Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Trailmakers (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Trailmakers 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: Empyrion - Galactic Survival, which both open world, survival and science fiction.
- Trailmakers is tagged Space, Action, Family Friendly, Co-op Campaign, Online Co-Op, Singleplayer, Adventure, Action-Adventure 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.
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
Empyrion - Galactic Survival
Why it matched: both open world, survival and science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Space, Survival and Building; 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 SpaceSurvivalBuildingExplorationSandboxPhysicsCrafting
- 2
ICARUS
Why it matched: both open world, survival and science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Survival, Online Co-Op and Crafting; released around the same time (2021).
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 SurvivalOnline Co-OpCraftingExplorationBuildingSpaceSandbox
- 3
Astroneer
Why it matched: both open world, survival and science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Survival, Space and Exploration; 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 SurvivalSpaceExplorationSandboxBuildingCraftingColorful
- 4
Starbound
Why it matched: both open world, survival and science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Sandbox, Survival and Space; 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 SandboxSurvivalSpaceCraftingOnline Co-OpExplorationBuilding
- 5
Abiotic Factor
Why it matched: both open world, survival and science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Survival, Online Co-Op and Crafting.
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 SurvivalOnline Co-OpCraftingCo-op CampaignExplorationSandboxBuilding
- 6
TerraTech
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 8 player tags including Building, Sandbox and Crafting; released around the same time (2018).
TerraTech is an open-world, sandbox adventure game, where you design and build your own creations through a mix of crafting, combat and discovery. Design vehicles from a huge library of blocks. Scavenge, craft and buy new parts to survive and become the ultimate planetary prospector.
TerraTech at a glance Released 2018 Studio Payload Studios Player sentiment 91% positive of 24,934 Price $6.24 BuildingSandboxCraftingSurvivalExplorationVehicular CombatPhysicsOnline Co-Op
- 7
The Planet Crafter
Why it matched: both open world, survival and science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Survival, Online Co-Op and Building.
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 SurvivalOnline Co-OpBuildingCraftingExplorationSpaceSandbox
- 8
Breathedge
Why it matched: both open world, survival and science fiction; shares 6 player tags including Space, Survival and Sandbox; released around the same time (2021).
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 SpaceSurvivalSandboxCraftingExplorationAction-Adventure
- 9
Green Hell
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 7 player tags including Survival, Online Co-Op and Crafting; 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 SurvivalOnline Co-OpCraftingExplorationSandboxBuildingAction-Adventure
- 10
Oxygen Not Included
Why it matched: both open world, survival and science fiction; shares 5 player tags including Survival, Building and Sandbox; 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 SurvivalBuildingSandboxSpaceExploration
- 11
No Man's Sky
Why it matched: both open world, survival and science fiction; shares 5 player tags including Space, Exploration and Survival; 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 SpaceExplorationSurvivalSandboxCrafting
- 12
Planetbase
Why it matched: both open world, survival and science fiction; shares 5 player tags including Space, Survival and Building; 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 SpaceSurvivalBuildingSandboxCrafting
- 13
ASKA
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 7 player tags including Online Co-Op, Crafting and Building.
A new Viking age dawns with you at its helm. Forge a thriving colony from nothing in this mythic open-world survival sim. Earn the gods' favor and survive in a land ruled by ancient terrors and unforgiving seasons. Rally unique villagers, expand your settlement and defend your tribe - solo or co-op!
ASKA at a glance Released 2024 Studio Sand Sailor Studio Player sentiment 80% positive of 12,111 Price $24.99 Online Co-OpCraftingBuildingSurvivalSandboxExplorationAction-Adventure
- 14
Satisfactory
Why it matched: both open world, survival and science fiction; shares 5 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 CraftingBuildingSandboxExplorationSurvival
- 15
Conan Exiles Enhanced
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 6 player tags including Survival, Building and Crafting; released around the same time (2018).
Conan Exiles Enhanced is an open world survival game set in the mythical lands of Hyboria, now fully upgraded to Unreal Engine 5 with stunning visuals and improved performance. SURVIVE, BUILD, and DOMINATE alone or with friends in a world brimming with adventure!
Conan Exiles Enhanced at a glance Released 2018 Studio Funcom Player sentiment 79% positive of 117,272 Price $39.99 SurvivalBuildingCraftingSandboxOnline Co-OpExploration
- 16
V Rising
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 7 player tags including Survival, Crafting and Online Co-Op.
Awaken as a Vampire. Hunt for blood in nearby settlements to regain your strength and evade the scorching sun to survive. Raise your castle and thrive in an ever-changing, open world full of mystery. Gain allies online and conquer the land of the living.
V Rising at a glance Released 2024 Studio Stunlock Studios Player sentiment 89% positive of 136,836 Price $34.99 SurvivalCraftingOnline Co-OpBuildingSandboxExplorationAction-Adventure
- 17
Valheim
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 6 player tags including Survival, Online Co-Op and Building; released around the same time (2021).
A brutal exploration and survival game for 1-10 players, set in a procedurally-generated purgatory inspired by viking culture. Battle, build, and conquer your way to a saga worthy of Odin’s patronage!
Valheim at a glance Released 2021 Studio Iron Gate Studio Player sentiment 94% positive of 540,990 Price $29.99 SurvivalOnline Co-OpBuildingCraftingExplorationSandbox
- 18
Core Keeper
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 6 player tags including Online Co-Op, Sandbox and Survival.
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 Online Co-OpSandboxSurvivalCraftingExplorationBuilding
- 19
Scrap Mechanic
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 6 player tags including Building, Sandbox and Survival.
Enter the creative paradise of Scrap Mechanic! Build fantastic machines, go on adventures with your friends and defend against waves of evil Farmbots in this imaginative multiplayer survival sandbox. With Scrap Mechanic’s powerful creation tools you can engineer your own adventures!
Scrap Mechanic at a glance Released 2026 Studio Axolot Games Player sentiment 92% positive of 122,335 Price $28.99 BuildingSandboxSurvivalPhysicsCraftingOnline Co-Op
- 20
Surviving Mars
Why it matched: both open world, survival and science fiction; shares 4 player tags including Survival, Space and Building; released around the same time (2018).
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 SurvivalSpaceBuildingSandbox
- 21
Sons Of The Forest
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 6 player tags including Survival, Crafting and Building.
Sent to find a missing billionaire on a remote island, you find yourself in a cannibal-infested hellscape. Craft, build, and struggle to survive, alone or with friends, in this terrifying new open-world survival horror simulator.
Sons Of The Forest at a glance Released 2024 Studio Endnight Games Ltd Player sentiment 88% positive of 318,107 Price $29.99 SurvivalCraftingBuildingExplorationSandboxAction-Adventure
- 22
Kerbal Space Program
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 5 player tags including Space, Sandbox and Physics; released around the same time (2015).
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 SpaceSandboxPhysicsBuildingExploration
- 23
Universe Sandbox
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 5 player tags including Sandbox, Space and Physics; 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 SandboxSpacePhysicsFamily FriendlyExploration
- 24
Dwarf Fortress
Why it matched: both open world and survival; shares 5 player tags including Sandbox, Building and Survival; released around the same time (2022).
Build a fortress and try to help your dwarves survive against a deeply generated world. Keep your dwarves happy, grow their community and beware of digging too deeply. The deepest, most intricate simulation of a world that's ever been created.
Dwarf Fortress at a glance Released 2022 Studio Bay 12 Games Player sentiment 95% positive of 31,446 Price $29.99 SandboxBuildingSurvivalCraftingExploration
Common questions
What game is most like Trailmakers?
Empyrion - Galactic Survival, on the evidence we have. It both open world, survival 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 Trailmakers" 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 Trailmakers. 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.