15 Best Space Games for All Cosmic Travelers in 2025
The Cosmos is vast, mysterious, and endlessly fascinating, as are the best space games that have ever blessed our screens. After all, it’s in those infinite possibilities that we often discover the most magical experiences that get stuck in our minds for years to come, because here we can be and do anything.
Do you want to survive, build colonies, and form alliances on some wild alien planet? You got it. Perhaps you’d prefer commanding a fleet of spaceships, engaging in combat, and winning space battles for your empire? Ay ay, captain! Or maybe you want to be a galactic adventurer, running your own crew, and boldly taking on the most mind-blowing missions? Just say the word.
Yet, all good things must come to an end, and sooner or later, we set out again, looking for more. Fortunately, just like our own universe, the space game library is ever-expanding. No matter how experienced you are or what kind of games you prefer, your next favorite space adventure might be waiting right around the corner.
Since navigating through all of that content and finding what you’re looking for can be quite a hassle, I packed a spaceship full of galaxy-level recommendations and sent it your way. It will arrive shortly below, where you’ll find all the top picks, short reviews about what made them stand out, and, in case you’re ready to jump right in, some sweet game deals to get you up and running. Let’s ride!
Top Picks: Best Space Games
You’d probably find it difficult to come up with a game genre that couldn’t be space-themed. Nonetheless, this also means that there are tons of options to choose from, which makes finding what you’re looking for a whole lot more complicated. But fear not, because I brought you the best of the best, and you can check the shortlist right here:
- Mass Effect Legendary Edition (2021) – a thrilling RPG trilogy in a single pack. Become the key to the survival of all sentient life in our galaxy.
- Outer Wilds (2019) – dive into a magical adventure about curiosity, mysteries of the cosmos, and roasting marshmallows.
- No Man’s Sky (2016) – explore, survive, fight, and trade in an infinite universe with endless possibilities.
- Destiny 2 (2017) – an FPS at its core, it’s a unique mix of genres to experience solo or with a crew.
- Starfield (2023) – embark on an expansive space exploration RPG adventure in a wide-open 24th-century Milky Way Galaxy.
Keep in mind that this is but a sneak peek at the full list. I’ve picked, played, and analyzed 15 game titles in total that I want to tell you about today, so keep reading to get the most out of what this article has to offer.
15 Best Space Games That Every Spacer Should Try in 2025
There are a lot of things needed to make a space game truly great. For example, I will always be mesmerized by deep lore, diverse worlds, unique things, and immersive atmosphere. At the same time, I’ll also always seek the freedom that these games offer, both in exploration and telling my own story. And when it comes to challenges, I’ll forever love to be surprised, whether because of combat, a puzzle, or a moral dilemma.
While naturally, some requirements may differ depending on the game’s genre, the variation is usually made from similar ingredients. The real question is just how good of a dish can someone cook up with them. Thus, below you’ll find the best meals that the space game chefs have ever managed to prepare. Bon appétit.
1. Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Year of release: | Developer: |
| 10/10 | PC, PS4, Xbox One | 2021 | BioWare |
I might be a little biased about this pick as the Mass Effect trilogy holds a very special place in my heart, but that doesn’t mean this choice is misplaced. Arguably the best trilogy in gaming, these masterpieces remain the gold standard for any space RPG.
This action-packed journey, mixed with an incredible story and some tough choices, takes you on a thrilling space ride you won’t forget. The decisions you make transfer through all the games, impacting not only you and your crew but also all the sentient life in the galaxy.
While the original games might feel a bit dated, Mass Effect: Legendary Edition gives us the remastered trilogy packed with all DLCs. For the price of a single game, you’re getting roughly 60–140 hours worth of breathtaking content that won’t disappoint. Thus, if space RPGs are up your alley, the Mass Effect trilogy is a must-play.
Grab your copy of Mass Effect: Legendary Edition >
2. Outer Wilds
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Year of release: | Developers: |
| 9.9/10 | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch | 2019 | Mobius Digital, Annapurna Interactive |
At first glance, Outer Wilds may appear pretty shallow, but don’t let that fool you. In fact, prepare to be surprised, because this unique creation is not only deeper than the ocean but is actually one of the best indie games out there.
You are a young space explorer who finds themselves solving the cosmic mysteries of a solar system trapped in an endless time loop. It’s a story-driven game full of wonderful puzzles in an ever-evolving world. Most of those who played it would tell you that it’s best experienced going in blindly, and I totally agree.
With a Metascore of 85 and a Steam Player Score of 96, Outer Wilds has received worldwide acclaim. While an average playthrough stands at around 17–30 hours, the length of your journey depends only on you, but every minute spent will be worth it. It’s an experience like no other, and for its small price, it’s worth trying even if you’re no good at solving puzzles.
Get the best deal on Outer Wilds >
3. No Man’s Sky
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Year of release: | Developer: |
| 9.8/10 | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch | 2016 | Hello Games |
No Man’s Sky had a very rough start when it failed to deliver on many of its massive promises all the way back in 2016. However, while it might’ve failed then, it has since made one of the greatest comebacks in gaming history, earning back its value and respect.
Generally agreed to be one of the best simulation games, No Man’s Sky uses generative AI to create an endless adventure for its players. What you do from there is up to you. Explore billions of different planets, survive the harsh environments, and build yourself a base. Fly in your ship, trade with other adventurers, and engage in space combat. Follow an immersive story and have fun with your friends. Just like the game’s world, the possibilities are limitless.
4. Destiny 2: The Final Shape
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Year of release: | Developer: |
| 9.7/10 | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | 2017 | Bungie |
Take on the role of one of the Guardians – the highest class of Earth’s warriors empowered by a mysterious force known only as Light. Together with other players, you’re tasked with protecting humanity’s last safe city, which takes you on grand quests across diverse alien worlds.
Easily one of the best FPS games with MMO elements, Destiny 2 is a unique blend that’s perfect for playing solo or with friends. You can easily sink countless hours in a great campaign, dungeons, raids, nightfalls, crafting, and even going up against others in PVP.
Holding a Metascore of 85 and a very positive overall Steam rating based on 615,000 reviews, the game is truly great at what it does. What’s even better is that the base Destiny 2 is free to play, so you can get a full first-hand experience without paying. And if, after going through all that content, you feel hungry for more, a bunch of equally good DLCs will be waiting for you.
Get your copy of Destiny 2: The Final Shape >
5. Starfield
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Year of release: | Developer: |
| 9.6/10 | PC, Xbox Series X/S | 2023 | Bethesda Game Studios |
If you were to mix Skyrim with Fallout 4 and send it to space, you’d get Starfield – the latest adventure from the world-renowned Bethesda Game Studios. With its rocky start and a later comeback, as well as many of the game’s elements, this action RPG is a lot like No Man’s Sky. Similarly, despite its performance issues in the beginning, I’d definitely call it one of the best open-world games out there.
This massive single-player focused experience comes with everything a space explorer like me and probably you could wish for. Customize your character and engage in tons of quests, or build your ship and pilot it to over 1,000 planets and moons where you can create thriving colonies. Or, you know, become a murderous pirate and fight the law. Just like this wide-open 24th-century Milky Way galaxy, the choice is yours.
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6. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Year of release: | Developers: |
| 9.5/10 | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch | 2021 | Eidos-Montréal, Marvel Entertainment |
Even though it hails from one of the best-known comic companies in the world, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy surprisingly flew way under the radar. In fact, I believe that despite winning the “Best Narrative” award, it still ended up as one of the most criminally underrated games ever. Let me tell you why:
You could be a Marvel fan or know nothing about it – as long as a hilarious single-player space action adventure sounds interesting, this game is for you. Sure, the combat, while fun, can get a little repetitive, and you don’t get to freely explore this universe, no matter how interesting it may seem. However, everything else is damn near perfect.
The story will keep you engaged from start to finish. Controlling Star-Lord, you’ll be leading the Gardeners, I’m sorry, the Guardians of the Galaxy as these fresh teammates find their dynamics and overcome themselves, saving the galaxy from a humongous threat along the way.
This journey will make everyone, including you, laugh, cry, and bang your head to one of the greatest soundtracks any video game has ever seen. Oh, and in case the game sounds too linear, don’t worry, because as the captain of this crew, you’ll have plenty of choices awaiting you.
Grab a copy of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy >
7. Kerbal Space Program
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Year of release: | Developers: |
| 9.5/10 | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | 2015 | Squad, Flying Tiger Entertainment, Inc. |
Ever dreamt of owning and managing your own space station? Perhaps you always wanted to make astronomical discoveries, build rockets, and, quite literally, shoot for the stars? Well, then Kerbal Space Program (KSP) is exactly what you need.
While this space sim is limited to a fictional solar system, it is by no means short, and you can expect to easily sink hundreds of hours into it. Unlike other games on this list, where building your ship is usually mostly about making it fast, powerful, and cool, here you have to think about everything. Aerodynamics, weight, and stability are just a few factors that will determine if your creation will reach another planet or fail to breach the orbit.
Ultimately, if you like realistic games that really make you think, this choice is a no-brainer. KSP holds a Metascore of 88 and is a solid 10 on Steam with over 100,000 user reviews, which, I believe, says it all.
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8. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Year of release: | Developers: |
| 9.4/10 | PC, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Mobile | 2003 | BioWare, Aspyr |
Coming from the beginning of BioWare’s golden age, this strategic RPG is quite a bit older than the rest of the titles on this list. In fact, it’s so old that it could legally buy a beer in the US. But make no mistake – there are some good reasons why I’m talking about Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) today.
When it was first released back in 2003, this game was revolutionary, both as an RPG and a Star Wars game. Set thousands of years before the movies, KOTOR gave players a chance to tell their own story in this fascinating universe.
The narrative is not only rich but also branching as our choices shape it through the entire game. The impact of our decisions is felt as much in the dialogue as it is in companion relationships and gameplay. And, of course, the characters we make are entirely our own – the grass might be greener on the Dark Side, and it’s for you to find out.
This game introduced me to RPGs, and it remains one of my fondest gaming memories to this day. If you don’t mind the dated graphics and a bit of a slow-burn story, I can’t recommend it enough, especially since it’s dirt cheap.
Grab a copy of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic >
9. DOOM
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Year of release: | Developer: |
| 9.3/10 | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch | 2016 | id Software, Panic Button Games |
Ever wondered what it’s like to be the game boss? Would you like to find out and do it on Mars? If your answer is yes, then you couldn’t find a more perfect game for such an experience.
The first installment in the soft reboot of this all-time classic franchise, DOOM remains true to its brutal, fast-paced FPS roots while revitalizing the whole experience with modern graphics and gameplay.
Step into the boots of an ancient warrior known only as Doom Slayer as he gets awakened in the year 2149 on Mars. Some highly unethical experiments were done, a portal to Hell has been opened, and demonic invasion is well on its way. Now, it’s up to you and you alone to stop it.
Get ready to rip and tear through your enemies as you run around the battlefield, making use of every weapon at your disposal, all the while blasting progressive metal music that will pump you up better than a pack of Red Bulls. If you like first-person shooters, DOOM is essential.
10. The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Year of release: | Developers: |
| 9.2/10 | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch | 2019 | Obsidian Entertainment, Virtuos |
The Outer Worlds is an amazing RPG by one of the genre’s all-time greats, Obsidian Entertainment. Not to be confused with Outer Wilds, which also came out in 2019, this critically acclaimed game is much closer to Fallout: New Vegas, except in space.
The game takes place in a retro-futuristic, corporate-controlled colony at the edge of the galaxy. The narrative is wonderfully funny, filled with a lot of satire and dark humor. However, it also leaves plenty of space for the player to tell their own story, as the things you say and the choices you make have a real impact on the story.
While, for an RPG, this title was a bit short, it still gives at least 25 hours of gameplay if you don’t attempt to rush to the end. Depending on whether you’re looking for a longer commitment or not, this could actually be a plus. In this busy world, it’s often difficult to find hundreds of hours for a single game. Thus, The Outer Worlds offers all that you could be looking for in a retro-futuristic space game without overstaying its welcome.
Get your copy of The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition >
11. FTL: Faster Than Light
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Year of release: | Developers: |
| 9.1/10 | PC, Mobile | 2012 | Subset Games |
Based on looks alone, FTL: Faster Than Light might appear as a simple game that might be fun for a couple of evenings before you inevitably get bored of it. But don’t get fooled, because behind these simplistic looks, there is a gem of a real-time strategy roguelike game.
Get ready to control a spaceship, soaring through the stars with some critical information for the Federation, all the while being chased by the Rebel fleet. To reach your goal and complete your mission, you must manage your ship, including the crew, the weapons, and all the systems, prevail in real-time combat, and successfully deal with various randomized events.
Just like in all the best roguelike games, there are no remakes. If your ship gets destroyed and your crew meets their end, you fail and must start over. However, if you feel up for such a challenge, there’s no good to look elsewhere.
Get the best deal on FTL: Faster Than Light >
12. Dead Space
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Year of release: | Developer: |
| 9/10 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S | 2023 | Motive Studio |
If you ask me, few things are as scary as survival horror in space. But while there’s plenty of potential for making games in this category, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Fortunately, Dead Space got it exactly right.
In this impeccable remake of the 2008 classic, the player assumes the role of Isaac Clarke. Being an engineer, you arrive to make repairs on a massive mining spaceship, only to find it completely overrun by horrific, zombie-like creatures. Before you can escape, you must find your missing girlfriend and uncover the truth behind the outbreak, all while trying to stay sane.
Incorporating a lot of action elements into its gameplay, Dead Space is still a survival horror game at its core. The amazingly written narrative will pull you in up till the end and will make you feel glad all that was just a game. Breaking out of this nightmare will take a lot more than grabbing the first gun you find and shooting anything that moves. Do you feel ready?
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13. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Year of release: | Developer: |
| 8.9/10 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S | 2024 | Saber Interactive |
The latest installment of the Warhammer 40,000 franchise pulls us away from the usual strategist’s seat. Just like its predecessor, Space Marine 2 thrusts us into the very center of combat action in the dark future of the 41st millennium, and it couldn’t be more fun.
Prepare to see this grim world through the eyes of an Ultramarine as you go into the most epic and cinematic battles as the legendary Captain Titus. This intense third-person action game offers a wonderful story and super satisfying gameplay that you can enjoy solo or with up to two friends. And if, after you save humanity, you still feel like you haven’t had your fill, PVP mode is a real blast that will not disappoint.
Simply put, the fate of humanity and the whole galaxy rests in your hands. Do you feel like a hero today? Are you ready to answer Emeperor’s call and show what the Imperium’s greatest are capable of?
Get your copy of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 >
14. Helldivers 2
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Year of release: | Developer: |
| 8.9/10 | PC, PS5 | 2024 | Arrowhead Game Studios |
Do you love movies like Spaceship Troopers, Terminator, and War of the Worlds? Are you also looking for a way to have a blast with up to three of your friends or some random players? Well then, look no further, because I’ve got just the thing for you.
A cooperative third-person shooter, Helldivers 2 takes place in the 22nd century. A hundred years after the victory in the First Galactic War, Super Earth faces some new and some very old threats yet again. Now, it calls for its elite soldiers, Helldivers, once again, to prove their undying loyalty to their planet and protect their home.
While there’s little story, it’s very immersive and amusing. The game satirically portrays Super Earth, a highly fascist planet, whose citizens are ready to give it all for their home. The online community does a great job of roleplaying these patriots, which makes most interactions very fun.
The gameplay is just as awesome. Spreading freedom and democracy to enemies, you become one of the elite soldiers diving into the most hellish combat zones where only tactics and teamwork can help you bring glory to the Super Earth. In short, my mates and I sunk at least a hundred hours into this game, and it’s been a hell of fun. I call it a great investment.
Grab your copy of Helldivers 2 >
15. Stellaris
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Year of release: | Developers: |
| 8.8/10 | PC, PS4, Xbox One | 2016 | Paradox Development Studio, Tantalus Media |
Does being a hero or controlling a single spaceship feel too insignificant? Perhaps you’d prefer to be in charge of shaping the future of the whole galaxy. If that sounds about right, then Stellaris is exactly what you’re looking for.
This grand strategy game combines exploration, diplomacy, and warfare, all the while giving you deep customization and endless replayability value. You get to take control of a spacefaring civilization that might just become the grandest empire anyone has ever seen.
If you like dabbling in strategy and can’t pass up on a good sci-fi story, Stellaris provides a genuinely unique and immersive experience you likely won’t find elsewhere. And in case you need additional motivation, this game is also genuinely loved by its creators and receives regular updates and expansions, so there will always be something to come back to.
Get the best deal on Stellaris >
Best Co-op Space Games
While some stories are best experienced playing solo, at other times there’s nothing like going on some insane sci-fi adventure with your friends. Luckily, when it comes to the best co-op games, this space-themed selection has some great options for you to choose from.
- For a chill way to spend time with your buddies, I’d go with No Man’s Sky. The game allows you to form groups of up to 4 players so you can go explore the cosmos, build some cool bases, and maybe do a few missions along the way.
- If you’re looking for a more intense, first-person experience to share with your friends, the obvious pick is Destiny 2. Multiplayer is the central part of this game. This means that every co-op and competitive experience, including the campaign, most of which is for up to 3 players, happens in the same world.
- Then we have Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. While this game is primarily a story-driven experience, it can be fully played in up to 3-player co-op. Additionally, once you save the galaxy, you can show off your skills in Eternal War PVP mode.
- For those looking for a more tactical shooter, one of the best co-op space games is Helldivers 2. In fact, this game is all about teamwork, and from my experience, it’s infinitely more fun with a squad of up to 4 players.
- And last but not least – Stellaris. If grand strategy is your drive, and you know people who feel the same way, you can start a shared galaxy for up to 32 players. A galactic war of that scale is truly a sight to behold.
FAQs
Are there any good space RPGs?
Yes, there are many great space RPGs, like Mass Effect Legendary Edition, Starfield, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and The Outer Worlds.
What is the #1 space MMO?
Destiny 2 is probably the best space MMO you could find, especially if you’re a fan of FPS games.
What is the best space adventure game?
No Man’s Sky is likely the best space adventure game out there, as its Sandbox model allows the player to go everywhere and do everything.
