Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like PULSAR: Lost Colony (2026)
Every game below overlaps with PULSAR: Lost Colony 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: The Outer Worlds, which both open world and science fiction.
- PULSAR: Lost Colony is tagged Space Sim, Open World, Simulation, Co-op, First-Person, PvE, Space, Exploration 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.
- 2 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
The Outer Worlds
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 8 player tags including RPG, Exploration and FPS; released around the same time (2020).
The Outer Worlds is an award-winning single-player RPG from Obsidian Entertainment and Private Division. As you explore a space colony, the character you decide to become will determine how this player-driven story unfolds. In the colony's corporate equation, you are the unplanned variable.
The Outer Worlds at a glance Released 2020 Studio Obsidian Entertainment Player sentiment 82% positive of 28,294 Price Not listed RPGExplorationFPSSci-fiFirst-PersonSpaceCharacter CustomizationPvE
- 2
Abiotic Factor
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Online Co-Op, Sci-fi and Exploration; released around the same time (2025).
Abiotic Factor is a survival crafting experience for 1-6 players set in the depths of an underground research facility. Caught between paranormal containment failure, a military crusade, and chaos from a dozen realms, the world’s greatest minds must survive against the universe’s biggest threats.
Abiotic Factor at a glance Released 2025 Studio Deep Field Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 58,569 Price $34.99 Online Co-OpSci-fiExplorationFPSFirst-PersonSimulationPvE
- 3
Elite Dangerous
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 8 player tags including Space Sim, Space and Exploration.
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 Space SimSpaceExplorationSci-fiSimulationFirst-PersonOnline Co-OpRPG
- 4
Avorion
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Exploration, Space Sim and Space; released around the same time (2020).
A procedural co-op space sandbox where players can build their own space ships out of dynamically scalable blocks. Fight epic space battles, explore, mine, trade, wage wars and build your own empire to save your galaxy from being torn apart by an unknown enemy.
Avorion at a glance Released 2020 Studio Boxelware Player sentiment 90% positive of 14,555 Price $24.99 ExplorationSpace SimSpacePvESci-fiSimulationSpaceships
- 5
Empyrion - Galactic Survival
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Space and Exploration; released around the same time (2020).
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 SimulationSpaceExplorationSpace SimSci-fiPvEFPS
- 6
EVE Online
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Space, RPG and Sci-fi.
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 SpaceRPGSci-fiCharacter CustomizationSpaceshipsExplorationPvE
- 7
Starfield
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Space, RPG and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2023).
Starfield is the first new universe in 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4.
Starfield at a glance Released 2023 Studio Bethesda Game Studios Player sentiment 57% positive of 175,175 Price $49.99 SpaceRPGSci-fiExplorationFirst-PersonCharacter CustomizationSpace Sim
- 8
EVERSPACE 2
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 6 player tags including Space, Exploration and PvE; released around the same time (2023).
EVERSPACE 2 is a fast-paced single-player spaceship shooter with exploration in space and on planets, tons of loot, RPG elements, mining, and crafting. Experience an exciting sci-fi story set in a vivid, handcrafted open world full of secrets, puzzles, and perils.
EVERSPACE 2 at a glance Released 2023 Studio ROCKFISH Games Player sentiment 86% positive of 13,004 Price $49.99 SpaceExplorationPvESimulationRPGSci-fi
- 9
No Man's Sky
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Space, Exploration and Sci-fi.
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 SpaceExplorationSci-fiFirst-PersonSpace SimSimulationFPS
- 10
STAR WARS: Squadrons
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 8 player tags including Space, Sci-fi and Simulation; released around the same time (2020).
Master the art of starfighter combat in the authentic piloting experience STAR WARS™: Squadrons. Feel the adrenaline of first-person multiplayer space dogfights alongside your squadron, and buckle up in a thrilling STAR WARS™ story.
STAR WARS: Squadrons at a glance Released 2020 Studio MOTIVE Player sentiment 65% positive of 28,169 Price $39.99 SpaceSci-fiSimulationFirst-PersonSpaceshipsOnline Co-OpSpace SimFPS
- 11
Endless Sky
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 6 player tags including Space, Sci-fi and Simulation.
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 SpaceSci-fiSimulationRPGExplorationSpace Sim
- 12
Atomic Heart
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 6 player tags including FPS, Robots and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2023).
In a mad and sublime utopian world, take part in explosive encounters. Adapt your fighting style to each opponent, use your environment and upgrade your equipment to fulfill your mission. If you want to reach the truth, you'll have to pay in blood.
Atomic Heart at a glance Released 2023 Studio Mundfish Player sentiment 81% positive of 51,598 Price $59.99 FPSRobotsSci-fiFirst-PersonExplorationRPG
- 13
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 6 player tags including FPS, Exploration and RPG; released around the same time (2024).
Enter the Chornobyl Anomalous Zone — a vast open world where anomalies, mutants, and rivals stand in your way. Explore, scavenge, and try to survive in this brutal and dangerous land. Evolving with every update, now overhauled and crowned with UPDATE 2.0.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl at a glance Released 2024 Studio GSC Game World Player sentiment 80% positive of 138,669 Price $41.99 FPSExplorationRPGFirst-PersonSci-fiNonlinear
- 14
Starpoint Gemini 2
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 6 player tags including Space, Simulation and RPG.
Captain your own space ship and roam the galaxy in 3D in this tactical space simulator with tons of RPG depth ! Space has never looked so inviting - but images can betray...It has been two years since the end of the second Gemini war, the situation in the wartorn system is further from resolution than ever.
Starpoint Gemini 2 at a glance Released 2014 Studio Little Green Men Games Player sentiment 70% positive of 4,119 Price $34.99 SpaceSimulationRPGSci-fiSpace SimSpaceships
- 15
Prey
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 6 player tags including Sci-fi, Space and FPS; released around the same time (2017).
In Prey, you awaken aboard Talos I, a space station orbiting the moon in the year 2032. You are the key subject of an experiment meant to alter humanity forever – but things have gone terribly wrong. The space station has been overrun by hostile aliens and you are now being hunted.
Prey at a glance Released 2017 Studio Arkane Studios Player sentiment 91% positive of 54,539 Price $29.99 Sci-fiSpaceFPSFirst-PersonExplorationRPG
- 16
Cyberpunk 2077
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Sci-fi and FPS; released around the same time (2020).
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world, action-adventure RPG set in the dark future of Night City — a dangerous megalopolis obsessed with power, glamor, and ceaseless body modification.
Cyberpunk 2077 at a glance Released 2020 Studio CD Projekt RED Player sentiment 87% positive of 976,377 Price $59.99 RPGSci-fiFPSFirst-PersonExplorationCharacter Customization
- 17
Fallout: New Vegas
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Exploration and First-Person.
Welcome to Vegas. New Vegas. Enjoy your stay!
Fallout: New Vegas at a glance Released 2010 Studio Obsidian Entertainment Player sentiment 96% positive of 261,194 Price $9.99 RPGExplorationFirst-PersonFPSSci-fiCharacter Customization
- 18
SPORE Galactic Adventures
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 6 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 SimulationSpaceExplorationSci-fiRPGCharacter Customization
- 19
Fallout 4
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 6 player tags including Exploration, RPG and First-Person.
From Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of Starfield and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, comes Fallout 4. A landmark in open-world RPG design and winner of over 200 ‘Best Of’ honors, including the DICE and BAFTA Game of the Year.
Fallout 4 at a glance Released 2015 Studio Bethesda Game Studios Player sentiment 81% positive of 428,604 Price $19.99 ExplorationRPGFirst-PersonSci-fiFPSCharacter Customization
- 20
Fallout 3
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Exploration and First-Person.
Vault-Tec engineers have worked around the clock on an interactive reproduction of Wasteland life for you to enjoy from the comfort of your own vault. Included is an expansive world, unique combat, shockingly realistic visuals, tons of player choice, and an incredible cast of dynamic characters.
Fallout 3 at a glance Released 2008 Studio Bethesda Game Studios Player sentiment 81% positive of 22,174 Price $9.99 RPGExplorationFirst-PersonSci-fiFPSCharacter Customization
- 21
Deep Rock Galactic
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 7 player tags including PvE, FPS and Class-Based; released around the same time (2020).
Deep Rock Galactic is a 1-4 player co-op FPS featuring dwarven space miners, procedurally-generated destructible environments, and endless hordes of alien monsters. Explore cave systems, mine for minerals, and work together to survive!
Deep Rock Galactic at a glance Released 2020 Studio Ghost Ship Games Player sentiment 97% positive of 379,460 Price $29.99 PvEFPSClass-BasedExplorationFirst-PersonSci-fiSpace
- 22
Oxygen Not Included
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 5 player tags including Simulation, Space and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2019).
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 SimulationSpaceSci-fiExplorationSpace Sim
- 23
Terminator: Resistance
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 5 player tags including FPS, Sci-fi and First-Person; released around the same time (2019).
Terminator: Resistance, is a first-person shooter set during the 'Future War' scenario that was only glimpsed at in the iconic films, 'THE TERMINATOR' and 'T2: JUDGMENT DAY'. The machines are destined to lose, but at what cost?
Terminator: Resistance at a glance Released 2019 Studio Teyon Player sentiment 92% positive of 18,564 Price $7.99 FPSSci-fiFirst-PersonRPGRobots
- 24
Borderlands Game of the Year
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 5 player tags including FPS, RPG and Online Co-Op; released around the same time (2023).
Get ready for the mind blowing insanity! Play as one of four trigger-happy mercenaries and take out everything that stands in your way! With its addictive action, frantic first-person shooter combat, massive arsenal of weaponry, RPG elements and four-player co-op, Borderlands is a breakthrough experience that challenges all the...
Borderlands Game of the Year at a glance Released 2023 Studio Gearbox Software Player sentiment 90% positive of 31,877 Price $29.99 FPSRPGOnline Co-OpFirst-PersonSci-fi
Common questions
What game is most like PULSAR: Lost Colony?
The Outer Worlds, on the evidence we have. It both open world and science fiction. 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 PULSAR: Lost Colony" 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 PULSAR: Lost Colony. 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.