If you’re like me who derives joy in exploring the vastness of space, crafting incredible structures, and building and fighting armies, then you must be a fan of Astroneer. It’s a sandbox game that unleashes your creativity with its thrilling adventures.
The aerospace game allows you to venture into the unknown, shape planets, make rare discoveries, and uncover secrets of the universe. Your goal in the game is to gather resources, set up structures, and solve mysteries in the universe.
You can shape your environment and set your custom bases and vehicle. In that world, the possibilities are limitless, so the game has become one of the most popular among game lovers.
But did you know that some other games will give you the same experience? Among the most popular are Sybnautica, Starbounds, Planet Explorers and several others.
However, the best game like Astroneer is No Man’s Sky because it is set in space similar to Astroneer, and can be played in VR.
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Why You Should Explore Other Games Like Astroneer?
As much as Astroneer is a unique game with a unique and interesting appeal, there are other exciting options you should try out. There’s no need to be limited to just one type of game when a boundless opportunity awaits you.
Additionally, there’s an issue of lack of depth. If you’re looking for a more complex and intricate gameplay system, Astroneer may not do it for you.
Its straightforward game elements might also not interest you. You’ll likely want another sandbox or aerospace game that challenges you more. Plus you may not be financially capable of purchasing Astroneer.
In this case, it’s worth checking out other games with similar features. I have compiled and reviewed these games and what you’ll discover as you read through is that each game has its own distinct world, story, and mechanics.
So, whether you’re looking for a game that challenges you to survive the depths of an ocean, aerial dogfight, or simply construct intricate machinery, you’ll find your choice.
But make sure you read the post until the end. Without further ado, let’s dive in and explore the best games that share the spirit of Astroneer.
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Best Games Like Astroneer
1. No Man’s Sky
From the name, No Man’s Sky, you can tell that this is an aerospace game like Astroneer. The game has you exploring lots of galaxies. There are a lot of them waiting to be discovered.
You’ll love the intricate story structure of the game. You can either explore those galaxies or embark on a mission to unveil the secrets that lie out in the universe. And you have more than 30 hours to get this done.
If Astroneer’s multiplayer structure bores you, No Man’s Sky adds more thrill to your experience. There are a lot of options to play with including dogfighting, racing exco-craft, building colonies, exploring, trading, fighting, and surviving together.
Best of all, No Man’s Sky is VR inclined. This means that if you want to have a more immersive experience, you can play the entire game in virtual reality.
The game’s world is truly infinite. Your first entrance to the game will have you on a beautiful but unknown planet teeming with life.
Along the way, you’ll have to survive hazardous environments where alien civilizations want to take their fortune by force. You’ll also have to team up with a helper to set up base buildings for sheds anywhere on the planet.
Unlike Astroneer, No Man’s Sky ensures that you’re not alone in this gaming experience. They have a community of other game enthusiasts. You can connect with these like-minded and create new frontiers.
Also, No Man’s Sky has more purchasing options than Astroneer. The game can either be purchased from Xbox, PS4, PS5, Game Pass, Steam, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, or Gogcom.
You can purchase the game on Steam at $72.60.
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2. Subnautica
While Astroneer is an aerospace game, Subnautica is an underwater exploration game set in the ocean world. Despite this difference, both games still take you on an adventure.
With Subnautica, you’ll find yourself going underwater filled with dangerous creatures. Like Astroneer, you’ll be required to design equipment and outsmart any challenge that comes your way.
Subnautica will have you exploring lush coral reefs, volcanoes, cave systems, and a lot more in a bid to survive. When you crash land in your Life Pod, you have limited time to find water, food, and find resources to survive that stage.
Also, bear in mind that you’ll encounter a lot of strange and wonderful water creatures. While some of them are friendly, some are threatening.
So, you need to learn how to lure and distract them if you want to avoid their gnashing jaws.
Interestingly, Subnautica is played from a first-person point of view. But one beautiful feature of this game is that it is more fleshed out and you have a hand-crafted world to explore.
Astroneer on the other hand is too procedural and you don’t have enough space to explore creatively. Overall, I love that Subnautica has more defined graphics with an interesting backstory.
You should go for this game if you want to lose yourself in the ocean world where you’ll face higher threats but have complex mechanics to defeat them.
The game costs $37.95 on Steam.
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3. Starbound
Starbound is a lot like Astroneer because both of them share the sandbox exploration theme. That is to say, you’re free to explore worlds as much as you can.
Both games are also set in space, so Starbound already has an aerospace feel. The game combines elements of crafting, exploration, and combat.
Interestingly, you’re the protagonist in the game. You’ll find yourself stranded in a damaged ship and your major task is to go down to the planet, find resources, and repair your ship.
After that, you’re free to explore the universe. I love that the game allows players to mine, gather materials, build structures, and craft weapons and tools which they will use to combat their enemies.
Aside from that, Starbound comes with a deep lore and quest system that brings a narrative element to the game. This isn’t available on Astroneer.
Additionally, Starbound gives you the freedom to create your own story. There’s really no right or wrong way to play the game. This adds more creative flavor to the gameplay experience.
Unlike Astroneer, Starbound has more extensive customization options which allows players to construct and customize their structures. You can build simple houses, elaborate bases, and colonies.
Best of all, you have all the building materials, decorations, and furniture to unleash your creativity.
You can get the game for $47.30 at Steam.
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4. Minecraft
Like Astroneer, Minecraft is a 3D sandbox game that has become popular over time. Players are at liberty to explore and manipulate a vast world.
There are three ways to play the game. You can either play to create, play to survive, or play with friends. In playing to create, you’ll have to be crafty by using building materials around your environment to create something new.
While playing to survive, you’re to battle mobs, construct shelters, and explore the landscape. Your goal is to survive the night.
Finally, Minecraft allows you to play the game with your friends. You will build together, search together, and most of all, have fun together. I love that the game allows for both single-player and multiplayer modes where you can collaborate or compete with other players.
Ultimately, Minecraft has a charming art game style which has contributed massively to its popularity.
The game’s PC version costs $39.99 from the website. The mobile version is $6.99 both in Android and iOS versions.
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5. Raft
If you love exploring the water, then you’ll love this game. Like Astroneer, Raft is a sandbox multiplayer game. This means that you can either play the game alone or with your friends.
It’s also a survival game. You’ll find yourself stranded on a small raft in the middle of an endless ocean and your main goal is to navigate the sea, gather debris, and build up your raft to escape the dangers of the ocean.
As you’re on the water, you have limited food and water to manage as you fend off threats like sharks. I love the thrill that this game brings.
It can also be soothing in periods when the water is calm and all you can hear is the sound of the waves and the breeze.
Like Astroneer, Raft places a heavy emphasis on crafting and building considering that you have to scavenge for debris in the ocean and expand your craft with it. Interestingly, the game allows you to customize and personalize your craft.
This feature makes it a top priority for gamers who enjoy adventure-based games where they have to create and optimize their survival environment.
You’ll get the game at $20.90 on Steam.
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6. Planet Explorers
Planet Explorers is another game like Astroneer you should check out. It’s also a sandbox adventure game that is set on a distant planet.
You should ultimately go for this game if you’re looking for an adventure-based game with story-driven elements. That’s one major feature that’s lacking in Astroneer.
The world of Planet Explorers is set in 2287 when Earth sends the first colony ship to planet Maria. As the ship is landing, something hits it causing it to lose control and crash into the planet.
You’ll be confined to a lifeboat and there you must learn to explore the planet’s vast landscapes, gather resources, build structures, be ready to fight inhibiting creatures and conquer the land.
I particularly love that the game features a creative mode that allows players to access unlimited resources. They can freely build and experiment with those resources.
I love that Planet Explorers can be played either in third or first-person perspectives. In addition to that, you can customize your character and combine your weapons however you like.
There’s truly no limit to your creativity. The best of all is that the game is free to play.
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7. Empyrion
Similar to Astroneer, Empyrion is a 3D sandbox game that has you flying across space, exploring, and fighting for survival. You must pass through different planets and each of them has different challenges which you must combat.
Part of the adventure also means that food and oxygen will be rare. So, it’s best to be well-prepared before embarking on your exploration.
Ultimately, the key to winning this game is to stay alive. The galaxy is very hostile, and you will fight a lot of creatures to survive.
Another interesting feature you’ll find in Empyrion is that you can either play the game alone or with your friends. That is to say, it has a single and multiplayer interface.
You also have the liberty to construct bases out of blocks and building parts. The best part is that you can even colonize other planets.
One of the major advantages of Empyrion is that it has more intricate gameplay mechanics. That is to say, you can design and construct complex spaceships.
Regarding scope and focus, I like that the game has a broader scope. Unlike Astroneer, Empyrion has a more expansive universe with multiple planets to explore.
The game cost $20.90 on Steam.
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8. The Long Dark
If you’re a lover of games set in the post-apocalyptic era, then you’ll love The Long Dark. One similarity this game shares with Astroneer is that both of them involve exploration and survival.
In The Long Dark, you’ll find yourself in a Canadian wilderness after a geomagnetic disaster and must find a way to navigate and escape the harsh environment while still scavenging for resources and managing your hunger, thirst, and fatigue.
Additionally, you have a lot of wildlife threats to fight or avoid. I love that the game delivers realistic survival mechanics and a challenging solo experience.
Ultimately, The Long Dark is best suited for gamers who prefer playing alone. You’ll be challenged to think about yourself as you explore the frozen wilderness.
Bear in mind that there are no zombies in this wilderness. You’re out alone, cold, and at the mercy of the threats from Mother Nature.
Unlike Astroneer, The Long Dark game is set in a post-apocalyptic frozen wilderness which gives it a gritty and immersive atmosphere.
Because the game favors solo players, you’ll enjoy the story mode which will have you following a structured progression in completing your story objectives.
The game costs $24.19 on Steam and $21.99 on Epic Games. Otherwise, you can also get it from Play Station at $46.99.
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9. Space Engineers
Space Engineers is another game like Astroneer worth considering. The major similarity between them is that they are both sandbox games and are set in space.
However, Space Engineers offers a more competitive game experience. It’s also best suited for players intrigued about engineering, construction, exploration, and survival in space.
In the game, you’re required to build ships, space stations, and wheeled vehicles of different sizes and uses. You will also construct pilot ships with which you will explore planets and gather resources to survive.
Interestingly, Space Engineers comes with both creative and survival modes which means there’s no limit to what you can build and explore in space. It’s also beautiful how you can manipulate and shape your environment.
Space Engineers offers both single-player and multiplayer modes. This means that you can either play solo or compete with other players in battles.
You can get the game from the Store Page at $69.99.
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10. Valheim
If you’re intrigued by the underworld, such as purgatory, then you’ll enjoy Valheim. It’s an action-adventure game like Astroneer but the only difference is in their settings.
Valheim has you slain in a battle and taken to the tenth world where you must defeat the realm and slay monsters banished by Odin years ago. In defeating these monsters, you will explore deep forests and freezing mountains as well as set up new settlements.
The goal is to gain Allfather’s favor and become worthy of Valhalla. Another beautiful feature of the game is that it supports cooperative multiplayer. This means that you can team up with your friends or other passionate players online to embark on the adventure.
I also love that you’re free to design and construct your own Viking settlements. You simply need to gather materials and weapons to customize your buildings to suit your defenses.
Additionally, as you’re slaying these monsters, your skills and abilities will improve. Overall, the game’s dynamic day-night cycle and weather system also add more flavor to the gameplay experience.
You can purchase the game for $21.45 at Steam.
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Conclusion
As you have seen, there are other games like Astroneer. The ones we reviewed above offer a variety of sandbox, exploration, and crafting gameplay experiences like Astroneer.
However, each of them has unique features and settings. For example, Valheim is set in the underworld while Raft is set in the middle of an ocean.
Ultimately, the best game like Astroneer is No Man’s Sky. It’s an aerospace game like Astroneer and has an intricate story structure that you’ll love.
To make the game experience more thrilling, No Man’s Sky comes with more game options such as dogfighting, raceing exco-craft, and building colonies. Best of all, you can play the entire game in virtual reality.
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