Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like EVE Online (2026)
Every game below overlaps with EVE Online 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 short version
- Closest match: VEGA Conflict, which both open world, science fiction, war and strategy.
- EVE Online is tagged Space, Free to Play, Massively Multiplayer, Open World, Multiplayer, RPG, Economy, Sci-fi 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.
- 12 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
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
VEGA Conflict
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, war and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Free to Play, Space and Massively Multiplayer.
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 Free to PlaySpaceMassively MultiplayerStrategySandboxPvEPvPSci-fi
- 2
Star Trek Online
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Free to Play, Sci-fi and Massively Multiplayer.
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 Free to PlaySci-fiMassively MultiplayerSpaceMMORPGRPGCharacter CustomizationPvE
- 3
PlanetSide 2
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, war and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Free to Play, Massively Multiplayer and Sci-fi.
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 Free to PlayMassively MultiplayerSci-fiWarPvPStrategySpaceRPG
- 4
Endless Sky
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Space, Free to Play and Sci-fi.
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 SpaceFree to PlaySci-fiRPGExplorationSandboxEconomyStrategy
- 5
Knight Online
Why it matched: both open world, war and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Free to Play, MMORPG and Massively Multiplayer.
The Great Battle between Karus and El Morad has arrived to Steam! Pledge allegiance to one of the Nations and put your skills to the test in one of the best PvP system in the MMORPG universe!
Knight Online at a glance Released 2016 Studio Noah System Player sentiment 51% positive of 11,259 Price Free Free to PlayMMORPGMassively MultiplayerPvPRPGWarStrategyCharacter Customization
- 6
Albion Online
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Free to Play, MMORPG and Massively Multiplayer.
Albion Online is a fantasy sandbox MMORPG featuring a player-driven economy, classless combat system, and intense PvP battles. Explore a vast open world full of danger and opportunity. Grow your wealth, forge alliances, and leave your mark on the world of Albion.
Albion Online at a glance Released 2018 Studio Sandbox Interactive GmbH Player sentiment 78% positive of 93,490 Price Free Free to PlayMMORPGMassively MultiplayerSandboxRPGPvPPvEEconomy
- 7
Elite Dangerous
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Space, Exploration and Sci-fi.
Take control of your own starship and blaze your trail in an ever-changing galaxy. Master the arts of combat, mining and trade or venture out into the unknown across a 1:1 scale universe.
Elite Dangerous at a glance Released 2014 Studio Frontier Developments Player sentiment 77% positive of 107,348 Price $5.99 SpaceExplorationSci-fiMassively MultiplayerSandboxRPGStrategy
- 8
Galactic Civilizations III
Why it matched: both science fiction, war and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Sci-fi, Sandbox and PvE.
Build a civilization that will stand the test of time in the largest space-based strategy game ever! Choose from dozens of unique races and make a name for yourself across the galaxy through diplomacy, espionage, technological advances, and more.
Galactic Civilizations III at a glance Released 2015 Studio Stardock Entertainment Player sentiment 77% positive of 10,391 Price $29.99 Sci-fiSandboxPvEStrategyPvPSpaceLore-RichWar
- 9
SPORE Galactic Adventures
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Space, Exploration and Sandbox.
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 SpaceExplorationSandboxStrategySci-fiRPGCharacter Customization
- 10
ENDLESS Space 2
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, war and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, Space and Sci-fi.
ENDLESS Space™ 2 is a Strategic Space Opera, featuring the compelling “just one more turn” gameplay, set in the mysterious ENDLESS Universe™. As the leader of your civilization, will you impose your vision and build the greatest stellar empire?
ENDLESS Space 2 at a glance Released 2017 Studio AMPLITUDE Studios Player sentiment 83% positive of 23,056 Price $7.99 StrategySpaceSci-fiWarSandboxRPG
- 11
Empyrion - Galactic Survival
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Space, Exploration and Sandbox.
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 SpaceExplorationSandboxSci-fiPvEPvPStrategy
- 12
WildStar
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 8 player tags including Free to Play, Massively Multiplayer and MMORPG.
Critically acclaimed and now Free to Play, WildStar is a fantastical sci-fi MMO where you can join your friends or undertake your own epic adventures on the fabled planet Nexus!
WildStar at a glance Released 2016 Studio Carbine Studios Player sentiment 75% positive of 5,124 Price Not listed Free to PlayMassively MultiplayerMMORPGRPGSci-fiPvPPvECharacter Customization
- 13
Black Desert
Why it matched: both open world, war and strategy; shares 7 player tags including MMORPG, Massively Multiplayer and Character Customization.
Played by over 20 million Adventurers - Black Desert Online is an open-world, action MMORPG. Experience intense, action-packed combat, battle massive world bosses, fight alongside friends to siege and conquer castles, and train in professions such as fishing, trading, crafting, cooking, and more!
Black Desert at a glance Released 2014 Studio Pearl Abyss Player sentiment 74% positive of 94,179 Price $9.99 MMORPGMassively MultiplayerCharacter CustomizationRPGStrategyPvPWar
- 14
Champions Online
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 8 player tags including MMORPG, Character Customization and Free to Play.
Grab your cape and defend Millennium City in this comic book-style action MMORPG! Design your hero and costume from thousands of costume pieces, face super-villains like Dr. Destroyer, and create your own unique nemesis.
Champions Online at a glance Released 2011 Studio Cryptic Studios Player sentiment 71% positive of 4,378 Price Free MMORPGCharacter CustomizationFree to PlayMassively MultiplayerPvPPvERPGSci-fi
- 15
Dreadnought
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Space, Free to Play and Massively Multiplayer.
Command and customize your own capital ships. Take down opponents in thundering, team-based combat. Dreadnought is a free-to-play shooter that puts you at the center of spaceship battles on a colossal scale.
Dreadnought at a glance Released 2018 Studio Six Foot Player sentiment 68% positive of 6,628 Price Not listed SpaceFree to PlayMassively MultiplayerSci-fiPvPSpaceshipsStrategy
- 16
RuneScape
Why it matched: both open world; shares 9 player tags including Free to Play, MMORPG and Massively Multiplayer; released around the same time (2001).
RuneScape is a high fantasy open world MMORPG. Explore an ever changing and evolving living world where new challenges, skills, and quests await. Featuring unprecedented player freedom, you choose how to play, adventure, and grow.
RuneScape at a glance Released 2001 Studio Jagex Player sentiment 82% positive of 27,176 Price Free Free to PlayMMORPGMassively MultiplayerRPGCharacter CustomizationPvELore-RichPvP
- 17
Star Wars: The Old Republic
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 8 player tags including Free to Play, MMORPG and Character Customization.
STAR WARS™: The Old Republic™ is a free-to-play MMORPG that puts you at the center of your own story-driven saga. Play as a Jedi, Sith, Bounty Hunter, or one of many other iconic STAR WARS roles in the galaxy far, far away over three thousand years before the classic films.
Star Wars: The Old Republic at a glance Released 2011 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 90% positive of 75,206 Price Free Free to PlayMMORPGCharacter CustomizationRPGMassively MultiplayerSci-fiSpacePvP
- 18
Old School RuneScape
Why it matched: both open world; shares 9 player tags including MMORPG, Free to Play and Massively Multiplayer.
The best retro fantasy MMORPG on the planet. Old School is RuneScape but… older! This is the open world you know and love, but as it was in 2007. Saying that, it’s even better than that – Old School is shaped by you, its players, with regular new content, fixes and expansions voted for by the fans!
Old School RuneScape at a glance Released 2021 Studio Jagex Ltd Player sentiment 83% positive of 20,728 Price Free MMORPGFree to PlayMassively MultiplayerRPGCharacter CustomizationPvEPvPExploration
- 19
RuneScape
Why it matched: both open world; shares 9 player tags including Free to Play, MMORPG and Massively Multiplayer.
RuneScape is a high fantasy open world MMORPG. Explore an ever changing and evolving living world where new challenges, skills, and quests await. Featuring unprecedented player freedom, you choose how to play, adventure, and grow.
RuneScape at a glance Released 2020 Studio Jagex Ltd Player sentiment 82% positive of 27,182 Price Free Free to PlayMMORPGMassively MultiplayerRPGCharacter CustomizationPvELore-RichPvP
- 20
MechWarrior Online Solaris 7
Why it matched: both science fiction, war and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, Sci-fi and PvP.
MechWarrior Online™ Legends is a tactical, 'Mech-based online shooter set in the vast BattleTech Universe. Assume the role of an elite MechWarrior, piloting powerful BattleMechs, fighting for supremacy over the Inner Sphere.
MechWarrior Online Solaris 7 at a glance Released 2015 Studio Piranha Games Inc. Player sentiment 80% positive of 12,817 Price Free Free to PlaySci-fiPvPMassively MultiplayerStrategyWar
- 21
Destiny 2
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 8 player tags including Free to Play, MMORPG and PvE.
Explore the mysteries of Sol and experience exhilirating first-person shooter combat in Destiny 2. Unlock powerful abilities and collect unique gear across story missions, co-op, and PvP modes.
Destiny 2 at a glance Released 2017 Studio Bungie Player sentiment 79% positive of 661,549 Price Free Free to PlayMMORPGPvEPvPMassively MultiplayerSci-fiLore-RichSpace
- 22
Foxhole
Why it matched: both open world, war and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Massively Multiplayer, Sandbox and War.
Foxhole is a massively multiplayer game where thousands of players shape the outcome of a persistent online war. Every individual soldier is a player that contributes to the war effort through logistics, base building, reconnaissance, combat, and more.
Foxhole at a glance Released 2022 Studio Siege Camp Player sentiment 79% positive of 52,962 Price $29.99 Massively MultiplayerSandboxWarPvPStrategyRPG
- 23
PULSAR: Lost Colony
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 7 player tags including PvE, Space and Exploration.
The co-op open-world space sim where everyone has a role! Pilot the ship. Reroute power. Launch nukes. Explore alien planets. Research new talents. Work together to find the Lost Colony! ...or just deliver some biscuits
PULSAR: Lost Colony at a glance Released 2021 Studio Leafy Games Player sentiment 90% positive of 5,732 Price $19.99 PvESpaceExplorationSci-fiSpaceshipsRPGCharacter Customization
- 24
ARK: Survival Of The Fittest
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Free to Play, Massively Multiplayer and PvP.
ARK: The Survival of the Fittest is a prototype spin-off of ARK: Survival Evolved, pitting up to 60 combatants against each other in a fast-paced, action-packed struggle for survival, where players are ultimately pushed into an epic final showdown leading their Dinosaur Armies into battle.
ARK: Survival Of The Fittest at a glance Released 2017 Studio Studio Wildcard Player sentiment 66% positive of 11,804 Price Not listed Free to PlayMassively MultiplayerPvPRPGStrategyExplorationSandbox
Common questions
What game is most like EVE Online?
VEGA Conflict, on the evidence we have. It both open world, science fiction, war and strategy. 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 EVE Online" 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 EVE Online. 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.
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.