The 20 Best Space Games You Can Play on PC Right Now

Space games have always been a portal to the unknown, offering us a chance to explore galaxies far, far away from the comfort of our own homes. As we hurtle through 2023, this genre continues to expand, with epic releases like Starfield and Homeworld 3 on the horizon. But before we get lost in these upcoming adventures, let’s take a moment to celebrate the best space games already staking their claim in the cosmos. Whether you're a future space captain, a galaxy-conquering warlord, or just an explorer looking for the next celestial body to chart, there's something out there for you.

What Makes a Great Space Game?

For this list, we've kept things pretty traditional—these are games where space itself is the star of the show. While there are plenty of hybrids mixing genres, most of our picks have you traversing the stars, battling in zero gravity, or managing resources on a spaceship. Games like Surviving Mars and Astroneer aren’t included, as they focus more on planetary settlement rather than the expansive void of space. So, whether you're a seasoned space veteran or just strapping in for the first time, these are the space games you should be playing right now.

20. Everspace 2

Everspace 2 brings back the feel of classic arcade space shooters, blending it with a modern action RPG structure. Unlike its roguelike predecessor, Everspace 2 opts for a more traditional experience, focusing on upgrading your ship with bigger and better parts scavenged from the remains of your enemies. The battles are intense, but underneath the high-octane combat, each ship behaves like a traditional RPG class with unique abilities. The hand-crafted locations and glossy visuals make this game a must-play for anyone craving fast-paced space action.

19. Mass Effect Legendary Edition

If you're looking for the ultimate space saga, Mass Effect Legendary Edition is your ticket to the stars. This remaster of BioWare's iconic trilogy lets you experience Commander Shepard's journey in all its glory. The middle game, Mass Effect 2, is often hailed as the series' peak, but playing the entire trilogy from start to finish is a journey worth taking. Whether you're commanding your crew on suicide missions or engaging in galactic diplomacy, Mass Effect remains one of the most immersive space experiences out there.

18. Descent

Descent was a game ahead of its time, offering a unique blend of speed, maze-like 3D levels, and full range of movement in every direction. While it was often compared to first-person shooters like Doom, Descent carved out its own niche, offering a sense of disorientation and thrill unmatched by its contemporaries. Even after more than two decades, Descent remains a pivotal title in the evolution of space games, influencing later classics like Freespace and Red Faction.

17. Hardspace: Shipbreaker

In Hardspace: Shipbreaker, you’re not a hero or a conqueror—you’re a worker trying to pay off an astronomical debt. Stripping down derelict ships for parts in zero gravity might sound mundane, but it’s a meditative and rewarding experience. The game’s zen-like loop of cutting, grabbing, and punting parts into recycling bins is punctuated by moments of tension, such as managing fuel and oxygen levels or avoiding catastrophic explosions. It’s a unique and fulfilling take on the space genre.

16. Star Wars: TIE Fighter

Star Wars: TIE Fighter flips the script by letting you fight for the Empire. This classic space combat sim combines the thrill of Star Wars dogfights with the strategic depth of WWII combat simulations. While the original game was a masterpiece in its own right, the TIE Fighter: Total Conversion mod for X-Wing Alliance brings it into the modern era with updated graphics and VR support, making it a must-play for any Star Wars fan.

15. Rebel Galaxy Outlaw

Rebel Galaxy Outlaw offers a compact but action-packed space adventure, with dogfights, bounty hunts, and underhand deals aplenty. Its clever targeting and auto-pursuit systems make every encounter feel intense, while the rich narrative gives your character a real place in the galaxy. Unlike the sprawling universes of games like No Man’s Sky, Rebel Galaxy Outlaw focuses on delivering a tight, polished experience that never fails to entertain.

14. Star Traders: Frontiers

Star Traders: Frontiers is a 2D space RPG where your choices shape the galaxy around you. Whether you're trading, smuggling, or bounty hunting, every action affects the political landscape of the universe. The game’s deep customization options for your ship and crew add layers of strategy, making it a standout in the space RPG genre. Plus, who doesn’t want to command a crew that includes a sniper in pink thigh-high boots?

13. Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2

If you’re after sheer spectacle, Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2 is the game for you. Set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, this game offers massive space battles that are as visually stunning as they are strategically deep. With 12 factions to choose from, each with its own unique playstyle, Armada 2 ensures that every battle feels fresh and exhilarating.

12. Sins Of A Solar Empire

Sins Of A Solar Empire combines the large-scale strategy of 4X games with the fast-paced action of an RTS. The game’s use of restrictive lanes to connect worlds adds a layer of strategy, as you position your fleets to control key points in the galaxy. The Rebellion standalone expansion enhances the experience with new factions, Titan-class ships, and improved visuals, making it the definitive version of this classic space RTS.

11. X3: Albion Prelude

The X series has long been a favorite among space sim enthusiasts, and X3: Albion Prelude is the pinnacle of the franchise. It offers a complex and rewarding experience, where trading and combat go hand in hand. While the learning curve is steep, the payoff is worth it for those who enjoy deep economic systems and large-scale space battles.

10. EVE Online

EVE Online is the epitome of a player-driven universe, where massive alliances, economic intrigue, and epic space battles define the experience. While its steep learning curve and demanding gameplay might be off-putting to some, those who stick with it will find a game rich with opportunities for adventure, betrayal, and camaraderie. EVE is a game where your actions can have real consequences, making it one of the most immersive and rewarding space games out there.

9. Homeworld Remastered

Homeworld is a legendary space RTS that has stood the test of time, and the 2015 Remastered edition brings this classic back to life with modern graphics and improved gameplay. The game’s epic space battles and compelling story remain as engaging as ever, making Homeworld Remastered a must-play for both veterans and newcomers alike.

8. Distant Worlds Universe

Distant Worlds Universe offers a sprawling 4X experience that lets you shape the destiny of an entire galaxy. Its complex systems can be daunting, but the game’s automation features allow you to focus on the aspects you enjoy most, whether that’s exploring new star systems or waging interstellar wars. With its deep gameplay and endless possibilities, Distant Worlds Universe is a space strategy game that rewards patience and creativity.

7. Outer Wilds

Outer Wilds is a space exploration game like no other. Its solar system may be small, but it’s packed with mysteries waiting to be unraveled. The game’s time-loop mechanic adds a unique twist, as you race against the clock to uncover the secrets of an ancient alien civilization before the sun goes supernova. Each planet is a marvel of design, offering a distinct and memorable experience that makes Outer Wilds one of the most captivating space games in recent memory.

6. Stellaris

Stellaris is Paradox Interactive’s take on the 4X genre, blending grand strategy with deep space exploration. The game’s rich customization options and dynamic storytelling make every playthrough unique, as you guide your chosen species from humble beginnings to galactic dominance. With a steady stream of updates and expansions, Stellaris continues to evolve, offering new challenges and opportunities for interstellar conquest.

5. FTL: Faster Than Light

FTL: Faster Than Light strips down the space sim experience to its core elements, presenting a series of crises and challenges as you race across the galaxy. The game’s roguelike structure means that every run is different, with random encounters and tough decisions that can make or break your journey. FTL is a masterclass in tension and strategy, offering endless replayability for those who love a good challenge.

4. No Man’s Sky

No Man’s Sky has come a long way since its rocky launch, evolving into a sprawling space exploration game that offers endless possibilities. With its procedurally generated universe, No Man’s Sky invites you to explore alien worlds, build bases, and even fly sentient starships. The addition of multiplayer and VR support has only enhanced the experience, making it one of the most expansive and immersive space games available today.

3. Elite Dangerous

Elite Dangerous is the ultimate space sim, offering a realistic and immersive experience that lets you live out your spacefaring fantasies. Whether you’re trading, mining, or engaging in epic space battles, Elite Dangerous offers a vast and detailed universe to explore. The game’s attention to detail, from its realistic star maps to its complex flight mechanics, makes it a must-play for any space enthusiast.

2. Kerbal Space Program

Kerbal Space Program takes a more grounded approach to space exploration, tasking you with building and launching rockets while managing a crew of adorable green astronauts. The game’s physics-based simulation is both challenging and rewarding, offering a deep and educational experience that’s also a lot of fun. Whether you’re aiming for the Mun or the outer reaches of the solar system, Kerbal Space Program is a game that will keep you coming back for more.

1. Starfield

At the top of our list is Starfield, the highly anticipated space RPG from Bethesda Game Studios. While the game has yet to be released, the hype surrounding it is undeniable. With its promise of a vast, open universe to explore, rich storytelling, and deep customization options, Starfield has the potential to be the defining space game of our generation. Whether it lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but for now, it’s the game that every space fan is eagerly waiting for.

Happy gaming!