Games like Elite Dangerous on Steam
For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free games like Elite Dangerous are available at the bottom of the page.
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No Man's Sky
No Man's Sky is a game about exploration and survival in an infinite procedurally generated universe.
Stars End
Stars End is a sci-fi survival sandbox set on the wild frontier of a distant star system. Play solo or host your own server as you craft, build, and battle to survive in a galaxy shaped by danger, discovery, and your own grit.
PULSAR: Lost Colony
The co-op open-world space sim where everyone has a role! Pilot the ship. Reroute power. Launch nukes. Explore alien planets. Research new talents. Work together to find the Lost Colony! ...or just deliver some biscuits
Interstellar Rift
Interstellar Rift is an open world starship simulator with an emphasis on ship construction and multi-player interaction. Survive in a hostile galaxy with your own custom designed and constructed starship. Invite other players to join your crew or fight them across the galaxy!
Between the Stars
Become the Captain of an interstellar cruiser and journey across the galaxy to save the Republic. During your journey you will have to make important decisions, improve the weaponry of your ship and fight against numerous enemies.
Space Pirates And Zombies 2
Design and then improve the ultimate mothership. Explore a persistent living galaxy populated by 200 unique captains that can do everything you can do. Survive the zombie infection and then fight them back. Make allies and start your own faction. Build your empire. Also includes Sandbox Mode.
X3: Reunion
X3: Reunion continues the epic space saga, blending deep space trading and intense real-time combat. Explore a vast universe, establish your empire, and shape the new frontier. With enhanced graphics and intricate economies, it's a journey of strategy, simulation, and interstellar intrigue.
Star Trucker
Haul cargo, trade salvage and keep your space suit close as you search for fame and fortune among the stars in a game that puts an interstellar twist on the truck sim genre.
ΔV: Rings of Saturn
A physics-based mining sim, set in the thickest debris field in Sol. Every action has a reaction, lasers are invisible without a medium, and your thrust is a potent weapon. Find trade, adapt your equipment to your playstyle, hire a crew to help. Unravel the mysteries of the rings, or just get rich.
Astrometica
Astrometica is a space exploration and base-building survival game. After a catastrophic event, explore vast space, gather resources, build bases, and uncover cosmic mysteries. Use advanced technology, craft tools, and discover new blueprints to survive and thrive in the unknown.
Chorus
Take control of Nara on a quest to destroy the dark cult that created her. Unlock devastating weapons & mind-bending abilities in an evolution of the space-combat shooter. Along with Forsaken, her sentient starfighter, explore ancient temples, engage in zero-g combat & venture beyond waking reality.
Breathedge
Survive in outer space! Together with your immortal chicken, discover the truth behind your sudden spaceship crash. Craft tools, pilot vehicles, and even control space stations to survive and explore the wreckage.
Starship EVO
Create the Starship of your dreams, explore the vast expanse of the galaxy, land on planets and jump into epic space battles. Experience a truly unique and powerful building engine where your imagination is the limit. Welcome to the next evolution in Space Sandbox gaming!
Mars: War Logs
An Intense Cyberpunk Rpg On the Red Planet! Mars War Logs takes you to Mars, nearly a century after the cataclysm that threw the planet and its colonists into chaos. Water has become the most precious resource on the arid red planet, with a few companies fighting a perpetual war for its control.
Hardspace: Shipbreaker
Equipped with cutting-edge salvaging tech, carve & slice spaceships to recover valuable materials. Upgrade your gear to take on more lucrative contracts and pay your billion credits debt to LYNX Corp!
Darkstar One
Darkstar One offers a fantastic amount of freedom of choice. The story-based missions gradually lead you deeper into the galaxy to new races, new technologies and ever stronger opponents. Explore a vast array of solar systems in search of hidden artifacts of ancient races, essential objects for upgrading your ship--the Darkstar One.
Outer Wilds
Named Game of the Year 2019 by Giant Bomb, Polygon, Eurogamer, and The Guardian, Outer Wilds is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning open world mystery about a solar system trapped in an endless time loop.
X4: Foundations
X4: FOUNDATIONS brings our most sophisticated universe SIMULATION ever. Fly every ship, EXPLORE space or manage an empire; TRADE, FIGHT, BUILD and THINK carefully, while you embark on an epic journey. Experience tons of improvements with the massive 7.50 Update!
ASTRONEER
Interact with strange new worlds in a unique and tactile way, molding the environment itself as if it were clay in your hands. Build your base, master resource management, automate your production lines, and more as you unravel the mysteries of the universe, alone or with friends.
Universe Sandbox
Create & destroy on an unimaginable scale with a realistic physics-based space simulator. Explore the beauty of our universe and the fragility of our planet. Use science to bend the laws of gravity, collide planets, boil away oceans, fire epic space lasers, and customize your universe.
SPACERIFT: Arcanum System
At the sunset of human life on planet Earth, you are a military pilot controlling a space ship, and you find yourself at the very epicenter of the battle in the solar system. You are forced to retreat into the unknown, distant Arcanum system through hyper-jumping.
Most played games like Elite Dangerous on Steam
Take a look at the top games like Elite Dangerous that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 17th 2025.
1. DayZ
Similarity 50% How long can you survive a post-apocalyptic world? A land overrun with an infected "zombie" population, where you compete with other survivors for limited resources. Will you team up with strangers and stay strong together? Or play as a lone wolf to avoid betrayal? This is DayZ – this is your story. DayZ is a survival, open world and online co-op game developed and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on December 13th 2018 has received 424,833 reviews of which 325,442 were positive and 99,391 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game like Elite Dangerous, thanks to its 34,248 peak concurrent players over the last day.
7.6
325,442
99,391
34,248
players
2. VRChat
Similarity 52% Join our growing community as you explore, play, and help craft the future of social VR. Create worlds and custom avatars. Welcome to VRChat. VRChat is a vr, free to play and multiplayer game developed and published by VRChat Inc.. Released on February 01st 2017 has received 237,151 reviews of which 179,218 were positive and 57,933 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. While seeing 31,454 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like Elite Dangerous based on player count.
7.5
179,218
57,933
31,454
players
3. Destiny 2
Similarity 52% Destiny 2 is an action MMO with a single evolving world that you and your friends can join anytime, anywhere, absolutely free. Destiny 2 is a free to play, open world and multiplayer game developed and published by Bungie. Released on October 01st 2019 has received 622,838 reviews of which 496,312 were positive and 126,526 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. While seeing 21,924 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like Elite Dangerous based on player count.
7.9
496,312
126,526
21,924
players
4. ARK: Survival Evolved
Similarity 52% Stranded on the shores of a mysterious island, you must learn to survive. Use your cunning to kill or tame the primeval creatures roaming the land, and encounter other players to survive, dominate... and escape! ARK: Survival Evolved is a open world survival craft, survival and multiplayer game developed by Studio Wildcard, Instinct Games, Efecto Studios and Virtual Basement LLC and published by Studio Wildcard and Snail Games USA. Released on August 27th 2017 has received 724,811 reviews of which 607,154 were positive and 117,657 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 16,910 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Elite Dangerous.
8.3
607,154
117,657
16,910
players
5. BeamNG.drive
Similarity 51% A dynamic soft-body physics vehicle simulator capable of doing just about anything. BeamNG.drive is a simulation, driving and physics game developed and published by BeamNG. Released on May 29th 2015 has received 313,990 reviews of which 305,852 were positive and 8,138 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 15,461 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Elite Dangerous.
9.6
305,852
8,138
15,461
players
6. Satisfactory
Similarity 55% Satisfactory is a first-person open-world factory building game with a dash of exploration and combat. Play alone or with friends, explore an alien planet, create multi-story factories, and enter conveyor belt heaven! Satisfactory is a base-building, automation and open world game developed by Coffee Stain Studios and published by Coffee Stain Publishing. Released on September 10th 2024 has received 228,332 reviews of which 221,780 were positive and 6,552 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 15,418 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Elite Dangerous.
9.6
221,780
6,552
15,418
players
7. Sons Of The Forest
Similarity 51% Sent to find a missing billionaire on a remote island, you find yourself in a cannibal-infested hellscape. Craft, build, and struggle to survive, alone or with friends, in this terrifying new open-world survival horror simulator. Sons Of The Forest is a survival, open world and multiplayer game developed by Endnight Games Ltd and published by Newnight . Released on February 22nd 2024 has received 248,117 reviews of which 217,551 were positive and 30,566 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 9,295 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Elite Dangerous.
8.7
217,551
30,566
9,295
players
8. Conan Exiles
Similarity 50% An online multiplayer survival game, now with sorcery, set in the lands of Conan the Barbarian. Survive in a vast open world sandbox, build your home into a kingdom, and dominate your enemies in single or multiplayer. Conan Exiles is a survival and open world game developed and published by Funcom. Released on May 08th 2018 has received 106,283 reviews of which 83,576 were positive and 22,707 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 9,076 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Elite Dangerous.
7.8
83,576
22,707
9,076
players
9. No Man's Sky
Similarity 83% No Man's Sky is a game about exploration and survival in an infinite procedurally generated universe. No Man's Sky is a open world, open world survival craft and space game developed and published by Hello Games. Released on August 12th 2016 has received 349,909 reviews of which 290,482 were positive and 59,427 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 7,766 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Elite Dangerous.
8.2
290,482
59,427
7,766
players
10. Forza Horizon 5
Similarity 56% Explore the vibrant open world landscapes of Mexico with limitless, fun driving action in the world’s greatest cars. Forza Horizon 5 is a racing, open world and driving game developed by Playground Games and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on November 08th 2021 has received 218,568 reviews of which 193,697 were positive and 24,871 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 6,289 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Elite Dangerous.
8.8
193,697
24,871
6,289
players
Best deals on games like Elite Dangerous on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of games like Elite Dangerous available on Steam right now, updated on April 17th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like Elite Dangerous.
1. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel
Similarity 54% Launch into the Borderlands universe and shoot ‘n’ loot your way through a brand new adventure that rockets you onto Pandora’s moon in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel! Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is a looter shooter, co-op and fps game developed by 2K Australia, Gearbox Software and Aspyr (Linux) and published by Aspyr (Linux) and 2K. Released on October 16th 2014 has received 41,144 reviews of which 33,531 were positive and 7,613 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Featuring a massive 93% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like Elite Dangerous.
8.0
33,531
7,613
-93%
41.86€
2.93€
2. Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy
Similarity 53% Fire up a wild ride across the cosmos with a fresh take on Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. In this action-adventure game, you are Star-Lord leading the unpredictable Guardians from one explosion of chaos to the next. You got this. Probably. Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is a singleplayer, story rich and action game developed by Eidos-Montréal and published by Eidos Interactive Corp.. Released on October 26th 2021 has received 38,454 reviews of which 36,217 were positive and 2,237 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 92% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Elite Dangerous.
9.2
36,217
2,237
-92%
62.38€
4.99€
3. Conan Exiles
Similarity 50% An online multiplayer survival game, now with sorcery, set in the lands of Conan the Barbarian. Survive in a vast open world sandbox, build your home into a kingdom, and dominate your enemies in single or multiplayer. Conan Exiles is a survival and open world game developed and published by Funcom. Released on May 08th 2018 has received 106,283 reviews of which 83,576 were positive and 22,707 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 91% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like Elite Dangerous.
7.8
83,576
22,707
-91%
41.89€
3.77€
4. Shortest Trip to Earth
Similarity 51% Shortest Trip to Earth is a roguelike spaceship simulator focused on exploration, ship management and tactical battles. Embark on a perilous journey across the universe with nuclear missiles, armed crew and a cat. Shortest Trip to Earth is a rogue-lite, space and strategy game developed by Interactive Fate and published by Interactive Fate and Iceberg Interactive. Released on August 15th 2019 has received 1,385 reviews of which 1,067 were positive and 318 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like Elite Dangerous.
7.4
1,067
318
-91%
23.78€
2.14€
5. VoidExpanse
Similarity 53% Explore the vast reaches of VoidExpanse -- mine asteroids, upgrade your ship, trade, complete missions, advance your character and survive fast-paced combat with hostile aliens and mercenaries in the rich and exciting Sci-Fi universe of VoidExpanse! VoidExpanse is a space, rpg and open world game developed and published by AtomicTorch Studio. Released on April 02nd 2015 has received 747 reviews of which 534 were positive and 213 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for games like Elite Dangerous.
6.9
534
213
-91%
15.11€
1.36€
6. Space Rangers HD: A War Apart
Similarity 51% Space adventure, open world RPG, strategy, arcade, quest and more! Space Rangers HD: A War Apart is a space, rpg and strategy game developed by SNK Games, Elemental Games and Katauri Interactive and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on October 17th 2013 has received 6,610 reviews of which 6,242 were positive and 368 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for games like Elite Dangerous.
9.1
6,242
368
-90%
15.30€
1.53€
7. Giant Machines 2017
Similarity 52% Take control over seven of the biggest industrial machines in the world. During the 14 mission campaign you will punch through the snows of Greenland, plow the steppes of Wyoming and travel all the way to sunny Florida. Your hard work will be completed by launching a space shuttle into space. Giant Machines 2017 is a simulation, indie and singleplayer game developed and published by Code Horizon. Released on September 29th 2016 has received 538 reviews of which 389 were positive and 149 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like Elite Dangerous.
6.9
389
149
-90%
19.99€
1.99€
8. Hardspace: Shipbreaker
Similarity 60% Equipped with cutting-edge salvaging tech, carve & slice spaceships to recover valuable materials. Upgrade your gear to take on more lucrative contracts and pay your billion credits debt to LYNX Corp! Hardspace: Shipbreaker is a space, sci-fi and simulation game developed by Blackbird Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on May 24th 2022 has received 20,217 reviews of which 18,089 were positive and 2,128 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Elite Dangerous.
8.8
18,089
2,128
-89%
36.18€
3.98€
9. PULSAR: Lost Colony
Similarity 76% The co-op open-world space sim where everyone has a role! Pilot the ship. Reroute power. Launch nukes. Explore alien planets. Research new talents. Work together to find the Lost Colony! ...or just deliver some biscuits PULSAR: Lost Colony is a space sim, open world and simulation game developed and published by Leafy Games. Released on June 22nd 2021 has received 5,552 reviews of which 4,997 were positive and 555 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for games like Elite Dangerous.
8.7
4,997
555
-87%
20.23€
2.63€
10. Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy
Similarity 53% Fire up a wild ride across the cosmos with a fresh take on Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. In this action-adventure game, you are Star-Lord leading the unpredictable Guardians from one explosion of chaos to the next. You got this. Probably. Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is a game developed and published by . Released on October 26th 2021 has received 38,454 reviews of which 36,217 were positive and 2,237 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for games like Elite Dangerous.
9.2
36,217
2,237
-92%
62.38€
4.99€
Free games like Elite Dangerous on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play games like Elite Dangerous you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 17th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play games like Elite Dangerous.
1. VRChat
Similarity 52% Join our growing community as you explore, play, and help craft the future of social VR. Create worlds and custom avatars. Welcome to VRChat. VRChat is a vr, free to play and multiplayer game developed and published by VRChat Inc.. Released on February 01st 2017 has received 237,151 reviews of which 179,218 were positive and 57,933 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. With 31,454 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Elite Dangerous.
7.5
179,218
57,933
31,454
players
2. Destiny 2
Similarity 52% Destiny 2 is an action MMO with a single evolving world that you and your friends can join anytime, anywhere, absolutely free. Destiny 2 is a free to play, open world and multiplayer game developed and published by Bungie. Released on October 01st 2019 has received 622,838 reviews of which 496,312 were positive and 126,526 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 21,924, this game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free games like Elite Dangerous.
7.9
496,312
126,526
21,924
players
3. EVE Online
Similarity 58% EVE Online is a free-to-play community driven space MMO where players can choose their own path from countless different options. Experience space exploration, immense PvP and PvE battles, mining, industry and a thriving player economy in an ever-expanding sandbox. EVE Online is a space, free to play and open world game developed and published by CCP. Released on December 15th 2010 has received 35,998 reviews of which 26,538 were positive and 9,460 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 3,378, this game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free games like Elite Dangerous.
7.3
26,538
9,460
3,378
players
4. Fishing Planet
Similarity 55% Fishing Planet® is a free-to-play and highly realistic first-person online multiplayer fishing simulator. Developed by avid fishing enthusiasts to bring you the full thrill of actual angling on your PC. Fishing Planet is a fishing, free to play and multiplayer game developed and published by Fishing Planet LLC. Released on August 28th 2017 has received 64,354 reviews of which 55,863 were positive and 8,491 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,055 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free games like Elite Dangerous.
8.6
55,863
8,491
2,055
players
5. Rec Room
Similarity 50% Rec Room is the best place to build and play games together. Party up with friends from all around the world to chat, hang out, explore MILLIONS of player-created rooms, or build something new and amazing to share with us all. Rec Room is a free to play, vr and multiplayer game developed and published by Rec Room. Released on September 02nd 2021 has received 70,196 reviews of which 63,221 were positive and 6,975 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,627 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free games like Elite Dangerous.
8.9
63,221
6,975
1,627
players
6. Star Trek Online
Similarity 56% In Star Trek Online, the Star Trek universe appears for the first time on a truly massive scale. Players take the captain's chair as they command their own starship and crew. Explore strange new worlds, seek out new life and new civilizations, and boldly go where no one has gone before. Star Trek Online is a free to play, sci-fi and massively multiplayer game developed by Cryptic Studios and published by Arc Games. Released on January 31st 2012 has received 20,017 reviews of which 15,828 were positive and 4,189 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,071 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free games like Elite Dangerous.
7.8
15,828
4,189
1,071
players
7. DCS World Steam Edition
Similarity 52% Feel the excitement of flying the Su-25T "Frogfoot" attack jet and the TF-51D "Mustang" in the free-to-play Digital Combat Simulator World! DCS World Steam Edition is a simulation, flight and free to play game developed and published by Eagle Dynamics SA. Released on August 02nd 2013 has received 36,704 reviews of which 31,246 were positive and 5,458 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 745 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free games like Elite Dangerous.
8.4
31,246
5,458
745
players
8. PlanetSide 2
Similarity 59% PlanetSide 2 is an all-out planetary war, where thousands of players battle as one across enormous continents. Utilize infantry, ground and air vehicles, and teamwork to destroy your enemies in this revolutionary first-person shooter on a massive scale. PlanetSide 2 is a free to play, fps and massively multiplayer game developed by Rogue Planet Games and published by Daybreak Game Company. Released on November 20th 2012 has received 73,438 reviews of which 59,495 were positive and 13,943 were negative resulting in a rating of 8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 658 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free games like Elite Dangerous.
8
59,495
13,943
658
players
9. EverQuest II
Similarity 52% EverQuest® II is the epitome of massively multiplayer gaming - the ultimate blend of deep features, heritage, and community. EverQuest II is a free to play, rpg and massively multiplayer game developed by Darkpaw Games and published by Daybreak Game Company. Released on December 07th 2011 has received 2,675 reviews of which 2,129 were positive and 546 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 180 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free games like Elite Dangerous.
7.7
2,129
546
180
players
10. Pixel Starships
Similarity 51% Pixel Starships is an FTL-style online sci-fi strategy builder and management game with a competitive PVP tournament. Set in the retro galaxy, your role is to explore space, meet aliens, and develop your ship, crew and AI. The game contains deep strategic and 4x elements. PSS is community-driven. Pixel Starships is a sci-fi, space and strategy game developed and published by SavySoda. Released on May 23rd 2023 has received 2,684 reviews of which 1,976 were positive and 708 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 149 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free games like Elite Dangerous.
7.1
1,976
708
149
players