5 Starfield Alternatives You Should Check Out

Looking for Starfield Alternatives to scratch that space exploration itch? Don't you worry? We got you covered.

Starfield might be one of the most expansive Bethesda games out there, but it might not satisfy the primal urge to explore what eldritch horrors lie in the depths of the unknown universe.

Whether you already had your fill of Starfield or are just not a believer in Todd Howard's luscious locks we've assembled a collection of space games that might be up your speed. Some are the more obvious picks, others you've probably never heard of.

5 Starfield Alternatives to take you to the Stars (and beyond)

No Mans Sky

At this point, we've all heard of No Mans Sky's miraculous recovery from a less-than-satisfying launch. Since then Smile Games have put in the work and released a staggering amount of expansions and updates to the game that go far beyond the early promises of Coop and base-building.

The game was massive at launch with its impressively randomly generated worlds, and universe that lets you seamlessly traverse between all of them. What started as a space exploration game has now turned into an endless galaxy full of adventures ripe for the taking.

Now you can take on quests, follow a campaign, meet the various factions, or even build your base in VR. The possibilities are endless. And if you haven't checked in with No Mans Sky in a while or haven't checked out its colorful universe, now is the best time to take the plunge.

No Mans Sky is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC, and even mobile platforms.

Elite Dangerous

There are not many games that can wear the title of space trucking simulator with pride, but if there is one that should it's Elite Dangerous. Imagine the vast, boundless reaches of space and you're just yourself trying to make an honest dishonest living out there.

Survey planets and mine them for resources, team up with other players to hunt space pirates, become a space pirate, or go off to explore the unmapped reaches of the cosmos. The stars are the limit in Elite Dangerous but the stars of the show are its endless selection of spaceships and satisfying flight mechanics.

There are not many games out there that come even close to the satisfying depths that Elite Dangerous' space sim offers. Sure it'll fall more into the special interest niche for most, but if you're looking for a game that is Eurotruck Simulator with a little bit of bounty hunting in space, this is the one.

Elite Dangerous is on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 as well as the new consoles thanks to backward compatibility, and PC.

EVE Online

Have you ever wondered, “What if space but Runescape?”. Eve Online answers that question by being that space-sim MMORPG that will consume every remaining minute of your mortal lifespan. The game is tough to get into since you need to integrate and learn almost 20 years' worth of video games to get going but it's well worth the rewards.

EVE simulates a massive universe that is completely driven by players and their choices. Over the years players have formed gigantic factions with complex structures that rule over its simulation. Occasionally some of that trickles out of the public when conspiracy and corporate espionage lead to daring heists or betrayls of epic scale.

Playing EVE is more of a lifestyle than simply playing a video game (even if that is still a massive part of it), it's getting involved in the make-believe politics and becoming a spacefaring entrepreneur with a reputation to be respected or feared. Or griefing people in PVP.

EVE Online is currently available on PC.

Outer Wilds

And then there is Outer Wilds, it is hard to sell you on this adventure without spoiling its entire appeal. It starts as this neat little adventure where you board a spaceship and head out into the vast unknown of an entire solar system.

Its gameplay lies somewhere between The Witness and those gravity puzzles that made up all the nonaction sequences in Half-Life 2. It simulates an entire solar system with video game physics, planets are real virtual planets with real virtual gravity circulating a real virtual sun.

But beyond the technically impressive simulation going on, there is an engaging mystery that gets borderline existential towards the end. And that's about everything we're willing to say about what is going on in this game. If you haven't, please seek it out it is one of the best games of the last 10 years.

The Outer Wilds is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo Switch

Starsector

So what if I told you there is a space sim that is as expensive as an immersive sim and offers everything anyone else on the list has to offer and then some? Starsector's top-down 2D might not look like much for anyone used to modern AAA games but Starsector got depth beyond belief.

The game has been in development for a long, long time and thanks to its simple visuals it managed to put its strengths where it counts. It simulates an entire galaxy's worth of factions, economies, and things going on. And you're just trying to make a living in what is an interesting spin on your typical sci-fi setting.

Your possibilities are endless, you can start as a humble trader or take on contracts. Eventually, as your reputation and fleet grows you can turn to other ambitions, join a faction, and work your way up or start your own on a remote planet.

Starsector lets you do and be whoever you want and offers one of the best takes on space combat ever put in a video game.

Starsector is only available on PC.

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