Best Space Sim Games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated space sim games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free space sim games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
The Spatials
It's the year 5781 -- and you have been chosen to build and lead a space station in a wild corner of the galaxy! Attract visitors and explore hundreds of planets to fund your station.
StarMade
The ultimate space sandbox. Participate in epic fleet battles, form alliances, strive to dominate entire galaxies and harness the universe’s resources for your industrious empire or the destruction of others. Customise your experience, the universe is yours!
Celestial Command
Mine asteroids, salvage space debris, design your own small or massive spacecraft using individual functional components, complete missions, and engage in battles against enemies in a vast galaxy with realistic physics based on orbital mechanics or in a classic physics mode.
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.
Freespace 2
FreeSpace 2, the follow up to the classic Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War is ready to engage you in the second round. Follow the Grand Terran Vasudan Alliance further into the mysteries of the Shivans. Get your flight stick and hit the flight deck. The last time was just a warm up.
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!
Strike Suit Zero: Director's Cut
In the year 2299, an interstellar war rages on. In a bid to save Earth from destruction, you must take control of the Strike Suit – a revolutionary fighter craft with the ability to transform into a lethal suit of space armor.
Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator
Artemis is designed for anyone who watched Star Trek and dreamed of what it would be like to sit on the bridge of a star ship. Artemis simulates a spaceship bridge by networking several computers together. You cannot play Artemis single-player!
Star Conflict
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!
Strike Suit Zero
Immerse yourself in massive fleet battles where your dog-fighting skills will directly affect the fate of the cosmos.
FTL: Faster Than Light
This "spaceship simulation roguelike-like" allows you to take your ship and crew on an adventure through a randomly generated galaxy filled with glory and bitter defeat.
Galaxy on Fire 2™ Full HD
A hyperdrive malfunction sends Keith T. Maxwell tumbling through space and time to fight for his life against a mysterious alien armada that is wreaking havoc.
Sins of a Solar Empire®: Rebellion
Command a space-faring empire in Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, the new stand-alone expansion that combines 4X depth with real-time strategy gameplay.
Evochron Mercenary
The life of an independent mercenary is rarely without excitement. Your spacecraft awaits and your adventure begins in the Sapphire star system.
Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity®
In Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity, you are the leader of a civilization embroiled in a galactic war, fighting for the survival of your entire race against relentless foes.
X: Beyond the Frontier
The Human Race had advanced to the point where we could travel among the stars, we developed giant automated machines to help us colonise other worlds, but there was a fault in their programming and they turned and attacked. Forcing us to lay a trap to protect Earth and exiling the Human race to stay on Earth once again.
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!
Darkstar One
Darkstar One offers a fantastic amount of freedom of choice. The story-based missions gradually lead you deeper into the galaxy to new races, new technologies and ever stronger opponents. Explore a vast array of solar systems in search of hidden artifacts of ancient races, essential objects for upgrading your ship--the Darkstar One.
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.
X2: The Threat
X²: The Threat is of a new generation of space simulator games, you play the role of Julian Gardna who continues the story set by X: Beyond The Frontier. The updated graphics engine gives the universe a fresher feel with newly designed ships and stations adding to the complexity of the universe.
Most played space sim games on Steam
Take a look at the top space sim games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 15th 2025.
1. Elite Dangerous
Take control of your own starship in a cutthroat galaxy. Elite Dangerous is the definitive massively multiplayer space epic. Elite Dangerous is a space sim, space and open world game developed and published by Frontier Developments. Released on April 02nd 2015 has received 100,024 reviews of which 77,388 were positive and 22,636 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played space sim game, thanks to its 4,961 peak concurrent players over the last day.
7.7
77,388
22,636
4,961
players
2. 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. X4: Foundations is a space sim, simulation and sandbox game developed and published by Egosoft. Released on November 30th 2018 has received 23,847 reviews of which 18,951 were positive and 4,896 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. While seeing 2,460 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among space sim games based on player count.
7.8
18,951
4,896
2,460
players
3. Void Crew
Void Crew is a Chaotic, Co-op Roguelite game for 1 to 6 players: Outfit your spaceship and crew for thrilling quests, brave fierce enemies in Space Battles... and try not to panic! Void Crew is a co-op, multiplayer and space sim game developed by Hutlihut Games and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on November 25th 2024 has received 6,713 reviews of which 5,922 were positive and 791 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 942 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among space sim games based on player count.
8.6
5,922
791
942
players
4. 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. Avorion is a exploration, sandbox and space sim game developed and published by Boxelware. Released on March 09th 2020 has received 13,614 reviews of which 12,286 were positive and 1,328 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 741 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played space sim games.
8.8
12,286
1,328
741
players
5. 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. Star Trucker is a transportation, space sim and automobile sim game developed by Monster and Monster and published by Raw Fury. Released on September 03rd 2024 has received 4,271 reviews of which 3,373 were positive and 898 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. With 107 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played space sim games.
7.7
3,373
898
107
players
6. Spaceflight Simulator
In Spaceflight Simulator, you will get to build your rockets, plan launches and flights, attempt landings, deploy payloads and explore new worlds. Spaceflight Simulator is a sandbox, space sim and space game developed and published by Team Curiosity ✦. Released on February 17th 2022 has received 6,318 reviews of which 6,085 were positive and 233 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played space sim games.
9.3
6,085
233
96
players
7. Starcom: Unknown Space
Starcom: Unknown Space is an action RPG of space exploration and adventure. Build your own starship while discovering an epic story in a universe of strange mysteries, alien factions and uncharted worlds. Starcom: Unknown Space is a space, exploration and open world game developed and published by Wx3 Labs and LLC. Released on September 02nd 2024 has received 3,168 reviews of which 2,928 were positive and 240 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played space sim games.
8.9
2,928
240
77
players
8. 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 PULSAR: Lost Colony is a space sim, open world and simulation game developed and published by Leafy Games. Released on June 22nd 2021 has received 5,578 reviews of which 5,020 were positive and 558 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played space sim games.
8.7
5,020
558
77
players
9. Star Conflict
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 #9 spot among the most played space sim games.
7.2
10,879
3,974
76
players
10. 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. Astrometica is a space sim, survival and open world game developed by BeryMery and published by RockGame S.A.. Released on December 10th 2024 has received 2,019 reviews of which 1,766 were positive and 253 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played space sim games.
8.4
1,766
253
57
players
Best deals on space sim games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of space sim games 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 space sim games.
1. 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. 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. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for space sim category.
6.2
659
374
-99%
24.99€
0.43€
2. 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. 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 #2 best deal in space sim games.
8.7
834
68
-98%
20.99€
0.42€
3. Juno: New Origins
Bring to life anything you can imagine from rockets and airplanes to cars and more. Automate them with a visual programming language. Explore 3D planets and make your own. Share your creations online. Complete contracts, conquer milestones, and unlock technology in the newly added Career Mode. Juno: New Origins is a building, science and space sim game developed and published by Jundroo and LLC. Released on January 26th 2023 has received 3,118 reviews of which 2,807 were positive and 311 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in space sim games.
8.7
2,807
311
-97%
19.50€
0.63€
4. 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 PULSAR: Lost Colony is a space sim, open world and simulation game developed and published by Leafy Games. Released on June 22nd 2021 has received 5,578 reviews of which 5,020 were positive and 558 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for space sim games.
8.7
5,020
558
-90%
19.50€
2.01€
5. SimpleRockets
I am excited to release my first game on Steam! SimpleRockets was released in 2013 for mobile and I've put a ton of work into it to get it ready for PC and Mac. It was inspired by KSP, and it offers a simpler 2D experience for building rockets and exploring space with realistic orbital mechanics. SimpleRockets is a simulation, sandbox and physics game developed and published by Jundroo and LLC. Released on June 03rd 2015 has received 358 reviews of which 306 were positive and 52 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for space sim games.
7.9
306
52
-89%
7.79€
0.89€
6. 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. X3: Reunion is a space, simulation and strategy game developed and published by Egosoft. Released on July 21st 2006 has received 685 reviews of which 494 were positive and 191 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for space sim games.
6.9
494
191
-86%
9.99€
1.46€
7. 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. X4: Foundations is a space sim, simulation and sandbox game developed and published by Egosoft. Released on November 30th 2018 has received 23,847 reviews of which 18,951 were positive and 4,896 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 83% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for space sim games.
7.8
18,951
4,896
-83%
49.99€
8.94€
8. Elite Dangerous
Take control of your own starship in a cutthroat galaxy. Elite Dangerous is the definitive massively multiplayer space epic. Elite Dangerous is a space sim, space and open world game developed and published by Frontier Developments. Released on April 02nd 2015 has received 100,024 reviews of which 77,388 were positive and 22,636 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 77% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for space sim games.
7.7
77,388
22,636
-77%
19.99€
4.61€
9. 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. Avorion is a exploration, sandbox and space sim game developed and published by Boxelware. Released on March 09th 2020 has received 13,614 reviews of which 12,286 were positive and 1,328 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 58% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for space sim games.
8.8
12,286
1,328
-58%
24.99€
10.71€
10. 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. Star Trucker is a transportation, space sim and automobile sim game developed by Monster and Monster and published by Raw Fury. Released on September 03rd 2024 has received 4,271 reviews of which 3,373 were positive and 898 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 54% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for space sim games.
7.7
3,373
898
-54%
24.50€
11.43€
Free space sim games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play space sim games 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 space sim games.
1. Star Conflict
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 #1 spot among the most played free space sim games on Steam.
7.2
10,879
3,974
76
players
2. Space Commander: War and Trade
Fight, explore the stars, trade, and lead your fleet across the galaxySpace Commander: War and Trade is an ultimate single player space-sim featuring spectacular graphics, intuitive combat and deep mechanics. Space Commander: War and Trade is a action, rpg and base-building game developed and published by Home Net Games. Released on November 04th 2020 has received 656 reviews of which 442 were positive and 214 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free space sim games on Steam.
6.5
442
214
10
players
3. Sputnika Game
A Cosmic twist on a Suika-style game with space gravity. Help our little friend Sputnik on his journey to become the Sun. Sputnika Game is a casual, strategy and puzzle game developed and published by egunan. Released on February 11th 2024 has received 477 reviews of which 431 were positive and 46 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free space sim games on Steam.
8.4
431
46
7
players