The 20 Best Space Games for PC

Space has always captivated human imagination, offering boundless possibilities for exploration, discovery, and adventure. Whether it’s the thrill of navigating through asteroid fields, exploring distant planets, or battling in epic space wars, the vastness of the cosmos has inspired countless stories and games. In the realm of PC gaming, space-themed titles have evolved dramatically, offering players everything from strategic management of intergalactic empires to immersive space simulations and high-octane dogfights in distant star systems. These games transport players to outer space, allowing them to live out their wildest cosmic fantasies while enjoying stunning visuals, intricate mechanics, and rich storytelling.

In this article, we dive into the best space games for PC, each offering its own unique take on the genre, whether you’re a fan of realistic space flight simulations, expansive open-world exploration, or action-packed space combat. From massive multiplayer online experiences where you can build your own empire, to single-player narratives that allow you to embark on personal journeys across the stars, these games provide a thrilling escape from reality. Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned space adventurer, there’s a game here to fuel your sense of wonder and adventure in the great unknown. So, buckle up and prepare to explore some of the most exhilarating space experiences that PC gaming has to offer.

The Best Space Games for PC

The Outer Worlds

The Outer Worlds, one of the unforgettable names of space-themed action role-playing games in a short time, is produced by a studio that is very experienced in RPGs. The popular title from Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind Fallout: New Vegas, which is considered one of the best RPG games, gives you the chance to navigate a solar system with colorful planets and races.

The Outer Worlds on Steam

No Man’s Sky

No Man’s Sky is one of the best space games for PC, with the largest space-themed open world and one of the most free games. While some claim that the huge open world is repetitive and full of bugs, others enjoy the endless exploration aspect of the game. Regardless, No Man’s Sky is a game that will not upset especially space games and open world lovers.

No Man’s Sky on Steam

Also Read: The Best Open World Games for Android

Mass Effect 2

Mass Effects 2, the second game of Mass Effects, a space-themed action role-playing game series, is also the most popular game of the trilogy. Combining the two legendary Star Wars and Star Trek in a way, Mass Effects 2 is an action game where you can travel to space galaxies and encounter strange alien races. Although it is not an open world game, Mass Effects 2 manages to show us the breathtaking space atmosphere even in its linear structure.

Mass Effect 2 on Steam

Star Trek Online

Star Trek Online, one of the free-to-play games on our list, is a game that should not be missed, especially for those who love the Star Trek universe. Although it faced some problems in its debut, Star Trek Online has overcome these problems and is considered one of the best space games for PC. 

Every year, many new events are added to Star Trek Online. Thanks to these events, you can travel from one end of the galaxy to the other and meet missions, characters and places that you have not encountered before.

Star Trek Online on Steam

Universe Sandbox 2

Universe Sandbox, a very large-scale “universe” simulator, puts everything that has been discovered about the universe into our hands. We can place all the objects discovered in the universe as we want, within the framework of the laws of physics, and create new solar systems and galaxies. By manipulating the characteristics of planets, we can create new planets with life. In other words, what you can do with Universe Sandbox is actually unlimited within the laws of physics.

Website

Also Read: The Most Innovative Games of All Times

Kerbal Space Program

One of the first steps to doing something in space is to naturally go into space. Kerbal Space Program starts you exactly from this point. In this game where you try to build your rockets and go to the planet you want with the method of endless trial and error, you help the not very cute creatures called Kerbal to conquer the universe. With Kerbal Space Program, you can discover the laws of physics and experience the pleasure of building a successful spacecraft.

Website

Observation

Observation, an Indie game released in 2019, tackles a very interesting and possible topic. Observation, which is also called an interactive science fiction and thriller movie, deals with the drifting of a space station of the same name from Earth’s orbit to a point near Saturn.

At the same time, the station’s artificial intelligence, SAM, is behaving strangely, and things are starting to get pretty bad for Dr. Emma Fisher, who is on the station. Another interesting aspect of the game is that unlike the traditional approach, you play the artificial intelligence S.A.M. instead of Dr. Emma.

Observation on Steam

Also Read: The Best Free Survival Games

Star Conflict

Star Conflict, with its spaceship-based and combat-based gameplay, relies heavily on the level and “equipment drop/upgrade” system. The production, which can be considered as a “PvP dog fight” game with a classic spaceship, stands out in the number of playable ships. As one of the best space games for PC, there are over 240 spaceships in Star Conflict, which has several different maps and points to explore. It’s also free to play Star Conflict.

Star Conflict on Steam

Also Read: The Best RPG PC Games

Star Wars: Squadrons

If you want to drive legendary Star Wars spaceships and participate in Galactic wars in the primary perspective, Star Wars: Squadrons is exactly what you need. Squadrons, which also has a unique short story mode, is mainly based on online gameplay. The game, which has features that can be considered as a kind of spaceship simulation, provides the opportunity to use the X-Wings and TIE Fighters that we have watched in movies for years, in real time.

 Star Wars: Squadrons on Steam

Mech Arena

Mech Arena stands out as one of the best space-themed games for PC by blending futuristic combat with strategic gameplay in an engaging multiplayer environment. Set in a world where players control customizable mechs, the game combines high-intensity 5v5 battles with the thrill of piloting advanced robotic warriors in a variety of space-inspired arenas. What makes Mech Arena unique is its emphasis on strategic depth and player customization—users can choose from a wide array of mechs, weapons, and abilities to craft the perfect loadout for their playstyle. The game’s seamless controls and dynamic arenas provide an exhilarating combat experience, while the constant updates and new content ensure that players are always kept on their toes. Whether you’re a fan of tactical gameplay, fast-paced action, or simply love the futuristic setting, Mech Arena offers an outstanding experience in the space combat genre, making it a must-play for PC gamers looking for excitement and innovation in their sci-fi adventures.

Mech Arena on Steam

Outer Wilds

Outer Wilds is a role-playing game with a primary point of view, but unlike most games of this genre, Outer Wilds travels interesting galaxies and meets strange alien races. The point where the game gets interesting is that the character we play is stuck in a 20-minute time loop. Every 20-minute period we study planets in this strange solar system and try to learn more about the mysterious alien race, the Nomai.

Outer Wilds on Steam

STAR WARS™ – Knights of the Old Republic™

The game, which everyone knows as ‘KOTR’, has a very loyal audience. In Knights of the Old Republic, one of the best space games, you can feel yourself as a jedi and let the power flow through your veins and take on different roles in your own story.

STAR WARS™ – Knights of the Old Republic™ on Steam

Stellaris

Stellaris is a Paradox game where you can do many things and even play forever. With different policies, you can determine an expansionist or peaceful game understanding and manage the systems.

Stellaris on Steam

Also Read: The Most Complex Games That Will Make Players Sweat With Their Difficulty

Oxygen Not Included

You have traveled to a different planet. What would you do? Of course you would settle down and try to survive, or you could gather the resources that require them and establish a stable colony. Oxygen Not Included gives you these.

Endless Space

Endless Space is a turn-based strategy game where you are subject to hexagons. You can embark on different adventures with your civilization that you have established in the depths of space. With completely fictional-based space empires, you can colonize different parts of the universe and add strength to your power.

Also Read: The Best Space Games for iOS

Alien: Isolation

When it comes to aliens, we can’t get away from the horror genre. Alien: Isolation, one of the popular horror games of recent years, continues the legend of the cult film series by giving it its due.

The Callisto Protocol

Another survival-horror game with a space theme that has been released recently is The Callisto Protocol. The game, which we can define as the spiritual continuation of the Dead Space series, warns us, not for sensitive hearts.

Prey

The game, produced by Arkane Studios, which we know with successful productions such as the Dishonored series and Deathloop, takes us to the moon colony. But as you know, in a game like this, it doesn’t happen if things don’t go wrong! While running away to avoid being hunted, the game that we try to solve this problem also draws attention with its different mechanics.

Also Read: The Best Space Games for Android

XCOM 2

If you want to show your strategic genius against aliens, XCOM 2 is the game you are looking for. The game, in which we lit the fire of resistance against aliens who put humanity to sleep with the promise of making the world a better place, has isometric gameplay.

Starfield

Starfield is widely regarded as one of the best space games for PC due to its vast, open-world universe and the incredible freedom it offers to players. As the first new IP from Bethesda in over two decades, the game delivers an unparalleled level of depth and exploration, allowing players to journey across hundreds of planets, each with unique environments, ecosystems, and opportunities for discovery. The game’s attention to detail in crafting a realistic and immersive space-faring experience is evident in its stunning graphics, complex role-playing elements, and intricate narrative. Players can not only engage in epic space battles and trade across galaxies but also delve into crafting, building outposts, and even managing entire starships. With an expansive story, rich character development, and a world that feels truly alive, Starfield stands as a monumental achievement in the space genre, providing both casual and hardcore players with a truly unforgettable adventure among the stars.

Starfield on Steam