Space. The unknown. There’s something truly fascinating about it, and some of the video games that attempt to capture its wonder and sense of adventure are truly marvelous. That’s why we’re taking a look at all of the best space simulator games you can play in 2024!
5. Starfield
Credit: Bethesda
Starfield will be a controversial choice for this list, but it is technically a space simulator game. With over 1,000 inhabited planets to land on, Starfield has a ton of content, even if much of it is procedurally generated. The ship-building mechanics are a big highlight, allowing you to bring your wildest spaceship ideas to life, before flying them across the Milky Way. With fewer loading screens and more actual space travel, Starfield would make it even higher onto this list of the best space simulator games.
4. Kerbal Space Program
Credit: Squad
Kerbal Space Program is one of the best simulator games ever, period. You start on the planet Kerbin, where you must meticulously build a spaceship to send the Kerbals out into the stars above. The reason this is one of the best space simulator games on the market is the sheer level of detail here. Each ship you create needs to be perfect to have any chance of making it out of orbit, making a successful flight feel like a massive achievement. Its space physics are arguably second to none, too.
3. Star Citizen
Credit: Cloud Imperium Games
With all the criticism of how long it’s taking, it’s easy to forget that Star Citizen is actually fantastic, even in its unfinished state. There’s complex space combat, seamless atmosphere-to-ground landing, and a ton of ship customization. It’s just about everything you could ever want from the best space simulator games. Don’t be fooled by the fact it’s taking an age to complete. Star Citizen is well worth your time if you’re a fan of the genre.
2. No Man’s Sky
Credit: Hello Games
No Man’s Sky might just be the most vast video game ever made. Thanks to its procedurally generated universe, there are 18 QUINTILLION planets in this game. That isn’t a typo. The gameplay itself is pretty simple – you fly through space, landing on planets and mining them for resources in a hyper-addictive gameplay loop. Few games capture the sense of exploration and wonder like No Man’s Sky, which is why it’s among the best space simulator games ever.
1. Elite Dangerous
Credit: Frontier Developments
Elite Dangerous is the best space simulator game ever made, despite being released back in 2014. It’s a 1:1 scale of the Milky Way galaxy, with 400 billion star systems to explore. Of all the games on this list, we’d say Elite Dangerous has the most complex mechanics. It’s a steep learning curve, but as a result, it’s so rewarding when you put the time in to learn everything it has to offer. Then, there’s the combat, which is thrilling, unlike anything you’ll ever have played. For the ultimate space simulator experience, play Elite Dangerous in VR – it’ll be truly unforgettable.
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