Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Stellar 2D (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Stellar 2D 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: Distant Space, which both science fiction and relaxing.
- Stellar 2D is tagged Indie, Casual, Action, 2D, Shoot 'Em Up, Space 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
Distant Space
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Shoot 'Em Up, Indie and Space; released around the same time (2016).
Distant Space are present the arcade game of cosmic fights in arcade style of the 80's, this is a game where you can control the spaceship and forced to destroy extraterrestrials, which are moving in the certain order.
Distant Space at a glance Released 2016 Studio PixelMouse Player sentiment 82% positive of 3,458 Price $0.99 Shoot 'Em UpIndieSpaceCasual2D
- 2
Beat Hazard
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 5 player tags including Shoot 'Em Up, 2D and Space.
Experience your music collection like never before with this intense music driven arcade shooter. Each of your songs will have its own unique ebb and flow based on the music.
Beat Hazard at a glance Released 2010 Studio Cold Beam Games Player sentiment 95% positive of 7,449 Price $9.99 Shoot 'Em Up2DSpaceIndieCasual
- 3
SpaceChem
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Indie, 2D and Space; released around the same time (2011).
Zachtronics is back with an ambitious new design-based puzzle game. Take on the role of a Reactor Engineer working for SpaceChem, the leading chemical synthesizer for frontier colonies. Construct elaborate factories to transform raw materials into valuable chemical products!
SpaceChem at a glance Released 2011 Studio Zachtronics Player sentiment 92% positive of 5,085 Price $9.99 Indie2DSpaceCasual
- 4
Endless Sky
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Space, 2D and Indie; released around the same time (2015).
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 Space2DIndieCasual
- 5
Defy Gravity Extended
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 4 player tags including Indie, Space and 2D; released around the same time (2016).
Defy Gravity is an action platformer that is a mix between classic platforming and gravity based puzzle solving.
Defy Gravity Extended at a glance Released 2016 Studio Paul Fisch Player sentiment 86% positive of 8,531 Price $0.55 IndieSpace2DCasual
- 6
Universe Sandbox
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 3 player tags including Space, Casual and Indie; released around the same time (2015).
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 SpaceCasualIndie
- 7
SteamWorld Dig
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 3 player tags including Indie, 2D and Casual; released around the same time (2013).
SteamWorld Dig is an action-adventure puzzler with strong Metroidvanian influences set in the SteamWorld Universe. You’ll need to dig deep into the earth, gather resources to upgrade your tools and abilities, take on enemies, solve challenging puzzles and uncover the secrets to save a dying town.
SteamWorld Dig at a glance Released 2013 Studio Image & Form Games Player sentiment 94% positive of 10,998 Price $9.99 Indie2DCasual
- 8
Among Us
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 3 player tags including Space, 2D and Casual; released around the same time (2018).
An online and local party game of teamwork and betrayal for 4-15 players...in space!
Among Us at a glance Released 2018 Studio Innersloth Player sentiment 92% positive of 746,102 Price $2.99 Space2DCasual
- 9
Starbound
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 3 player tags including Space, Indie and 2D; released around the same time (2016).
You’ve fled your home, only to find yourself lost in space with a damaged ship. Your only option is to beam down to the planet below, repair your ship and set off to explore the universe...
Starbound at a glance Released 2016 Studio Chucklefish Player sentiment 90% positive of 123,280 Price $14.99 SpaceIndie2D
- 10
Broken Age
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 3 player tags including Indie, Casual and 2D; released around the same time (2014).
A family friendly, hand-animated, puzzle-filled adventure game with an all-star cast, including Elijah Wood, Jack Black and Masasa Moyo. Funded by a record breaking crowdfunding campaign and designed by industry legend Tim Schafer, Broken Age is a timeless coming-of-age story.
Broken Age at a glance Released 2014 Studio Double Fine Player sentiment 84% positive of 8,219 Price $14.99 IndieCasual2D
- 11
Universe Sandbox Legacy
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 3 player tags including Space, Indie and Casual; 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 SpaceIndieCasual
- 12
Evolvation
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 3 player tags including Indie, Casual and Space; released around the same time (2017).
Evolvation is a casual multiplayer and fast-paced and class based space flying shooter developed by a two-man-army (Eric and Jacob) from Amsterdam. Classes are: Highspeed, Fighter, Stealth, Support and Tank. Each class has its own special ability which provides a dynamic gameplay.
Evolvation at a glance Released 2017 Studio Eric Ruts Player sentiment 68% positive of 950 Price $1.99 IndieCasualSpace
- 13
Mighty No. 9
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 3 player tags including Indie, Casual and 2D; released around the same time (2016).
Mighty No. 9 is a 2D Side-scrolling Action game that takes the best elements from 8 and 16-bit classics that you know and love and transforms them with modern tech, fresh mechanics, and fan input into something fresh and amazing!
Mighty No. 9 at a glance Released 2016 Studio Inti Creates Player sentiment 50% positive of 3,453 Price $19.99 IndieCasual2D
- 14
Turbo Pug
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 3 player tags including Indie, Casual and 2D; published by the same company; released around the same time (2015).
It's time to unleash your inner pug! Turbo Pug is a casual runner with difficult, random, procedurally generated levels. Enjoy random weather and try to avoid getting zapped by lightning. Unlock new costumes for your pug and new characters to play as. Please try not to squish your pug!
Turbo Pug at a glance Released 2015 Studio Space Cat Studios Player sentiment 90% positive of 3,362 Price $1.99 IndieCasual2D
- 15
Dyson Sphere Program
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 3 player tags including Space, Indie and Casual.
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 SpaceIndieCasual
- 16
Machinarium
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 3 player tags including 2D, Casual and Indie.
Machinarium is the award-winning independent adventure game developed by the makers of Samorost series, Botanicula and CHUCHEL. Help Josef the robot save his girlfriend Berta kidnapped by the Black Cap Brotherhood gang!
Machinarium at a glance Released 2009 Studio Amanita Design Player sentiment 95% positive of 20,634 Price $3.99 2DCasualIndie
- 17
Turbo Pug DX
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 3 player tags including Indie, Casual and 2D; published by the same company; released around the same time (2016).
Turbo Pug is back and better than ever! In Turbo Pug DX you'll explore a variety of beautiful, passionately crafted environments. Collect treasures, score boosters, unlock other creatures to play as. Unlock secret mini games. Create custom level skins or enjoy skins created by other players.
Turbo Pug DX at a glance Released 2016 Studio SnowFlame Player sentiment 78% positive of 1,842 Price $1.99 IndieCasual2D
- 18
Freebie
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 3 player tags including Casual, Indie and 2D; published by the same company; released around the same time (2016).
Freebie is a casual game where you launch a ball against a paddle and hit a green surface. Be careful not to hit the red surfaces or you'll lose a life!
Freebie at a glance Released 2016 Studio Free Games Info Player sentiment 74% positive of 1,406 Price $1.99 CasualIndie2D
- 19
Kivi, Toilet and Shotgun
Why it matched: both relaxing; shares 3 player tags including Indie, Casual and 2D; published by the same company; released around the same time (2016).
Kivi, Toilet and Shotgun is a single player top down action game where your goal is to reach the end of the desert by avoiding all kinds of obstacles and fighting the desert raiders. Go up against foes in your vehicle and on foot. Take on powerful bosses, but make sure you're quipped for the fight!
Kivi, Toilet and Shotgun at a glance Released 2016 Studio 16bit Nights Player sentiment 52% positive of 510 Price $1.99 IndieCasual2D
- 20
VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 2 player tags including Casual and 2D; released around the same time (2016).
VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action is a booze em' up about waifus, technology, and post-dystopia life.
VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action at a glance Released 2016 Studio Sukeban Games Player sentiment 97% positive of 38,684 Price $14.99 Casual2D
- 21
Beat Saber
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 2 player tags including Indie and Casual; released around the same time (2018).
Slash the beats, get moving, and experience the world's most popular VR rhythm game!* Duck, dodge, and flow through 300+ handcrafted songs from artists like Coldplay, Imagine Dragons, and Metallica. Play solo, compete online, or pass the headset at your next party. Jump in with 60+ songs included!
Beat Saber at a glance Released 2018 Studio Beat Games Player sentiment 95% positive of 76,245 Price $19.99 IndieCasual
- 22
Sanctum
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 2 player tags including Indie and Casual; released around the same time (2011).
You think Tower Defense games are all about building? You thought wrong. Sanctum is not your average Tower Defense title. When the havoc starts, you get to join the fray! As one of the world’s first First Person Shooter - Tower Defense games, Sanctum has taken the best of both worlds to deliver an epic, one-of-a-kind experience.
Sanctum at a glance Released 2011 Studio Coffee Stain Studios Player sentiment 89% positive of 3,359 Price $1.99 IndieCasual
- 23
The Descendant
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 2 player tags including Casual and Indie; released around the same time (2016).
In THE DESCENDANT, the end of the world is only the start. With what remains of humanity protected in underground Ark facilities, your mission is to keep survivors alive, while discovering a far greater conspiracy buried within Ark-01.
The Descendant at a glance Released 2016 Studio Gaming Corps AB Player sentiment 88% positive of 7,158 Price $14.99 CasualIndie
- 24
SAS: Zombie Assault 4
Why it matched: both science fiction and relaxing; shares 2 player tags including 2D and Casual; released around the same time (2017).
Purge the undead! Intense action-shooter with deep rpg elements, including upgradeable guns and armor, unique class skills, and class special abilities. Entire game can be played single player or as a 4-player online co-op game, including PvP events like Last Man Standing.
SAS: Zombie Assault 4 at a glance Released 2017 Studio Ninja Kiwi Player sentiment 86% positive of 9,668 Price Free 2DCasual
Common questions
What game is most like Stellar 2D?
Distant Space, on the evidence we have. It both science fiction 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 Stellar 2D" 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 Stellar 2D. 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.