Best Spaceship Building Games

Best Spaceship Building Games

As a space enthusiast and longtime gamer with a soft spot for simulators that blend education with entertainment, I can confidently say these games are truly out of this world!


Games involving construction and simulation become significantly more engaging and demanding when players are tasked with creating something extraordinary, such as outlandish structures. Fortunately, thanks to advanced and entertaining space-themed video games, gamers can not only traverse various galaxies but also design a myriad of futuristic, science fiction, and fantastical spaceships.

Spacecraft construction games may appear complex for beginners or casual gamers, but they’re not off-limits. These games provide epic journeys through some of the best science fiction worlds where you can pilot and create stunningly fast and beautiful spaceships to visit other planets, stars, and entire solar systems. Not only do these engaging titles offer exciting gameplay, but they also help players enhance their understanding of physics, engineering, space exploration, and astronomy.

20 Stationeers

Best Spaceship Building Games

As a space-faring gamer, I can confidently say that Stationeers is the ultimate cosmic crafting challenge, tailor-made for those who crave immersive indie strategy games and intergalactic escapades. This breathtaking early-access space station builder game transports you right into the infinite expanse of the cosmos. In this adventure, I find myself overseeing my very own space stations, managing resources and navigating the challenges that come with space exploration.

Stationeers presents an immersive experience where players can apply their strategic, managerial, and engineering abilities to navigate atmospheric, electrical, and agricultural issues, among other complexities. Essentially, it’s a game that offers a scientifically grounded survival setting, allowing players to craft an optimal space station for survivability, prevent livestock from drifting off into the void, and venture out to discover diverse planets or asteroid fields for resource gathering.

19 Space Engineers

Best Spaceship Building Games

Space Engineers is an enjoyable sandbox game where you can construct diverse space structures in an intriguing cosmic environment. Players have the opportunity to create elaborate spaceships, space stations, and even planetary bases for various civil and military purposes.

Space Engineers isn’t limited to construction alone; it also involves piloting ships, resource gathering from planets, and ensuring survival in the game with its realistic volumetric-based physics engine. This engine gives every object a sense of tangible volume, weight, and interactive properties. The game is notable for being one of the most authentic space-building experiences as it’s influenced by modern NASA technology, but set 60 years into the future. Players can experiment with various game modes, customization options, and construct massive structures to traverse uncharted galaxies.

18 Starbase

Best Spaceship Building Games
  • Release Date: July 29, 2021
  • Developer: Frozenbyte
  • Genres: Massively multiplayer online role-playing game, Simulation, Shooter, Adventure

Starbase represents an engaging, early-access Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) that boasts impressive optimization features and thrilling conflicts. Instead of merely traversing an intriguing cosmos, gamers have the opportunity to construct, trade, and participate in demanding battles as part of their journey.

In this game called Starbase, players have the freedom to meticulously build spaceships right down to the smallest screw, or even establish gigantic space stations of their own design. The universe in which this game is set isn’t merely expansive; it’s unpredictable, with its unique voxel-vertex blend that enables players to break, create, and strategize at will. Combat isn’t just about shooting either – it requires strategic thinking for players to triumph over the challenges they encounter.

17 Astrox Imperium

Best Spaceship Building Games
  • Release date: March 22, 2019
  • Developers: Jace Masula
  • Genres: Indie, Simulation, Role-playing, Action, Adventure

As a gamer, I’m diving headfirst into the cosmos with “Astrox Imperium,” an early-access space sim that harks back to the golden age of gaming. In this retro universe, I mine asteroids, trade resources, and fend off pesky pirates. The vast array of maps beckons me to explore, while the dynamic drones add a delightful twist. Real-time combat keeps my pulse racing, offering an immersive experience that I can’t get enough of!

In the expansive universe of Astrox Imperium, solo adventurers can set off on an epic odyssey spanning infinite galaxies. Along this journey, they will learn to hone their skills in multiple crafts, navigate diverse economies, engage in exciting missions, and familiarize themselves with over seventy stunning spacecrafts and drones. Moreover, the game is rich in story, offering players a captivating narrative that further draws them into the game’s distinct world.

16 The Last Starship

Best Spaceship Building Games

The Last Starship” stands out as an engaging early access selection, ideal for strategy enthusiasts who enjoy expansive gameplay. Instead of set constructions, players are given the option to either select pre-made builds or design their own spacecraft before embarking on their cosmic journey. Essential components such as engines, sensors, and life support systems must be gathered prior to departure.

Players will be tasked with a wide range of responsibilities, from installing the ship’s plumbing to overseeing all ship-wide operations, with the ultimate goal of constructing a fully functional spaceship capable of supporting the crew. Upon completion, players will have the opportunity to traverse an engaging universe, complete various missions, and experience vibrant retro aesthetics.

15 Starcom: Unknown Space

Best Spaceship Building Games
  • Release date: May 7, 2022
  • Developer: Wx3 Labs, LLC
  • Genres: Role-playing, Adventure, Indie, Shooter

Unknown Space is another game that resembles older styles, offering an action RPG experience in a space setting where players take on the role of a fleet commander. They’ll embark on a thrilling journey, investigating and safeguarding the galaxy while constructing their own starships and unraveling a grand space tale shrouded in mysteries.

In the course of their thrilling escapades, gamers will be tasked not just with constructing and overseeing their spacecraft but also with managing all other assets, advancing technology, and employing tactical acumen when leading their armada in combat. The intricate narrative ensures players are deeply engrossed in this captivating science fiction gaming universe.

14 Sunshine Heavy Industries

Best Spaceship Building Games

Sunshine Heavy Industries is an engaging and vibrant puzzle game with adorable pixel art. This laid-back game offers players an enchanting sci-fi experience, where they construct spaceships using over a hundred distinct components. Players must tackle challenging design puzzles, master unique systems, and piece together complex vessels in this title.

In Sunshine Heavy Industries, players will encounter an array of eccentric characters that they’ll serve as clients. They’ll need to adapt to managing these clients’ expectations while keeping an eye on budgets and ship performance simultaneously. The game offers over 50 intricately designed levels, making it suitable for players of all skill levels.

13 Space Scavenger

Best Spaceship Building Games

Space Scavenger is an exhilarating roguelike game offering a thrilling journey where players engage in engaging battles, construct, and control their unique spaceships, and discover diverse planets. In this captivating sci-fi setting, combatants have the freedom to design and command their very own interstellar vessels while delving into unexplored celestial bodies.

As a space scavenger, you’ll need to engage in thrilling battles against formidable foes and master the art of customizing and upgrading your ships. This will involve enhancing both their combat prowess and layout, if you hope to survive the harsh cosmic frontier. Space Scavenger is a fun-filled, engaging game that promises a challenging experience for gamers of all skill levels.

12 Cosmoteer: Starship Architect & Commander

Best Spaceship Building Games

Among the captivating and hard-to-put-down early-access spacecraft simulation games, “Cosmoteer: Starship Architect & Commander” stands out. This game allows players to craft imaginative and vividly colored starships, offering a unique building experience. Beyond crafting their own starships, players engage in thrilling space battles, traverse a perilous yet lively galaxy, and uncover its secrets.

Cosmoteer stands out as an excellent option for both novice and seasoned gamers, offering a simple learning curve yet maintaining depth for continued enjoyment. The game allows players to embark on exciting journeys alongside their friends, providing mutual support throughout the adventure. Strategic and management skills will be essential in Cosmoteer as players are tasked with managing their crew and commanding their fleet.

11 Forever Skies

Best Spaceship Building Games
  • Release date: June 22, 2023
  • Developers: Far From Home
  • Genres: Adventure, Simulation, Indie

In a post-apocalyptic scenario, Forever Skies invites players back to an Earth devastated by time, equipped with advanced technology. The objective is to scavenge for valuable resources and unearth the mysteries behind the lethal toxic fog that now blankets the planet.

In essence, the game bears a strong resemblance to Subnautica, particularly with regard to its construction, first-person viewpoint, and scanning mechanism. Yet, it has distinct features too. Unlike establishing various bases beneath the ocean, Forever Skies tasks players with building an airship – essentially a blimp – that traverses the skies. This vessel doubles as a command center for all survival activities and can be moved around. This mobile base is an uncommon twist in the survival genre, though not entirely unprecedented. However, a flying base? That’s innovative! Players can enhance their airship by adding modules as they discover and advance new technologies, thereby boosting the ship’s capabilities in various aspects.

10 Spacelines From The Far Out

Best Spaceship Building Games
  • Release date: May 2, 2022
  • Developer: Coffeenauts
  • Genres: Indie, Action, Simulation, Casual, Strategy, Adventure

Space Voyages from the Distant Realms is an excellent option for individuals who appreciate snug games with appealing aesthetics and are on the hunt for enjoyable roguelike experiences. This 60s-inspired, family-friendly simulation game about space airlines offers fun building spaceships for players of all ages.

Individuals or groups can embark on a riotously funny journey, where they will master operating an advanced extraterrestrial airline. In this game, you’ll get to traverse vibrant and bizarre spaceships, some of which can be unlocked as you play. Your objective is to craft the ideal space voyage while juggling the maintenance of your spaceship’s systems and attending to your adorable yet demanding alien passengers.

9 Nimbatus – The Space Drone Constructor

Best Spaceship Building Games
  • Release date: October 3, 2018
  • Genres: Simulation, Indie, Strategy, Shooter
  • Developer: Stray Fawn

In the game titled “Nimbatus – The Space Drone Constructor“, players assume the role of space commanders, crafting mighty space drones using an array of diverse components. They navigate through a vibrant open universe, engaging in thrilling combat with other gamers, all while enjoying this entertaining survival space simulation experience.

In the universe of “Nimbatus – The Space Drone Constructor,” players embark on an exciting journey filled with physics-driven gameplay. To survive, they must deploy their drones to obliterate planets and vanquish adversaries. This game appeals to both seasoned gamers and newcomers because it offers a sandbox mode where players can freely explore, construct, and experiment without any constraints.

8 Ostranauts

Best Spaceship Building Games
  • Release date: June 16, 2020
  • Developer: Blue Bottle Games
  • Genres: Simulation, Role-playing, Indie, Strategy

Ostranauts” stands out as one of the most engaging early access spacecraft construction games, offering players a chance to embody some of the sleekest astronaut characters in gaming. In this authentic space simulation, gamers can construct their very own spacecraft from scratch and master the intricacies of flight governed by Newtonian physics.

Players must select a custom character with distinct characteristics that impact their abilities within the game. After constructing their spacecraft, they’ll need to oversee all operations, provide for their crew, fend off adversaries, and traverse the expansive universe offered by this engaging spaceship creation game.

7 Empyrion – Galactic Survival

Best Spaceship Building Games

In simpler terms, “Empyrion – Galactic Survival” is a highly acclaimed open-world survival game that offers an exciting sci-fi experience. Players can construct magnificent spacecrafts, traverse breathtaking planets, and interact with various alien life forms such as robots and biological entities.

Players will be given the opportunity to design their very own spacecrafts, and as they journey through various adventures, they’ll need to manufacture, hunt, farm, gather resources, and upgrade their ship for survival. They can also create secure havens on potentially dangerous planets. Solo players or groups consisting of friends and relatives can embark on these exciting journeys together, collaborating to navigate between different planets.

6 Avorion

Best Spaceship Building Games
  • Release date: January 23, 2017
  • Developers: Boxelware
  • Genres: Simulation, Indie, Adventure, Shooter

Avorion stands out as one of the most imaginative space simulation games, where players engage in thrilling, epic battles and traverse an open world that’s both exciting and perilous. This collaborative sandbox space adventure encourages players to unleash their creativity by crafting a formidable combat spaceship, equipped with a variety of lethal weaponry such as lasers and chain guns.

This role-playing game, focused on action, provides significantly more than just combat. Players are tasked with managing their fleet and learning trading skills as they navigate through a dark cosmos towards the heart of a galaxy devastated by a catastrophic event. It may be more intricate and difficult, but it’s certainly rewarding experience.

5 Terra Invicta

Best Spaceship Building Games

As a devoted space enthusiast, I can’t help but sing praises for “Terra Invicta,” an exhilarating early access space strategy game that offers a unique opportunity. In this captivating universe, I embark on a thrilling journey, designing my very own spaceships and demonstrating my tactical prowess in combat as I strive to safeguard humanity against a formidable alien threat. My perilous adventure commences on Earth, but the true challenge lies in mastering the art of colonizing our Solar System.

This space simulation game set in a military context is ideal for strategy enthusiasts who appreciate challenges and intricate games. In this game, you assume command of one of humanity’s factions, shaping the future according to your vision. Players will engage in combat, expansion, and continuous strategic planning alongside intelligence agencies, scientists, politicians, and corporations – all while fighting not only external threats but also competing against Earth’s other factions.

4 Kerbal Space Program

Best Spaceship Building Games

Kerbal Space Program stands out as one of the most enjoyable simulation games for space travel, offering lessons in real-world physics and astronomy. This engaging and challenging game allows players to construct spaceships and manage their own space program, aiding the adorable alien race known as Kerbals in their quest to explore the captivating planets within the Kerbol solar system.

In this educational open-world sci-fi game, players have the opportunity to design and pilot spaceships and rockets that adhere to actual aeronautical and orbital physics. Yet, there’s more to do than just flying, as they will need to recruit and train their crew members, establish communication systems, and even invent new technologies for a well-rounded gameplay experience.

3 Starship EVO

Best Spaceship Building Games
  • Release Date: 19 June 2020
  • Developers: Moonfire Entertainment
  • Genres: Simulation, Indie, Action, Adventure

The Starship EVO is ideal for enthusiasts of old-school sci-fi games, who appreciate vivid graphics. This captivating early access space simulation game offers players the opportunity to design distinctive starships as they traverse a stunningly designed and colorful open universe. Players must tap into their imagination to construct formidable spaceships to navigate and conquer their epic space battles.

Players taking up these challenges will need to demonstrate their tactical prowess while embarking on bounty quests, employing their own personalized weapons, hovercrafts, and starships. As they traverse various planets and stars, they can gather fuel, collect items, craft tools, and even mine asteroids as part of their exciting journeys.

2 Space Haven

Best Spaceship Building Games

Space Haven is another engaging and visually appealing early access colony space simulation game featuring retro pixel art. Packed with complexity and challenges, this game embarks players on a memorable interstellar journey where they must construct spaceships, tailor their characters, mine resources, engage in conflict, and delve into the exciting open world of the game.

As a space enthusiast, I’ll get the chance to showcase my strategic and trading abilities by constructing my very own spaceships from scratch, tile by tile. This unique experience allows me to unleash my creative potential as I design every component of my functional spacecraft, making it a truly one-of-a-kind masterpiece!

1 Starfield

Best Spaceship Building Games

Although Starfield may not reach the heights set by earlier Bethesda games such as Skyrim and Fallout 4, it manages to carve its own niche as a remarkable game in its own right. A key factor contributing to this uniqueness is the intricate spaceship customization system that offers players the opportunity to either design their spacecraft from the ground up, adapt existing ships to cater to their preferences, or select from an array of ready-made starships to fulfill tasks effectively.

Besides constructing their ideal spaceship, players can also pilot it themselves once built, venturing into the expansive cosmos. From investigating wrecked space stations to engaging in laser battles with swarms of adversaries, Starfield provides an immersive experience for players to fulfill their science fiction dreams elegantly.

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2024-10-06 18:56