Starfield – a new addition to the gaming industry in the action RPG genre with a vast and detailed open world. The release is scheduled for September 6, 2023, with early access starting on September 1.

Especially for fans of this genre and space theme, we've compiled a list of games that are similar to Starfield in terms of mechanics and style.

No Man's Sky

A computer game in the space action-adventure genre with an open world and survival elements developed by Hello Games. It was released in 2016.

The game's illustrations and design draw inspiration from the aesthetics of science fiction posters and comics. The world is vibrant and not gloomy, with most of the gameplay taking place on different planets and intergalactic spaces.

You'll embark on a journey from being a stranded human on an unknown planet to becoming the owner of your own space base and a star explorer. It visually resembles a space and land version of Subnautica.

X4 Foundations

A space sandbox game released in 2018 and the latest part of the X4 series. The game is known for its intricate economic system. You can trade, purchase new buildings, set up your own base, and own spaceships.

Highlights include:

• More than 1000 stations and ships trading among themselves in the game world;
• Constantly changing prices that you need to track;
• Intergalactic conflicts affecting economic growth or decline;
• Different factions responding differently to conflicts, some supporting them and others trying to resolve them.

Each decision you make affects the economy and the course of the game.

EverSpace 2

An interesting and more casual space simulator where you'll uncover the main character's story and prevent galactic wars and conflicts.

The game offers:

• 20 hours of story-driven gameplay;
• Scripted side quests that complement the main story;
• An open world with 7 systems for exploration and travel;
• Spaceship upgrades;
• Equipment and gear crafting;
• Companion management and upgrades.

The game is visually appealing and colorful, providing a unique visual experience.

Empyrion - Galactic Survival

Another adventure sandbox game set in an open cosmic world, focusing on survival and construction similar to No Man's Sky. It was released in 2015 and officially launched in 2020.

In the storyline, by the 24th century, humanity nearly destroyed Earth and set out to find new planets and galaxies suitable for life. Unfortunately, the journey didn't go smoothly – the ship crashed, and the crew found themselves on an unknown planet.

Your task is to survive by any means necessary and explore this new environment. Build, fight, defend, and explore new territories.

Stellaris

A real-time grand strategy game set in space. It's warmly received by players and is considered one of the best space strategies.

Firstly, the game allows you to create your own civilization and define specific characteristics:

• Appearance of the race;
• Flag;
• Political structure;
• Citizen model;
• Empire principles;
• Appearance of cities, ships, etc.

The options are diverse. After selecting a civilization, other empires are randomly generated nearby that you can either collaborate with or engage in conflicts with. It shares some similarities with the Civilization game series.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

A third-person shooter game. You'll control a cute creature in an animated style rather than a human or representatives of different races. The game features a variety of weapons, some of which have unique and unconventional principles that you'll need to understand.

Highlights:

• Vibrant world design;
• Pleasant graphics;
• Well-developed storyline and arcs for each character;
• 9 planets open for exploration and battles;
• Interesting puzzles and side quests;
• Fast, almost instantaneous loading not only on powerful PCs;
• Well-designed action scenes, and more.

Outer Wilds

An action-adventure game developed by Mobius Digital with a cozy and comfortable atmosphere.

The main character finds themselves in a time loop. The primary objective is to explore other planets, but at a much more relaxed pace. Explore planets, pay attention to local features, collect achievements, and gradually unveil the game's main secret.

Astro Colony

A sandbox game with a focus on construction. This extensive game allows you to build massive colonies spanning entire planets.

The main advantage is cooperative mode support, so choose Astro Colony if you want to spend time building a station with friends.

Outer Worlds Series

A first-person space shooter game often compared to the Fallout series, which we'll also cover further. This isn't surprising since the game was developed in collaboration with a former Fallout developer.

The game is set in the future, where humanity has reached a new level, attempting to colonize new lands and build colonies. The game's action unfolds on one such colony – Halcyon. All relationships between people are purely economic, and every individual is owned by corporations from birth, lacking personal identity.

The storyline lasts around 20-25 hours. Downsides include players noting an inconvenient shooting system and a limited variety of weaponry.

Fallout Series

Fallout – one of the most popular game series in the industry, dedicated to survival in a post-apocalyptic world. The actions take place in the USA after a nuclear war, where in the new world, people try to return to their previous lives. The first part was released in 1997 – more than 25 years ago.

Features and functionality of the series:

• Recognizable retro-futuristic style;
• Infinite exploration of a vast world without limitations;
• S.P.E.C.I.A.L system – enhance unique attributes based on your gameplay style;
• Build your dream home: multiple floors, equipment, machinery;
• Seize control of nuclear missiles and use them against enemies;
• Complete companion quests and establish connections;
• Undertake hidden quests, earn secret achievements, and much more.

The latest released part – Fallout 76, supports a multiplayer mode where players can unite in one world and explore the territory together.

Mass Effect Series

Another popular game series in the sci-fi action genre by developer BioWare. According to the game's plot, humans, along with extraterrestrials, have colonized the Milky Way, using technologies from ancient civilizations.

The galaxy is also inhabited by other races, between which conflicts and clashes are constantly occurring. The main protagonist remains unchanged – Shepard, in male or female form.

Main advantages of the series:

• Dynamic gameplay;
• Excellent graphics;
• Vibrant and interesting characters;
• Well-crafted dialogues with a touch of humor;
• Possibility to transfer saves from the first part to the last;
• Moral choices: every action affects the plot and outcome of the game.

The series is rightfully considered one of the best in its genre.

Parkan 2

A game from a domestic developer. The second part of this series is almost 20 years old, but it's still interesting and relevant.

The events take place in the same time frame as the first part. According to the plot, the main character's goal is to find a missing research ship and prevent a rapidly expanding anomaly.

The main advantage of the game is the almost complete freedom of action. Choose your role: pirate, trader, mercenary, etc. The main gameplay takes place on board a ship, where you explore planets and galaxies.

Space Engineers

A voxel-based sandbox game with two main modes: creative and survival. Essentially, it's reminiscent of the classic Minecraft – you can build literally anything from blocks and cubes. There are no significant limitations.

The entire game revolves around crafting and building. Complete quests, choose playthrough scenarios, set individual challenge settings, and create your own open world.

Astroneer

A vibrant sci-fi sandbox. The main character is an astronaut who must survive on an uncharted planet. Instead of food, sleep, or energy, oxygen is crucial. The game is built around this mechanic – transporting oxygen to different parts of the world to move freely.

All surrounding objects are designed in the manner of Space Engineers – in the form of cubes. The hero must build a station and modular parts, docking them to various parts of the planet.

Marauders

A multiplayer shooter where you play not just as astronauts or space rangers, but as real space pirates.

The main gameplay involves raiding space stations, ships, and warehouses in cooperation with other players.

STAR WARS™: Squadrons + Star Wars Battlefront Series

A first-person space simulator set in the iconic Star Wars universe.

In Squadrons, you'll join one of the sides: Republic or the Galactic Empire. Each side is working on a massive Republic project – the "Starhawk." The first side aims to complete it successfully, while the second aims to destroy it. Your choice of side will determine the goal you'll strive for throughout the game.

Battlefront

Battlefront – an online shooter based on the mentioned series. Key advantages:

• Impressive graphics on the Frostbite 3 engine;
• Original soundtrack from the movies;
• Diverse multiplayer modes;
• Wide range of special troopers;

In the in-game store, you can purchase additional heroes, weapons, items, and droids.

Stars End

Another survival game, whose actions start on Earth and continue in space. The main gameplay involves resource gathering, completing tasks, exploring the Solar System, and conducting interplanetary warfare.

Supports multiplayer mode.

Endless Space 2

A grand turn-based 4X strategy game, which stands for "explore, expand, exploit, exterminate." A bright example of a game in this genre is the previously mentioned Civilization series.

Quite complex but interesting strategy. It will take time to grasp the main mechanics and buttons. You'll start by creating your own faction and fully customizing the galaxy's features. The game begins on one planet, and later you'll be able to venture to others.

Sooner or later, the entire cosmos will be under the control of different factions, leading to inevitable conflicts. This is the next part of the game, and the choice is yours: build diplomatic relations or opt for a more direct and warrior-like path by conquering territories by force. Note that the political and diplomatic system is more thought-out and intriguing than traditional conquests.

SpaceBourne 2

Currently, the game is in early access. The plot continues the events of the first part. The main gameplay and mechanics include:

• A third-person shooter;
• Ship flights;
• Trading;
• Interaction with NPCs;
• Open-space flights.

Some mechanics are simplified because the game was created by one person, without a large budget or sponsorship. Nonetheless, it's vibrant and memorable.

Halo Series

A science fiction game by Bungie. It was first released in 2001 and has 10 parts and 1 collection.

The ultimate goal of the game is to create your own empire. However, you'll start with simple mercenary work. Classic to the genre, the first thing you'll do is create a character with unique characteristics that will affect the course of the game.

The main gameplay revolves around shootouts, fights, interaction with NPCs, completing storyline missions, and interplanetary ship flights. By the way, for movement, there's an additional interesting means of transportation – the hoverbike that levitates above the surface.

For completing tasks and activities, the hero earns upgrade points to enhance core attributes and add new skills.

Another intriguing mechanic is ship customization, which should become your reliable and invincible companion by the end of the game.

Remember that Starfield is a unique game, and all the examples provided are similar to, not repetitions of, the concept of Starfield.