Summary
- Space indie games offer diverse gameplay experiences, from exploration to strategic challenges.
- Outer Wilds focuses on exploration in a time-loop solar system with a focus on discovery.
- No Man’s Sky offers endless exploration in a procured universe, now with multiplayer and survival elements.
Space games pull players in by pushing the boundaries of exploration and gameplay. Indie games blend a love for the unknown with unique mechanics, like managing starships or colonizing distant planets.
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Whether you’re drawn to strategic challenges, fast-paced combat, or serene explorations, there is a space indie game out there for just about everyone. Each game on this list has its own take on space adventure. Some focus on survival, while others emphasize discovery. Either way, all of these games can provide a great experience.
9
Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds is a unique space indie game that takes players on a journey through a solar system that is trapped in a 22-minute time loop. Your job is to explore the system and slowly unlock its secrets. There is absolutely no combat in this game, so the whole emphasis is on exploration. Instead of fighting, you’ll be piecing together clues, navigating dangerous landscapes, and making sense of what’s going on.
Outer Wilds rewards players for their curiosity, and it can be a good game to play if you’re looking for a more laid-back title. The handcrafted world feels alive, with changing planets and evolving mysteries that respond to your actions. Its sense of wonder and discovery makes it one of the most memorable space games out there.
8
No Man’s Sky
No Man’s Sky had a bit of a rocky release. However, after many updates, it’s now almost a completely different game. What sets No Man’s Sky apart from other titles is that it’s a procedurally generated universe that never ends. You can explore alien worlds, build bases, trade, and engage in space battles endlessly.
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After the introduction of multiplayer, the possibilities of this game opened up even more. Now, you can accomplish even more with your friends. This frame truly feels infinite in scope and features an interesting combination of survival and exploration. Whether you’re exploring solo or teaming up with friends, the game’s universe feels both limitless and dynamic.
7
Stellaris
Stellaris is a strategy game just as much as it is a sci-fi storytelling game. It allows you to lead your own galactic empire, which means you have control of everything from diplomacy to warfare to scientific discovery. You’ll get to customize your unique species and expand into new start systems.
The game is full of dynamic events, like meeting aliens or dealing with intergalactic crises, which makes each playthrough interesting and new. The mechanics are very deep, though, and this game is still rife with bugs. However, it’s a favorite in the space genre. No two playthroughs are the same, making it endlessly replayable for strategy fans.
6
FTL: Faster Than Light
- Released
-
September 14, 2012
- Developer(s)
-
Subset Games
- Publisher(s)
-
Subset Games
- ESRB
-
E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Fantasy Violence, Language
- Metascore
-
84
Faster Than Light is a roguelike that puts you in command of a spaceship. Instead of fighting, though, you’re fleeing a relentless enemy fleet. You’ll have to do things like manage crew, upgrade systems, and make all sorts of decisions in extremely fast-paced gameplay. It’s not a relaxing game, in the least.
Every time you flee to a new system, you’ll be presented with brand new challenges, ranging from rescue missions to pirate attacks. With permadeath, every decision is high stakes. There is tons of randomness involved, so each game is completely different. Each jump offers unpredictable events, forcing you to adapt or die with every encounter. The combination of tactical decision-making and random chaos makes every run feel thrilling and fresh.
5
Starbound
- Released
-
July 22, 2016
- ESRB
-
E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Alcohol Reference, Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood
- How Long To Beat
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25 Hours
Starbound is both a sandbox game and a story-driven universe. You’ll start as a refugee stranded on an alien planet, where you’re tasked to explore while rebuilding your life. Slowly, you’ll build colonies and customize your starship.
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It combines pixel art charm with deep crafting, building, and exploration systems, allowing you to create your own adventure. Whether you follow the storyline or wander off to explore, there’s always something to uncover. There is also a cooperative multiplayer mode, which allows you to team up with your friends to explore and survive together.
4
Kerbal Space Program
Kerbal Space Program is a physics-based simulation that puts players in charge of a space program. Your goal is to design rockets, spaceplanes, and stations while keeping an eye on your cash flow, too. The game has very realistic orbital mechanics, which make it challenging (and it doesn’t do much handholding, either).
You can do everything from launch rockets to explore Mars. The joy (and frustration) of trial-and-error rocket launches is part of the fun, making every successful flight feel like a true achievement. It’s a blend of science, creativity, and humor that makes it unlike any other space game.
3
Everspace 2
- Released
-
April 6, 2023
- Developer(s)
-
ROCKFISH Games
- Publisher(s)
-
ROCKFISH Games
- ESRB
-
t
Everspace combines RPG mechanics with fast-paced shooting. You’ll spend a lot of time exploring different star systems to complete quests while battling enemies. After a successful encounter, you’ll be able to upgrade your weapons and abilities, allowing you to tackle harder enemies next time.
Everspace is packed full of action and is perfect for those who want to feel like they’re in a space battle scene from Star Wars. Its slick combat and beautiful visuals make every battle feel like an intense cinematic experience. With plenty of loot and customization, it’s a satisfying blend of action and progression.
2
Astroneer
Astroneer is a colorful sandbox game where players terraform planets, gather resources, and build bases. It’s focused heavily on changing each planet’s terrain to better suit your needs, allowing players to dig tunnels or build bridges. The deformable terrain lets you sculpt mountains, carve tunnels, or create massive bridges, giving players an unprecedented level of control over their environment. Power and oxygen networks can be set up across planets, turning once-hostile worlds into sprawling interconnected bases. Cooperative multiplayer is extra fun and relatively stable.
This game is very relaxed, and its charming visuals have led to it being described as a “cozy game.” The gameplay is very open-ended, and players are encouraged to go after their own goals.
1
Elite Dangerous
Elite Dangerous is a massive space simulator that offers a 1:1 scale recreation of the Milky Way galaxy. You can trade goods, mine resources, and engage in intense dogfights. The game is designed to let you take your own path, whether that means becoming a bounty hunter or trader.
Elite Dangerous stands out thanks to its realistic space physics and great graphics. The game doesn’t hold your hand much, which can make it harder for new players to get into. Reading a few online guides is highly recommended.
