Space Games That Let You Explore the Universe—Which One Is Truly Out of This World?

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Summary

  • Outer Wilds’ time loop and deep exploration offer an engaging journey rich in mystery and narrative.
  • Starfield provides a vast galaxy with unique stories, modular shipbuilding, and deep RPG elements for players.
  • No Man’s Sky, once a failure, redeems itself with limitless planet exploration, base building, and multiplayer.

Video games often take flight into the uncharted territories of space, where creativity knows no bounds. They immerse players in grand cosmic landscapes, present them with challenges on distant planets, or allow them to navigate through asteroid fields while piloting spaceships. Each of these expansive space-themed open-world games provides a distinct mix of exploration and discovery, offering players a sense of freedom that is truly out of this world.

In some instances, particular games have gained such popularity that they’re recognized even within ordinary households, whereas other games fly under the radar, attracting more daring players who seek them out.

6. Outer Wilds

Sometimes, The Only Way Out Is To Let Go

In the game Outer Wilds, time loops and deep contemplation of existence create an unexpected sense of comfort. As a space-faring investigator, you’re caught in a recurring 22-minute loop, with each cycle concluding when the sun undergoes a spectacular explosion. The objective? To solve the enigmas of a system that is simultaneously living and dying, and to discover why everything keeps restarting.

In the game ‘Outer Wilds’, the exploration feels incredibly individualized. Every planet is crafted meticulously with its unique narrative to unfold, from the shifting sands of the Hourglass Twins to the chilling, fragile voids of Giant’s Deep. There’s no fighting involved, but it doesn’t require it. Instead, the exhilaration of discovery, fueled by curiosity and the desire for comprehension, makes each instance memorable. It’s a tale about learning, grief, and progressing forward.

5. Starfield

(Nearly) Infinite Space, Infinite Stories

Starfield delivers players a galaxy brimming with various tales to explore. As Bethesda’s initial new intellectual property in years, it transports the studio’s signature open-world narrative into the vastness of outer space. Whether you find yourself in bustling cosmic ports or desolate outposts on isolated moons, each locale hides a story waiting to be discovered, and frequently, a hidden truth to unveil.

In this game, you can build ships according to your preference, whether it’s a swift warship or a colossal freighter. The role-playing aspects ensure that every choice you make, such as negotiating with alien races or making ethical decisions shaping your journey, carries significance. Though some may liken it to ‘Fallout’ or ‘Skyrim’, ‘Starfield’ offers a unique appeal by combining the intrigue of hard science fiction with the excitement of space piracy.

4. Astroneer

Building A Better Tomorrow, One Terrain Deformation At A Time

In terms of crafting charming cosmic environments, Astroneer truly excels. With its vibrant, algorithmically designed galaxy as a backdrop, this open-ended journey offers players the freedom to shape the terrain according to their whims. You can delve deep into the heart of a planet or construct colossal, sprawling bases on the surface – everything is within your reach. The terrain shaping tool isn’t merely a gimmick; it serves as the game’s core essence, empowering players to design passageways, tunnels, and resource centers while maintaining a distinctly personal touch in the landscape.

A Co-op is where the game Astroneer really excels. Collaborating with friends allows for task division—while one constructs a base, another could be scavenging resources from the distant, toxic side of a moon. Overcoming dangerous weather conditions and discovering ancient artifacts gives it a sense of significance, but the true delight lies in the creativity and teamwork. It’s a game where curiosity isn’t just appreciated; it’s crucial for survival.

3. Elite Dangerous

The Universe Is Big. Really Big.

Achieving the grandeur of space exploration is no simple task, but Elite Dangerous manages it with such bravado that it’s almost overwhelming. This game presents each star you gaze upon as a potential journey, filled with planets, space stations, and fellow pilots all trying to carve out a living. It’s not just about size; it’s the feeling of liberty. Regardless if players choose to be space cargo haulers, bounty hunters, miners, or explorers, they are free to forge their own destiny.

Navigating this game might initially seem like grappling with barbed wire, but when players get the hang of the flight controls and navigation, it’s truly satisfying. Accomplishing a mission, whether it involves transporting scarce resources to a far-off settlement or hunting down a valuable target in a distant galaxy, really feels like an achievement. Here, there’s no guidance; it’s just pure, undiluted space exploration.

2. Everspace 2

It’s A Dogfight Out There

If Elite Dangerous focuses on navigating the vast, tranquil expanse of space, Everspace 2 aims to infuse it with excitement. The core experience revolves around high-speed, intense battles, and the ship’s customization offers a myriad of adjustments to weapons, shields, and engines for maximum control. In this game, space isn’t merely a silent void; it teems with hostile pirates, scavengers, and colossal capital ships that make each dogfight feel like a deadly ballet of destruction.

In comparison to some other games, Exploration boasts a more organized structure, but it doesn’t shy away from depth. Players enhance their ships, design superior equipment, gather resources, and engage in an engaging narrative that masterfully combines personal interests with cosmic perils. The vibrant, artistic graphics give each star system its own unique identity, while the responsive controls encourage players to keep battling for another skirmish.

1. No Man’s Sky

From Galactic Failure To Spacefaring Triumph

Initially, when No Man’s Sky was released, it was a confusing jumble of grand ambition, but now it stands as a prime example of successful comebacks. The scale is astounding—18 quadrillion unique planets, each generated procedurally, inviting players to discover, catalog, and expand upon them. From domesticating alien creatures to crafting entire bases on inhospitable planets, the feeling of advancement is tangible and incredibly rewarding.

Once considered a fantastical idea, multiplayer gaming has become a tangible experience, enabling players to traverse the cosmos jointly on interstellar adventures. The game’s Living Ship update introduced organic spacecraft, while the Prisms update transformed planets into visually stunning, almost surreal landscapes. There’s never a dull moment, with community expeditions to join or simply admiring the serene beauty of an unexplored world in tranquility.

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2025-05-25 01:35