The Best Survival Games Set in Space

Survival video games often situate players in diverse settings, pushing them to explore their boundaries in these locales. While certain survival games adopt a realistic approach by offering players authentic locations or close replicas, others venture beyond convention, introducing fantastical environments for players to endure, such as outer space.

These games offer players an opportunity to journey through space directly or land them on diverse alien planets unlike Earth. The main objective is to endure as long as possible in these inhospitable environments and potentially find a way back home. Given the abundance of space-themed survival games out there, these stand out as some of the top choices.

Oxygen Not Included

Help A Colony Survive In Space

While Oxygen Not Included is primarily known as a colony simulation game, its survival aspect is remarkably intense compared to other games due to the focus on multiple colonists rather than just one. In this endearing pixel-art title, players find themselves stranded on a planet devoid of oxygen for their colonists. This game places them in a challenging situation where they must ensure the survival of all their colonies.

In the game named “Oxygen Not Included,” players are tasked with building a self-sustaining colony that provides not only oxygen but also other essential resources. Using automation, the player’s goal is not merely survival but growth, with opportunities to create complex structures such as spaceships for further exploration.

Astrometica

Use Advanced Technology To Build Bases In Space

Released: 2024-12-10
Platform(s): PC
Genre(s): Survival, Adventure
Developer(s): BeryMery

One of the scariest things about exploring space and surviving in it is how vast it feels. Games like Astrometica are perfect for players looking for a space survival title that feels large and abandoned by life.

Although Astrometica is currently in early access, this space exploration title showcases significant promise, enabling players to utilize advanced futuristic tech to traverse different asteroid belts, deserted space stations, and a myriad of other cosmic locations. While delving into the unknown and unraveling Astrometica’s secrets can be captivating, it’s crucial to bear in mind that this game is also about survival: players must forage resources to maintain their vital needs like thirst, hunger, and oxygen levels.

Barotrauma

A Submarine In Space Faces Many Horrors

As a passionate gamer, I always enjoy branching out from traditional survival games to something more chilling – survival horror. This subgenre is rich with space-themed titles that have graced our screens for years. Lately, one game has stood out among the rest: “Barotrauma”, a captivating 2D submarine simulator. While it might sound like you’re trapped in a claustrophobic underwater metal box, don’t be fooled; “Barotrauma” is a thrilling sci-fi adventure that takes place on the mysterious depths of distant planets. The challenge lies not only in surviving, but also in dealing with the hostile alien life forms lurking in the waters while managing your submarine alongside friends. It’s a heart-pounding experience!

Completing each mission in Barotrauma comes with unique challenges that aren’t for the faint-hearted. Keep away from contracting infections inside the vessel, and ensure the sub doesn’t blow up. As players gain confidence, they delve deeper into this space game, testing their skills and strategies.

No Man’s Sky

With Plenty Of New Content, There’s So Much To Do

Initially, No Man’s Sky faced some challenges upon its debut. But ever since 2016, this space survival game has been steadily improving through regular free updates, transforming it into the captivating experience that gamers now love. The universe in No Man’s Sky is vast, offering players more than just a few planets to discover; they can traverse the entire cosmos either solo or with companions.

In this game, there are countless activities for players to engage in, ensuring a wealth of possibilities to dive into, while also providing the necessary resources for players to thrive. Although the survival aspect might not be as grueling as some other games, the diverse range of biomes featuring harsh environments and the freedom to construct various bases make No Man’s Sky an appealing option for numerous gamers.

Astroneer

Explore A Unique Assortment Of Colorful Planets

Progressing with the concept of engrossing space exploration and survival games, Astroneer is another popular choice that has captivated numerous gamers due to its distinct characteristics. As players traverse uncharted planets, they must exercise caution regarding what they decide to haul along in Astroneer since their backpack has a finite carrying capacity.

In my gaming journey, I’ve come across Astroneer – a game where I’m not just surviving but also shaping the world around me! It’s an unexplored solar system waiting for me to uncover its mysteries as I traverse through it. Unlike other survival games, this one doesn’t force you into intense survival scenarios all the time. Instead, it invites me to explore every nook and cranny, from the surface to the core, making each discovery a thrilling adventure.

Subnautica

Players Can Even Survive Underwater On Alien Planets

To clarify, not all space survival games demand players to traverse every corner of the cosmos. For instance, games like Subnautica concentrate on a particular location where the player is attempting to flee from. In this game, the target area happens to be an entirely water-covered planet. Consequently, most of the gaming experience unfolds beneath the waves. Players need to carefully manage their oxygen supply and gather resources in order to eventually send for help.

In the game Subnautica, peace beneath the water’s surface is a rarity. Players come across various forms of extraterrestrial life, from aquatic flora to fish. Although much of it may appear harmless, ominous leviathans lurk deep beneath the waves, often startling players during their search for an exit. This creates one of the most chilling survival experiences set in space. The ocean on this alien planet is no exception to its earthly counterpart’s reputation for being unforgiving.

Rimworld

Create Colonies To Survive On Harsh Planets

It’s not unexpected to find RimWorld among the numerous space survival games. Much like Oxygen Not Included, RimWorld is primarily a colony simulator game, where players engage in crafting their own storyline as a small band of colonists who find themselves stranded on a hostile alien world after a crash landing.

In the game RimWorld, it’s evident that the focus is on survival due to the need to care for numerous settlers. The player is thrust into a situation where they must promptly establish a settlement and gather resources to ensure these individuals survive the perils of this foreign planet. However, the threats don’t stop at the alien world itself. The colonists themselves can pose a danger as they form and dissolve relationships that could lead to various internal conflicts within the base.

Starbound

Set Off To Explore The Universe After Fleeing Home

In Starbound, players have the freedom to shape their own adventure. This is because it’s their choice to develop the storyline. It’s no wonder this survival game set in space is often praised as one of the best, thanks not just to the variety of alien species that can be played, but also because the world within Starbound is incredibly vast and open-ended, allowing players to either survive on their own or with companions.

To put it simply, the game titled Starbound offers two main experiences: an engaging narrative about saving the universe for those who prefer a more action-packed journey, or a relaxing option for those wanting to build homes on different planets and manage resources effectively. Regardless of how players choose to engage with this space-themed survival game, it’s no wonder that Starbound has earned the positive feedback it receives from enthusiastic gamers.

2025-09-05 03:35