The 15 Best Games Set in Space

Few settings spark our imagination like the vastness of the cosmos. From epic explorations to tactical battles and quirky farming sims, space-themed games offer something for every type of gamer. Here are 15 of the best games set in space!

No Man’s Sky

Let’s start with the most obvious choice for a blog about games set in space. In No Man’s Sky, the entire universe is your playground. This game takes you on an epic sci-fi journey through a galaxy teeming with unexplored planets, unique life forms, and limitless opportunities for adventure. What makes it so unique? You can fly seamlessly from deep space to the surface of any planet – no loading screens, no limits. Every star you see represents a distant sun with its own planets to explore, each procedurally generated and potentially untouched by another player.

But exploration isn’t your only challenge. Survival depends on your ability to upgrade your ship, tools, and equipment while fending off hostile aliens and space pirates. And at the heart of it all is a mysterious pull that drives you to the center of the galaxy to uncover the secrets of the cosmos. Whether you’re building an interstellar empire, immersing yourself in sandbox creativity, or simply marveling at the breathtaking visuals, No Man’s Sky offers an experience unlike any other. The devs are outdoing themselves with frequent updates and endless gameplay possibilities.

Starcom: Unknown Space

If you’re a fan of action RPGs and want to chart your own course through the cosmos, we recommend the 2024 release Starcom: Unknown Space. It invites you into a vast, open universe teeming with alien factions, mysterious anomalies, and unexplored worlds. The game puts you in the captain’s seat of your very own starship, with a ship-building system that’s as innovative as it is addictive. Will you build a sleek explorer for deep space exploration or a heavily armored battlecruiser ready to rule the stars? The choice is yours.

What we enjoy most about the game is its immersive blend of exploration and storytelling. With over 230 anomalies to investigate, every star system you visit feels like a new chapter in an epic space adventure. And while there’s no voice acting, the written narrative is rich and thought-provoking, drawing you into the mystery. If you’re a fan of tactical combat, resource management, or just the thrill of exploring the unknown, this game is for you.

Stellaris

For strategy game enthusiasts looking for games set in space, we recommend Stellaris. This sci-fi grand strategy game from Paradox invites you to chart your own course among the stars and build a civilization that spans the galaxy. From first contact with bizarre alien species to uncovering ancient galactic secrets, every decision you make will shape the destiny of your empire.

What truly sets Stellaris apart is its limitless replayability. Free updates and extensive DLC ensure there’s always something new to discover, while a thriving modding community lets you customize the game to your heart’s content. Yes, the learning curve is steep, but the rewards are endless. Every run feels like a unique story. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a curious newcomer, Stellaris is a must-play for anyone who loves epic space adventures.

💡 Tip: Check out this blog for more strategy games!

The Planet Crafter

Imagine crash-landing on a barren, hostile planet with one mission: make it habitable for humanity. In The Planet Crafter, you’ll take on that challenge and transform an inhospitable wasteland into a thriving paradise. This open-world survival crafting game puts you at the center of an epic terraforming journey where every step you take reshapes the world around you. Exploration is key: uncover shipwrecks, scavenge ruins, and stumble upon secrets hidden across the vast, mysterious map.

The beauty of The Planet Crafter is its progression. Watching the world evolve and adjusting your plans as your terraforming efforts change the environment is deeply satisfying. The game strikes the perfect balance between exploration, crafting, and base-building, keeping you engaged without overwhelming you. The thrill of creating a new ecosystem and the developers’ commitment to updates and future content make The Planet Crafter a masterpiece in the space survival genre.

Astrometica

Your journey in Astrometica begins with waking up in a drifting emergency pod after a mining station explosion, surrounded by the vast, unforgiving void of space. The space exploration and base-building survival game feels like a space Subnautica. Your mission? Gather resources, build bases, uncover cosmic secrets, and search for other survivors.

Construct modular outposts that serve as safe havens, automate mining operations, and withstand the brutal conditions of space. As you progress, unlock and customize new designs to make each base your own. The graphics may not redefine gaming technology, but they deliver a smooth, immersive experience – a rare feat in today’s Early Access games. If you’ve ever wanted to channel your inner space pioneer and carve out a life among the stars, Astrometica is your chance.

Deep Rock Galactic

If you’re looking for a space shooter, you need to check out Deep Rock Galactic. It throws you into procedurally generated alien caverns as battle-hardened dwarves with a penchant for mining and mayhem. You can choose from four different classes, each with its own tools of destruction and ingenuity. No matter your play style, there’s a role waiting for you.

The most fun aspects of Deep Rock Galactic are the fully destructible environments and the freedom to approach missions your way. Drill a straight path to your goal or weave an intricate network of tunnels – the choice is yours. The game’s dynamic cave systems ensure that no two missions are ever the same, and its arsenal of high-tech gadgets guarantees that you’ll always have the right tool for the job. Add in top-notch audio design, and you’ve got an experience that’s as immersive as it is endlessly replayable.

Little-Known Galaxy

Next up on our list of the best games set in space is one that made our list of the best games of 2024 because, in our opinion, it’s one of the best farming sims to come out last year. Little-Known Galaxy feels a lot like Stardew Valley in space! It invites you to join the Space Alliance as a captain-in-training tasked with unraveling the mysteries of an ancient relic on the enigmatic Grey Planet.

Customize every inch of your ship, from the hull to the cozy quarters where your crew gathers. Grow crops on your ship’s hull (yes, even in the vacuum of space!), build machines, cook up interstellar recipes, and explore diverse planets, each teeming with life. But the real magic comes from the quirky crew you’ll lead. Their personalities and stories make every interaction meaningful and add depth to your journey. Little-Known Galaxy is perfect for relaxing and living out your sci-fi farming dreams!

💡 Tip: Head over to this blog for more great farming sim recommendations!

Oxygen Not Included

Imagine being deep inside an alien asteroid where every breath, calorie, and drop of water counts. In the colony sim Oxygen Not Included, you’ll lead a quirky, hardworking crew through the relentless challenges of subterranean life to ensure their survival. Oxygen shortages, freezing temperatures, and a never-ending to-do list are just the beginning.

The game doesn’t give you easy answers. Heat overwhelming your colony? Don’t expect a magic solution like an air conditioner. You’ll have to think creatively – dissipate or turn the heat into energy. Each solution you devise adds a new layer of complexity, keeping you busy and on your toes. The beauty of Oxygen Not Included lies in its intricate systems. Every detail is under your control, from managing resources to designing efficient plumbing and power grids. If you thrive on solving complex puzzles and balancing countless tasks, this game is for you.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Another of our favorite games of 2024 that we’d like to recommend here is Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. This sequel to the 2011 classic puts you in the power armor of Lieutenant Titus, a superhuman Ultramarine tasked with defending the Imperium. The galaxy is darker and deadlier than ever, and it’s up to you to take on the relentless Tyranid hordes in epic third-person combat.

The game shines with its commitment to delivering an exciting, immersive experience. The game stays true to the Warhammer 40K universe, complete with stunning graphics, breathtaking planetary vistas, and sound design that transports you straight into the grimdark future. Fans will love how the story weaves loyalty, sacrifice, and cosmic mystery into its narrative. Plus, the gameplay continues evolving with updates like chapter-specific equipment and new weapons.

Outer Wilds

Outer Wilds is an unforgettable journey through a fascinating, mysterious solar system trapped in an endless time loop. As the newest recruit to Outer Wilds Ventures, your mission is to unravel the mysteries of this ever-evolving universe. Who built the ancient alien ruins? What secrets lie hidden in the chilling depths of Dark Bramble? Most importantly, can you break the loop that has trapped this place?

The combination of exploration and storytelling is truly unique. Every clue you uncover, every planet you visit, and every daring space maneuver bring you closer to understanding a universe that feels alive. The music? Phenomenal. The gameplay? Immersive and deeply satisfying. Your ship’s computer keeps track of the clues you collect, so you can focus on piecing together the puzzle without feeling overwhelmed. The game rewards persistence and curiosity. If you’re sure you’re on the right track, stick with it—you might just find the breakthrough you’re looking for.

Cosmoteer: Starship Architect & Commander

Cosmoteer: Starship Architect & Commander puts the power of spacefaring dreams in your hands. This addictive game lets you design and customize starships from the ground up, assembling weapons, engines, crew quarters, and more. Every detail matters, as the layout of your ship will determine its performance in the heat of battle.

Take control of your ship or an entire fleet in epic battles and explore a galaxy full of challenges. Whether you enjoy micromanaging every detail or prefer to jump right into the action with pre-built designs, Cosmoteer has something to suit your play style. With its intuitive yet in-depth ship design tools, it offers almost limitless creativity. This game is a must-play if you’re a fan of strategy, design, and exciting space adventures.

STAR WARS Jedi: Fallen Order

We couldn’t possibly write a blog about games set in space without mentioning the Star Wars franchise. If you’ve ever dreamed of wielding a lightsaber and mastering the Force, STAR WARS Jedi: Fallen Order is your chance to live out that fantasy. This souls-like action-adventure game from Respawn Entertainment puts you in the shoes of Cal Kestis, a young Padawan on the run after surviving the infamous Order 66. As you fight to rebuild the Jedi Order, you’ll explore stunning, interconnected planets, unravel deep mysteries, and stay one step ahead of the Empire’s relentless Inquisitors.

The gameplay strikes the perfect balance between cinematic storytelling and challenging combat. You’ll engage in intense lightsaber duels and Force battles that feel right out of the movies. We’re also big fans of the world design. Every planet is a puzzle waiting to be solved. As you get stronger and unlock new abilities, previously unreachable areas open up. We recommend the game to any Star Wars fan – it’s an immersive adventure with compelling characters and surprising plot twists!

💡 Tip: We have an entire blog dedicated to the best Star Wars games!

shapez 2

Fans of factory-building and automation games should have shapez 2 on their radar! In this top-down builder, your mission is simple yet endlessly engaging: construct massive, multi-level factories to process and assemble geometric shapes. It’s all about creativity and efficiency—with no enemies, timers, or in-game currency to stress you out. You can focus entirely on designing the perfect production lines at your own pace.

Every shape you process is like a puzzle piece waiting to be cut, stacked, painted, and reassembled into more complex designs. The sequel introduces innovative platform mechanics, encouraging you to process shapes closer to your hub and expand as you progress. Each platform feels like its own module, which adds a satisfying layer of depth and style to your builds. With improved quality-of-life features, endless possibilities for automation, a chill vibe, and a great soundtrack, shapez 2 offers a uniquely relaxing yet addictive experience.

Mass Effect

Our second to last recommendation is technically not a single game but an entire series/franchise. If you enjoy space exploration, gripping narratives, and unforgettable characters, Mass Effect is a journey you can’t afford to miss. The Mass Effect Legendary Edition brings together the entire trilogy in one package, remastered in stunning 4K Ultra HD.

What makes Mass Effect truly outstanding is how it puts you in the driver’s seat of an epic space opera. As Commander Shepard, humanity’s last hope against an existential threat, your choices shape the fate of the galaxy. The series is a masterclass in world-building. From political intrigue to philosophical debates about artificial intelligence, every corner of its vast universe is rich with detail. Mass Effect is a personal and emotional experience, and if you haven’t tried it yet, you should!

The Outer Worlds

What if you were the wild card in a galaxy of corporate chaos? That’s what The Outer Worlds throws at you. In this award-winning single-player RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, you take on the role of an unplanned variable – a colonist lost in transit who wakes up decades later to find the Halcyon colony on the brink of destruction.

Much like Mass Effect, you’re the one who calls the shots, and every decision you make shapes the story and the galaxy. The unique flaw system is a game changer. Accepting a flaw means a minor debuff but unlocks a shiny new perk. It’s a fresh take on character building that keeps you in control of your play style. Combine that with vibrant planets, quirky characters with sharp wit, and a satirical take on corporate greed that’s equal parts hilarious and biting, and you’ve got a space adventure like no other.

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Want to adjust your jump height in Outer Wilds, add research points in Shapez 2, or stop reloading your weapons in Space Marine 2? PLITCH makes it possible! Our codes are legal and always up to date.

To learn more about PLITCH, check out this blog and our YouTube channel!

Happy Gaming!