Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Universe Sandbox (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Universe Sandbox 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: Universe Sandbox Legacy, which made by the same studio, Giant Army.
- Universe Sandbox is tagged Sandbox, Space, Simulation, Physics, Science, Destruction, Realistic, God Game 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.
- 3 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
- 1 are from the same studio: Universe Sandbox Legacy.
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
Universe Sandbox Legacy
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Giant Army; both science fiction, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 13 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 SimulationSandboxSpacePhysicsScienceEducationIndieCasual
- 2
Cell to Singularity - Evolution Never Ends
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 10 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 SimulationScienceCasualSpaceEducationEarly AccessGod GameSci-fi
- 3
Kerbal Space Program
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 10 player tags including Space, Simulation and Sandbox; 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 SpaceSimulationSandboxPhysicsScienceSpace SimIndieEducation
- 4
Spore
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including God Game, Sandbox and Exploration.
Be the architect of your own universe with Spore, an exciting single-player adventure. From Single Cell to Galactic God, evolve your creature in a universe of your own creations.
Spore at a glance Released 2008 Studio Maxis Player sentiment 93% positive of 72,594 Price $19.99 God GameSandboxExplorationSimulationSpaceCasualScienceSci-fi
- 5
Hardspace: Shipbreaker
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and relaxing; shares 9 player tags including Space, Sci-fi and Simulation.
Equipped with cutting-edge salvaging tech, carve & slice spaceships to recover valuable materials. Upgrade your gear to take on more lucrative contracts and pay your billion credits debt to LYNX Corp!
Hardspace: Shipbreaker at a glance Released 2022 Studio Blackbird Interactive Player sentiment 89% positive of 22,334 Price $34.99 SpaceSci-fiSimulationPhysicsDestructionSandboxSpace SimEarly Access
- 6
Endless Sky
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Space, Sci-fi and Simulation; 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 SpaceSci-fiSimulationExplorationSpace SimIndieSandboxCasual
- 7
SPORE Galactic Adventures
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 7 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 SimulationSpaceExplorationSandboxSci-fiGod GameCasual
- 8
Dyson Sphere Program
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and relaxing; shares 8 player tags including Space, Simulation and Sci-fi.
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 SpaceSimulationSci-fiSandboxSpace SimEarly AccessIndieCasual
- 9
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Realistic and Relaxing; released around the same time (2012).
Travel across Europe as king of the road, a trucker who delivers important cargo across impressive distances! With dozens of cities to explore, your endurance, skill and speed will all be pushed to their limits.
Euro Truck Simulator 2 at a glance Released 2012 Studio SCS Software Player sentiment 97% positive of 940,049 Price $19.99 SimulationRealisticRelaxingExplorationFamily FriendlyCasualIndie
- 10
Starbound
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Sandbox, Space and Exploration; 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 SandboxSpaceExplorationRelaxingIndieSci-fi
- 11
Ultimate Fishing Simulator
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Exploration and Casual; released around the same time (2018).
Bored of waiting for a bite? Would you like to catch some fish? You're lucky - in Ultimate Fishing Simulator, fish bite like crazy! Spinning, float fishing, ground fishing, and more! Comprehensive fishing simulator that allows using various techniques, in different places around the world!
Ultimate Fishing Simulator at a glance Released 2018 Studio Ultimate Games S.A. Player sentiment 89% positive of 9,129 Price $19.99 SimulationExplorationCasualRealisticRelaxingSandboxFamily Friendly
- 12
No Man's Sky
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Space, Exploration and Sci-fi; 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 SpaceExplorationSci-fiSandboxSpace SimIndieSimulation
- 13
Professional Fishing
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Casual and Realistic; released around the same time (2018).
Are you falling asleep with a rod? Never again! Professional Fishing will never let you fall asleep! Play an amazing fishing simulator and feel like a real angler! Create your own fishing club and compete with others!
Professional Fishing at a glance Released 2018 Studio MasterCode Player sentiment 76% positive of 4,260 Price Free SimulationCasualRealisticFamily FriendlyRelaxingIndieExploration
- 14
Starpoint Gemini 2
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Space, Simulation and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2014).
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 SpaceSimulationSci-fiSpace SimIndieDestructionScience
- 15
Breathedge
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Space, Sandbox and Indie.
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 SpaceSandboxIndieSci-fiExplorationEarly AccessSimulation
- 16
American Truck Simulator
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Simulation, Realistic and Relaxing; released around the same time (2016).
Experience legendary American trucks and deliver various cargoes across sunny California, sandy Nevada, and the Grand Canyon State of Arizona. American Truck Simulator takes you on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes and widely recognized landmarks around the States.
American Truck Simulator at a glance Released 2016 Studio SCS Software Player sentiment 97% positive of 195,613 Price $19.99 SimulationRealisticRelaxingExplorationCasualFamily Friendly
- 17
ABZU
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Relaxing, Exploration and Casual; released around the same time (2016).
From the art director of Journey®, ABZÛ is a beautiful underwater adventure that evokes the dream of diving. Immerse yourself in a vibrant hidden world bursting with color and life as you descend into the heart of the ocean. But beware as you swim deeper as dangers lurk in the depths.
ABZU at a glance Released 2016 Studio Giant Squid Player sentiment 93% positive of 27,628 Price $19.99 RelaxingExplorationCasualIndieFamily FriendlySimulation
- 18
OMSI 2: Steam Edition
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Simulation, Realistic and Casual; released around the same time (2013).
Off to the next round! Experience a new omnibus simulator with OMSI 2 and start discovering Spandau while driving the omnibus. OMSI 2 is the successor of the well-known and awarded omnibus simulator "OMSI - The Bus Simulator".
OMSI 2: Steam Edition at a glance Released 2013 Studio MR-Software GbR Player sentiment 86% positive of 14,844 Price $29.99 SimulationRealisticCasualRelaxingFamily FriendlyPhysics
- 19
Euro Truck Simulator
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric and relaxing; shares 6 player tags including Simulation, Realistic and Indie; released around the same time (2013).
The original Euro Truck Simulator - the game which has become the classic of the genre and is still relevant today. The first truck simulation game in a European setting, with European long haul trucks!
Euro Truck Simulator at a glance Released 2013 Studio SCS Software Player sentiment 84% positive of 7,665 Price $4.99 SimulationRealisticIndieRelaxingExplorationSandbox
- 20
Planetbase
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Space, Simulation 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 SpaceSimulationSci-fiIndieSandboxSpace Sim
- 21
Slime Rancher
Why it matched: both open world and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Exploration, Sandbox and Casual; released around the same time (2017).
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 ExplorationSandboxCasualSimulationFamily FriendlyIndieEarly Access
- 22
Oxygen Not Included
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Sandbox and Space; 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 SimulationSandboxSpaceIndieSci-fiExplorationSpace Sim
- 23
PC Building Simulator
Why it matched: both atmospheric and relaxing; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Education and Sandbox; released around the same time (2019).
Build and grow your very own computer repair enterprise as you learn to diagnose, fix and build PCs. With real-world licensed components and comprehensive hardware and software simulation, you can plan and bring your ultimate PC to life.
PC Building Simulator at a glance Released 2019 Studio Claudiu Kiss Player sentiment 93% positive of 52,742 Price $19.99 SimulationEducationSandboxRealisticCasualRelaxingIndie
- 24
X-Plane 11
Why it matched: both open world and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Realistic and Physics; released around the same time (2017).
The future of flight simulation is now! X-Plane 11 is the detailed, realistic, and modern simulator you’ve been waiting for. Intuitive user interface, 3-D cockpits, new effects, 3-D sound, living airports and world-wide scenery.
X-Plane 11 at a glance Released 2017 Studio Laminar Research Player sentiment 93% positive of 20,259 Price $29.99 SimulationRealisticPhysicsSandboxEducationExplorationFamily Friendly
Common questions
What game is most like Universe Sandbox?
Universe Sandbox Legacy, on the evidence we have. It made by the same studio, Giant Army. 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 Universe Sandbox" 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 Universe Sandbox. 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 Universe Sandbox do?
Universe Sandbox Legacy is also from Giant Army, and appears 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.