7 Games Like No Man’s Sky If You’re Looking for Something Similar

EVE Online

7 Games Like No Man’s Sky If You’re Looking for Something Similar

No Man’s Sky was all about space exploration, but the lack of social features really didn’t do the game much justice. That being said, EVE Online takes multiplayer to a whole new level and has a whopping 8,000 worlds to explore in its vast universe. As an MMO, expect to find players flying constantly between worlds, partaking in all sorts of different tasks.

While No Man’s Sky is definitely more focused on resource gathering, building, and exploration, EVE Online opened up new possibilities with activities such as piracy, manufacturing, and mining. However, it’s also worth noting that the MMO does have its fair share of combat and exploration as well, and the best part about it all is that you can experience everything with friends.

Subnautica

7 Games Like No Man’s Sky If You’re Looking for Something Similar

If you aren’t big on traveling between worlds, Subnautica offers a more grounded experience. Instead of launching into space, this exploration game pits you into the watery depths of an alien planet where you will be swimming your way through the game. Much like No Man’s Sky, expect plenty of resource collecting and crafting on your aquatic adventure, as you will stumble across all sorts of different life forms and materials in the game’s vast world.

It isn’t all about making new discoveries, however, as players will have to manage their basic resources. From hunger, thirst, and hydration, players need to find ways to stay alive while looking for a way to get off the island. While the game isn’t exactly punishing, it offers just enough challenge to balance both the wonders of exploration and the urgency of survival.

Starbound

7 Games Like No Man’s Sky If You’re Looking for Something Similar

With its pixelated graphics and space exploration themes, Starbound is a charming mix between Terraria and No Man’s Sky. Here, players will create their own character and explore a procedurally generated universe with different planets that offer a wide range of resources. With the destruction of Earth, humanity is forced to seek refuge in a ship and explore new lands to build society from the ground up.

That said, it’s up to you to start exploring new worlds and see just what they have to offer. There’s plenty of new materials to collect and items to craft, and Starbound also includes different alien settlements where you can speak and trade with NPCs. Like No Man’s Sky, there’s always something new to do as you explore new lands and make a mark in the vast galaxy.

Astroneer

7 Games Like No Man’s Sky If You’re Looking for Something Similar

Another space exploration game, Astroneer pits you in the role of an astronaut who roams around different planets and gathers resources. The game thrives on exploration, urging players to mold the environment using different tools to reach new areas and find better materials to survive. Like No Man’s Sky, Astroneer is home to many dangerous enemies and lifeforms that won’t hesitate to attack the player. Since there is absolutely no combat in this game, players will have to stay crafty and find different ways to avoid danger and stay on their toes. It’s worth noting that the game does support a multiplayer mode, so you can go off trotting to different planets with a friend.

The Forest

7 Games Like No Man’s Sky If You’re Looking for Something Similar

Taking another step back from space, The Forest is a grueling, gritty survival game set on a deserted island. After a near-fatal airplane crash, your character wakes up in a mysterious area that’s teeming with dangerous cannibals. With no one to depend on, you must find ways to gather materials and craft shelter and other necessary items to stay alive.

While most survival games come with a steep learning curve, The Forest is easy to pick up with its simple crafting and building system. Tracking materials and setting up base is easier than ever with detailed blueprints, and everything is easily accessible with your nifty survival book. While the game is playable alone, The Forest does support multiplayer with up to eight other people.

ARK: Survival Evolved

7 Games Like No Man’s Sky If You’re Looking for Something Similar

If No Man’s Sky is a look towards our future, then ARK: Survival Evolved takes players back to prehistoric history. Trade in those fancy gadgets for some simple equipment as you try to survive a vast island that’s teeming with Jurassic lifeforms. As such, it’s your top priority to keep your stats up by finding enough water and food to survive, but what makes ARK truly shine is the fact that you can actually tame dinosaurs.

There are over 29 species of dinosaurs in ARK: Survival Evolved, and you can control them to carry out different tasks. Some of these creatures can defend the base, and you can even ride other dinosaurs and attack your enemies. It’s also worth noting that ARK: Survival Evolved does have a living ecosystem, with animals following a predator hierarchy in the game. That being said, ARK offers a living, breathing world that thrives on wildlife to keep things interesting.

Elite Dangerous

7 Games Like No Man’s Sky If You’re Looking for Something Similar

Elite Dangerous and No Man’s Sky have always had some sort of rivalry between them, with both games sharing similar themes and principles. While No Man’s Sky is still hustling to meet its goals, Elite Dangerous has managed to capture the essence of space exploration and survival by offering a unique, vast universe, tight spaceship combat, strategic bartering opportunities, immersive social systems, and a wide range of other activities.

Like No Man’s Sky, Elite Dangerous also boasts an incredible solar system that comes complete with different planets, stars, and a day-and-night cycle, with over 150,000 systems taken from real-life data. With so much to do in the game, Elite Dangerous always offers a fresh experience for those who would take their first step into the vast world of space.