Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Starbound (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Starbound 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 Starbound 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.
- Mobile
- Multi-platform
- Nintendo
- PC
- PlayStation
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: Terraria, which both open world, survival and atmospheric.
- Starbound is tagged Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival, Space, Adventure, Crafting, Pixel Graphics, Online Co-Op 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.
Why players value Starbound
The five things Steam players tag Starbound 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.
- Open World Survival Craft
- Sandbox
- Survival
- Space
- Adventure
| Reception | on Steam (90% of 123,280) |
|---|---|
| Watch-outs | players report crashes and freezes |
| Price | $14.99 |
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
Terraria
Why it matched: both open world, survival and atmospheric; shares 11 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox and Survival.
Dig, fight, explore, build! Nothing is impossible in this action-packed adventure game. Four Pack also available!
Terraria at a glance Released 2011 Studio 505 Games Player sentiment 97% positive of 1,550,032 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.7/10 · Steam: (97% of 1,550,032)
Matches Starbound on: 4 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival, Adventure
Why players like it: Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival, 2D, Multiplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Starbound: $9.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Starbound:Open World Survival CraftSandboxSurvival2DPixel GraphicsCraftingBuildingExploration
- 2
Core Keeper
Why it matched: both open world, survival, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 10 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Open World Survival Craft and Online Co-Op.
Explore a vast cavern of creatures, relics and resources in a mining sandbox adventure for 1-8 players. Mine, build, fight, craft and farm to unravel the mystery of the ancient Core.
Core Keeper at a glance Released 2024 Studio Pugstorm Player sentiment 93% positive of 66,196 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.3/10 · Steam: (93% of 66,196)
Matches Starbound on: 4 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival, Adventure
Why players like it: Pixel Graphics, Open World Survival Craft, Online Co-Op, Sandbox, Survival — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Starbound: $19.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Starbound:Pixel GraphicsOpen World Survival CraftOnline Co-OpSandboxSurvivalCraftingExploration2D
- 3
Necesse
Why it matched: both open world, survival and atmospheric; shares 11 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox and Pixel Graphics.
Build, quest, and conquer across an infinite procedurally generated world. Play alone or with friends as you establish a settlement and explore deep dungeons, fight monsters and bosses, mine rare ores, craft magical equipment, recruit specialists for your colony, and more!
Necesse at a glance Released 2025 Studio Fair Games ApS Player sentiment 93% positive of 28,893 Price $14.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: (93% of 28,893)
Matches Starbound on: 4 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival, Adventure
Why players like it: Open World Survival Craft, Multiplayer, Open World, Sandbox, Pixel Graphics — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Starbound: $14.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Starbound:Open World Survival CraftSandboxPixel GraphicsIndieSurvivalCraftingRPGBuilding
- 4
Astroneer
Why it matched: both open world, survival, science fiction and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and Space; released around the same time (2016).
Interact with strange new worlds in a unique and tactile way, molding the environment itself as if it were clay in your hands. Build your base, master resource management, automate your production lines, and more as you unravel the mysteries of the universe, alone or with friends.
Astroneer at a glance Released 2016 Studio System Era Softworks Player sentiment 92% positive of 139,052 Price $29.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: (92% of 139,052)
Matches Starbound on: 5 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival, Space, Adventure
Why players like it: Multiplayer, Open World, Open World Survival Craft, Survival, Space — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Starbound: $29.99 — $15.00 pricier
Watch-outs: players report performance and stutter, crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with Starbound:Open World Survival CraftSurvivalSpaceExplorationSandboxBuildingCraftingSci-fi
- 5
Forager
Why it matched: both open world, survival and relaxing; shares 10 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and Pixel Graphics; released around the same time (2019).
The highly popular and quirky "idle game that you want to actively keep playing". Explore, craft, gather & manage resources, find secrets and build your base out of nothing! Buy land to explore and expand!
Forager at a glance Released 2019 Studio HopFrog Player sentiment 89% positive of 43,976 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: (89% of 43,976)
Matches Starbound on: 4 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival, Adventure
Why players like it: Open World Survival Craft, Survival, Pixel Graphics, Crafting, Indie — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Starbound: $19.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Starbound:Open World Survival CraftSurvivalPixel GraphicsCraftingIndieSandbox2DBuilding
- 6
No Man's Sky
Why it matched: both open world, survival, science fiction and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Space and Exploration; 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 Starbound on: 5 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival, Space, Adventure
Why players like it: Open World, Open World Survival Craft, Space, Exploration, Sci-fi — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Starbound: $59.99 — $45.00 pricier
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes, performance and stutter (details)
Shared with Starbound:Open World Survival CraftSpaceExplorationSci-fiSurvivalSandboxCraftingIndie
- 7
Breathedge
Why it matched: both open world, survival, science fiction and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Space and Survival.
Survive in outer space! Together with your immortal chicken, discover the truth behind your sudden spaceship crash. Craft tools, pilot vehicles, and even control space stations to survive and explore the wreckage.
Breathedge at a glance Released 2021 Studio RedRuins Softworks Player sentiment 81% positive of 17,816 Price $2.49 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.1/10 · Steam: (81% of 17,816)
Matches Starbound on: 5 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival, Space, Adventure
Why players like it: Open World Survival Craft, Space, Singleplayer, Survival, Sandbox — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Starbound: $2.49 — $12.50 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Starbound:Open World Survival CraftSpaceSurvivalSandboxIndieSci-fiCraftingExploration
- 8
Subnautica
Why it matched: both open world, survival, science fiction and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and Exploration; released around the same time (2014).
Descend into the depths of an alien underwater world filled with wonder and peril. Craft equipment, pilot submarines and out-smart wildlife to explore lush coral reefs, volcanoes, cave systems, and more - all while trying to survive.
Subnautica at a glance Released 2014 Studio Unknown Worlds Entertainment Player sentiment 97% positive of 379,053 Price $29.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: (97% of 379,053)
Matches Starbound on: 4 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival, Adventure
Why players like it: Open World Survival Craft, Survival, Horror, Open World, Underwater — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Starbound: $29.99 — $15.00 pricier
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with Starbound:Open World Survival CraftSurvivalExplorationCraftingSci-fiSandboxIndie
- 9
My Time at Portia
Why it matched: both open world, survival and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including RPG, Crafting and Building; released around the same time (2019).
Start a new life in the enchanting town of Portia! Restore your Pa's neglected workshop to its former glory by fulfilling commissions, growing crops, raising animals, and befriending the quirky inhabitants of this charming post-apocalyptic land!
My Time at Portia at a glance Released 2019 Studio Pathea Games Player sentiment 91% positive of 44,284 Price $29.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: (91% of 44,284)
Matches Starbound on: 3 of 5 — Sandbox, Survival, Adventure
Why players like it: Life Sim, RPG, Open World, Farming Sim, Crafting — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Starbound: $29.99 — $15.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Starbound:RPGCraftingBuildingSandboxIndieRelaxingExplorationSurvival
- 10
The Planet Crafter
Why it matched: both open world, survival and science fiction; shares 9 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and Online Co-Op.
A space survival open world terraforming crafting game, designed for 1 to 10 players. Alter the ecosystem of an inhospitable planet to render it habitable for humanity. Survive, gather resources, and build your base. Then, generate oxygen, warmth, and pressure to create a brand new biosphere.
The Planet Crafter at a glance Released 2024 Studio Miju Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 73,208 Price $23.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: (96% of 73,208)
Matches Starbound on: 5 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival, Space, Adventure
Why players like it: Open World Survival Craft, Base-Building, Survival, Online Co-Op, Co-op — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Starbound: $23.99 — $9.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Starbound:Open World Survival CraftSurvivalOnline Co-OpBuildingCraftingExplorationSpaceSandbox
- 11
ARK: Survival Evolved
Why it matched: both open world, survival and science fiction; shares 8 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and Crafting; released around the same time (2017).
Stranded on the shores of a mysterious island, you must learn to survive. Use your cunning to kill or tame the primeval creatures roaming the land, and encounter other players to survive, dominate... and escape!
ARK: Survival Evolved at a glance Released 2017 Studio Studio Wildcard Player sentiment 83% positive of 776,582 Price $9.89 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.8/10 · Steam: (83% of 776,582)
Matches Starbound on: 4 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival, Adventure
Why players like it: Open World Survival Craft, Survival, Multiplayer, Open World, Dinosaurs — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Starbound: $9.89 — $5.10 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes, performance and stutter (details)
Shared with Starbound:Open World Survival CraftSurvivalCraftingBuildingSandboxRPGSci-fiIndie
- 12
Planetbase
Why it matched: both open world, survival, science fiction and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Space, Survival and Sci-fi; 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 Starbound on: 4 of 5 — Sandbox, Survival, Space, Adventure
Why players like it: Colony Sim, City Builder, Base-Building, Space, Strategy — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Starbound: $7.49 — $7.50 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Starbound:SpaceSurvivalSci-fiBuildingIndieSandboxCrafting
- 13
Cubic Castles
Why it matched: both open world, survival and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Building and Sandbox; released around the same time (2014).
Your blocks, your castle, your world! Build anything you can dream up and explore with other players! Cubic Castles is a mini-MMO that combines the best of block-building and 3D platform action! Create fantastic parkour challenges, explore worlds made by other players, or even make friend!
Cubic Castles at a glance Released 2014 Studio Raptisoft Player sentiment 74% positive of 4,276 Price Free Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.3/10 · Steam: (74% of 4,276)
Matches Starbound on: 4 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival, Adventure
Why players like it: Free to Play, Open World Survival Craft, Building, Multiplayer, Sandbox — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Starbound: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Starbound:Open World Survival CraftBuildingSandboxCraftingSurvivalIndieRPG2D
- 14
Oxygen Not Included
Why it matched: both open world, survival and science fiction; shares 8 player tags including Survival, Building and 2D; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.6/10 · Steam: (97% of 143,589)
Matches Starbound on: 4 of 5 — Sandbox, Survival, Space, Adventure
Why players like it: Colony Sim, Base-Building, Survival, Resource Management, Building — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Starbound: $24.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Starbound:SurvivalBuilding2DSandboxSpaceIndieSci-fiExploration
- 15
The Riftbreaker
Why it matched: both open world, survival, science fiction and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Survival, Crafting and Sci-fi.
The Riftbreaker is a solo or Co-op base-building, survival game with Action-RPG elements for up to 4 players. Hack & slash countless hordes of enemies. Build up your base, craft powerful weapons and research new inventions to survive.
The Riftbreaker at a glance Released 2021 Studio EXOR Studios Player sentiment 90% positive of 24,729 Price $8.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: (90% of 24,729)
Matches Starbound on: 3 of 5 — Sandbox, Survival, Adventure
Why players like it: Base-Building, Tower Defense, Survival, Strategy, Hack and Slash — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Starbound: $8.99 — $6.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Starbound:SurvivalCraftingSci-fiBuildingExplorationRPGSandbox
- 16
Subnautica: Below Zero
Why it matched: both open world, survival, science fiction and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and Exploration.
Dive into a freezing underwater adventure on an alien planet. Below Zero is set two years after the original Subnautica. Return to Planet 4546B to uncover the truth behind a deadly cover-up. Survive by building habitats, crafting tools, & diving deeper into the world of Subnautica.
Subnautica: Below Zero at a glance Released 2021 Studio Unknown Worlds Entertainment Player sentiment 90% positive of 108,227 Price $29.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: (90% of 108,227)
Matches Starbound on: 4 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival, Adventure
Why players like it: Open World Survival Craft, Survival, Underwater, Singleplayer, Open World — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Starbound: $29.99 — $15.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Starbound:Open World Survival CraftSurvivalExplorationIndieCraftingSci-fiSandbox
- 17
Empyrion - Galactic Survival
Why it matched: both open world, survival and science fiction; shares 8 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Space and Survival; 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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.0/10 · Steam: (78% of 34,399)
Matches Starbound on: 4 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival, Space
Why players like it: Simulation, Co-op, Open World Survival Craft, Space, Survival — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Starbound: $19.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Starbound:Open World Survival CraftSpaceSurvivalBuildingExplorationSandboxSci-fiCrafting
- 18
Trailmakers
Why it matched: both open world, survival and science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Space, Online Co-Op and Building; released around the same time (2019).
Build the ultimate vehicle and explore a vast open world filled with challenges and adventure. Play solo or team up with friends in multiplayer to conquer the toughest obstacles. With a thrilling campaign mode and endless creative possibilities, Trailmakers is the ultimate sandbox for adventurers.
Trailmakers at a glance Released 2019 Studio Flashbulb Player sentiment 92% positive of 38,871 Price $24.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: (92% of 38,871)
Matches Starbound on: 4 of 5 — Sandbox, Survival, Space, Adventure
Why players like it: Space, Action, Family Friendly, Co-op Campaign, Online Co-Op — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Starbound: $24.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Starbound:SpaceOnline Co-OpBuildingSandboxCraftingSurvivalExploration
- 19
Fallout Shelter
Why it matched: both open world, survival, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Survival, 2D and Building; released around the same time (2015).
Fallout Shelter puts you in control of a state-of-the-art underground Vault from Vault-Tec. Build the perfect Vault, keep your Dwellers happy, and protect them from the dangers of the Wasteland.
Fallout Shelter at a glance Released 2015 Studio Bethesda Game Studios Player sentiment 88% positive of 82,585 Price Free Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.2/10 · Steam: (88% of 82,585)
Matches Starbound on: 3 of 5 — Sandbox, Survival, Adventure
Why players like it: Free to Play, Base-Building, Survival, Post-apocalyptic, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Starbound: Free — free
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes, monetisation inside the game, lost progress or broken saves (details)
Shared with Starbound:Survival2DBuildingCraftingSandboxRPG
- 20
Satisfactory
Why it matched: both open world, survival and science fiction; shares 8 player tags including Crafting, Building and Sandbox.
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 Starbound on: 4 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival, Adventure
Why players like it: Base-Building, Automation, Open World, Multiplayer, Crafting — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Starbound: $39.99 — $25.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Starbound:CraftingBuildingSandboxExplorationOpen World Survival CraftSurvivalSci-fiIndie
- 21
Abiotic Factor
Why it matched: both open world, survival and science fiction; shares 8 player tags including Survival, Online Co-Op and Open World Survival Craft.
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 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.3/10 · Steam: (96% of 58,569)
Matches Starbound on: 4 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival, Adventure
Why players like it: Survival, Online Co-Op, Open World Survival Craft, Crafting, Base-Building — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Starbound: $34.99 — $20.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Starbound:SurvivalOnline Co-OpOpen World Survival CraftCraftingSci-fiExplorationSandboxBuilding
- 22
Green Hell
Why it matched: both open world, survival and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and Online Co-Op; released around the same time (2019).
Plunge into the open-world survival simulation set in the extreme conditions of the uncharted Amazon jungle. Use real-life survival techniques to craft, hunt, fight, and gather resources, set a makeshift shelter, or raise a fortress. Survive alone or team up with your friends and challenge the jungle together.
Green Hell at a glance Released 2019 Studio Creepy Jar Player sentiment 85% positive of 101,599 Price $2.79 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: (85% of 101,599)
Matches Starbound on: 4 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival, Adventure
Why players like it: Open World Survival Craft, Survival, Multiplayer, Online Co-Op, Open World — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Starbound: $2.79 — $12.20 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Starbound:Open World Survival CraftSurvivalOnline Co-OpCraftingExplorationSandboxBuilding
- 23
ICARUS
Why it matched: both open world, survival and science fiction; shares 8 player tags including Survival, Open World Survival Craft and Online Co-Op.
ICARUS is a solo or multiplayer PvE survival game. Explore a savage wilderness in the aftermath of terraforming gone wrong. Complete narrative quests as either Open World operations or Individual Missions. Explore, build, craft and hunt while seeking your fortune and prospecting for exotic matter.
ICARUS at a glance Released 2021 Studio RocketWerkz Player sentiment 75% positive of 67,694 Price $8.74 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.9/10 · Steam: (75% of 67,694)
Matches Starbound on: 5 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival, Space, Adventure
Why players like it: Survival, Open World Survival Craft, Multiplayer, Base-Building, Online Co-Op — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Starbound: $8.74 — $6.25 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Starbound:SurvivalOpen World Survival CraftOnline Co-OpCraftingExplorationBuildingSpaceSandbox
- 24
The Forest
Why it matched: both open world, survival and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Open World Survival Craft, Survival and Crafting; released around the same time (2018).
As the lone survivor of a passenger jet crash, you find yourself in a mysterious forest battling to stay alive against a society of cannibalistic mutants. Build, explore, survive in this terrifying first person survival horror simulator.
The Forest at a glance Released 2018 Studio Endnight Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 680,814 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.3/10 · Steam: (96% of 680,814)
Matches Starbound on: 4 of 5 — Open World Survival Craft, Sandbox, Survival, Adventure
Why players like it: Open World Survival Craft, Survival, Open World, Horror, Crafting — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Starbound: $19.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with Starbound:Open World Survival CraftSurvivalCraftingBuildingExplorationSandboxIndie
Common questions
What game is most like Starbound?
Terraria, on the evidence we have. It both open world, survival and atmospheric. 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 Starbound" 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 Starbound. 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.