Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Spore (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Spore 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: SPORE Galactic Adventures, which both open world, science fiction, strategy and relaxing.
- Spore is tagged God Game, Open World, Sandbox, Colony Sim, Exploration, Simulation, Space, Casual 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.
- 2 are from the same studio: The Sims 3, The Sims 4.
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
SPORE Galactic Adventures
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, strategy and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Simulation, Space and Exploration; published by the same company; 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 SimulationSpaceExplorationSandboxSci-fiGod GameFunnyComedy
- 2
Universe Sandbox
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Sandbox, Space and Simulation.
Create & destroy on an unimaginable scale with a realistic physics-based space simulator. Explore the beauty of our universe and the fragility of our planet. Use science to bend the laws of gravity, collide planets, boil away oceans, fire epic space lasers, and customize your universe.
Universe Sandbox at a glance Released 2015 Studio Giant Army Player sentiment 96% positive of 32,082 Price $20.09 SandboxSpaceSimulationScienceGod GameFamily FriendlyCasualSci-fi
- 3
Youtubers Life
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Casual, Simulation and Comedy.
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 CasualSimulationComedyFamily FriendlyFunnyCartoonResource ManagementSandbox
- 4
Dyson Sphere Program
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, strategy and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Space, Resource Management and Simulation.
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 SpaceResource ManagementSimulationSci-fiSandboxCasual
- 5
Kerbal Space Program
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 8 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 SpaceSimulationSandboxScienceExplorationFunnySci-fiComedy
- 6
Endless Sky
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, strategy and relaxing; 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-fiSimulationExplorationSandboxCasual
- 7
Universe Sandbox Legacy
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Simulation, Sandbox and Space; released around the same time (2011).
Create and destroy on a scale you’ve never imagined!
Universe Sandbox Legacy at a glance Released 2011 Studio Giant Army Player sentiment 80% positive of 2,977 Price Not listed SimulationSandboxSpaceScienceCasualGod GameSci-fiFunny
- 8
Cell to Singularity - Evolution Never Ends
Why it matched: both science fiction, strategy and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Simulation, Science and Casual.
The epic story of evolution, technology, humanity, and dinosaurs is yours to tap.
Cell to Singularity - Evolution Never Ends at a glance Released 2021 Studio Computer Lunch Player sentiment 89% positive of 27,958 Price Free SimulationScienceCasualSpaceGod GameSci-fiSandboxFamily Friendly
- 9
Planet Zoo
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Sandbox and Family Friendly.
Build a world for wildlife in Planet Zoo. From the developers of Planet Coaster and Zoo Tycoon comes the ultimate zoo sim. Construct detailed habitats, manage your zoo, and meet authentic living animals who think, feel and explore the world you create around them.
Planet Zoo at a glance Released 2019 Studio Frontier Developments Player sentiment 91% positive of 97,527 Price $44.99 SimulationSandboxFamily FriendlyCuteResource ManagementCasualFunny
- 10
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Platinum
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Simulation, Sandbox and Family Friendly; 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 SimulationSandboxFamily FriendlyFunnyComedyCasual
- 11
Oxygen Not Included
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Colony Sim, Resource Management and Simulation.
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 Colony SimResource ManagementSimulationSandboxSpaceSci-fiExploration
- 12
The Sims 3
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Maxis; both strategy and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Simulation, Sandbox and Casual; released around the same time (2009).
The Sims 3: Create the perfect world with full customization at your fingertips. Refine personalities and help fulfill destinies.
The Sims 3 at a glance Released 2009 Studio Maxis Player sentiment 86% positive of 34,337 Price $19.99 SimulationSandboxCasualFunnyFamily FriendlyComedy
- 13
Jurassic World Evolution 2
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, strategy and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Simulation, Sandbox and Resource Management.
Jurassic World Evolution 2 is the much-anticipated sequel to Frontier’s highly successful Jurassic World Evolution. This bold new era in the Jurassic World Evolution game franchise builds upon the ground-breaking and immersive 2018 management simulation.
Jurassic World Evolution 2 at a glance Released 2021 Studio Frontier Developments Player sentiment 90% positive of 47,023 Price $59.99 SimulationSandboxResource ManagementSci-fiCasual
- 14
Jurassic World Evolution
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, strategy and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Simulation, Sandbox and Sci-fi.
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 SimulationSandboxSci-fiResource ManagementCasual
- 15
Scribblenauts Unlimited
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Casual, Sandbox and Family Friendly; 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 CasualSandboxFamily FriendlyFunnyComedyCute
- 16
Slime Rancher
Why it matched: both open world and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Cute, Exploration and Colorful.
Slime Rancher is the tale of Beatrix LeBeau, a plucky, young rancher who sets out for a life a thousand light years away from Earth on the ‘Far, Far Range’ where she tries her hand at making a living wrangling slimes.
Slime Rancher at a glance Released 2017 Studio Monomi Park Player sentiment 98% positive of 156,780 Price $19.99 CuteExplorationColorfulFunnySandboxCasualSimulationFamily Friendly
- 17
Hydroneer
Why it matched: both open world, strategy and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Sandbox, Funny and Resource Management.
Hydroneer is a mining and base building sandbox. Dig for gold and other resources to turn a profit and enhance your mining operation. Build a base of operations, forge weapons, go fishing, and dig deep!
Hydroneer at a glance Released 2020 Studio Foulball Hangover Player sentiment 86% positive of 28,407 Price $14.99 SandboxFunnyResource ManagementCasualSimulationFamily Friendly
- 18
Surviving Mars
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Colony Sim, Space and Simulation.
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 Colony SimSpaceSimulationSci-fiResource ManagementSandbox
- 19
Planetbase
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Colony Sim, Space and Simulation.
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 Colony SimSpaceSimulationSci-fiResource ManagementSandbox
- 20
Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Family Friendly, Comedy and Funny; released around the same time (2007).
Kick Some Brick in I through VI! Play through all six Star Wars movies in one videogame! Adding new characters, new levels, new features and for the first time ever, the chance to build and battle your way through a fun Star Wars galaxy on your PC!
Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga at a glance Released 2007 Studio Feral Interactive Player sentiment 97% positive of 25,467 Price $19.99 Family FriendlyComedyFunnySci-fiSpaceCasual
- 21
LEGO Star Wars - The Complete Saga
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Family Friendly, Comedy and Funny; released around the same time (2009).
Kick Some Brick in I through VI! Play through all six Star Wars movies in one videogame! Adding new characters, new levels, new features and for the first time ever, the chance to build and battle your way through a fun Star Wars galaxy on your PC!
LEGO Star Wars - The Complete Saga at a glance Released 2009 Studio Traveller's Tales Player sentiment 97% positive of 25,469 Price $19.99 Family FriendlyComedyFunnySci-fiSpaceCasual
- 22
Moonbase Alpha
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and strategy; shares 5 player tags including Space, Simulation and Funny; 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 SpaceSimulationFunnySandboxComedy
- 23
The Sims 4
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Maxis; both relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Sandbox and Casual.
Play with life and discover the possibilities. Unleash your imagination and create a world of Sims that’s wholly unique. Explore and customize every detail from Sims to homes–and much more.
The Sims 4 at a glance Released 2014 Studio Maxis Player sentiment 86% positive of 199,663 Price Free SimulationSandboxCasualFamily FriendlyFunnyCuteCartoony
- 24
Reus
Why it matched: both strategy and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including God Game, Simulation and Sandbox.
In Reus, you control powerful giants to shape the planet to your will. You can create mountains, oceans, forests and more. Enrich your planet with plants, minerals and animal life. There is only one thing on the planet that you do not control: mankind, with all their virtues and and all their vices.
Reus at a glance Released 2013 Studio Abbey Games Player sentiment 78% positive of 5,991 Price $9.99 God GameSimulationSandboxCasualResource ManagementFamily FriendlyFunny
Common questions
What game is most like Spore?
SPORE Galactic Adventures, on the evidence we have. It both open world, science fiction, strategy and relaxing. 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 Spore" 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 Spore. 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 Spore do?
The Sims 3, The Sims 4 are also from Maxis, and appear 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.