Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Moonbase Alpha (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Moonbase Alpha 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: Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars, which both open world, science fiction, strategy and puzzle.
- Moonbase Alpha is tagged Space, Simulation, Free to Play, Multiplayer, Online Co-Op, Funny, Memes, Strategy 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.
- 4 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
Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, strategy and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Comedy, Funny and Strategy; released around the same time (2011).
LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars will allow fans to explore endlessly and laugh their way through the Star Wars galaxy in the most humorous, accessible and action-packed LEGO game to date.
Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars at a glance Released 2011 Studio Traveller's Tales Player sentiment 95% positive of 9,285 Price $19.99 ComedyFunnyStrategySpacePuzzleThird PersonOnline Co-Op
- 2
The Lab
Why it matched: both science fiction, strategy and puzzle; shares 8 player tags including Free to Play, First-Person and Funny.
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 Free to PlayFirst-PersonFunnySandboxPuzzleMemesStrategySimulation
- 3
Hardspace: Shipbreaker
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, strategy and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Space, Simulation and Sandbox.
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 SpaceSimulationSandboxPuzzleFirst-PersonStrategy
- 4
Elite Dangerous
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Space, Simulation and Massively Multiplayer; released around the same time (2014).
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 SpaceSimulationMassively MultiplayerFirst-PersonSandboxOnline Co-OpStrategy
- 5
Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and puzzle; shares 7 player tags including Funny, Space and Comedy; released around the same time (2014).
The Caped Crusader joins forces with the super heroes of the DC Comics universe and blasts off to outer space to stop the evil Brainiac from destroying Earth.
Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham at a glance Released 2014 Studio Feral Interactive Player sentiment 88% positive of 10,500 Price $19.99 FunnySpaceComedyThird PersonPuzzleSandboxOnline Co-Op
- 6
SPORE Galactic Adventures
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Simulation, Space and Sandbox; released around the same time (2009).
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 SimulationSpaceSandboxStrategyFunnyComedy
- 7
The Escapists 2
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, Online Co-Op and Simulation.
Craft, Steal, Brawl and Escape! It’s time to bust out of the toughest prisons in the world as you return to the life of an inmate in The Escapists 2, now with multiplayer! Have you got what it takes to escape?
The Escapists 2 at a glance Released 2017 Studio Team17 Player sentiment 91% positive of 33,775 Price $19.99 StrategyOnline Co-OpSimulationSandboxFunnyPuzzle
- 8
Spore
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 5 player tags including Sandbox, Simulation and Space; released around the same time (2008).
Be the architect of your own universe with Spore, an exciting single-player adventure. From Single Cell to Galactic God, evolve your creature in a universe of your own creations.
Spore at a glance Released 2008 Studio Maxis Player sentiment 93% positive of 72,594 Price $19.99 SandboxSimulationSpaceFunnyComedy
- 9
Kerbal Space Program
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Space, Simulation and Sandbox.
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 SpaceSimulationSandboxFunnyStrategyComedy
- 10
Car Mechanic Simulator 2021
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Simulation, Realistic and Sandbox.
Work your way to a service empire. Get your hands dirty in a highly realistic simulation game that pays major attention to details. Pay a visit to a new Auction house and buy cars in various conditions. Expand your range of services by investing in a new work space and equipment.
Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 at a glance Released 2021 Studio Red Dot Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 38,510 Price $24.99 SimulationRealisticSandboxFirst-PersonPuzzleStrategy
- 11
DCS World Steam Edition
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Free to Play and Realistic; released around the same time (2013).
Feel the excitement of flying the Su-25T "Frogfoot" attack jet and the TF-51D "Mustang" in the free-to-play Digital Combat Simulator World!
DCS World Steam Edition at a glance Released 2013 Studio Eagle Dynamics SA Player sentiment 85% positive of 41,014 Price Free SimulationFree to PlayRealisticSandboxFirst-PersonStrategyMassively Multiplayer
- 12
PlanetSide 2
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, Massively Multiplayer 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 Free to PlayMassively MultiplayerFirst-PersonOnline Co-OpStrategySpace
- 13
Star Trek Online
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, 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 Free to PlayMassively MultiplayerSpaceThird PersonOnline Co-OpStrategy
- 14
Youtubers Life
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Comedy and Memes.
Become the most successful youtuber on the planet! Create videos, get subscribers, attend events, interact with your fans… and grow your channel. Live a youtuber’s life!
Youtubers Life at a glance Released 2017 Studio UPLAY Online Player sentiment 77% positive of 15,413 Price $9.99 SimulationComedyMemesFunnyStrategyRealisticSandbox
- 15
Scribblenauts Unlimited
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and puzzle; shares 5 player tags including Puzzle, Sandbox and Funny; released around the same time (2012).
The best-selling, award-winning franchise is back – on your home PC in gorgeous HD for the first time.
Scribblenauts Unlimited at a glance Released 2012 Studio 5th Cell Media Player sentiment 94% positive of 12,381 Price $19.99 PuzzleSandboxFunnyComedyStrategy
- 16
Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Simulation, Realistic and Strategy; released around the same time (2010).
Three years after the conflict in Chernarus, portrayed in the original Arma 2, a new flashpoint explodes in the Green Sea Region. Coalition forces led by the US Army are deployed to Takistan to quickly restore peace and prevent further civilian casualties.
Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead at a glance Released 2010 Studio Bohemia Interactive Player sentiment 92% positive of 22,247 Price $3.99 SimulationRealisticStrategySandboxFirst-PersonThird Person
- 17
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Platinum
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Simulation, Sandbox and Strategy; released around the same time (2008).
Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 Platinum combines the excitement of rollercoasters with the fun of a great strategy simulation. RCT3 Platinum combines the roller coaster theme park fun of the Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 with included expansion packs Soaked! and Wild! Now enjoy more options than ever.
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Platinum at a glance Released 2008 Studio Frontier Player sentiment 92% positive of 5,244 Price Not listed SimulationSandboxStrategyFunnyComedyFree to Play
- 18
Dyson Sphere Program
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 5 player tags including Space, Simulation and Sandbox.
Build the most efficient intergalactic factory in space simulation strategy game Dyson Sphere Program! Harness the power of stars, collect resources, plan and design production lines and develop your interstellar factory from a small space workshop to a galaxy-wide industrial empire.
Dyson Sphere Program at a glance Released 2021 Studio Youthcat Studio Player sentiment 97% positive of 91,586 Price $19.99 SpaceSimulationSandboxStrategyThird Person
- 19
Teardown
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and puzzle; shares 5 player tags including Sandbox, First-Person and Realistic.
Prepare the perfect heist in a fully destructible, simulated voxel world. Tear down walls with vehicles or use explosives to create your own shortcuts. Shape the environment to your advantage in the most creative ways you can imagine. Play solo or with up to 12 players in multiplayer.
Teardown at a glance Released 2022 Studio Tuxedo Labs Player sentiment 96% positive of 135,539 Price $29.99 SandboxFirst-PersonRealisticSimulationPuzzle
- 20
ARMA 2
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Simulation, Realistic and Strategy; released around the same time (2009).
Building on 10 years of constant engine development, ARMA II boasts the most realistic combat environment in the world. It models real world ballistics & round deflection, materials penetration, features a realtime day/night cycle and dynamic wind, weather and environmental effects.
ARMA 2 at a glance Released 2009 Studio Bohemia Interactive Player sentiment 84% positive of 2,114 Price $2.59 SimulationRealisticStrategyFirst-PersonSandboxThird Person
- 21
Farming Simulator 17
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Realistic and First-Person.
Take on the role of a modern farmer in Farming Simulator 17! Explore farming possibilities in a new North American environment. Drive over 250 farming vehicles and equipment from over 75 manufacturers, including new brands such as Challenger, Fendt, Valtra or Massey Ferguson.
Farming Simulator 17 at a glance Released 2016 Studio GIANTS Software Player sentiment 93% positive of 25,933 Price $14.99 SimulationRealisticFirst-PersonOnline Co-OpThird PersonSandboxStrategy
- 22
HITMAN 2
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and puzzle; shares 6 player tags including Third Person, Sandbox and Strategy.
Travel the globe and track your targets across exotic sandbox locations in HITMAN™ 2. From sun-drenched streets to dark and dangerous rainforests, nowhere is safe from the world’s most creative assassin, Agent 47 in the ultimate spy thriller story.
HITMAN 2 at a glance Released 2018 Studio IO Interactive A/S Player sentiment 91% positive of 74,796 Price Not listed Third PersonSandboxStrategyPuzzleFunnyOnline Co-Op
- 23
Arma: Cold War Assault Remastered
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Simulation, Strategy and Realistic; released around the same time (2011).
The genre-defining military sim that began as Operation Flashpoint (2001), now a modernized, 64-bit, cross-platform build for Windows and Linux, with its engine released as open source. Over 2 million copies sold. The Cold War battlefield of Everon and Nogova, remastered for today's hardware.
Arma: Cold War Assault Remastered at a glance Released 2011 Studio Bohemia Interactive Player sentiment 80% positive of 6,445 Price $4.99 SimulationStrategyRealisticFirst-PersonSandboxThird Person
- 24
X4: Foundations
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 5 player tags including Simulation, Sandbox and Space.
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 SimulationSandboxSpaceStrategyFirst-Person
Common questions
What game is most like Moonbase Alpha?
Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars, on the evidence we have. It both open world, science fiction, strategy and puzzle. 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 Moonbase Alpha" 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 Moonbase Alpha. 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.