Best video games set in outer space

Video games have the ability to transport you to places you could probably never visit in real life. As a result, it is not surprising that many games are set in outer space and let us explore what is yet unknown and unexplored. In this article, we will list three must-play games for those who want to keep their heads in the stars.

Outer Wilds

For those who are looking for a whimsical narrative experience, Outer Wilds is a solid choice. Developed by Mobius Digital, this game was one of the most praised releases of 2019. Considered a kind of “space archaeology” simulator, Outer Wilds leads the player to explore the solar system, visiting places like a ruined planet or an underground city that is being swallowed by sand.

However, Outer Wilds developers know full well that the best experiences sometimes need to last a short time. As a result, you only have 22 minutes at a time to explore this universe – at the end of the count, a supernova resets the solar system and takes you to the beginning of the exploration. And with each ‘resurrection,’ the game keeps a record of everything you’ve explored in your various ‘lives,’ gradually revealing an incredible digital encyclopedia.

In a year in which space has inspired many works in film and television, such as Dune and Loki, Outer Wilds will also get a new expansion named “Echoes of the Eye”.

Kerbal Space Program

If you’re the type of curious individual who’s always enjoyed learning how objects work, then this is your space game. Despite its comic characters, Kerbal Space Program is an extremely competent space exploration simulator and allows the player to assemble spacecraft based on real aerodynamics and orbital physics.

You get to assemble your spacecraft using a menu of varied parts, including the recyclable rockets popularized by SpaceX. You will then see your experiment either succeed or blow up in a fireball. The Kerbal Space Program, which according to Space.com is getting a sequel, is often a catastrophe comedy, and each new improvised sketch is an invitation to try something different. You’ll be in charge of the Kerbals’ space program and you’ll have the possibility to explore different moons and planets in the solar system, as well as build space stations to take expeditions further.

Elite: Dangerous

Developed by Frontier Developments, Elite Dangerous, puts the player in the commander’s seat of a spacecraft ready to explore the Milky Way. And not any Milky Way, but a 1:1 scale simulation of our galaxy, based on scientific principles and real data.

At the same time, you have to think about almost everything: how to take off from a hangar, manage the energy and fuel of your ship and what fights to buy. The galaxy is filled with other pilots, trading factions and galactic empires and it’s up to the player to choose what their role will be in this online multiplayer – from space pirate hunter to asteroid miner, the choice is yours.

It is also worth highlighting the excellent work of the producer with the sound design and incredible visuals of Elite: Dangerous, capable of leaving any space exploration enthusiast stunned. Elite Dangerous got an expansion earlier this year, so the developers clearly see the long-term potential of game.

With this list, we hope you’ll be able to take off into space and feel like you are up there with the stars and asteroids.