Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Elite Dangerous (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Elite Dangerous on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The games like Elite Dangerous on a map
Compare the whole catalogueThe same 24 games, plotted rather than listed. The two axes below are the ones the ranking is built from, so a game sitting high and right is a game the formula placed near the top. Change either axis to see the field a different way. Where we hold a publisher wordmark, the game is drawn as its mark rather than a dot.
24 games have both
Axes are fitted to these 24 games rather than the full 0 to 100 scale, because a filtered list shares a narrow band and would otherwise sit in one corner. End values are marked. A point on the left edge is the lowest of thesegames, not a low score.
Players. The share of Steam reviews marked positive, pulled toward the catalogue average in proportion to how few reviews stand behind it. A game with 200 reviews moves a long way toward the average; one with 200,000 barely moves at all. Without this a title sitting at 100 percent on nine reviews outranks Half-Life 2 at 98 percent on 278,000.
Popularity. A blend of two things that are not the same. Audience is how many people wrote a Steam review, which is a floor on how many played it. Reach is how many language editions of Wikipedia document the game, which is cultural footprint rather than sales. A game can score high on one and low on the other: a huge free-to-play title has audience without reach, and a landmark console exclusive has reach without a Steam audience at all. Where both exist they are averaged; where only one does, that one carries it.
- Multi-platform
- PC
Every point links to that game's entry. The value map and the reception map are fixed views of the same data.
How positions are decided
No paid placement, no favouritism, live third-party data
- Placed by the published method, not by us. Every coordinate is computed from the axis definitions and weights printed on this site. Nobody moves a point. See the axes.
- Nothing here is paid for. No sponsored placements, no promoted slots, no arrangement of any kind affects a position. If that ever changes it will be labelled and sit outside the ranking.
- No favouritism, including our own. The 16 games we have written full reviews of are scored by exactly the same formula as the other 1,510, from the same third-party inputs, and they land where it puts them. Our own opinion of a game does not enter its coordinates.
- A position is not an endorsement. It says how a game was received and what it costs, not that we recommend it. Where we do recommend something, it carries a written review with a name on it.
- Fetched from live third-party data. Player sentiment from Steam, critic aggregates as published on store pages, prices checked hourly, attention from Wikipedia. Each figure carries its source and the date it was read, and we do not adjust any of them.
The short version
- Closest match: Kerbal Space Program, which both open world, science fiction, strategy and difficult.
- Elite Dangerous is tagged Space Sim, Space, Open World, Exploration, Sci-fi, Simulation, Massively Multiplayer, Multiplayer by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 7 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
- 1 are from the same studio: Jurassic World Evolution.
Why players value Elite Dangerous
The five things Steam players tag Elite Dangerous with most. This is the yardstick every game below is measured against: the closer a game matches these, the more it is likely to scratch the same itch.
- Space Sim
- Space
- Open World
- Exploration
- Sci-fi
| Reception | on Steam (77% of 107,348) |
|---|---|
| Watch-outs | players report crashes and freezes, performance and stutter, will not launch or install, servers and connection |
| Price | $5.99 |
Tags, sentiment and reported problems come from Steam players; the story line is from Wikipedia. We do not add a written opinion of our own.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
Kerbal Space Program
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, strategy and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Space, Simulation and Sandbox; released around the same time (2015).
In Kerbal Space Program, take charge of the space program for the alien race known as the Kerbals. You have access to an array of parts to assemble fully-functional spacecraft that flies (or doesn’t) based on realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics.
Kerbal Space Program at a glance Released 2015 Studio Squad Player sentiment 96% positive of 146,438 Price $39.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: (96% of 146,438)
Matches Elite Dangerous on: 5 of 5 — Space Sim, Space, Open World, Exploration, Sci-fi
Why players like it: Space, Simulation, Sandbox, Physics, Science — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Elite Dangerous: $39.99 — $34.00 pricier
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with Elite Dangerous:SpaceSimulationSandboxSpace SimExplorationSci-fiDifficultStrategy
- 2
Endless Sky
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Space, Sci-fi and Simulation; released around the same time (2015).
Endless Sky is a 2D space trading and combat game inspired by the classic Escape Velocity series. Work your way up from a relatively wimpy shuttle, cargo ship, or fighter, to a highly upgraded and customized flagship or to a massive fleet of warships or freighters.
Endless Sky at a glance Released 2015 Studio Michael Zahniser Player sentiment 92% positive of 7,092 Price Free Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.6/10 · Steam: (92% of 7,092)
Matches Elite Dangerous on: 5 of 5 — Space Sim, Space, Open World, Exploration, Sci-fi
Why players like it: Space, Free to Play, Open World, Singleplayer, Sci-fi — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Elite Dangerous: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Elite Dangerous:SpaceSci-fiSimulationRPGTradingExplorationSpace SimSandbox
- 3
Oxygen Not Included
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, strategy and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Simulation, Sandbox and Strategy.
Oxygen Not Included is a space-colony simulation game. Deep inside an alien space rock your industrious crew will need to master science, overcome strange new lifeforms, and harness incredible space tech to survive, and possibly, thrive.
Oxygen Not Included at a glance Released 2019 Studio Klei Entertainment Player sentiment 97% positive of 143,589 Price $24.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.6/10 · Steam: (97% of 143,589)
Matches Elite Dangerous on: 5 of 5 — Space Sim, Space, Open World, Exploration, Sci-fi
Why players like it: Colony Sim, Base-Building, Survival, Resource Management, Building — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Elite Dangerous: $24.99 — $19.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Elite Dangerous:SimulationSandboxStrategySpaceSci-fiDifficultExplorationSpace Sim
- 4
X4: Foundations
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Space Sim, Simulation and Sandbox; released around the same time (2018).
Your journey to building a vast space empire begins behind the controls of a single ship. Explore, trade, fight, and build as you rise to command fleets, stations, and entire economies in a living, fully simulated universe that reacts to every decision.
X4: Foundations at a glance Released 2018 Studio Egosoft Player sentiment 80% positive of 30,064 Price $49.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.1/10 · Steam: (80% of 30,064)
Matches Elite Dangerous on: 4 of 5 — Space Sim, Space, Open World, Exploration
Why players like it: Space Sim, Simulation, Sandbox, Economy, Space — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Elite Dangerous: $49.99 — $44.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Elite Dangerous:Space SimSimulationSandboxSpaceTradingExplorationStrategyFirst-Person
- 5
Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Online Co-Op, Simulation and Space; released around the same time (2012).
Command a space-faring empire in Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, the new stand-alone expansion that combines 4X depth with real-time strategy gameplay.
Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion at a glance Released 2012 Studio Ironclad Games Corporation Player sentiment 93% positive of 16,339 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: (93% of 16,339)
Matches Elite Dangerous on: 4 of 5 — Space Sim, Space, Exploration, Sci-fi
Why players like it: Management, Diplomacy, Online Co-Op, Multiplayer, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Elite Dangerous: $19.99 — $14.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Elite Dangerous:Online Co-OpSimulationSpaceStrategySandboxSci-fiExplorationSpace Sim
- 6
EVE Online
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Space, Massively Multiplayer and RPG.
Over 20 years of legendary space battles! Explore a massive living universe of danger and opportunity in a challenging and highly rewarding space adventure. Fight, trade, build, and connect with a universe driven and shaped directly by players.
EVE Online at a glance Released 2003 Studio Simon & Schuster Player sentiment 73% positive of 39,389 Price Free Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.1/10 · Steam: (73% of 39,389)
Matches Elite Dangerous on: 4 of 5 — Space, Open World, Exploration, Sci-fi
Why players like it: Space, Free to Play, Massively Multiplayer, Open World, Multiplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Elite Dangerous: Free — free
Watch-outs: players report monetisation inside the game (details)
Shared with Elite Dangerous:SpaceMassively MultiplayerRPGSci-fiSandboxStrategyExploration
- 7
Moonbase Alpha
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Space, Simulation and Online Co-Op; released around the same time (2010).
NASA has once again landed on the lunar surface with the goal of colonization, research, and further exploration. Shortly after the return to the Moon, NASA has established a small outpost on the south pole of the moon called Moonbase Alpha.
Moonbase Alpha at a glance Released 2010 Studio Virtual Heroes Player sentiment 91% positive of 12,875 Price Free Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: (91% of 12,875)
Matches Elite Dangerous on: 2 of 5 — Space, Open World
Why players like it: Space, Simulation, Free to Play, Multiplayer, Online Co-Op — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Elite Dangerous: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Elite Dangerous:SpaceSimulationOnline Co-OpStrategySandboxMassively MultiplayerFirst-Person
- 8
PlanetSide 2
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Massively Multiplayer, Sci-fi and First-Person; released around the same time (2012).
PlanetSide 2 is an all-out planetary war, where thousands of players battle as one across enormous continents. Utilize infantry, ground and air vehicles, and teamwork to destroy your enemies in this revolutionary first-person shooter on a massive scale.
PlanetSide 2 at a glance Released 2012 Studio Rogue Planet Games Player sentiment 80% positive of 74,813 Price Free Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.6/10 · Steam: (80% of 74,813)
Matches Elite Dangerous on: 3 of 5 — Space, Open World, Sci-fi
Why players like it: Free to Play, FPS, Massively Multiplayer, Shooter, Action — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Elite Dangerous: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Elite Dangerous:Massively MultiplayerSci-fiFirst-PersonOnline Co-OpStrategySpaceRPG
- 9
SPORE Galactic Adventures
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Space and Exploration.
Take Your Creature From Zero To Galactic HeroGet out of your starship and turn your Spore creatures into legendary Space Captains. For the first time, beam down with your allies to take on action-packed, planetside adventures. Complete quests, collect rewards, and even create your own missions.
SPORE Galactic Adventures at a glance Released 2009 Studio EA - Maxis Player sentiment 89% positive of 7,761 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.3/10 · Steam: (89% of 7,761)
Matches Elite Dangerous on: 4 of 5 — Space, Open World, Exploration, Sci-fi
Why players like it: Simulation, Action, Space, Adventure, Exploration — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Elite Dangerous: $19.99 — $14.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Elite Dangerous:SimulationSpaceExplorationSandboxStrategySci-fiRPG
- 10
Polarity
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, strategy and difficult; shares 6 player tags including First-Person, Strategy and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2016).
Polarity takes it to the next level, demanding all of your wits and reflexes. Full-featured local co-op campaign.
Polarity at a glance Released 2016 Studio Bluebutton Games Player sentiment 79% positive of 4,668 Price $12.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.6/10 · Steam: (79% of 4,668)
Matches Elite Dangerous on: 2 of 5 — Space, Sci-fi
Why players like it: Puzzle, First-Person, Indie, Local Co-Op, Adventure — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Elite Dangerous: $12.99 — $7.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Elite Dangerous:First-PersonStrategySci-fiSandboxSpaceDifficult
- 11
Hardspace: Shipbreaker
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Space, Sci-fi and Simulation.
Equipped with cutting-edge salvaging tech, carve & slice spaceships to recover valuable materials. Upgrade your gear to take on more lucrative contracts and pay your billion credits debt to LYNX Corp!
Hardspace: Shipbreaker at a glance Released 2022 Studio Blackbird Interactive Player sentiment 89% positive of 22,334 Price $34.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: (89% of 22,334)
Matches Elite Dangerous on: 4 of 5 — Space Sim, Space, Open World, Sci-fi
Why players like it: Space, Sci-fi, Simulation, Physics, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Elite Dangerous: $34.99 — $29.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Elite Dangerous:SpaceSci-fiSimulationSandboxFirst-PersonSpace SimStrategy
- 12
Empyrion - Galactic Survival
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Space and Exploration.
Build and explore in a true space sandbox survival adventure. Construct mighty capital vessels, sprawling planetary settlements, and vast space stations in your galactic journey to discover the mysteries of Empyrion!
Empyrion - Galactic Survival at a glance Released 2020 Studio Eleon Game Studios Player sentiment 78% positive of 34,399 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.0/10 · Steam: (78% of 34,399)
Matches Elite Dangerous on: 5 of 5 — Space Sim, Space, Open World, Exploration, Sci-fi
Why players like it: Simulation, Co-op, Open World Survival Craft, Space, Survival — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Elite Dangerous: $19.99 — $14.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Elite Dangerous:SimulationSpaceExplorationSpace SimSandboxSci-fiStrategy
- 13
Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, strategy and difficult; shares 5 player tags including RPG, Sci-fi and Exploration; released around the same time (2015).
You've just unearthed the classic post-apocalyptic role-playing game that revitalized the entire CRPG genre. The Fallout® SPECIAL system allows drastically different types of characters, meaningful decisions and development that puts you in complete control. Explore the devastated ruins of a golden age civilization.
Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game at a glance Released 2015 Studio Interplay Inc. Player sentiment 94% positive of 25,164 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.2/10 · Steam: (94% of 25,164)
Matches Elite Dangerous on: 3 of 5 — Open World, Exploration, Sci-fi
Why players like it: RPG, Post-apocalyptic, Classic, Open World, Isometric — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Elite Dangerous: $9.99 — $4.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Elite Dangerous:RPGSci-fiExplorationDifficultSandbox
- 14
Jurassic World Evolution
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Frontier Developments; both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 4 player tags including Simulation, Strategy and Sandbox; released around the same time (2018).
Place yourself at the heart of the Jurassic franchise and build your own Jurassic World. Bioengineer dinosaurs that think, feel and react intelligently to the world around them and face threats posed by espionage, breakouts and devastating tropical storms in an uncertain world where life always finds a way.
Jurassic World Evolution at a glance Released 2018 Studio Frontier Developments Player sentiment 87% positive of 55,272 Price $44.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.5/10 · Steam: (87% of 55,272)
Matches Elite Dangerous on: 2 of 5 — Open World, Sci-fi
Why players like it: Building, Dinosaurs, Simulation, Management, Strategy — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Elite Dangerous: $44.99 — $39.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Elite Dangerous:SimulationStrategySandboxSci-fi
- 15
No Man's Sky
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 8 player tags including Space, Exploration and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2016).
No Man's Sky is a game about exploration and survival in an infinite procedurally generated universe.
No Man's Sky at a glance Released 2016 Studio Hello Games Player sentiment 85% positive of 414,641 Price $59.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.3/10 · Steam: (85% of 414,641)
Matches Elite Dangerous on: 5 of 5 — Space Sim, Space, Open World, Exploration, Sci-fi
Why players like it: Open World, Open World Survival Craft, Space, Exploration, Sci-fi — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Elite Dangerous: $59.99 — $54.00 pricier
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes, performance and stutter (details)
Shared with Elite Dangerous:SpaceExplorationSci-fiFirst-PersonSandboxSpace SimSimulationVR
- 16
Surviving Mars
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, Space and Simulation; released around the same time (2018).
There will be challenges to overcome. Execute your strategy and improve your colony’s chances of survival while unlocking the mysteries of this alien world. Are you ready? Mars is waiting for you.
Surviving Mars at a glance Released 2018 Studio Haemimont Games Player sentiment 80% positive of 28,730 Price Not listed Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.2/10 · Steam: (80% of 28,730)
Matches Elite Dangerous on: 4 of 5 — Space Sim, Space, Open World, Sci-fi
Why players like it: Colony Sim, City Builder, Strategy, Survival, Space — the tags Steam players apply most
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Elite Dangerous:StrategySpaceSimulationSci-fiSandboxSpace Sim
- 17
Planetbase
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Space, Strategy and Simulation; released around the same time (2015).
Guide a group of space settlers trying to establish a base on a remote planet. Grow food, collect energy, mine resources, survive disasters and build a self-sufficient colony in a harsh and unforgiving environment.
Planetbase at a glance Released 2015 Studio Madruga Works Player sentiment 80% positive of 10,438 Price $7.49 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.9/10 · Steam: (80% of 10,438)
Matches Elite Dangerous on: 4 of 5 — Space Sim, Space, Open World, Sci-fi
Why players like it: Colony Sim, City Builder, Base-Building, Space, Strategy — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Elite Dangerous: $7.49 — $1.50 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Elite Dangerous:SpaceStrategySimulationSci-fiSandboxSpace Sim
- 18
Star Trek Online
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Sci-fi, Massively Multiplayer and Space; released around the same time (2012).
In Star Trek Online, the Star Trek universe appears for the first time on a truly massive scale. Players take the captain's chair as they command their own starship and crew. Explore strange new worlds, seek out new life and new civilizations, and boldly go where no one has gone before.
Star Trek Online at a glance Released 2012 Studio Cryptic Studios Player sentiment 79% positive of 21,274 Price Free Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.9/10 · Steam: (79% of 21,274)
Matches Elite Dangerous on: 3 of 5 — Space, Open World, Sci-fi
Why players like it: Free to Play, Sci-fi, Massively Multiplayer, Space, MMORPG — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Elite Dangerous: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Elite Dangerous:Sci-fiMassively MultiplayerSpaceRPGOnline Co-OpStrategy
- 19
Star Conflict
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Online Co-Op, Space Sim and Massively Multiplayer; released around the same time (2013).
Star Conflict is an action-packed, massively multiplayer space simulation game that puts players in the role of elite pilots engaging in a widespread interplanetary skirmish. The whole world for PVP and PVE!
Star Conflict at a glance Released 2013 Studio Star Gem Inc. Player sentiment 73% positive of 15,226 Price Free Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.7/10 · Steam: (73% of 15,226)
Matches Elite Dangerous on: 3 of 5 — Space Sim, Open World, Sci-fi
Why players like it: Online Co-Op, Free to Play, Space Sim, Open World, Massively Multiplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Elite Dangerous: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Elite Dangerous:Online Co-OpSpace SimMassively MultiplayerTradingSandboxRPGSci-fi
- 20
Gold Mining Simulator
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Simulation, Sandbox and First-Person; released around the same time (2017).
Become a gold miner. Work hard, dig deep, explore the world, and you’ll become the wealthiest person in Alaska. Use a variety of specialist machines to find as much gold as you can.
Gold Mining Simulator at a glance Released 2017 Studio Code Horizon Player sentiment 73% positive of 16,382 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.5/10 · Steam: (73% of 16,382)
Matches Elite Dangerous on: 2 of 5 — Open World, Exploration
Why players like it: Simulation, Mining, Singleplayer, Realistic, Open World — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Elite Dangerous: $19.99 — $14.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Elite Dangerous:SimulationSandboxFirst-PersonExplorationStrategyDifficult
- 21
Anno 2205
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, Simulation and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2015).
In Anno 2205™, you join humankind‘s next step into the future with the promise to build a better tomorrow. You conquer Earth, establishing rich, bustling cities and grand industrial complexes, but to secure the prosperity of your people, you must travel into space.
Anno 2205 at a glance Released 2015 Studio Blue Byte Player sentiment 70% positive of 6,335 Price $39.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.4/10 · Steam: (70% of 6,335)
Matches Elite Dangerous on: 3 of 5 — Space, Open World, Sci-fi
Why players like it: City Builder, Strategy, Simulation, Futuristic, 4X — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Elite Dangerous: $39.99 — $34.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Elite Dangerous:StrategySimulationSci-fiSpaceSandboxTrading
- 22
VEGA Conflict
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Space, Massively Multiplayer and Strategy; released around the same time (2015).
Stake your claim, command your fleets, and wage epic war in space.
VEGA Conflict at a glance Released 2015 Studio KIXEYE Player sentiment 59% positive of 5,029 Price Not listed Verdict: GamingPickz Score 5.4/10 · Steam: (59% of 5,029)
Matches Elite Dangerous on: 4 of 5 — Space, Open World, Exploration, Sci-fi
Why players like it: Free to Play, 2D, Space, Massively Multiplayer, Strategy — the tags Steam players apply most
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Elite Dangerous:SpaceMassively MultiplayerStrategySandboxSci-fiExploration
- 23
The Lab
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 6 player tags including VR, First-Person and Sandbox; released around the same time (2016).
Welcome to The Lab, a compilation of Valve’s room-scale VR experiments set in a pocket universe within Aperture Science. Fix a robot, defend a castle, adopt a mechanical dog, and more. Still not sold? It’s free!
The Lab at a glance Released 2016 Studio Valve Player sentiment 95% positive of 6,671 Price Free Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: (95% of 6,671)
Matches Elite Dangerous on: 1 of 5 — Sci-fi
Why players like it: Free to Play, VR, Singleplayer, Action, First-Person — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Elite Dangerous: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Elite Dangerous:VRFirst-PersonSandboxSci-fiStrategySimulation
- 24
Satisfactory
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Sandbox, Exploration and First-Person.
Satisfactory is a first-person open-world factory building game with a dash of exploration and combat. Play alone or with friends, explore an alien planet, create multi-story factories, and enter conveyor belt heaven!
Satisfactory at a glance Released 2024 Studio Coffee Stain Studios Player sentiment 97% positive of 278,668 Price $39.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.8/10 · Steam: (97% of 278,668)
Matches Elite Dangerous on: 3 of 5 — Open World, Exploration, Sci-fi
Why players like it: Base-Building, Automation, Open World, Multiplayer, Crafting — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Elite Dangerous: $39.99 — $34.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Elite Dangerous:SandboxExplorationFirst-PersonSimulationStrategySci-fi
Common questions
What game is most like Elite Dangerous?
Kerbal Space Program, on the evidence we have. It both open world, science fiction, strategy and difficult. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to Elite Dangerous" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Elite Dangerous. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
What else did the makers of Elite Dangerous do?
Jurassic World Evolution is also from Frontier Developments, and appears in the list below for that reason as well as on tag overlap.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.