11 Best Games Like No Man’s Sky In 2025
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This list is regularly updated to match what’s trending and in-demand among gamers.
Games like No Man’s Sky blend space exploration, survival, and combat in ways that keep me hooked for hours. These games bring something special for anyone who enjoys exploration and crafting in space.
In this article, I’ve gathered some of the best titles like No Man’s Sky that capture the thrill of discovering new worlds and navigating dangerous environments.
If you’re a fan of roaming alien planets or building your own empire, you’ll find plenty of epic adventures to dive into here. Keep reading to find your next great escape in the cosmos.
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Our Top Picks For Games Like No Man’s Sky
The games chosen for this list were picked due to how close they are to No Man’s Sky. Most of the connections revolve around impressive space exploration, combat, and survival. Keep scrolling to learn more about that.
- Starfield (2023) – The first new IP for Bethesda in nearly 25 years was pitched as “Skyrim in space,” but instead set itself apart as something we’ve never seen before.
- ASTRONEER (2019 & 2022) – The open-world sandbox adventure where one plays as a futuristic astronaut exploring colorful, low-poly planets.
- Outer Wilds (2019) – The first-person mystery exploration game, where one is set in a solar system somehow caught in a 22-minute time loop.
All ten games listed below were developed to be something that was unlike anything in the genre so far, and each succeeds in that regard.
11 Best Games Like No Man’s Sky
Whether you want to explore alien worlds, trade rare materials, or become a planet nomad drifting across the galaxy, these titles offer rich environments, engaging gameplay, and increasingly impressive graphics. From crafting and building to confronting the unknown, they each bring something special. In some cases, they even offer more refined systems to the genre NMS helped popularize.
1. Starfield [Best RPG Space Exploration Game Like No Man’s Sky]
| Our Score | 10
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| Year of Release | 2023 |
| Developer | Bethesda Game Studios |
| Platform(s) | Xbox Series X/S & Windows PC |
| Metacritic Score | (PC) 85/100(XSXS) 83/100 |
| Average Play Time | 20-30 hours (main story) |
As referenced earlier, Starfield is Bethesda’s first new intellectual property in over 25 years. This galactic survival and fun space exploration game ranks among the best, especially with its “new game plus” (NG+) feature.
Like No Man’s Sky, Starfield uses procedural generation, but every planet feels curated, featuring bases, colonies, forts, and other notable locations. It’s more grounded than NMS and offers a large, voice-acted story.
This game is set in the year 2330, hundreds of years after humans have spread throughout the Milky Way Galaxy, becoming an interplanetary species. Bringing human life to the galaxy. Everything unfolds in the “Settled Systems,” involving regions either faction-controlled or lawless. Players jump straight into the action and can choose various roles: soldier, pirate, assassin, spy, and more.
Starfield excels with its massive universe and deep RPG mechanics where you can explore thousands of planets while shaping your own path. It’s a grounded yet expansive take on space exploration, packed with lore and meaningful choices.
With around 1,000 explorable alien worlds, multiple factions, and deep RPG character creation, it delivers classic Bethesda storytelling and gameplay. While its base-building isn’t the most advanced, it’s still engaging. The crafting system even adds depth by mirroring real-world mechanics.
This title became Bethesda’s most successful launch ever, which is especially impressive given it’s exclusive to Xbox systems and Windows PCs.
My Verdict: For fans craving a space exploration RPG with a robust storyline and customization, Starfield is the perfect pick.
2. ASTRONEER [Best Low-Poly Space Exploration Game Like No Man’s Sky]
| Our Score | 9.8
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| Year of Release | 2019 & 2022 (NS Release) |
| Developer | System Era Softworks |
| Platform(s) | Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, & Nintendo Switch |
| Metacritic Score | (PC) 71/100(XB1) 73/100(NS) 76/100 |
| Average Play Time | 23.5 hours (main story) |
ASTRONEER is an unusual but entertaining game. With game art reminiscent of No Man’s Sky before its visual overhaul, this sandbox-style space exploration and galactic survival game might be the closest to NMS in terms of core design.
You play as a futuristic astronaut exploring vibrant, low-poly planets. System Era Softworks created beautiful 3D models using fewer polygons without sacrificing visual appeal. Though abstract, the design feels natural and immersive. Giving us various planets that look impressive.
ASTRONEER brings a charming yet engaging experience with its creative exploration and resource management. The colorful, low-poly visuals create a fun world to shape, and its freedom-driven gameplay is both relaxing and rewarding.
ASTRONEER is entirely player-driven, with no traditional storyline. Players move at their own pace, terraforming terrain, building bases, and digging through procedurally generated planets, each with unique biomes, gravity, and weather.
The game’s terrain tool, similar to NMS, lets players shape landscapes, extract resources, and construct structures. ASTRONEER stands out as one of the best games like No Man’s Sky thanks to its consistent updates, cross-platform support, and accessible gameplay that’s fun for all ages.
My Verdict: If you love procedural generation and creativity, ASTRONEER’s approach to space exploration will keep you hooked.
3. Outer Wilds [Best Time-Loop Exploration Game Like No Man’s Sky]
| Our Score | 9.7
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| Year of Release | 2019 |
| Developer | Mobius Digital |
| Platform(s) | Windows PC. Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, & Nintendo Switch |
| Metacritic Score | (PC) 85/100(XB1) 85/100(PS4) 82/100 |
| Average Play Time | 15 to 30 hours (main story) |
Outer Wilds is a delightful game that has gained the admiration of game critics due to its impressive story and engaging first-person exploration. While this is technically a survival game mixed with space exploration, it’s genuinely a mystery game at heart. The fun mix of everything has made it one of the best single-player games in recent memory.
The player takes on the role of a space explorer from the timber-based Hearthian race. You’re embarking on a mission to explore and uncover the secrets of an ancient alien civilization known as the Nomai. The problem is, your time is both limited and eternal. You will be stuck in a 22-minute time loop that resets each day as the sun goes supernova.
Outer Wilds stands out with its time-loop mechanics and cosmic mystery, which makes each exploration meaningful. The open-ended approach rewards discovery and encourages players to learn from every cycle; you’re getting a truly unique space adventure.
Of course, the player retains all the knowledge they discovered, which allows for a fun storytelling structure that blends gameplay with deep cosmic lore. The unusual yet enjoyable aspect of Outer Wilds is that it is entirely open-ended, with no quests or waypoints to follow. Instead, players fly their ship to different celestial bodies with their own unique environments, hazards, and puzzles.
Using real-time physics and gathered information, gamers must uncover the game’s hidden mystery. It’s a genuinely engaging adventure that makes players care about their own mortality, as well as that of the larger universe.
My Verdict: For those seeking a unique, story-driven space adventure, Outer Wilds provides a compelling and intellectually engaging journey.
4. Surviving Mars [Best Colony Simulation Game Like No Man’s Sky]
| Our Score | 9.5
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| Year of Release | 2018 |
| Developer | Haemimont Games & Abstraction Games |
| Platform(s) | Windows PC, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, & Xbox One |
| Metacritic Score | (PC) 76/100(PS4) 73/100(XB1) 76/100 |
| Average Play Time | 22 Hours (main objectives) |
Surviving Mars is similar to both NMS and SIMS, as its gameplay involves similar colony simulation mechanics. Players become Overseers, responsible for building and maintaining a thriving colony on Mars, including regularly managing updates and ensuring colonist survival.
Surviving Mars is a truly enjoyable simulation game that can engross players for hours. Though confined to a single planet, you have plenty to do. Gameplay begins with robotic drones preparing the landscape, followed by the management of resources such as oxygen, water, and power to sustain the colony. The psychological health of colonists must also be carefully monitored.
Surviving Mars gives players full control over a colony-building experience with a strong focus on resource management and survival. The challenge of sustaining life on Mars combines strategic depth and immersion that makes it a standout in its genre.
The game features engaging storylines, resource management, and randomized events, including alien technology, psychological phenomena, and potential AI uprisings. Players must also navigate Martian hazards, including solar dangers, dust storms, and meteor showers.
Released in 2018, Surviving Mars has expanded through multiple DLCs. Its immersive survival elements and consistent updates make it a standout among the best games like No Man’s Sky. Maintaining such a complex simulation requires the kind of dedication highlighted in the Best Ongoing Game nominees Game Awards 2025 breakdown regarding top-tier post-launch support.
My Verdict: If you’re into colony simulation and want to test your management skills while surviving on an alien world, Surviving Mars is the perfect game.
5. Subnautica [Best Underwater Survival Game Like No Man’s Sky]
| Our Score | 9.4
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| Year of Release | 2018, 2021, & 2025 |
| Developer | Unknown Worlds Entertainment |
| Platform(s) | Windows PC, macOS, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, iOS, Android |
| Metacritic Score | (PC) 87/100(PS4) 80/100(XB1) 81/100 |
| Average Play Time | 30 Hours (main story) |
Subnautica is widely regarded as one of the best survival games, and it’s easy to see why. The game challenges players to survive in a hostile underwater alien world, where every action can be critical. While some aspects, such as boat building, may seem excessive, they also contribute to the overall charm and depth of the gameplay.
This first-person adventure begins with a crash landing on the ocean planet 4546B. Players must gather resources, manage oxygen, and explore a richly populated aquatic environment. As the story unfolds, players discover alien involvement on the planet and a deadly bacterium threatening all life.
Subnautica immerses you in an alien aquatic world, where survival is the key. Its environmental storytelling and resource management create a gripping experience that will keep you diving deeper into its mysteries.
While escaping the planet is the initial goal, players must first cure the infection and unravel deeper secrets hidden beneath the waves. The combination of survival mechanics, immersive exploration, and narrative mystery makes Subnautica one of the best games like No Man’s Sky. Its focus on survival and discovery resonates strongly with fans of the genre.
My Verdict: If you’re looking for immersive survival gameplay with a deep sense of discovery and mystery, Subnautica is one of the best games like No Man’s Sky.
6. Satisfactory [Best Factory-Building Game Like No Man’s Sky]
| Our Score | 9.3
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| Year of Release | (Early Access-2019)(Official Release-2024) |
| Developer | Coffee Stain Studios |
| Platform(s) | Windows PC |
| Metacritic Score | (PC) 90/100 |
| Average Play Time | 107 hours (main story) & 222 hours (to 100%) |
Satisfactory is a great game developed by Coffee Stain Studios. It offers a first-person experience where players act as employees for the mega corporation FICSIT, tasked with colonizing and industrializing an alien world.
Players explore vibrant biomes, solve puzzles, and manage hostile wildlife as they uncover hidden narrative layers. Although the story revolves around corporate expansion, deeper secrets await players to discover.
Satisfactory excels in its approach to factory-building with a first-person perspective. The satisfaction of watching complex machinery work together and exploring biomes with unique resources makes it one of the most engaging strategy games.
You’ll research tech, scale operations, and use tools like trains, drones, and nuclear reactors to build increasingly complex factories. The satisfaction of watching a well-optimized factory in motion is part of the game’s charm.
Like No Man’s Sky, it receives regular updates and boasts strong community engagement and modding support. With its emphasis on strategy and planning, it easily ranks among the most impressive strategy games in the space game genre.
My Verdict: For fans of base-building and resource management, Satisfactory is the ideal game for creating your own sprawling industrial empire while exploring a vibrant alien world.
7. Cubic Odyssey [Best Voxel-Based Space Survival Game Like No Man’s Sky]
| Our Score | 9.1
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| Year of Release | 2025 |
| Developer | Atypical Games, Atypical Games S.R.L. |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, GeForce Now, Xbox Series X and Series S |
| Metacritic Score | TBA |
| Average Play Time | ~30–50 hours |
Cubic Odyssey takes the freedom of space exploration to the next level with its voxel-based universe, where players can explore and terraform planets at will.
The game’s standout feature is the ability to shape worlds using a fully interactive terrain system, which lets you build, dig, and manipulate your surroundings. This feature alone makes it an exciting alternative to No Man’s Sky for players who love crafting and exploration in a sandbox-style setting.
The gameplay revolves around the constant discovery of new planets, each with its own challenges and hostile environments. Players are tasked with resource gathering, building structures, and surviving on these alien worlds while navigating a dynamic weather system and dangerous wildlife.
The freedom to terraform planets and create custom bases provides endless possibilities for players looking to make their mark across the cosmos. As a survival sandbox, Cubic Odyssey lets you play at your own pace.
Cubic Odyssey combines the creative freedom of Minecraft with the expansive exploration of No Man’s Sky. Players can terraform planets, build structures, and survive against an intergalactic infection, all within a procedurally generated universe.
The visuals are vibrant and colorful, with a distinct voxel-based art style that provides both charm and clarity. The smooth animations and bright environments ensure that each world feels unique.
The game’s sound design complements its visual style, with ambient noises and soundtracks that enhance the immersion as you dig into new planets. The atmosphere stays lively, as each world feels different depending on the terrain you shape and the elements you encounter.
My Verdict: For those who enjoy crafting, exploration, and survival in a voxel-based universe, Cubic Odyssey gives a unique blend that captures the spirit of No Man’s Sky.
8. DayZ [Best Multiplayer Survival Horror Game Like No Man’s Sky]
| Our Score | 9.2
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| Year of Release | 2018 |
| Developer | Bohemia Interactive |
| Platform(s) | Windows PC, Xbox One, & PlayStation 4 |
| Metacritic Score | (XB1) 56/100(PS4) 31/100 |
| Average Play Time | Varies by player |
While DayZ may appear to be a standard zombie game at first glance, it has evolved into something much more.
DayZ started as a mod for Arma 2 by Dean Hall, a former officer in the Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals. It remained a mod until Hall joined Bohemia Interactive, evolving from a single developer project into a full production. The game launched in early access in 2013, with its full release arriving in 2018.
This multiplayer open-world survival game is set in the post-apocalyptic region of Chernarus, teeming with zombies and danger. Players start with nothing and must scavenge for resources like food, weapons, and more while avoiding threats from both the environment and other players.
DayZ takes the survival genre to new heights with its unpredictable gameplay. The mix of hostile environments, zombies, and other players makes every encounter feel intense, and its open-world freedom offers a truly immersive experience. The game’s community-driven gameplay and tension make it a standout.
In DayZ, trust is a rare commodity. While cooperation is possible, betrayal is a common occurrence. This element of incredible multiplayer gaming is what made the original mod so beloved. Surviving in such an unpredictable environment is an accomplishment, as few manage to last long.
Although it faced early technical issues, the game has undergone continued updates and bug fixes, significantly improving the overall experience. Selling over 4 million copies, DayZ has helped define the survival genre and inspired countless games that followed.
My Verdict: If you’re looking for a hardcore survival game with brutal multiplayer dynamics, DayZ provides an unforgettable challenge where trust is rare and survival is everything.
9. Star Citizen [Best Ambitious Space Sim Like No Man’s Sky]
| Our Score | 9
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| Year of Release | 2017 (Early Access) |
| Developer | Cloud Imperium Games |
| Platform(s) | Windows PC |
| Metacritic Score | N/A |
| Average Play Time | Varies |
Star Citizen continues to captivate players through its ambitious scope and advanced gameplay mechanics. It has both promised and delivered a fully explorable, persistent universe featuring detailed ship interiors, seamless planetary transitions, deep resource gathering, and complex multiplayer interactions.
This led to the game securing a massive crowdfunding total over the past decade since its development began, exceeding $800 million. This makes it the most expensive game ever made, yet gamers have been forced to wait for a decade until the game finally comes out.
Star Citizen impresses with its ambitious scope and persistent universe; players are getting an opportunity to explore an expansive space simulation. Its focus on ship customization, deep resource gathering, and multiplayer interaction makes it a one-of-a-kind experience in the space genre.
Though without an official release date, Star Citizen’s playable modules provide glimpses into its intended depth and sophistication, demonstrating immense potential. The ongoing development saga has generated both excitement and controversy within the gaming community, highlighting the complexities and challenges of ambitious game design.
Although still in early access, it has been one of the best indie games available due to all it brings to the table.
My Verdict: For space sim fans who want an ever-evolving universe with endless potential, Star Citizen promises one of the most immersive and expansive space adventures to date.
10. Elite: Dangerous [Best Space Exploration Sim Like No Man’s Sky]
| Our Score | 8.8
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| Year of Release | 2014, 2015, & 2017 |
| Developer | Frontier Developments |
| Platform(s) | Windows PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, macOS |
| Metacritic Score | (PC) 80/100(XB1) 80/100(PS4) 77/100 |
| Average Play Time | 82 to 117 hours (main story) & 677 hours (to 100%) |
Elite Dangerous has always been one of the most impressive space games ever developed. It is considered a “space simulation” game, where players take the role of a spaceship pilot exploring a 1:1 scale open-world Milky Way Galaxy. Players choose a specific path to go down in this impressive RPG, including: trader, bounty hunter, explorer, miner, or smuggler.
You’ll need to play that role well if they are to survive in this universe. This is a massive online universe that evolves based on player actions, faction politics, rare commodities, and player-led expeditions. Unlike other games on the list, Elite Dangerous fully supports VR and Hands-on Throttle & Stick (HOTAS). There is also a full cockpit simulation, which can make the game quite immersive as a space sim.
Elite: Dangerous nails the space exploration experience with its 1:1 scale galaxy and immersive flight simulation. This game provides the freedom to carve your own path in a universe that reacts to your every decision. The VR support adds an extra layer of immersion.
Gamers praise Elite Dangerous for its realism and Newtonian flight combat. Not to mention the impressive jumps between star systems. Despite being on last-gen systems for console players, the game is still played by dedicated gamers to this day! Which means we’re likely to get a next-gen version eventually.
My Verdict: If you’re into realistic space simulation with endless exploration options, Elite: Dangerous offers an unparalleled experience in the genre.
11. EVE Online [Best MMO Space Game Like No Man’s Sky]
| Our Score | 8.7
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| Year of Release | 2003 & 2007 |
| Developer | CCP Games |
| Platform(s) | Windows PC, macOS, & Linux |
| Metacritic Score | (PC) 69/100 (PC-Special Edition) 88/100 |
| Average Play Time | Varies |
No discussion of space-based video games is complete without mentioning EVE Online. As one of the earliest space-themed MMORPGs, it helped shape the persistent-world model. Launched in 2003, EVE remains strong, with players still immersed in the vast universe of New Eden, more than two decades later.
EVE provides a rich sandbox experience, with no central narrative. Instead, it focuses on the compelling RPG elements that let players become miners, pirates, traders, industrialists, or warlords in a galaxy of over 7,000 star systems.
EVE Online is a pioneering MMO that focuses on player-driven economies, massive space battles, and political intrigue. With over 7,000 star systems to explore, players can form alliances, trade, mine, and wage war, making it one of the most complex and dynamic multiplayer experiences ever created.
The game is renowned for its player-driven economy and massive political alliances, which frequently result in large-scale wars involving thousands of players. The infamous “Bloodbath of B-R5RB” remains one of the most notable and largest virtual battles in gaming history.
Corporations (similar to guilds) form powerful coalitions, controlling regions of space and frequently engaging in espionage, diplomacy, and market manipulation. The in-game economy is so complex that real economists have been hired to monitor it. With over 9 million lifetime accounts, EVE continues to attract a rotating player base.
Best of all, EVE is free to play, offering optional subscriptions and DLC for those seeking enhanced experiences.
My Verdict: For players who want to dive into a persistent online universe with endless opportunities for diplomacy, combat, and economic strategies, EVE Online is the go-to game.
Upcoming Games Like No Man’s Sky
As the space exploration genre continues to grow, several exciting titles are on the horizon. These upcoming releases promise thrilling adventures and fresh mechanics that bring even more depth to the exploration experience.
- The Expanse: Osiris Reborn (TBA 2025) – Set in the universe of The Expanse, this action RPG lets you command a mercenary crew on space missions. Expect dynamic space combat and deep storytelling in a universe full of intrigue and danger.
- Subnautica 2 (Early Access: 2026) – The sequel to the underwater survival hit, Subnautica 2 expands the adventure with co-op gameplay. Explore alien oceans, build your base, and uncover new mysteries beneath the surface.
- Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions (Release Date: 2026) – From the creators of Astroneer, this new title focuses on co-op expeditions to vibrant planets. Work together to gather resources, solve puzzles, and manipulate the environment in a fast-paced, open-ended experience.
These upcoming titles are just a few of the most exciting games coming soon for fans of space exploration and adventure. Stay tuned as the universe expands with new opportunities for discovery!
My Overall Verdict on Games Like No Man’s Sky
Choosing the best game like No Man’s Sky comes down to what you’re looking for in a space exploration adventure. No matter if you’re a fan of deep space combat, survival mechanics, or the freedom to explore alien worlds, there’s a game for everyone.
- For RPG fans → Starfield. A massive universe full of engaging stories and deep character development for players who love shaping their own journey.
- For explorers → Outer Wilds. An intriguing time-loop space adventure that rewards curiosity and offers a unique, open-ended exploration experience.
- For survival enthusiasts → Subnautica. An intense underwater survival game with an immersive world and mysterious narrative that challenges your survival instincts.
- For creative minds → ASTRONEER. An open-world sandbox that lets you terraform planets, build structures, and explore at your own pace.
- For strategy lovers → Surviving Mars. A colony management sim that blends strategy, survival, and resource management on the red planet.
Whatever type of adventure you’re looking for, these games provide an escape into immersive worlds filled with exploration, survival, and creativity. Keep exploring and find the one that fits your playstyle!
FAQs
The best game like No Man’s Sky is Starfield. It offers a massive universe with exploration, procedural generation, and deep RPG elements. Players can explore 1,000+ planets, interact with factions, and craft their own narrative, much like No Man’s Sky but with more grounded storytelling.
There are approximately 18 quintillion planets in No Man’s Sky. The game uses procedural generation to create an almost infinite number of planets for players to explore, each with unique biomes, creatures, and resources to discover.
It takes roughly 152 hours to complete every main objective and to 100% finish every part of No Man’s Sky. However, this number will not remain, as Hello Games adds new expeditions approximately once or twice a year. This only adds more hours to the total time it takes to finish the game.
