If you're ready to explore the best space games around right now, we're here to help.
This list brings together all of the most memorable games that take place in space. From some of the best horror games that make the most of atmospheric setting, to the best open world games that capture that sense of wonder the expanses of space provide, there's all kinds of great games out there to discover.
The top 10 best space games ever, starting with...
10. Starfield
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Starfield allows you to step into an expansive universe and explore any one of its many planets as you join up as a member of the Constellation. If you've ever wanted to bring your own ship to life that you can pilot among the stars, there's all kinds of parts and options to do just that. The ambitious RPG may not always land, but it puts you behind the pilot seat of your very own spacecraft, with an extensive level of freedom when it comes to Starfield ship customization.
There's plenty to discover as you venture through the cosmos with companions who can join your crew and help you fight against any enemies that might cross your path. With a variety of Starfield traits and backgrounds to choose from, Bethesda's latest RPG is also home to different skills that can enhance spaceflight and exploration planet-side. Check out our Starfield review if you want more details.
9. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
Developer: Arrowhead Game Studios
When it comes to standout space games, we've got to include a memorable adventure set in a galaxy far, far away. If you've yet to tuck in to Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, it's well worth checking out. The third-person action-adventure sees you take on the role of Cal Kestis, a Jedi Padawan who managed to escape Order 66 purge and now must try to master the ways of the Force in a bid for survival.
With some Metroidvania-like puzzle elements at play, there's a satisfying sense of progression as you make your way through its gripping storyline, and if you've ever wanted to wield a lightsaber, you'll enjoy being able to cut down foes and customize the iconic weapon. Once you've finished this one, it's also worth trying out the sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.
8. Dead Space
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
Developer: Motive Studio
If you've got a strong stomach and a love of sci-fi horror, you probably already know about Dead Space. The stunning 2023 remake of this cult classic thriller is an incredible feat, replicating and enhancing the deep space terrors to bring us Isaac's adventure as never seen before. Almost pitch black and devoid of human life, the Ishimura is crawling with dangers to swerve and puzzles to solve if you want to stay alive.
This is one of the best space games for anyone who wants a more claustrophobic, intense experience compared to games where you have full rein of the galaxy (it's set in a monster-infested spacecraft, after all). Just remember: don't aim for the head. Check out our Dead Space remake review for more.
7. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox X/S
Developer: Saber Interactive
It wouldn't be a best space games list without mentioning 40K, would it? There are plenty of sci-fi shooters out there but Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 makes you truly feel like a space fairing badass as you cut down waves of Tyranid enemies for the glory of the emperor.
Using a mix of third-person shooter mechanics and hack-and-slash melee attacks, you and your squad will be sent on various missions across a variety of different planets. Admittedly, this game will have you less in space itself than planet-bound on alien worlds, but it still makes our list thanks to its stunning theming and impressive gameplay. Another great factor of this game is that it fills in all the narrative gaps for you, meaning that you don't need to play for the first Space Marines to enjoy this masterpiece. You can learn more about this 2024 hit with our Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 review.
6. Kerbal Space Program
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X
Developer: Squad
Half toybox, half science project, Kerbal Space Program is the most fun you can have while learning about space. On the surface, it’s a game about building ridiculous rockets and launching tiny green men into space – and then watching the whole thing literally fall apart before your eyes while you giggle.
But the more you play, the more you want to understand it. Before long, you’re agonizing over the correct entry angle for a moon landing or the right configuration of engines to achieve maximum thrust. The proper rules of physics apply, and the most satisfying achievements require careful planning and attention to detail. It’s a sandbox, but you’ll always have a goal to aim for.
5. Stellaris
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
Developer: Paradox Development Studio
Stellaris is one of the best strategy games of all-time that's all about building up a space-faring empire and squashing any foe in sight. Or, if you prefer, it's about establishing a race of friendly technocrat turtles that help other species expand. That's the beauty of it: you set your own goals, assign your own traits to your species, and play it however you like.
It has all the exploration of a traditional strategy sim, but your relationships with other factions take on more weight than usual. You'll steer your civilization through war and peace, watch alliances form and betray each other, and band together with foes to fight extra-dimensional invaders. Dive in and prepare to lose all track of time.
4. Outer Wilds
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Switch
Developer: Mobius Digital
The cutesy presentation Outer Wilds belies just how clever this game is: as a first-time astronaut, you explore a miniaturized galaxy over the course of 22 minutes, zooming between planets in your ship and picking at story threads.
When the clock runs out, you respawn and do it all over again – this time armed with everything you learned in your previous life. A truly dynamic and unique experience, The Outer Wilds is one of the most imaginative and creative space games out there.
3. FTL: Faster Than Light
Platform(s): PC, iOS
Developer: Subset Games
One of the best indies ever made still has plenty of fuel in the tank. As the captain of a top-down ship, your goal is to reach friendly territory by jumping between randomly generated segments of space, each full of nasty enemies, traders, and the odd friendly face.
Combat somehow feels both urgent and thoughtful: you can pause at any time to assess your options, and yet we’re always in a constant panic, re-routing precious power from our weapons to our shields to absorb damage or even purposefully bombing our own ship to neutralize boarding parties. Every decision is tortuous, and every victory has a cost. Over a decade later, FTL is still one of the best roguelike games on the market. You can read more about why we almost gave this title a near-perfect score in our FTL: Faster Than Light review.
2. Mass Effect 2
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X
Developer: BioWare
Mass Effect is among the best RPGs of all time and is the space RPG by which we measure all others in the genre. The original trilogy, and particularly the second game, remain masterpieces. And thanks to the Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, it's even easier to relive the excellent series all over again. The overall plot of the series – a space hero tries to unite and save the galaxy against a deadly force – sounds generic but doesn’t feel it moment-to-moment.
That's largely down to the crew you assemble, each with distinct personalities, goals, and senses of humor. As they gradually open up, you’ll look forward to every trip back to the Normandy between missions so that you can see what they have to say next. Mass Effect 2 is essentially perfect, and years later, that statement still holds true.
1. No Man's Sky
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch
Developer: Hello Games
No Man's Sky has so much to offer when it comes to space exploration. With a wealth of big updates added to make the experience even more in-depth, Hello Games presents you with infinite galaxies to discover, as well as plenty of hours of story to explore. The ambitious Beyond update brought with it even more features and improvements, and along with the Origins, Prisms, Expeditions, Echoes, and Remnants updates, there's never been a better time to jump right in.
If you don't feel like exploring on your own, you can also play the space-faring adventure with your pals. The No Man's Sky multiplayer aspect offers you the chance to build up colonies together, try to survive the expanses of the galaxy, and even dogfight and race in your ships. The ever-growing community of players that continues to go from strength to strength goes to show how much love there is for No Man's Sky, and it really has become one of the best sim games for space-curious players around.
Looking to explore more? Check out our pick of the best action games.
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