Gameplay

Oxygen Not Included is a space simulation game that tasks you with surviving on worlds that really, really don’t want you to make it. Manage all aspects of your colony, allocate your limited resources, and cross your fingers—it’ll take all of your skill to keep everyone happy and breathing.

Control everything—plumbing, heat, power, and, of course, oxygen. Keep digging, and keep your colony growing; it’s the only way to find essential resources you need to survive. Explore every kind of world, and become a champion hoarder and administrator along the way.

What makes this one of the best space games:

Unique, whimsical art style
Constant resource demands to keep you on the edge of your seat
Procedurally generated worlds that offer all types of environments for true variety
Practical application of conservation and recycling skills
A unique look at life off Earth—not your typical shooter

Oxygen Not Included is in Early Access on Steam.

Grow or die: Don’t stop digging and expanding, if you want to keep everyone breathing.

Build me up, buttercup: Construct new machines to maintain your colony.

1. Starbound

Starbound Gameplay

In Starbound, you find yourself lost in space on a broken ship. To survive, you must gather resources, explore, and deal with a big, beautiful universe. Play however you wish, from conqueror to peacemaker to explorer, in this galaxy-spanning adventure.

Wanna capture alien creatures and train em to fight on your side? You can do that. How about discovering the hidden hands that control the galaxy’s fate? Can do, in the included story campaign. There’s no wrong way to play the game, and there are zillions of possibilities. Let your imagination run free!

What makes this one of the best space games:

Designed to be easily modded, with limitless options
Smart and fun story campaign
Allows crafting of everything, from ships to creatures to environments
An addictive mix of dungeon crawler, exploration game, simulation, and resource management

Starbound is available now on Steam.

Imagine it, design it, build it: There are no limits to what you can create.

Old Space McDonald: Be the best damn farmer in the galaxy.

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In space, no one can hear you get a high score.

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