Best Games Featuring Female Astronauts

Space has always been a vast, mysterious frontier, full of adventure and discovery. Over the years, the gaming industry has seen a growing trend in featuring strong, complex female astronauts who take on roles traditionally reserved for their male counterparts. These characters, often portrayed as brave, resourceful, and multidimensional, offer a fresh perspective on the world of space exploration.

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Not everyone has what it takes to be a spacefaring astronaut. These characters from video games, however, are more than qualified!

Whether navigating the unknown reaches of space or overcoming personal challenges, these female astronauts highlight different aspects of heroism in the cosmos. Here are some games that center around female astronauts, showing that the stars are just as much theirs as anyone else’s.

10

Echo

A Clone Of Yourself

ECHO

Systems

Developer(s)

Ultra Ultra

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

In Echo, players control En, a space traveler who awakens from cryosleep and explores a mysterious palace controlled by an adaptive AI. The game features a stealth mechanic where the environment learns from the player’s actions, forcing En to out-think her own clones.

As the protagonist delves deeper into the mystery, players uncover a complex story about identity, technology, and the consequences of human ambition. En’s resourcefulness and intelligence are key to navigating the palace’s challenges, making her a compelling astronaut in a world shaped by artificial intelligence.

9

Deliver Us Mars

A Poignant Exploration

Released

February 2, 2023

Developer(s)

KeokeN Interactive

OpenCritic Rating

Fair

As astronaut Kathy Johanson, players embark on a mission to recover stolen colony ships in Deliver Us Mars. The game’s sequel to Deliver Us The Moon combines exploration, platforming, and puzzle-solving with a deeply emotional narrative about family, survival, and sacrifice.

Kathy’s determination to complete her mission and save humanity adds a personal touch to the high-stakes adventure. The game’s atmospheric environments and detailed world-building draw players into its story, while Kathy’s journey is a poignant exploration of duty, loss, and hope.

8

Returnal

A Loop of Life And Death

Systems

Released

April 30, 2021

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Returnal follows astronaut Selene Vassos in a game featuring a mysterious time loop on the planet Atropos. As she struggles to survive, her journey uncovers hidden truths about the planet and her own past. The game features third-person shooter combat combined with roguelike mechanics, blending psychological horror with a gripping sci-fi story.

With its lightning-fast pace, remarkable visuals, and a strong emotional narrative, Returnal exhibits Selene’s resilience and determination, making her an interesting character in a unique planetary setting.

7

Metroid Prime Series

One Of The First

Systems

Samus Aran has been a notable character in the gaming world for decades. As a bounty hunter in the Metroid Prime series, Samus explores alien planets, battling powerful creatures and uncovering mysterious secrets.

As a very early female protagonist in a sci-fi setting, Samus’s character was groundbreaking when first introduced and has since become a significant figure in the gaming industry. Her bounty hunter skills and iconic power suit contribute to her role as the main character in an iconic, long-running series.

6

Tacoma

An Adventure in 2088

Released

August 2, 2017

Developer(s)

Fullbright

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

In Tacoma, players control Amy Ferrier, a contractor sent to investigate the sudden disappearance of a space station’s crew. Using augmented reality recordings, Amy pieces together the station’s final moments, uncovering the complex relationships between the crew members and the company that oversees them.

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The game is heavily narrative-driven, focusing on themes of AI, corporate control, and human connection. Amy’s methodical, compassionate approach to solving the mystery gives her character a grounded presence in the midst of the station’s eerie silence. The game’s exploration of personal and professional relationships adds depth to the space station setting.

5

Observation

Play As An AI

Observation

Systems

Released

May 21, 2019

Developer(s)

No Code

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

Observation places players in the role of SAM, an AI system aboard a space station, who assists Dr. Emma Fisher, the last astronaut remaining after a mysterious event. As Emma unravels the secrets behind the disappearance of her crew, players help her navigate the complex and eerie environment through SAM’s point of view.

The game blends puzzle-solving with a gripping narrative, creating an atmosphere of suspense and isolation. Dr. Fisher’s determination and resilience are central to the story, making her a relatable and compelling protagonist in this tense sci-fi thriller.

4

Jett: The Far Shore

A Calmer Take On Sci-fi

Systems

Released

January 31, 2023

Developer(s)

Pine Scented, Superbrothers

OpenCritic Rating

Fair

Jett: The Far Shore puts players in control of Mei, a scout sent to explore an uncharted ocean planet in hopes of securing humanity’s future. The game is less about combat and more about atmospheric exploration, focusing on a slow, methodical journey through alien landscapes.

Mei’s role as an astronaut is defined by her curiosity, determination, and connection to the natural world around her. The serene and meditative gameplay offers a refreshing contrast to more intense space-themed games, providing a unique perspective on space travel and discovery.

3

Prey

A Non-Traditional Astronaut

Released

May 5, 2017

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

In Prey, players control Morgan Yu, a scientist aboard the Talos I space station who must survive a horrific alien outbreak. While Morgan is not a traditional astronaut, the game’s setting and themes of space exploration tie into the broader concept of space-bound survival. Players must use their wits and limited resources to uncover the secrets behind the alien threat.

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The game’s deep environmental storytelling, combined with its action and horror elements, makes for a compelling narrative. Morgan’s role as both a scientist and a survivor adds an interesting dimension to the game’s exploration of identity and survival in space.

2

ADR1FT

Survive and Make It Home

Systems

Released

March 28, 2016

ESRB

t

Developer(s)

Three One Zero

ADR1FT immerses players in the role of Commander Alex Oshima, an astronaut stranded in space after a catastrophic accident. With limited oxygen and a damaged space station, Alex must navigate the wreckage and make it back to Earth. The game’s first-person perspective heightens the sense of isolation and danger, creating a gripping survival experience.

As Alex struggles to repair the station and escape, the emotional weight of the journey adds a personal touch to the game’s intense atmosphere. The themes of perseverance and survival make ADR1FT a powerful exploration of human endurance in the vastness of space.

1

Heaven’s Vault

A Linguistic Puzzle

• Released: April 16, 2019
• Developer: inkle Ltd
• Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4

In Heaven’s Vault, players take on the role of Aliya Elasra, an archaeologist traveling across space to uncover the secrets of an ancient civilization. The game’s unique mechanic involves deciphering an alien language, allowing players to piece together the history of the long-lost culture.

Aliya’s intelligence, persistence, and passion for uncovering the past drive the narrative forward. The game’s richly detailed world and complex characters make for an immersive experience that combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and storytelling in an engaging space setting.

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