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Space games have been around since the beginning of video game history.
Today, galactic explorers can enjoy a broad mix of genres with lots of fast-paced action adventures, tricky trade simulations and dramatic survival battles on alien planets.
Here are three of the best.
1. X4: Foundations
After brief teething problems, the space simulation X4: Foundations has morphed into the most extensive and best part of the X series, which has been jetting through the video game world for around 25 years.
Developed by Egosoft, this game is a sophisticated mix of space action and economic simulation, with plenty of attention to detail that really rivals others in terms of scope and complexity.

The X series is akin to a jack of all trades in this genre. Space battles are balanced with a clever economic simulation in which players can rise from small pirate hunters to magnates. Gamers use their own space bases and trade fleets. Fans of sophisticated space simulations can really immerse themselves in this huge game world.
The problem is that X4: Foundations is really time-consuming. The controls and gameplay are complex. But once you get the hang of it, players can expect one of the greatest space adventures in the world of computer games. Regular updates such as the recently released Kingdom End constantly add new content.
With this legendary and mature title, fans of sophisticated space simulations can discover an almost unrivalled space opera.
X4: Foundations is out on Windows and Linux.
2. No Man’s Sky
Lauded before its release in 2016, No Man’s Sky set out to please all gamers with promises of adventures in space, trading simulations, action-adventure and survival drama. The disillusionment was tremendous when many of the promises turned out to be nothing but hot air.
However, the game has since become one of the most exciting space adventures ever thanks to many additions. It was even the top seller on Steam for a while in 2024.

Developed by Hello Games, No Man’s Sky sees players become daring space pilots or colonisers of distant planets. They can loot other spaceships and gather raw materials or concentrate on exploring the alien fauna and flora with rocket packs and aboard land vehicles.
Raw materials for building a small base as shelter from the climate are all over the place. But gamers beware: reckless adventurers must watch out for the dangers of these alien worlds.
There are no classic quests, but a main goal of reaching the centre of the galaxy. How you get there depends on you, and the journey can take around 40 hours.
Those who want to discover more of this universe should expect the journey from planet to planet to take twice as long. The randomly generated game world consists of 255 galaxies and numerous planet types. Sometimes, the pilots even meet aliens with whom they can trade. To put it briefly, more adventure in space is hard to find.

At long last, this ambitious space adventure is where it always wanted to be: a grand spectacle that will keep players on the edge of their seats for quite some time.
No Man’s Sky is out on Windows, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series and Nintendo Switch.
3. Elite Dangerous
Published by Frontier Developments, Elite Dangerous is part of one of the most legendary video game series ever made – the original Elite (1984) was one of the biggest time-consumers on the early home computer scene. Players could travel through space, trade and attack enemy spaceships.
Elite Dangerous picks up exactly where the original left off and stages a mix of action and trade simulation, making for a spectacular space opera with all the right graphics and a vast game world.

Elite Dangerous is an open-world game in which you can explore a huge universe of 400 billion star systems alone or as competing factions. The gameplay remains similar to the original and centres on trading, fighting, and buying and equipping ships.
One of the latest content updates allows players to land on planets and complete missions like in a first-person shooter.
Despite the sci-fi scenario, Elite Dangerous relies on a realistic space-flight mechanic that takes some getting used to. Once you have overcome this hurdle, an extensive space adventure opens up. Supplies are available. Players can explore planets and thanks to up-to-date content, constantly watch out for new ships, weapons and equipment. Unfortunately, that applies only to PC players as the console version is no longer being developed.

Elite Dangerous might be old – the game was first released in 2014 – but it shows that it can easily win any battle in the galaxy thanks to a huge game world and invincible gameplay.
Elite Dangerous is out on Windows.


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3 of the best space exploration and adventure games out there

Elite Dangerous is an open-world game in which you can explore a huge universe of 400 billion star systems alone or as competing factions.

A screenshot from X4: Foundations.

A screenshot from No Man’s Sky.

A screenshot from Elite Dangerous.

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X4: Foundations, No Man’s Sky and Elite Dangerous offer everything space adventurers could want, on PC and other platforms


X4: Foundations, No Man’s Sky and Elite Dangerous offer everything space adventurers could want, on PC and other platforms.


Space

3 of the best space exploration and adventure games out there

X4: Foundations, No Man’s Sky and Elite Dangerous offer everything space adventurers could want, on PC and other platforms

1. X4: Foundations

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