The Best Space Simulators You Should Play Right Now
Space simulators have come a long way from simple arcade games. Today, they offer incredibly immersive experiences, from realistic space physics and interstellar exploration to intense space combat and complex ship-building mechanics. Whether you’re a space enthusiast, a gamer looking for a new challenge, or someone fascinated by the cosmos, there’s a space sim for everyone. Here’s a list of the best space simulators you should check out right now.
1. Kerbal Space Program
Platform: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
Genre: Space Simulation, Physics-Based
Why Play It:
Kerbal Space Program (KSP) is a space exploration and rocket-building simulator that challenges players to design and launch spacecraft to explore a fictional solar system. The game uses realistic physics, meaning you’ll need to understand concepts like thrust, orbital mechanics, and gravity to succeed. It’s both educational and fun, with a unique sense of humor thanks to the adorable (yet often accident-prone) Kerbal crew.
Best For: Players who love creativity, physics, and experimentation.
2. Elite Dangerous
Platform: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
Genre: Space Exploration, Combat, MMO
Why Play It:
Elite Dangerous is one of the most expansive space simulators out there. Set in a detailed, massive recreation of the Milky Way galaxy, the game allows you to trade, mine, explore, and engage in combat with other players. The game’s open-world structure means that your actions directly affect the game’s economy and faction dynamics. Its real-time universe and sophisticated flight mechanics make it a must-play for fans of space sims.
Best For: Players who want an open-world space adventure with lots of options for interaction.
3. Star Citizen (Alpha)
Platform: PC
Genre: Space Sim, MMO
Why Play It:
Though still in development, Star Citizen has become a phenomenon. Combining space combat, exploration, and trading with a highly detailed universe, it offers one of the most ambitious space sims ever created. Players can take on missions in a wide array of ships, participate in large-scale battles, or simply explore the cosmos. The game’s “Alpha” status means it’s still being developed, but it’s already a gorgeous and immersive experience.
Best For: Players who want the most realistic space sim experience with a focus on space combat, economy, and exploration.
4. No Man’s Sky
Platform: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
Genre: Action-Adventure, Survival, Space Exploration
Why Play It:
Originally met with a rocky launch, No Man’s Sky has undergone significant updates, evolving into one of the most expansive and visually stunning space exploration games out there. Players explore procedurally generated planets, gather resources, build bases, and survive hostile environments. With updates that continually improve the gameplay experience, it has transformed into a space sim for players looking for both peaceful exploration and intense survival elements.
Best For: Fans of endless exploration, crafting, and open-world survival.
5. Star Wars: Squadrons
Platform: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, VR
Genre: Space Combat, Arcade
Why Play It:
For fans of the Star Wars universe, Squadrons delivers an exhilarating space combat experience. It’s a more accessible space sim than some others on this list, focusing on dogfights between the Empire and the Rebellion (or New Republic). With a variety of iconic ships and immersive VR support, you’ll feel like you’re truly piloting an X-Wing or TIE Fighter in the heat of battle.
Best For: Star Wars fans who love fast-paced space combat.
6. Space Engineers
Platform: PC, Xbox One
Genre: Sandbox, Engineering, Space Simulation
Why Play It:
Space Engineers combines space exploration with engineering and construction mechanics. Players can build spaceships, space stations, and entire colonies in a sandbox universe. The game places a strong emphasis on physics, where every ship you design and fly must be built with an understanding of momentum, mass, and resource management. It’s a highly technical and creative game for those who enjoy building and managing complex systems.
Best For: Players who love building, engineering, and resource management.
7. The Expanse: A Telltale Series
Platform: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
Genre: Narrative Adventure, Space Exploration
Why Play It:
Set in the universe of the critically acclaimed Expanse TV series, this game lets you dive deep into the solar system’s political intrigue, with a narrative-driven experience. While it’s more of a story-based adventure than a traditional space sim, it offers a gripping look at life in space, including elements of exploration, danger, and survival. The game offers stunning visuals and excellent voice acting, making it a great option for fans of the series.
Best For: Players who love story-driven experiences with space themes.
8. EVE Online
Platform: PC
Genre: Space MMO, Strategy, Sandbox
Why Play It:
EVE Online is a massively multiplayer online (MMO) game set in a vast universe where players can participate in trade, combat, exploration, and even politics. One of the most ambitious space sims, EVE is known for its deep economic systems and the player-run corporations that drive the game’s complex political dynamics. The steep learning curve and player-driven universe make it a game that rewards dedication and strategic thinking.
Best For: Players looking for a complex, player-driven economy and deep space warfare.
9. Freelancer
Platform: PC
Genre: Space Shooter, Action-Adventure
Why Play It:
Released in 2003, Freelancer remains one of the most beloved space sims. The game is a space trading and combat simulator that blends a dynamic storyline with freeform exploration and missions. Players can roam the galaxy, fight in space battles, and earn money to upgrade their ships. Although older, its dynamic world and accessible gameplay still make it a great choice for space sim fans.
Best For: Players who want a fun, story-driven space sim with trading and exploration elements.
10. Orbiter
Platform: PC
Genre: Space Simulation
Why Play It:
For those seeking the most realistic space flight simulator, Orbiter is a must-try. This free space sim is focused entirely on realistic space travel, including accurate orbital mechanics, spacecraft, and missions. The game doesn’t have any built-in goals or missions (aside from the player’s own imagination), but it provides the most accurate simulation of spaceflight available in a game.
Best For: Players who want an ultra-realistic spaceflight experience without the frills.
11. Stellaris
Platform: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
Genre: Grand Strategy, Space Simulation
Why Play It:
Stellaris is a grand strategy game that takes place in space, where you manage an empire, explore the universe, engage in diplomacy, and wage wars with other factions. Unlike traditional space simulators, it blends space exploration with complex resource management and strategic warfare, offering an in-depth experience. Its dynamic and evolving galaxy ensures that no two playthroughs are ever the same.
Best For: Players who enjoy strategy games with a deep space exploration component.
12. Microsoft Flight Simulator (with Space Mod)
Platform: PC, Xbox Series X/S
Genre: Flight Simulation
Why Play It:
While Microsoft Flight Simulator is primarily known for its realistic aircraft flying, mods such as SpaceX’s Dragon Capsule and Orbital Flight add a new layer of space exploration. You can now use MSFS to explore Earth’s atmosphere and even simulate trips to space. The modding community continues to expand the possibilities for space fans.
Best For: Players who want a combination of flight simulation and space exploration.
Conclusion
These space simulators offer a wide variety of experiences for every type of player, from hardcore space enthusiasts to casual gamers. Whether you’re looking for a deep, realistic simulation like Kerbal Space Program and Elite Dangerous, or a more narrative-driven experience like The Expanse: A Telltale Series, the universe is yours to explore. So strap in, launch your spacecraft, and prepare to embark on some of the most thrilling adventures across the cosmos!