Looking for the best space games on Steam?
Whether you want to go beyond the stars for a sci-fi adventure, or just want something a little different to play, there are so many ways to live out your science fiction dreams through video games. Over time, countless games have taken place in the deep void of space, spanning multiple worlds and galaxies unvisited by humankind, ready to be explored and exploited by our species.
Steam offers a large supply of space games, catering to different preferences. Whether it’s space-flight simulations and mining tycoon games, expansive strategy games where players control the fate of entire planets or galaxies, or lavish survival games where you mine precious metals and craft tools to defend yourself against intergalactic threats, it’s one of the most popular genres with Steam’s Gaming community. Below you’ll find the best space games on Steam right now, worthy of any space-lover’s attention.
Kerbal Space Program 2
The player-made space ships in Kerbal Space Program are weird and wonderful, spectacular in their failure. Not that players will fail all that often in this space-flight simulation game. They can assemble their pitches to fly them from the planet’s surface and into the darkness of the cosmos, avoiding electro-magnetic pockets, low orbits, and any other threat that might scupper their mission. But despite the potential for a soaring success, players are still hamsters in a heater unit, so some failures turn out to be hilarious.
Kerbal Space Program 2 adds a story mode to the space-sim, forcing players to make key decisions that impact the fate of the cute green people. They’ll have to collaborate with rivals to appeal to the galaxy’s space agencies, and manage relations with those powerful factions while working towards the intergalactic goals the game sets. Players have the complete freedom to manage spacecraft testing and development in the extensive Sandbox mode, where even infinite procedurally generated worlds aren’t enough to contain their experiments.
Oxygen Not Included
The first thing players learn in Oxygen Not Included is that they can’t mine for minerals in a spacestation on the planet Podligaire. That doesn’t matter, because they’re still mining for materials. The demand for those materials and how players prioritize which requires them to balance the complex needs of all their residents, ensuring they eat, sleep, clean, and all without any of them dying from fatal radiation exposure.
Like a colony of cute space bunnies, Oxygen Not Included is cute, simple, and deadly. Mastering the management skills and chaining together some resource production takes time and perseverance, but the thrill of success is as addictive as any futuristic space adventure could hope to be.
System Shock Remake
Lost deep inside a cybernetic shell, players are fighting to take back control of their body. Aided by syroleum, hacking, and psionic powers, combat is the main focus of this pseudo-horror shooter. But the emphasis is on tactical management, as players will have to carefully manage resources, scavenge for materials, and combat terrifying mutants. The System Shock remake captures the essence of the original game while updating the graphics, sound effects, and interface.
Featuring a hub world with game-altering decisions, System Shock is a space-survival reboot with RPG elements, making it immersive and intriguing enough for players to get lost in for weeks. Learn more about it in our System Shock remake review.
Mass Effect Trilogy
After the original trilogy and a rather controversial third entry, BioWare’s space adventure is now available in the Mass Effect Legendary Edition. Following the story of Commander Shepard, this RPG game provides a beautiful, expansive journey through space and time. The combat system is satisfying and expansive, the bonding mechanic makes travel a personal and interactive experience, and the choices players make have dire consequences not just for individuals, but entire species.
Be sure to check out our guide to the Mass Effect Legendary Edition to see what games are included, and whether it’s a good investment.
Dead Space
The original Dead Space remains a classic survival-horror title, and it’s recently been made fresh again with a full remake. Set aboard the Ishimura spaceship as it plagues from unknown maladies, the random layout of the game makes for a nightmarish journey. Every corner of this sci-fi game is filled with dangers, and players will have precious few resources to defend themselves with.
Since it’s been remade, it's the perfect time to dive into the horrifying world of Dead Space once again.
