Best Space 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 games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free space games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
R-Type Final 2
R-Type has returned! The legendary side-scroller is back and better than ever with beautifully rendered 3D graphics, exhilarating shoot-'em-up gameplay, and a multitude of stages, ships, and weapons that will allow you to conduct a symphony of destruction upon your foes.
Cognition Method: Initiation
Free demo for Cognition Method - a story-driven, first-person puzzle game inspired by Space Odyssey 2001 and Solaris. Discover an innovative mechanics of altering gravity and dive into the surreal setting. Find your way within a mysterious artifact and unveal a non-ordinary story.
Genesis Noir
A noir adventure spanning time and space. When a love triangle between cosmic beings becomes a bitter confrontation, you'll witness a gunshot fired by a jealous god—otherwise known as The Big Bang. Jump into the expanding universe and search for a way to destroy creation and save your love.
Mech Mechanic Simulator
Become a Mech Mechanic to deconstruct, rebuild, paint and fix gigantic iron machines. You live in an age of enormous machines and you better get ready to get your hands dirty!
Cosmodread
Cosmodread is a VR survival horror roguelike about escaping a dying spaceship filled with nightmares. Stranded in a hostile universe, you must explore, survive, and find your way back to the safety of Earth.
Breathedge
Survive in outer space! Together with your immortal chicken, discover the truth behind your sudden spaceship crash. Craft tools, pilot vehicles, and even control space stations to survive and explore the wreckage.
Dyson Sphere Program
Build the most efficient intergalactic factory in space simulation strategy game Dyson Sphere Program! Harness the power of stars, collect resources, plan and design production lines and develop your interstellar factory from a small space workshop to a galaxy-wide industrial empire.
SPACERIFT: Arcanum System
At the sunset of human life on planet Earth, you are a military pilot controlling a space ship, and you find yourself at the very epicenter of the battle in the solar system. You are forced to retreat into the unknown, distant Arcanum system through hyper-jumping.
Shadow Empire
Shadow Empire is a deep turn-based 4X wargame with a unique blend of military focus, procedurally generated content and role-playing features. Players take the seat of the supreme ruler of a small nation, with the goal of reconquering a devastated planet.
Per Aspera
Make Mars your own! Take control of the world’s most sophisticated AI (AMI) and terraform the surface of the Red Planet for a city-building experience on a planetary scale. Transform this barren world into a lush paradise and explore the surface for any ancient secrets that may be waiting.
Creeper World 4
The unstoppable fluid enemy has returned and destroyed every world in its path! Defend against Creeper as it floods across the 3D terrain in this real time strategy game where the enemy is a fluid.
Mars Horizon
Lead a major space agency as you guide humanity to Mars in this strategy simulation game. Construct a base, design and build rockets, conduct missions throughout the Solar System, and write your own history of Space exploration. Created with support from the European Space Agency.
Rover Mechanic Simulator
As an Engineer - crew member of one of the first Mars colonies - you are responsible for repairing and maintaining Mars Rovers. In this advanced simulator you will learn the internal details of various Mars Rovers and their components.
From the Depths
Over 1000 unique components allow you to build and command voxel vehicles from the deep ocean to outer space! Forge strategies, allegiances and fleets strong enough to destroy eight deadly factions of the planet and reign supreme. A genre-defying mashup of simulation, building, RTS and RPG.
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.
The Outer Worlds
The Outer Worlds is an award-winning single-player RPG from Obsidian Entertainment and Private Division. As you explore a space colony, the character you decide to become will determine how this player-driven story unfolds. In the colony's corporate equation, you are the unplanned variable.
Drone Swarm
Drone Swarm is a very unique take on tactical games. Control 32,000 drones in quick, fast-paced fights. Combine your swarm abilities and counter constantly evolving attacks of your opponents. Survive varying enemy waves, get upgrades to your swarm, and make it to the next system alive!
Perilous Warp
Perilous Warp is a fast-paced indie retro-shooter inspired by the classic 3D-actions. Communication with a distant space colony has been lost, and you bravely step into the teleporter with the desire for glorious adventures. But do not expect to win in a heartbeat!
Space Crew: Legendary Edition
Time for your toughest mission yet! Recruit and train your crew to tackle the growing threat from alien and android armies as you defend Earth to become a Galactic Legend in Space Crew: Legendary Edition. All new content free to existing owners of Space Crew!
SPACE / MECH / PILOT
The S/M/P Initiative is not responsible for any odd abnormalities while playing. Connections to other universes are not monitored or controlled by the video game program. Keep away from children under the age of 6. Fun to play but not to eat.
STAR WARS™: Squadrons
Master the art of starfighter combat in the authentic piloting experience STAR WARS™: Squadrons. Feel the adrenaline of first-person multiplayer space dogfights alongside your squadron, and buckle up in a thrilling STAR WARS™ story.
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 space games on Steam
Take a look at the top space games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 30th 2025.
1. 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. 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 182,155 reviews of which 157,931 were positive and 24,224 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played space game, thanks to its 8,932 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.6
157,931
24,224
8,932
players
2. No Man's Sky
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 350,242 reviews of which 290,801 were positive and 59,441 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 5,653 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among space games based on player count.
8.2
290,801
59,441
5,653
players
3. 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 99,333 reviews of which 76,805 were positive and 22,528 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. While seeing 4,976 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among space games based on player count.
7.7
76,805
22,528
4,976
players
4. Unnamed Space Idle
Destroy endless waves of alien ships that have all but wiped out humanity in this long form, unfolding, sci-fi idle game. Customize your ship with different weapons and defenses to defeat specific enemy types and utilize a ton of different systems to increase your overall power. Unnamed Space Idle is a idler, casual and free to play game developed by Sylv and published by Jdog Corp. Released on July 27th 2023 has received 2,723 reviews of which 2,533 were positive and 190 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 4,518 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played space games.
8.9
2,533
190
4,518
players
5. Space Engineers
Space Engineers is a sandbox game about engineering, construction, exploration and survival in space and on planets. Players build space ships, space stations, planetary outposts of various sizes and uses, pilot ships and travel through space to explore planets and gather resources to survive. Space Engineers is a space, sandbox and building game developed and published by Keen Software House. Released on February 28th 2019 has received 131,878 reviews of which 116,777 were positive and 15,101 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 4,402 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played space games.
8.7
116,777
15,101
4,402
players
6. EVE Online
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 open world game developed and published by CCP. Released on December 15th 2010 has received 36,127 reviews of which 26,628 were positive and 9,499 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. With 3,023 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played space games.
7.3
26,628
9,499
3,023
players
7. Among Us
An online and local party game of teamwork and betrayal for 4-15 players...in space! Among Us is a multiplayer, social deduction and online co-op game developed and published by Innersloth. Released on November 16th 2018 has received 699,654 reviews of which 642,660 were positive and 56,994 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 2,838 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played space games.
9.1
642,660
56,994
2,838
players
8. 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 23,455 reviews of which 18,628 were positive and 4,827 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 2,503 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played space games.
7.8
18,628
4,827
2,503
players
9. Kerbal Space Program
In Kerbal Space Program, take charge of the space program for the alien race known as the Kerbals. You have access to an array of parts to assemble fully-functional spacecraft that flies (or doesn’t) based on realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics. Kerbal Space Program is a space, simulation and sandbox game developed by Squad and published by Private Division. Released on April 27th 2015 has received 126,522 reviews of which 120,440 were positive and 6,082 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 1,958 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played space games.
9.4
120,440
6,082
1,958
players
10. STAR WARS™ Empire at War - Gold Pack
Command or corrupt an entire galaxy in the definitive Star Wars strategy collection. It is a time of galactic civil war. Will you take up the reins of the Rebellion, assume control of the Empire, or rule the Star Wars Underworld? STAR WARS™ Empire at War - Gold Pack is a strategy, rts and space game developed by Petroglyph and published by LucasArts, Lucasfilm and Disney. Released on May 25th 2010 has received 38,906 reviews of which 37,985 were positive and 921 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 1,923 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played space games.
9.6
37,985
921
1,923
players
Best deals on space games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of space games 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 space games.
1. Observation
Observation is a sci-fi thriller uncovering what happened to Dr. Emma Fisher, and the crew of her mission, through the lens of the station’s artificial intelligence S.A.M. Observation is a indie, adventure and space game developed by No Code and published by Devolver Digital. Released on May 21st 2020 has received 4,742 reviews of which 3,718 were positive and 1,024 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for space category.
7.6
3,718
1,024
-95%
26.80€
1.34€
2. This Means Warp
It’s co-op space survival fun, Jim, but not as we know it. This Means Warp is an intense spaceship management roguelite experience for 1-4 players. Explore a procedurally generated universe, upgrade your ship, battle dangerous enemies and adapt your strategies to survive in a hostile galaxy. This Means Warp is a survival, online co-op and space game developed by Outlier and published by Jagex Ltd. Released on May 04th 2023 has received 619 reviews of which 445 were positive and 174 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in space games.
6.9
445
174
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. Tin Can
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 1,181 reviews of which 1,000 were positive and 181 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in space games.
8.1
1,000
181
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
4. Distant Worlds: Universe
Distant Worlds is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game. Experience the full depth and detail of turn-based strategy, but with the simplicity and ease of real-time, and on the scale of a massively-multiplayer online game. Distant Worlds: Universe is a strategy, 4x and space game developed by Code Force and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on May 23rd 2014 has received 1,816 reviews of which 1,376 were positive and 440 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for space games.
7.3
1,376
440
-92%
28.00€
2.24€
5. Planets Under Attack
Play as humans or robots in a brand new sci-fi strategy adventure! Travel into the far reaches of space, through cleverly designed star constellations and variable game modes, conquering enemy planets using 15 combinable technologies. Planets Under Attack is a strategy, indie and space game developed by Targem Games and published by TopWare Interactive. Released on September 27th 2012 has received 1,114 reviews of which 806 were positive and 308 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for space games.
7.0
806
308
-92%
12.50€
1.00€
6. Shortest Trip to Earth
Shortest Trip to Earth is a roguelike spaceship simulator focused on exploration, ship management and tactical battles. Embark on a perilous journey across the universe with nuclear missiles, armed crew and a cat. Shortest Trip to Earth is a rogue-lite, space and strategy game developed by Interactive Fate and published by Interactive Fate and Iceberg Interactive. Released on August 15th 2019 has received 1,385 reviews of which 1,067 were positive and 318 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for space games.
7.4
1,067
318
-91%
23.78€
2.14€
7. 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! VoidExpanse is a space, rpg and open world game developed and published by AtomicTorch Studio. Released on April 02nd 2015 has received 748 reviews of which 534 were positive and 214 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for space games.
6.9
534
214
-91%
15.11€
1.36€
8. Space Rangers HD: A War Apart
Space adventure, open world RPG, strategy, arcade, quest and more! Space Rangers HD: A War Apart is a space, rpg and strategy game developed by SNK Games, Elemental Games and Katauri Interactive and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on October 17th 2013 has received 6,625 reviews of which 6,253 were positive and 372 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for space games.
9.1
6,253
372
-90%
15.30€
1.53€
9. Space Run Galaxy
Space Run Galaxy is the sequel to Space Run, the game from one-man studio Passtech, which seduced hundreds of thousands of players with its dynamic and original gameplay. By twisting the tower-defense game style, Space Run offered an addictive real-time spaceship construction strategy experience. Space Run Galaxy is a strategy, indie and tower defense game developed by Passtech Games and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on June 17th 2016 has received 993 reviews of which 635 were positive and 358 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for space games.
6.2
635
358
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
10. 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! 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 20,286 reviews of which 18,156 were positive and 2,130 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for space games.
8.8
18,156
2,130
-89%
36.18€
3.98€
Free space games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play space games 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 space games.
1. Unnamed Space Idle
Destroy endless waves of alien ships that have all but wiped out humanity in this long form, unfolding, sci-fi idle game. Customize your ship with different weapons and defenses to defeat specific enemy types and utilize a ton of different systems to increase your overall power. Unnamed Space Idle is a idler, casual and free to play game developed by Sylv and published by Jdog Corp. Released on July 27th 2023 has received 2,723 reviews of which 2,533 were positive and 190 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 4,518 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free space games on Steam.
8.9
2,533
190
4,518
players
2. EVE Online
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 open world game developed and published by CCP. Released on December 15th 2010 has received 36,127 reviews of which 26,628 were positive and 9,499 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 3,023, this space game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free space games on Steam.
7.3
26,628
9,499
3,023
players
3. Galaxy Idle Clicker
Embark on an interstellar journey with Galaxy Idle Clicker! Conquer galaxies, upgrade your spaceship, and face off against a myriad of enemy ships. With engaging minigames, powerful upgrades, GIC delivers an unparalleled idle space adventure. Join the cosmic conquest today and dominate the universe! Galaxy Idle Clicker is a idler, casual and clicker game developed and published by Soehnle. Released on July 18th 2024 has received 634 reviews of which 481 were positive and 153 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 1,275, this space game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free space games on Steam.
7.2
481
153
1,275
players
4. Star Trek Online
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 20,043 reviews of which 15,849 were positive and 4,194 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,075 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free space games on Steam.
7.8
15,849
4,194
1,075
players
5. Star Trek Timelines
Explore the Final Frontier in the ultimate sci-fi strategy RPG, Star Trek Timelines! Join Starfleet and overcome challenges as you boldly go where no game has gone before – across the entire history of Star Trek. Star Trek Timelines is a free to play, strategy and space game developed and published by Tilting Point. Released on July 12th 2017 has received 1,423 reviews of which 933 were positive and 490 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 169 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free space games on Steam.
6.4
933
490
169
players
6. Super Sus
Welcome to join the multiplayer social deduction game - Super Sus! Engage in intense gameplay with global players, as you strategize to safeguard your spaceship from the cunning Impostors determined to sabotage the mission and eliminate everyone aboard! Super Sus is a multiplayer, online co-op and social deduction game developed and published by GIANT INTERACTIVE HK LIMITED. Released on July 30th 2024 has received 1,117 reviews of which 776 were positive and 341 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 167 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free space games on Steam.
6.7
776
341
167
players
7. Pixel Starships
Pixel Starships is an FTL-style online sci-fi strategy builder and management game with a competitive PVP tournament. Set in the retro galaxy, your role is to explore space, meet aliens, and develop your ship, crew and AI. The game contains deep strategic and 4x elements. PSS is community-driven. Pixel Starships is a sci-fi, space and strategy game developed and published by SavySoda. Released on May 23rd 2023 has received 2,699 reviews of which 1,985 were positive and 714 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 138 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free space games on Steam.
7.1
1,985
714
138
players
8. Endless Sky
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 6,604 reviews of which 6,096 were positive and 508 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 129 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free space games on Steam.
8.9
6,096
508
129
players
9. Hades' Star
A unique space strategy game where thousands of players participate in one shared galaxy. Hades' Star is a free to play, space and strategy game developed and published by Parallel Space Inc. Released on February 27th 2019 has received 2,561 reviews of which 1,864 were positive and 697 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 108 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free space games on Steam.
7.1
1,864
697
108
players
10. Subspace Continuum
THE legendary free online multiplayer space shooter! Addictive, fast-paced, easy to learn, and impossible to master. Subspace Continuum is a free to play, massively multiplayer and action game developed by Virgin Interactive Entertainment and PriitK and published by Subspace Continuum. Released on July 03rd 2015 has received 599 reviews of which 530 were positive and 69 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free space games on Steam.
8.3
530
69
14
players