Games like Elite Dangerous on Steam
For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free games like Elite Dangerous are available at the bottom of the page.
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PULSAR: Lost Colony
The co-op open-world space sim where everyone has a role! Pilot the ship. Reroute power. Launch nukes. Explore alien planets. Research new talents. Work together to find the Lost Colony! ...or just deliver some biscuits
Starcom: Nexus
Suddenly thrown into an unknown galaxy, you must explore, fight or befriend aliens and transform your ship from a small survey vessel into a powerful battlecruiser to unravel the mystery of the forces that brought you here and find your way home.
No Man's Sky
No Man's Sky is a game about exploration and survival in an infinite procedurally generated universe.
Starpoint Gemini 2
Captain your own space ship and roam the galaxy in 3D in this tactical space simulator with tons of RPG depth ! Space has never looked so inviting - but images can betray...It has been two years since the end of the second Gemini war, the situation in the wartorn system is further from resolution than ever.
BattleGroupVR
BattleGroupVR is a first person real-time space strategy where you lead a fleet of powerful warships into battle from the bridge of your own flagship. Assemble your fleet, upgrade your load-outs, train your captains, engage the enemy and secure the sector. Try not to go down with the ship.
Rebel Galaxy
Rebel Galaxy is a swashbuckling space adventure, with action-packed combat, exploration, discovery, trade, and “negotiation” with the outlandish denizens at the edge of the known universe.
X3: Terran Conflict
It is the year 2938. The long wished-for encounter of the X Universe and the Earth holds both joy and sorrow for the people. Despite flourishing trade, the clash of the diverse races, cultures and life forms creates new tensions, mistrust and open conflict that need to be overcome!
X3: Reunion
X3: Reunion continues the epic space saga, blending deep space trading and intense real-time combat. Explore a vast universe, establish your empire, and shape the new frontier. With enhanced graphics and intricate economies, it's a journey of strategy, simulation, and interstellar intrigue.
Rebel Galaxy Outlaw
Out of cash, out of luck, out on the fringe. Juno Markev has a killer to tail, a debt to pay, and more trouble headed her way. Rebel Galaxy Outlaw takes place in a greasy, blue-collar world of outlaws, truckers, cops and thieves.
Astrometica
Astrometica is a space exploration and base-building survival game. After a catastrophic event, explore vast space, gather resources, build bases, and uncover cosmic mysteries. Use advanced technology, craft tools, and discover new blueprints to survive and thrive in the unknown.
Avorion
A procedural co-op space sandbox where players can build their own space ships out of dynamically scalable blocks. Fight epic space battles, explore, mine, trade, wage wars and build your own empire to save your galaxy from being torn apart by an unknown enemy.
Parkan 2
Parkan II is an original concept game that will allow you to feel as a pilot of a spacecraft lost somewhere in the universe. Become a pirate or mercenary, get money to buy the most powerful cruiser and show them all who is to be the new master of the galaxy. Unforgettable adventures in the Parkan II universe await you!
Star Trucker
Haul cargo, trade salvage and keep your space suit close as you search for fame and fortune among the stars in a game that puts an interstellar twist on the truck sim genre.
VoidExpanse
Explore the vast reaches of VoidExpanse -- mine asteroids, upgrade your ship, trade, complete missions, advance your character and survive fast-paced combat with hostile aliens and mercenaries in the rich and exciting Sci-Fi universe of VoidExpanse!
X4: Foundations
Thrilling space battles meet deep strategy. X4 invites you to explore, fight, trade, and build an empire in a dynamic, fully simulated space sandbox, where every decision shapes your journey. Now featuring the 2025 flight model overhaul.
NEBULOUS: Fleet Command
Take command of your hand-tailored fleet of space warships and use realistic radar, electronic warfare, advanced movement controls in 3D space, and precision targeting to outmaneuver and outwit your opponents in a simulation-heavy tactical space game like no other.
Between the Stars
Become the Captain of an interstellar cruiser and journey across the galaxy to save the Republic. During your journey you will have to make important decisions, improve the weaponry of your ship and fight against numerous enemies.
Hardspace: Shipbreaker
Equipped with cutting-edge salvaging tech, carve & slice spaceships to recover valuable materials. Upgrade your gear to take on more lucrative contracts and pay your billion credits debt to LYNX Corp!
ASTRONEER
Interact with strange new worlds in a unique and tactile way, molding the environment itself as if it were clay in your hands. Build your base, master resource management, automate your production lines, and more as you unravel the mysteries of the universe, alone or with friends.
Outer Wilds
Named Game of the Year 2019 by Giant Bomb, Polygon, Eurogamer, and The Guardian, Outer Wilds is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning open world mystery about a solar system trapped in an endless time loop.
Deliver Us The Moon
Deliver Us The Moon is a Sci-Fi thriller set in an apocalyptic near future, where Earth's natural resources are depleted. A lone astronaut is sent to the moon on a critical mission to save humanity from extinction.
Stellaris
Explore a galaxy full of wonders in this sci-fi grand strategy game from Paradox Development Studios. Interact with diverse alien races, discover strange new worlds with unexpected events and expand the reach of your empire. Each new adventure holds almost limitless possibilities.
Star Valor
Choose your own destiny as you explore an open-world procedurally generated galaxy where anything is possible. Become a miner, a trader, a bounty hunter, a pirate, or perhaps a jack of all trades. Start off small and build your way to the top but remember with every action, comes consequences.
Most played games like Elite Dangerous on Steam
Take a look at the top games like Elite Dangerous that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 15th 2025.
1. Stellaris
Similarity 47% Explore a galaxy full of wonders in this sci-fi grand strategy game from Paradox Development Studios. Interact with diverse alien races, discover strange new worlds with unexpected events and expand the reach of your empire. Each new adventure holds almost limitless possibilities. Stellaris is a space, grand strategy and strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on May 09th 2016 has received 185,433 reviews of which 159,527 were positive and 25,906 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game like Elite Dangerous, thanks to its 15,712 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.5
159,527
25,906
15,712
players
2. The Elder Scrolls® Online
Similarity 40% Every legend starts somewhere and in The Elder Scrolls Online, it starts with you. Join millions of players in an online, fantasy RPG set in a vast living Elder Scrolls world. The Elder Scrolls® Online is a rpg, mmorpg and open world game developed by ZeniMax Online Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released on May 22nd 2017 has received 154,113 reviews of which 125,497 were positive and 28,616 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. While seeing 14,748 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like Elite Dangerous based on player count.
8.1
125,497
28,616
14,748
players
3. No Man's Sky
Similarity 66% No Man's Sky is a game about exploration and survival in an infinite procedurally generated universe. No Man's Sky is a open world, open world survival craft and space game developed and published by Hello Games. Released on August 12th 2016 has received 352,858 reviews of which 293,332 were positive and 59,526 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 13,602 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like Elite Dangerous based on player count.
8.2
293,332
59,526
13,602
players
4. Fallout 4
Similarity 45% Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of Fallout 3 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, welcome you to the world of Fallout 4 – their most ambitious game ever, and the next generation of open-world gaming. Fallout 4 is a open world, post-apocalyptic and singleplayer game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released on November 09th 2015 has received 392,287 reviews of which 326,054 were positive and 66,233 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 13,568 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Elite Dangerous.
8.2
326,054
66,233
13,568
players
5. Forza Horizon 5
Similarity 41% Explore the vibrant open world landscapes of Mexico with limitless, fun driving action in the world’s greatest cars. Forza Horizon 5 is a racing, open world and driving game developed by Playground Games and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on November 08th 2021 has received 225,629 reviews of which 199,950 were positive and 25,679 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 13,502 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Elite Dangerous.
8.8
199,950
25,679
13,502
players
6. The Isle
Similarity 40% Experience fierce open world survival gameplay as you attempt to stay alive on an unforgiving island inhabited by dinosaurs! Hunt. Grow. Survive. The Isle is a dinosaurs, survival and open world game developed and published by Afterthought LLC. Released on December 01st 2015 has received 94,804 reviews of which 77,185 were positive and 17,619 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 6,812 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Elite Dangerous.
8.0
77,185
17,619
6,812
players
7. Sea of Thieves: 2025 Edition
Similarity 42% Sea of Thieves is a smash-hit pirate adventure game, offering the quintessential pirate experience of plundering lost treasures, intense battles, vanquishing sea monsters and more. Dive in with this revised edition of the game, which includes access to digital bonus media. Sea of Thieves: 2025 Edition is a multiplayer, open world and adventure game developed by Rare Ltd and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on June 03rd 2020 has received 355,238 reviews of which 317,074 were positive and 38,164 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 6,717 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Elite Dangerous.
8.8
317,074
38,164
6,717
players
8. EVE Online
Similarity 56% EVE Online is a free-to-play community driven space MMO where players can choose their own path from countless different options. Experience space exploration, immense PvP and PvE battles, mining, industry and a thriving player economy in an ever-expanding sandbox. EVE Online is a space, free to play and massively multiplayer game developed and published by CCP. Released on December 15th 2010 has received 36,388 reviews of which 26,813 were positive and 9,575 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. With 4,487 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Elite Dangerous.
7.3
26,813
9,575
4,487
players
9. SnowRunner
Similarity 44% Get ready for the next-generation off-road experience! Drive powerful vehicles and overcome extreme open environments to complete dozens of challenging missions solo or with up to 3 friends! SnowRunner is a simulation, automobile sim and multiplayer game developed by Saber Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on May 17th 2021 has received 43,881 reviews of which 39,488 were positive and 4,393 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 3,281 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Elite Dangerous.
8.8
39,488
4,393
3,281
players
10. The Long Dark
Similarity 42% THE LONG DARK is a thoughtful, exploration-survival experience that challenges solo players to think for themselves as they explore an expansive frozen wilderness in the aftermath of a geomagnetic disaster. There are no zombies -- only you, the cold, and all the threats Mother Nature can muster. The Long Dark is a survival, open world survival craft and open world game developed and published by Hinterland Studio Inc.. Released on August 01st 2017 has received 112,575 reviews of which 101,846 were positive and 10,729 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 2,551 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Elite Dangerous.
8.9
101,846
10,729
2,551
players
Best deals on games like Elite Dangerous on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of games like Elite Dangerous available on Steam right now, updated on June 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like Elite Dangerous.
1. Starpoint Gemini 2
Similarity 65% Captain your own space ship and roam the galaxy in 3D in this tactical space simulator with tons of RPG depth ! Space has never looked so inviting - but images can betray...It has been two years since the end of the second Gemini war, the situation in the wartorn system is further from resolution than ever. Starpoint Gemini 2 is a space, simulation and rpg game developed and published by Little Green Men Games. Released on September 26th 2014 has received 4,093 reviews of which 2,843 were positive and 1,250 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like Elite Dangerous.
6.8
2,843
1,250
-99%
31.99€
0.58€
2. Rebel Galaxy Outlaw
Similarity 59% Out of cash, out of luck, out on the fringe. Juno Markev has a killer to tail, a debt to pay, and more trouble headed her way. Rebel Galaxy Outlaw takes place in a greasy, blue-collar world of outlaws, truckers, cops and thieves. Rebel Galaxy Outlaw is a space sim, open world and action-adventure game developed and published by Double Damage Games. Released on September 22nd 2020 has received 1,033 reviews of which 659 were positive and 374 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Elite Dangerous.
6.2
659
374
-99%
24.99€
0.43€
3. BattleGroupVR
Similarity 64% BattleGroupVR is a first person real-time space strategy where you lead a fleet of powerful warships into battle from the bridge of your own flagship. Assemble your fleet, upgrade your load-outs, train your captains, engage the enemy and secure the sector. Try not to go down with the ship. BattleGroupVR is a space sim, space and vr game developed and published by SpaceOwl Games. Released on July 31st 2023 has received 902 reviews of which 834 were positive and 68 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like Elite Dangerous.
8.7
834
68
-98%
20.99€
0.42€
4. Tin Can
Similarity 44% You've barely managed to escape your exploding spaceship. Now in an old escape pod, you hurtle through space at the mercy of the cosmos. With no knowledge of the pod’s complex systems, your life depends on a technical manual and your own wits. How long can you survive? Tin Can is a simulation, space and survival game developed by Tin Can Studio and published by Tin Can Studio and IndieArk. Released on May 12th 2022 has received 1,198 reviews of which 1,015 were positive and 183 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like Elite Dangerous.
8.1
1,015
183
-98%
17.99€
0.46€
5. Ascent - The Space Game
Similarity 46% Ascent is a PVE sandbox space MMO with 270 BILLION star systems and an emphasis on strong Sci Fi. It encourages Exploration, Colonization, Research, Asteroid mining, Farming, Trading, and Combat. Outside the tutorial sector, everything in-game has been built by players. Ascent - The Space Game is a space, massively multiplayer and simulation game developed and published by Fluffy Kitten Studios. Released on April 11th 2016 has received 340 reviews of which 231 were positive and 109 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for games like Elite Dangerous.
6.5
231
109
-98%
19.99€
0.52€
6. Stars End
Similarity 44% Stars End is a sci-fi survival sandbox set on the wild frontier of a distant star system. Play solo or host your own server as you craft, build, and battle to survive in a galaxy shaped by danger, discovery, and your own grit. Stars End is a co-op, massively multiplayer and multiplayer game developed by Reverie World Studios and published by indie.io. Released on January 08th 2023 has received 1,392 reviews of which 871 were positive and 521 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for games like Elite Dangerous.
6.1
871
521
-98%
18.49€
0.44€
7. Hardspace: Shipbreaker
Similarity 49% Equipped with cutting-edge salvaging tech, carve & slice spaceships to recover valuable materials. Upgrade your gear to take on more lucrative contracts and pay your billion credits debt to LYNX Corp! Hardspace: Shipbreaker is a space, sci-fi and simulation game developed by Blackbird Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on May 24th 2022 has received 20,422 reviews of which 18,276 were positive and 2,146 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like Elite Dangerous.
8.8
18,276
2,146
-97%
34.99€
1.08€
8. Between the Stars
Similarity 49% Become the Captain of an interstellar cruiser and journey across the galaxy to save the Republic. During your journey you will have to make important decisions, improve the weaponry of your ship and fight against numerous enemies. Between the Stars is a space, rpg and action game developed and published by Isolated Games. Released on March 07th 2024 has received 2,301 reviews of which 1,724 were positive and 577 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Elite Dangerous.
7.3
1,724
577
-97%
28.99€
0.89€
9. Deliver Us The Moon
Similarity 47% Deliver Us The Moon is a Sci-Fi thriller set in an apocalyptic near future, where Earth's natural resources are depleted. A lone astronaut is sent to the moon on a critical mission to save humanity from extinction. Deliver Us The Moon is a adventure, indie and action game developed by KeokeN Interactive and published by Wired Productions. Released on October 10th 2019 has received 8,377 reviews of which 7,421 were positive and 956 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for games like Elite Dangerous.
8.6
7,421
956
-96%
24.99€
1.20€
10. Die Young
Similarity 40% Kidnapped for no clear reason to a dazzling yet mysterious island on the Mediterranean Sea, a young girl has to find a way to escape. Armed with only her wits, agility, and the will to stay alive, she must make her getaway or Die Young. Die Young is a open world, adventure and action game developed and published by IndieGala. Released on September 12th 2019 has received 1,851 reviews of which 1,459 were positive and 392 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for games like Elite Dangerous.
7.6
1,459
392
-96%
9.75€
0.42€
Free games like Elite Dangerous on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play games like Elite Dangerous you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on June 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play games like Elite Dangerous.
1. EVE Online
Similarity 56% EVE Online is a free-to-play community driven space MMO where players can choose their own path from countless different options. Experience space exploration, immense PvP and PvE battles, mining, industry and a thriving player economy in an ever-expanding sandbox. EVE Online is a space, free to play and massively multiplayer game developed and published by CCP. Released on December 15th 2010 has received 36,388 reviews of which 26,813 were positive and 9,575 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. With 4,487 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Elite Dangerous.
7.3
26,813
9,575
4,487
players
2. Star Trek Online
Similarity 54% In Star Trek Online, the Star Trek universe appears for the first time on a truly massive scale. Players take the captain's chair as they command their own starship and crew. Explore strange new worlds, seek out new life and new civilizations, and boldly go where no one has gone before. Star Trek Online is a free to play, sci-fi and massively multiplayer game developed by Cryptic Studios and published by Arc Games. Released on January 31st 2012 has received 20,145 reviews of which 15,939 were positive and 4,206 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 1,015, this game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free games like Elite Dangerous.
7.8
15,939
4,206
1,015
players
3. The Lord of the Rings Online™
Similarity 40% Join the world’s greatest fellowship of players in the award-winning online re-creation of J. R. R. Tolkien’s legendary Middle-earth. The Lord of the Rings Online™ is a free to play, mmorpg and massively multiplayer game developed by Standing Stone Games and published by Daybreak Game Company LLC. Released on June 06th 2012 has received 20,995 reviews of which 17,099 were positive and 3,896 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 893, this game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free games like Elite Dangerous.
8.0
17,099
3,896
893
players
4. Endless Sky
Similarity 58% Endless Sky is a 2D space trading and combat game inspired by the classic Escape Velocity series. Work your way up from a relatively wimpy shuttle, cargo ship, or fighter, to a highly upgraded and customized flagship or to a massive fleet of warships or freighters. Endless Sky is a space, free to play and open world game developed and published by Michael Zahniser. Released on October 30th 2015 has received 6,651 reviews of which 6,141 were positive and 510 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 160 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free games like Elite Dangerous.
8.9
6,141
510
160
players
5. Star Conflict
Similarity 43% Star Conflict is an action-packed, massively multiplayer space simulation game that puts players in the role of elite pilots engaging in a widespread interplanetary skirmish. The whole world for PVP and PVE! Star Conflict is a online co-op, free to play and space sim game developed by Star Gem Inc. and published by Gaijin Network Ltd. Released on February 27th 2013 has received 14,853 reviews of which 10,879 were positive and 3,974 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free games like Elite Dangerous.
7.2
10,879
3,974
76
players
6. Google Earth VR
Similarity 47% Google Earth VR lets you explore the world from totally new perspectives in virtual reality. Stroll the streets of Tokyo, soar over the Grand Canyon, or walk around the Eiffel Tower. Google Earth VR is a vr, free to play and open world game developed and published by Google. Released on November 16th 2016 has received 3,960 reviews of which 3,736 were positive and 224 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free games like Elite Dangerous.
9.1
3,736
224
23
players
7. Moonbase Alpha
Similarity 44% NASA has once again landed on the lunar surface with the goal of colonization, research, and further exploration. Shortly after the return to the Moon, NASA has established a small outpost on the south pole of the moon called Moonbase Alpha. Moonbase Alpha is a space, simulation and free to play game developed by Virtual Heroes and Army Game Studio and published by NASA. Released on July 06th 2010 has received 12,838 reviews of which 11,622 were positive and 1,216 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free games like Elite Dangerous.
8.8
11,622
1,216
5
players
8. The Orville - Interactive Fan Experience
Similarity 47% Step aboard the USS Orville (ECV-197), the Planetary Union's finest mid-level exploratory class cruiser. With every room on every deck recreated with painstaking accuracy, you are free to explore the ship at your leisure and engage in all manner of shenanigans! The Orville - Interactive Fan Experience is a sandbox, space and sci-fi game developed and published by Messy Desk Interactive. Released on July 23rd 2019 has received 998 reviews of which 901 were positive and 97 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free games like Elite Dangerous.
8.5
901
97
2
players
9. Just Cause™ 3: Multiplayer Mod
Similarity 41% Just Cause 3 Multiplayer mod is a free fan-created project bringing an explosive and highly-customizable multiplayer. Just Cause™ 3: Multiplayer Mod is a action, massively multiplayer and open world game developed by nanos GbR and published by nanos GbR and Square Enix. Released on July 20th 2017 has received 2,658 reviews of which 2,078 were positive and 580 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free games like Elite Dangerous.
7.6
2,078
580
2
players
10. Junkyard Simulator: First Car (Prologue 2)
Similarity 44% You'll go through a few quests, strip engines from cars then crush them with the small crusher (Yup, there's a monster crusher in the full game). Before you get to crushin', you'll need to track down some abadoned vehicles then transport them to the shop using your tow truck. Junkyard Simulator: First Car (Prologue 2) is a simulation, management and exploration game developed by Rebelia Games and published by PlayWay S.A.. Released on March 31st 2021 has received 521 reviews of which 354 were positive and 167 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free games like Elite Dangerous.
6.5
354
167