Best Space Sim games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated space sim games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free space sim games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
EVERSPACE™
EVERSPACE™ combines fast-paced combat with roguelike elements, great visuals and a captivating story. It takes you on a challenging journey through an ever-changing, beautifully crafted universe full of surprises. Shoot, craft and loot your way to victory while the odds are stacked against you.
Starpoint Gemini Warlords
Strategy from the front lines! Starpoint Gemini Warlords combines 3rd person capital spaceship combat with 4X strategy and RPG gameplay elements. Build mighty war fleets and send them into battle or lead them into combat yourself. Become the Warlord and conquer the Gemini system!
Interkosmos
Interkosmos is an arcady astronaut adventure in VR. Brace yourself for a rush of hectic gameplay to challenge your inner cosmonaut, and a fun story full of twists and Cold War absurdities.
House of the Dying Sun
House of the Dying Sun is a tactical space shooter that puts you in the cockpit of the universe's most terrifying starfighter. Hunt the enemies of the Empire and bring ruin to their people.
Children of a Dead Earth
The most scientifically accurate space warfare simulator ever made. Now with Steam Workshop!
No Man's Sky
No Man's Sky is a game about exploration and survival in an infinite procedurally generated universe.
Polandball: Can into Space!
Crazy fun rocket simulator game with countryballs theme. Can Polandball into Space? Try to find out!
Wayward Terran Frontier: Zero Falls
2d space combat like no other. From the perspective of a single crew member, explore the fully destructible interior of any ship in a massive living world. Engage in space combat with no hitpoints where you know your enemy is dead when you see them fall out of their ship into the cold dark of space.
Evochron Legacy SE
Advanced Space Flight, Combat, Trading, and Exploration Simulation. Set in a vast explorable universe, Evochron Legacy offers freeform gameplay with many diverse objectives and paths to choose from.
Astrox: Hostile Space Excavation
Exiled to a deep space mining sector, you are left with a crappy ship, a laser, and a small mining beam. It is up to you to survive by working your way through the galaxy. Mine asteroids, refine and trade the ore, buy upgrades for your ship, hunt pirates... you get it.
Endless Sky
Endless Sky is a 2D space trading and combat game inspired by the classic Escape Velocity series. Work your way up from a relatively wimpy shuttle, cargo ship, or fighter, to a highly upgraded and customized flagship or to a massive fleet of warships or freighters.
Rebel Galaxy
Rebel Galaxy is a swashbuckling space adventure, with action-packed combat, exploration, discovery, trade, and “negotiation” with the outlandish denizens at the edge of the known universe.
Planetbase
Guide a group of space settlers trying to establish a base on a remote planet. Grow food, collect energy, mine resources, survive disasters and build a self-sufficient colony in a harsh and unforgiving environment.
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.
SimpleRockets
I am excited to release my first game on Steam! SimpleRockets was released in 2013 for mobile and I've put a ton of work into it to get it ready for PC and Mac. It was inspired by KSP, and it offers a simpler 2D experience for building rockets and exploring space with realistic orbital mechanics.
Space Colony: Steam Edition
Space Colony: Steam Edition is a remaster of the real-time base builder and strategy game from Firefly Studios, creators of the Stronghold series. In Space Colony you colonize to survive, designing intergalactic bases that keep your crew productive, happy and defended against hostile alien threats.
STAR WARS™ - X-Wing Special Edition
Against the overwhelming might of the Empire stands a small but growing Rebel Alliance. Scattered resistance groups are uniting and what is needed most now are Starfighter pilots. Will you join their struggle to end this tyranny and become a hero of the Rebellion?
STAR WARS™: TIE Fighter Special Edition
The Imperial Navy is called upon to eradicate the last of the rebellion and restore law and order. As an Imperial navy starfighter pilot, you will safeguard imperiled lives thoughout the galaxy. Join the Emperor's cause in eliminating the Rebel uprising as the Empire strikes back!
STAR WARS™ - X-Wing Alliance™
A neutral family fights for its business - and its survival - and is swept up in the struggle against the encroaching Empire. You must defy the strong-arm tactics of a rival family who will stop at nothing to destroy your trading company.
Kerbal Space Program
In Kerbal Space Program, take charge of the space program for the alien race known as the Kerbals. You have access to an array of parts to assemble fully-functional spacecraft that flies (or doesn’t) based on realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics.
Elite Dangerous
Take control of your own starship in a cutthroat galaxy. Elite Dangerous is the definitive massively multiplayer space epic.
The Spatials
It's the year 5781 -- and you have been chosen to build and lead a space station in a wild corner of the galaxy! Attract visitors and explore hundreds of planets to fund your station.
StarMade
The ultimate space sandbox. Participate in epic fleet battles, form alliances, strive to dominate entire galaxies and harness the universe’s resources for your industrious empire or the destruction of others. Customise your experience, the universe is yours!
Celestial Command
Mine asteroids, salvage space debris, design your own small or massive spacecraft using individual functional components, complete missions, and engage in battles against enemies in a vast galaxy with realistic physics based on orbital mechanics or in a classic physics mode.Most played space sim games on Steam
Take a look at the top space sim games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 16th 2025.
1. Elite Dangerous
Take control of your own starship in a cutthroat galaxy. Elite Dangerous is the definitive massively multiplayer space epic. Elite Dangerous is a space sim, space and open world game developed and published by Frontier Developments. Released on April 02nd 2015 has received 98,919 reviews of which 76,509 were positive and 22,410 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played space sim game, thanks to its 5,805 peak concurrent players over the last day.
7.7
76,509
22,410
5,805
players
2. 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! X4: Foundations is a space sim, simulation and sandbox game developed and published by Egosoft. Released on November 30th 2018 has received 23,304 reviews of which 18,494 were positive and 4,810 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. While seeing 3,115 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among space sim games based on player count.
7.8
18,494
4,810
3,115
players
3. Avorion
A procedural co-op space sandbox where players can build their own space ships out of dynamically scalable blocks. Fight epic space battles, explore, mine, trade, wage wars and build your own empire to save your galaxy from being torn apart by an unknown enemy. Avorion is a exploration, sandbox and space sim game developed and published by Boxelware. Released on March 09th 2020 has received 13,503 reviews of which 12,192 were positive and 1,311 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. While seeing 646 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among space sim games based on player count.
8.8
12,192
1,311
646
players
4. Void Crew
Void Crew is a Chaotic, Co-op Roguelite game for 1 to 4 players: Outfit your spaceship and crew for thrilling quests, brave fierce enemies in Space Battles... and try not to panic! Void Crew is a co-op, multiplayer and space sim game developed by Hutlihut Games and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on November 25th 2024 has received 6,282 reviews of which 5,522 were positive and 760 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 248 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played space sim games.
8.5
5,522
760
248
players
5. Spaceflight Simulator
In Spaceflight Simulator, you will get to build your rockets, plan launches and flights, attempt landings, deploy payloads and explore new worlds. Spaceflight Simulator is a sandbox, space sim and space game developed and published by Team Curiosity ✦. Released on February 17th 2022 has received 6,158 reviews of which 5,931 were positive and 227 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 121 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played space sim games.
9.3
5,931
227
121
players
6. Starcom: Unknown Space
Starcom: Unknown Space is an action RPG of space exploration and adventure. Build your own starship while discovering an epic story in a universe of strange mysteries, alien factions and uncharted worlds. Starcom: Unknown Space is a space, exploration and open world game developed and published by Wx3 Labs and LLC. Released on September 02nd 2024 has received 3,017 reviews of which 2,785 were positive and 232 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 119 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played space sim games.
8.9
2,785
232
119
players
7. 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. Star Trucker is a transportation, space sim and automobile sim game developed by Monster and Monster and published by Raw Fury. Released on September 03rd 2024 has received 4,147 reviews of which 3,296 were positive and 851 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played space sim games.
7.7
3,296
851
68
players
8. Star Conflict
Star Conflict is an action-packed, massively multiplayer space simulation game that puts players in the role of elite pilots engaging in a widespread interplanetary skirmish. The whole world for PVP and PVE! Star Conflict is a online co-op, free to play and space sim game developed by Star Gem Inc. and published by Gaijin Network Ltd. Released on February 27th 2013 has received 14,815 reviews of which 10,868 were positive and 3,947 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played space sim games.
7.2
10,868
3,947
68
players
9. 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 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. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played space sim games.
8.7
4,997
555
65
players
10. 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. Astrometica is a space sim, survival and first-person game developed by BeryMery and published by RockGame S.A.. Released on December 10th 2024 has received 1,827 reviews of which 1,616 were positive and 211 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played space sim games.
8.4
1,616
211
64
players
Best deals on space sim games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of space sim games available on Steam right now, updated on April 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted space sim games.
1. Juno: New Origins
Bring to life anything you can imagine from rockets and airplanes to cars and more. Automate them with a visual programming language. Explore 3D planets and make your own. Share your creations online. Complete contracts, conquer milestones, and unlock technology in the newly added Career Mode. Juno: New Origins is a building, science and space sim game developed and published by Jundroo and LLC. Released on January 26th 2023 has received 3,066 reviews of which 2,762 were positive and 304 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Featuring a massive 93% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for space sim category.
8.7
2,762
304
-93%
18.43€
1.29€
2. 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 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. Thanks to its incredible 87% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in space sim games.
8.7
4,997
555
-87%
20.23€
2.63€
3. 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. X3: Reunion is a space, simulation and strategy game developed and published by Egosoft. Released on July 21st 2006 has received 683 reviews of which 492 were positive and 191 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 85% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in space sim games.
6.9
492
191
-85%
9.73€
1.46€
4. 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. Darkstar One is a action, space and sci-fi game developed by Ascaron Entertainment ltd. and published by Strategy First. Released on February 13th 2008 has received 574 reviews of which 472 were positive and 102 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for space sim games.
7.8
472
102
-80%
8.79€
1.75€
5. Elite Dangerous
Take control of your own starship in a cutthroat galaxy. Elite Dangerous is the definitive massively multiplayer space epic. Elite Dangerous is a space sim, space and open world game developed and published by Frontier Developments. Released on April 02nd 2015 has received 98,919 reviews of which 76,509 were positive and 22,410 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 79% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for space sim games.
7.7
76,509
22,410
-79%
19.86€
4.17€
6. 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! Interstellar Rift is a space sim, building and open world game developed by Split Polygon and published by Iceberg Interactive. Released on September 24th 2020 has received 1,615 reviews of which 1,120 were positive and 495 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 77% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for space sim games.
6.7
1,120
495
-77%
19.52€
4.49€
7. 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! X4: Foundations is a space sim, simulation and sandbox game developed and published by Egosoft. Released on November 30th 2018 has received 23,304 reviews of which 18,494 were positive and 4,810 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 73% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for space sim games.
7.8
18,494
4,810
-73%
49.33€
13.32€
8. Deep Space Battle Simulator
Two teams of players control their capital ship in an epic battle. Customize your ship, control its movement, weapons, and energy distribution or go to one of the hangars to join the battle in a smaller fighter! Deep Space Battle Simulator is a action, multiplayer and strategy game developed and published by yeswecamp. Released on November 05th 2021 has received 395 reviews of which 312 were positive and 83 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 70% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for space sim games.
7.4
312
83
-70%
9.99€
2.99€
9. 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. SPACERIFT: Arcanum System is a early access, massively multiplayer and open world game developed and published by Arcanum Team. Released on December 17th 2020 has received 420 reviews of which 329 were positive and 91 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 60% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for space sim games.
7.4
329
91
-60%
19.50€
7.80€
10. 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. Astrometica is a space sim, survival and first-person game developed by BeryMery and published by RockGame S.A.. Released on December 10th 2024 has received 1,827 reviews of which 1,616 were positive and 211 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a 35% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for space sim games.
8.4
1,616
211
-35%
19.35€
12.58€
Free space sim games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play space sim games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 16th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play space sim games.
1. Star Conflict
Star Conflict is an action-packed, massively multiplayer space simulation game that puts players in the role of elite pilots engaging in a widespread interplanetary skirmish. The whole world for PVP and PVE! Star Conflict is a online co-op, free to play and space sim game developed by Star Gem Inc. and published by Gaijin Network Ltd. Released on February 27th 2013 has received 14,815 reviews of which 10,868 were positive and 3,947 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free space sim games on Steam.
7.2
10,868
3,947
68
players
2. Sputnika Game
A Cosmic twist on a Suika-style game with space gravity. Help our little friend Sputnik on his journey to become the Sun. Sputnika Game is a casual, strategy and puzzle game developed and published by egunan. Released on February 11th 2024 has received 448 reviews of which 401 were positive and 47 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free space sim games on Steam.
8.3
401
47
9
players
3. Space Commander: War and Trade
Fight, explore the stars, trade, and lead your fleet across the galaxySpace Commander: War and Trade is an ultimate single player space-sim featuring spectacular graphics, intuitive combat and deep mechanics. Space Commander: War and Trade is a action, rpg and base-building game developed and published by Home Net Games. Released on November 04th 2020 has received 649 reviews of which 438 were positive and 211 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free space sim games on Steam.
6.5
438
211
5
players