- Screenshot from No Mans Sky, Courtesy of Hello Games

5 of the Best Open-World Space-Based Games

Originally posted on Total Apex Gaming
By Nicole Azucena | Last updated Aug 24, 2025 11:35 AM ET

Space-based games are a fan favorite category, all on their own, but when you add the concept of open world, it brings those kinds of games to the next level. It expands what you can do, it brings immersion to a gamer’s run of the game, and it showcases the creativity and ability of the developers to deliver a game that people will talk about. Here is a list of the five best open-world space-based games.

No Man’s Sky

I don’t believe there are any introductions necessary for this game. No Man’s Sky’s open world system is top tier, with the many different planetary systems you can go to, to the different alien species you can interact with; there is no measure for what you can do in this game. There were some difficulties the game experienced when it first launched in 2016; however, developers at Hello Games worked extra hard to add new features and improve the game overall, and it shows. Plus, I’m also a sucker for customization, and this game has it in spades.

Astroneer

Astoneer is probably my favorite game on this list. This game shot to stardom a few years ago, when gameplay went viral, and it just doesn’t disappoint. The idea that you can farm materials on every plant you land on and use them to build different machines for yourself is highly addictive. Even the way in which you farm materials is such a satisfying mechanic. This game even has an actual story behind it, steeped in mystery, and can be unraveled the more you explore each planet you’re on. As a game, it’s 10 out of 10 for me!

Destiny 2 – Best Of Space-based Games Ever

Destiny 2 just had to be on this list. Released in 2017, it’s probably one of the best open-world space games to play in terms of story and as a first-person shooter game. The hype for this game was unreal. I remember my whole friend group just couldn’t stop talking about how good the game looked and how awesome the story was. And I had to agree, visually, the game is so stunning. From the voice acting to the epic soundtrack, this game was bound to captivate players of the game. There’s so much to unpack with Destiny 2, and it is definitely worth the time to play.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition

This edition of the game is a complete remaster of the trilogy, which does the series justice. With updated graphics to bring the game to a more modern style of gaming, this is the best example of a beloved 2000s game given a second chance at life. The new graphics and gameplay mechanics added are impeccable in design, and it’s a must-play for people who want to relive the game and gamers who want to experience a new open-world space game.

The Outer Worlds

Image of The Outer Worlds 2, Courtesy of Obsidian Entertainment and Xbox Game Studios

Nominated for game of the year in 2019, it’s no wonder people love this game. As a first-person shooter RPG, its creative gameplay and incredible story are major selling points for the game. The Outer Worlds also won the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Video Game and the Nebula Award for Best Game Writing. It’s often compared to Fallout, another Obsidian Entertainment game, and just like Fallout, it’s an amazing open world with so many different ways to experience the game.

The only thing that makes space-based games better is the concept of an open world. There are so many different games that can deliver that feeling we get when playing open world games, and these five are the best to not only bring out that feeling, but have us experience fantastical adventures different than our own world.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Gaming and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: