Games like Starbound on Steam
For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free games like Starbound are available at the bottom of the page.
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Subnautica
Descend into the depths of an alien underwater world filled with wonder and peril. Craft equipment, pilot submarines and out-smart wildlife to explore lush coral reefs, volcanoes, cave systems, and more - all while trying to survive.
Project Zomboid
Project Zomboid is the ultimate in zombie survival. Alone or in MP: you loot, build, craft, fight, farm and fish in a struggle to survive. A hardcore RPG skillset, a vast map, massively customisable sandbox and a cute tutorial raccoon await the unwary. So how will you die? All it takes is a bite..
Occupy Mars: The Game
Survive and colonize Mars in a highly technical, open-world sandbox game. Build and upgrade your base, discover new regions, conduct mining operations, retrieve water, generate oxygen, grow crops, and fix broken parts.
I Am Future: Cozy Apocalypse Survival
I Am Future is a relaxing single-player survival game about building a cozy rooftop camp amid a flooded post-apocalyptic city. Set up a farm, go fishing, tinker with gadgets, craft new tools, manage a team of cute robots to automate and expand your base, explore the mysterious world, and chill out!
Nightingale
Nightingale is an open world survival crafting game, where you’ll adventure across the mysterious and dangerous Fae Realms. As a daring Realmwalker, you’ll defeat monstrous enemies, survive hostile environments, and build elaborate estates in a visually stunning Gaslamp Fantasy world.
Citadel: Forged with Fire
This massive online sandbox RPG features elements of magic, spellcasting, building, exploring and crafting. As a newly minted apprentice of the magic arts, you will set off to the dangerous world of Ignus. Tame mighty beasts, forge alliances, explore uncharted territories or fight for dominance!
Aloft
Soar the skies in Aloft, the co-op sandbox survival game set in a world of floating islands. Build any island into a skyship, your home in the clouds. Find lost knowledge, cure the fungal corruption, and brave the hurricane to restore the ecosystem.
Sunkenland
Get ready for a Waterworld-themed survival game with modular base building, sunken city scavenging, crafting, base defense, and invasions of NPC clans for resources and territory. Ready for the water apocalypse?
V Rising
Awaken as a Vampire. Hunt for blood in nearby settlements to regain your strength and evade the scorching sun to survive. Raise your castle and thrive in an ever-changing, open world full of mystery. Gain allies online and conquer the land of the living.
Abiotic Factor
Abiotic Factor is a survival crafting experience for 1-6 players set in the depths of an underground research facility. Caught between paranormal containment failure, a military crusade, and chaos from a dozen realms, the world’s greatest minds must survive against the universe’s biggest threats.
The Long Dark
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.
Above Snakes
Piece by piece, create your own world in this relaxing Wild West-inspired worldbuilder. Craft, farm, hunt, build your base, and explore.
Wrongworld
Crash-landed on a surreal, low-poly world filled with freakish inhabitants, choose between permadeath and non-permadeath modes and embark on an epic (and ridiculous) survival adventure. Will you manage to stay alive as you unravel the mysteries of Wrongworld and search for a way home?
Welcome to ParadiZe
Paradise isn't exactly what you hoped for: it's infested with zombies! Thankfully, you can control them. Capture them and teach them to farm or fight. They will help you defend our camp while you explore the world looking for… a new paradise.
How to Survive
“A real Gem” – Destructoid at E3 “Offers a different experience for zombie game veterans” – Co-Optimus“Has a lot more going for it than smashing brains and gory, red goo ... With a surprisingly deep crafting system” – GamesRadarYou're shipwrecked on an isolated island, a desperate castaway in a total freakshow world. How will you survive?
Force of Nature 2: Ghost Keeper
Force of Nature 2: Ghost Keeper offers incredible adventures full of mystery, danger, exploration and magic. This game combines the genres of Survival, Sandbox, Action, Adventure, RPG, Strategy and Resource Management
Cosmoteer: Starship Architect & Commander
Design and simulate the starships of your dreams! Command your ship or fleet in epic battles and manage your crew while exploring a dangerous galaxy. Play alone or with friends, test your ships in online PvP, and let your imagination reach for the stars!
Winter Survival
Dive into the ultimate winter survival experience and see if you can survive long enough for rescue to arrive. Experience our unique sanity system that takes survival to the next level.
The Escapists
The Escapists provides players the opportunity of experiencing a light-hearted insight into everyday prison life with the main objective being that of escaping!
Spirit of the Island
A beautiful Life Sim Sandbox RPG with Cross-Platform Online COOP set on a tropical Archipelago. Build your farm, grow crops and animals, craft various items, cook dishes, gather resources, build shops and museum to attract visitors, and turn a desolate Island into a prosperous tourist destination!
Forever Skies
A first-person survival game set on a post-apocalyptic, ecologically ruined Earth. Play solo or with up to 3 friends as you build, upgrade, and fly a high-tech airship. Scavenge resources, craft tools, and face dangers on the surface as you hunt for a cure to save humanity.
Interstellar Rift
Interstellar Rift is an open world starship simulator with an emphasis on ship construction and multi-player interaction. Survive in a hostile galaxy with your own custom designed and constructed starship. Invite other players to join your crew or fight them across the galaxy!
Most played games like Starbound on Steam
Take a look at the top games like Starbound that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 30th 2025.
1. Rust
Similarity 70% The only aim in Rust is to survive. Everything wants you to die - the island’s wildlife, other inhabitants, the environment, and other survivors. Do whatever it takes to last another night. Rust is a survival, crafting and multiplayer game developed and published by Facepunch Studios. Released on February 08th 2018 has received 1,215,155 reviews of which 1,060,406 were positive and 154,749 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game like Starbound, thanks to its 59,015 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
1,060,406
154,749
59,015
players
2. V Rising
Similarity 61% Awaken as a Vampire. Hunt for blood in nearby settlements to regain your strength and evade the scorching sun to survive. Raise your castle and thrive in an ever-changing, open world full of mystery. Gain allies online and conquer the land of the living. V Rising is a survival, open world and base-building game developed and published by Stunlock Studios. Released on May 08th 2024 has received 111,419 reviews of which 99,066 were positive and 12,353 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. While seeing 39,400 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like Starbound based on player count.
8.8
99,066
12,353
39,400
players
3. Terraria
Similarity 87% Dig, fight, explore, build! Nothing is impossible in this action-packed adventure game. Four Pack also available! Terraria is a open world survival craft, sandbox and survival game developed and published by Re-Logic. Released on May 16th 2011 has received 1,399,576 reviews of which 1,364,418 were positive and 35,158 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. While seeing 25,486 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like Starbound based on player count.
9.7
1,364,418
35,158
25,486
players
4. 7 Days to Die
Similarity 54% 7 Days to Die is an open-world game that is a unique combination of first-person shooter, survival horror, tower defense, and role-playing games. Play the definitive zombie survival sandbox RPG that came first. Navezgane awaits! 7 Days to Die is a survival, zombies and multiplayer game developed by The Fun Pimps and published by The Fun Pimps Entertainment LLC. Released on July 25th 2024 has received 367,522 reviews of which 325,645 were positive and 41,877 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 18,083 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Starbound.
8.8
325,645
41,877
18,083
players
5. Valheim
Similarity 75% A brutal exploration and survival game for 1-10 players, set in a procedurally-generated purgatory inspired by viking culture. Battle, build, and conquer your way to a saga worthy of Odin’s patronage! Valheim is a open world survival craft, survival and online co-op game developed by Iron Gate AB and published by Coffee Stain Publishing. Released on February 02nd 2021 has received 496,650 reviews of which 468,624 were positive and 28,026 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 17,441 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Starbound.
9.4
468,624
28,026
17,441
players
6. Project Zomboid
Similarity 66% Project Zomboid is the ultimate in zombie survival. Alone or in MP: you loot, build, craft, fight, farm and fish in a struggle to survive. A hardcore RPG skillset, a vast map, massively customisable sandbox and a cute tutorial raccoon await the unwary. So how will you die? All it takes is a bite.. Project Zomboid is a survival, zombies and open world game developed and published by The Indie Stone. Released on November 08th 2013 has received 369,979 reviews of which 348,457 were positive and 21,522 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 16,414 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Starbound.
9.3
348,457
21,522
16,414
players
7. ARK: Survival Evolved
Similarity 66% Stranded on the shores of a mysterious island, you must learn to survive. Use your cunning to kill or tame the primeval creatures roaming the land, and encounter other players to survive, dominate... and escape! ARK: Survival Evolved is a open world survival craft, survival and multiplayer game developed by Studio Wildcard, Instinct Games, Efecto Studios and Virtual Basement LLC and published by Studio Wildcard and Snail Games USA. Released on August 27th 2017 has received 726,404 reviews of which 608,653 were positive and 117,751 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 15,372 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Starbound.
8.3
608,653
117,751
15,372
players
8. Palworld
Similarity 63% Fight, farm, build and work alongside mysterious creatures called "Pals" in this completely new multiplayer, open world survival and crafting game! Palworld is a open world, survival and creature collector game developed and published by Pocketpair. Released on January 18th 2024 has received 377,729 reviews of which 355,481 were positive and 22,248 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 13,742 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Starbound.
9.3
355,481
22,248
13,742
players
9. Factorio
Similarity 54% Factorio is a game about building and creating automated factories to produce items of increasing complexity, within an infinite 2D world. Use your imagination to design your factory, combine simple elements into ingenious structures, and finally protect it from the creatures who don't really like you. Factorio is a automation, base-building and resource management game developed and published by Wube Software LTD.. Released on August 14th 2020 has received 213,390 reviews of which 206,974 were positive and 6,416 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 13,456 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Starbound.
9.6
206,974
6,416
13,456
players
10. Satisfactory
Similarity 66% Satisfactory is a first-person open-world factory building game with a dash of exploration and combat. Play alone or with friends, explore an alien planet, create multi-story factories, and enter conveyor belt heaven! Satisfactory is a base-building, automation and open world game developed by Coffee Stain Studios and published by Coffee Stain Publishing. Released on September 10th 2024 has received 229,040 reviews of which 222,475 were positive and 6,565 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 12,693 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Starbound.
9.6
222,475
6,565
12,693
players
Best deals on games like Starbound on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of games like Starbound available on Steam right now, updated on April 30th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like Starbound.
1. Loddlenaut
Similarity 55% Play as an interstellar custodian sent to clean up a polluted ocean planet. Pick up trash, explore the vibrant waters, and take care of axolotl-like alien creatures! Loddlenaut is a underwater, relaxing and open world game developed by Moon Lagoon and published by Secret Mode. Released on November 16th 2023 has received 4,101 reviews of which 4,024 were positive and 77 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Featuring a massive 94% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like Starbound.
9.4
4,024
77
-94%
18.83€
1.13€
2. My Little Universe
Similarity 50% Stranded on a barren moon with nothing but your tools, fuelless ship, and celestial powers of creation, you are destined to recreate what was once lost and be the hero of your own Little Universe! Don't forget to call in up to three of your friends to join your journey in the Splitscreen Co-op Mode! My Little Universe is a mining, exploration and dungeon crawler game developed by Estoty and published by SayGames. Released on October 05th 2023 has received 1,510 reviews of which 1,308 were positive and 202 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Starbound.
8.3
1,308
202
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
3. Spirit of the Island
Similarity 58% A beautiful Life Sim Sandbox RPG with Cross-Platform Online COOP set on a tropical Archipelago. Build your farm, grow crops and animals, craft various items, cook dishes, gather resources, build shops and museum to attract visitors, and turn a desolate Island into a prosperous tourist destination! Spirit of the Island is a family friendly, relaxing and indie game developed by 1M Bits Horde and published by META Publishing. Released on August 17th 2022 has received 1,726 reviews of which 1,158 were positive and 568 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like Starbound.
6.5
1,158
568
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
4. Conan Exiles
Similarity 72% An online multiplayer survival game, now with sorcery, set in the lands of Conan the Barbarian. Survive in a vast open world sandbox, build your home into a kingdom, and dominate your enemies in single or multiplayer. Conan Exiles is a survival and open world game developed and published by Funcom. Released on May 08th 2018 has received 106,724 reviews of which 83,957 were positive and 22,767 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like Starbound.
7.8
83,957
22,767
-91%
41.89€
3.77€
5. The Long Dark
Similarity 61% 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 110,202 reviews of which 99,943 were positive and 10,259 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for games like Starbound.
9.0
99,943
10,259
-90%
29.99€
2.99€
6. Feel The Snow
Similarity 80% Choose one of the characters and start your journey. The game has many interesting things in store: building, crafting, puzzles, bosses, mystery, laughs, quests etc. Feel The Snow is a open world survival craft, multiplayer and survival game developed and published by Owlet. Released on December 12th 2019 has received 2,890 reviews of which 2,536 were positive and 354 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for games like Starbound.
8.4
2,536
354
-90%
12.79€
1.27€
7. Dead Island: Riptide Definitive Edition
Similarity 56% Welcome to the zombie apocalypse experience of a lifetime – more beautiful than ever. Caught in an epic zombie outbreak on the tropical island of Banoi, your only thought is: Survive! Dead Island: Riptide Definitive Edition is a zombies, co-op and multiplayer game developed by Techland and published by Deep Silver. Released on May 31st 2016 has received 11,530 reviews of which 8,230 were positive and 3,300 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like Starbound.
7.0
8,230
3,300
-90%
20.60€
2.06€
8. Above Snakes
Similarity 61% Piece by piece, create your own world in this relaxing Wild West-inspired worldbuilder. Craft, farm, hunt, build your base, and explore. Above Snakes is a open world, atmospheric and open world survival craft game developed by Square Glade Games and published by Crytivo. Released on May 25th 2023 has received 1,675 reviews of which 1,276 were positive and 399 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Starbound.
7.3
1,276
399
-89%
25.73€
2.83€
9. TerraTech
Similarity 73% TerraTech is an open-world, sandbox adventure game, where you design and build your own creations through a mix of crafting, combat and discovery. Design vehicles from a huge library of blocks. Scavenge, craft and buy new parts to survive and become the ultimate planetary prospector. TerraTech is a building, sandbox and open world game developed and published by Payload Studios. Released on August 10th 2018 has received 23,303 reviews of which 21,271 were positive and 2,032 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for games like Starbound.
8.9
21,271
2,032
-88%
24.17€
2.90€
10. Portal Knights
Similarity 51% The world of Elysia needs YOU! Join this cooperative, 3D sandbox action RPG to level up your character, craft epic weapons, conquer enemies in real-time, and build almost anything! Craft your adventure. Forge your hero. Become the ultimate Portal Knight! Portal Knights is a adventure, multiplayer and sandbox game developed by Keen Games GmbH and published by 505 Games. Released on May 18th 2017 has received 21,616 reviews of which 18,032 were positive and 3,584 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for games like Starbound.
8.2
18,032
3,584
-88%
19.42€
2.33€
Free games like Starbound on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play games like Starbound you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 30th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play games like Starbound.
1. Unturned
Similarity 53% You're a survivor in the zombie infested ruins of society, and must work with your friends and forge alliances to remain among the living. Unturned is a free to play, survival and zombies game developed and published by Smartly Dressed Games. Released on July 07th 2017 has received 554,408 reviews of which 505,746 were positive and 48,662 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 8,988 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Starbound.
9.1
505,746
48,662
8,988
players
2. Will To Live Online
Similarity 50% Will To Live is a MMORPG-shooter whose action takes place in a severe post-apocalyptic world. Explore the world, engage in fights with mutants and other survivors, join the clans in the struggle for existence and prove your right to Live. Will To Live Online is a survival, free to play and multiplayer game developed and published by AlphaSoft LLC. Released on April 05th 2018 has received 17,505 reviews of which 12,228 were positive and 5,277 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 307, this game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free games like Starbound.
6.9
12,228
5,277
307
players
3. Wurm Online
Similarity 67% A sandbox MMORPG that has pushed the boundaries on what it means to be open world and stood the test of time. Dig, mine, shape the world around you and make your lasting mark! Wurm Online is a free to play, sandbox and rpg game developed and published by Code Club AB. Released on July 24th 2020 has received 2,305 reviews of which 1,430 were positive and 875 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 174, this game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free games like Starbound.
6.1
1,430
875
174
players
4. Ylands
Similarity 50% Adventure awaits you and your friends in the world of Ylands! Gather resources, craft tools, construct anything and everything, and explore the lands! Build a ship and set sail, encountering mythical animals, a wide variety of sea-life, enemies of all kinds and much more! Ylands is a multiplayer, adventure and free to play game developed and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on December 05th 2019 has received 7,997 reviews of which 5,044 were positive and 2,953 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free games like Starbound.
6.2
5,044
2,953
71
players
5. Walking Zombie 2
Similarity 64% Zombie singleplayer shooter in modern polygon graphics with rich RPG elements. Walking Zombie 2 is a fps, zombies and open world survival craft game developed and published by Alda Games. Released on October 11th 2019 has received 12,406 reviews of which 10,893 were positive and 1,513 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free games like Starbound.
8.6
10,893
1,513
69
players
6. RPG MO
Similarity 59% RPG MO is a nostalgic MMORPG that reminds of Ultima and Runescape Classic. RPG MO is a free to play, rpg and massively multiplayer game developed and published by Marxnet. Released on August 18th 2015 has received 2,896 reviews of which 2,284 were positive and 612 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free games like Starbound.
7.6
2,284
612
60
players
7. Villagers and Heroes
Similarity 53% Enter a magical, 3D fantasy world filled with hundreds of unique locales, immersive lore, and exciting quests -- and it's all free to play. Join thousands of players from around the world, and be part of a one of a kind community. Villagers and Heroes is a free to play, massively multiplayer and rpg game developed and published by Mad Otter Games. Released on April 17th 2014 has received 3,346 reviews of which 2,040 were positive and 1,306 were negative resulting in a rating of 6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free games like Starbound.
6
2,040
1,306
40
players
8. XERA: Survival
Similarity 50% Action-focused, open world survival shooter, PvPvE against fellow mercenaries and lethal XOIDS. Raid for resources alone or with team-mates, build and defend your base, stash your gear and survive against the odds. You are the hunters. You are the hunted. And the robots never sleep… XERA: Survival is a base-building, open world survival craft and multiplayer game developed and published by Spotted Kiwi Interactive. Released on September 26th 2021 has received 7,766 reviews of which 5,184 were positive and 2,582 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free games like Starbound.
6.6
5,184
2,582
38
players
9. Arid
Similarity 54% Discover the mysteries of the Atacama, explore the abandoned mining networks, evade the scorching sun and survive the environment in one of the most arid place in the world. Arid is a FREE survival game made by students from Breda University. Arid is a open world survival craft, survival and exploration game developed by Sad Viscacha Studio and published by Breda University of Applied Sciences. Released on June 29th 2021 has received 1,857 reviews of which 1,612 were positive and 245 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free games like Starbound.
8.3
1,612
245
9
players
10. Cubic Castles
Similarity 69% Your blocks, your castle, your world! Build anything you can dream up and explore with other players! Cubic Castles is a mini-MMO that combines the best of block-building and 3D platform action! Create fantastic parkour challenges, explore worlds made by other players, or even make friend! Cubic Castles is a free to play, open world survival craft and building game developed and published by Cosmic Cow LLC. Released on August 13th 2014 has received 4,279 reviews of which 3,172 were positive and 1,107 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free games like Starbound.
7.2
3,172
1,107
9
players