The Most Popular Space Game, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the space game you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 28, 2024 06:50
In the endlessly intriguing cosmos of gaming, space-themed games hold a special place in the hearts of many. Enthusiasts from around the world journey through galaxies from the comfort of their homes, battling aliens, crafting outposts, and discovering new planets. This genre's popularity makes it difficult to determine which games rise above the rest in terms of user interest and satisfaction.
To help everyone from seasoned astro-navigators to curious newcomers, we have created a dynamic list where votes directly influence the standing of each game. By participating, gamers contribute their perspective, helping shape a real-time reflection of the community's preferences. This list is not just a guide; it's an ongoing, collective project that grows and adjusts based on your input.
What Is the Most Popular Space Game?
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162votes
Elite Dangerous
Frontier DevelopmentsWith a vast open-world galaxy and a rich storyline, Elite Dangerous is one of the most popular space games. It offers players the chance to explore and trade in a realistic and immersive universe.Elite Dangerous is a massively multiplayer online space exploration game set in the Milky Way galaxy. Created by Frontier Developments, it offers players a vast open-world experience where they can pilot their own spacecraft, trade goods, engage in combat, and undertake various missions and activities across a realistic and detailed universe.- Platform: PC, Xbox, PlayStation
- Game Type: Space simulation, MMO
- Release Date: December 16, 2014
- Online Mode: Online Only
- Single Player Mode: Available
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218votes
No Man's Sky
Hello GamesNo Man's Sky has become incredibly popular for its procedurally generated universe, which allows players to explore an endless number of planets and star systems. The game also has a strong focus on survival and crafting.No Man's Sky is a popular space exploration and survival game that was released in 2016. It offers players a vast and procedurally generated universe to explore, with billions of unique planets, each featuring its own flora, fauna, and resources. With a focus on open-ended gameplay, the game allows players to freely navigate the universe, gather resources, trade with alien species, engage in space combat, and even discover uncharted star systems. No Man's Sky combines elements of exploration, crafting, and survival, offering players a truly immersive and limitless experience in the depths of space.- Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
- Release Date: August 2016
- Genre: Action-adventure, survival
- Game Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
- Procedural Generation: Infinite, procedurally generated universe
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315votes
Star Citizen
Chris RobertsStar Citizen is an ambitious space game that aims to create a fully immersive universe for players to explore. It features detailed ship customization and a deep storyline.Star Citizen is a highly anticipated space simulation video game that aims to create a vast and immersive universe for players to explore. Developed by Cloud Imperium Games, it combines elements of first-person shooter, space trading, and exploration genres. The game features an open-world environment where players can take on various roles such as a bounty hunter, trader, explorer, or a fleet commander.- Genre: Space simulation
- Developer: Cloud Imperium Games
- Release Date: TBD
- Platforms: PC
- Game Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
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414votes
Kerbal Space Program
SquadKerbal Space Program is a unique game that allows players to design and launch their own spacecraft. It has a strong focus on physics and engineering, making it a fun and educational experience.Kerbal Space Program is a highly popular game developed with Unity that allows players to design and manage their own space program. It provides a realistic simulation of space exploration and various challenges that players must overcome to successfully explore the Kerbal galaxy.- Genre: Simulation
- Platform(s): Windows, macOS, Linux
- Release Date: April 27, 2015
- Game Modes: Single-player
- Average Playtime: 30+ hours
Kerbal Space Program in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular game made with Unity
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular simulation game
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516votes
EVE Online
CCP GamesEVE Online is a massively multiplayer online game that takes place in a sci-fi universe. It has a complex economy and political system, making it a popular choice for players who enjoy strategy and diplomacy.EVE Online is a massively multiplayer online space game set in a science-fiction universe. Players take on the role of spaceship pilots and can engage in various activities, including exploration, trading, combat, and diplomacy. The game features a persistent universe where player actions have long-lasting effects and can shape the political and economic landscape. With its player-driven economy and intricate gameplay mechanics, EVE Online offers a unique and immersive experience.- Genre: Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO)
- Platform(s): Windows, macOS, Linux
- Release Date: May 6, 2003
- Modes: Multiplayer
- Gameplay Features: Exploration, Trading, Combat, Diplomacy, Player-driven economy
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64votesFreelancer is a classic space game that allows players to explore a vast universe and engage in space combat. It has a strong storyline and memorable characters.Freelancer is a highly popular space simulation and trading video game that was released in 2003. It combines elements of exploration, combat, and trading in a vast and immersive universe. The game allows players to roam freely in space, take on various missions, trade commodities, and upgrade their ships.
- Platform: Microsoft Windows
- Genre: Space simulation
- Single-player: Yes
- Multiplayer: Yes
- Open-world: Yes
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710votes
X3: Terran Conflict - X3
EgosoftTerran Conflict is a space simulation game that lets players trade, fight, and build their own empire. It has a steep learning curve, but offers a rewarding experience for those who stick with it.X3: Terran Conflict is a space trading and combat simulator game set in a vast, open-ended universe. It is the latest installment in the X series, developed by Egosoft. Players can engage in various activities, including trading goods, building and managing space stations, piloting a variety of spacecraft, and engaging in combat with enemies.- Platform: Microsoft Windows
- Release Date: October 16, 2008
- Genre: Space simulation
- Modes: Single-player
- Setting: Science fiction
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84votes
Subset Games · Public domainFTL: Faster Than Light
Subset GamesFTL is a roguelike game that puts players in command of a spaceship as they try to outrun an enemy fleet. It has a simple yet addictive gameplay loop, and offers a unique challenge with each playthrough.FTL: Faster Than Light is a popular space-themed roguelike strategy game. It was developed by Subset Games and first released in 2012. In the game, players take on the role of a spaceship captain, navigating through space while facing various challenges and making critical decisions that affect the outcome of their journey. The goal is to reach the Federation base, while being pursued by an advancing rebel fleet. The game is known for its high difficulty, permadeath, and procedurally generated content, making each playthrough unique. With pixel art graphics and immersive sound design, FTL offers a compelling and intense space adventure experience.- Genre: Roguelike strategy
- Release Date: 2012
- Platform(s): PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android
- Single Player: Yes
- Multiplayer: No
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97votes
Star Wars: Squadrons - Star Wars
Motive StudiosSquadrons is a recent addition to the space game genre, but has already become popular for its intense dogfighting gameplay and immersive Star Wars universe.Star Wars: Squadrons is a space combat game set in the Star Wars universe. Developed by Motive Studios and published by Electronic Arts, it allows players to immerse themselves in thrilling dogfights as pilots from the New Republic and the Galactic Empire. The game provides a wide range of starfighters and the opportunity to engage in both single-player and multiplayer modes across various iconic Star Wars locations.- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Genre: Space combat simulation
- Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
- Release Date: October 2, 2020
- Publisher: Electronic Arts
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103votes
Mass Effect
BioWareWhile not exclusively a space game, Mass Effect is a beloved sci-fi RPG series that takes place in a vast galaxy filled with alien races and ancient mysteries. It has a strong focus on character development and storytelling.Mass Effect is an epic action role-playing game set in a futuristic universe where players take on the role of Commander Shepard, a human soldier tasked with saving the galaxy from a threat known as the Reapers. The game combines intense third-person shooter combat with deep character customization, immersive storytelling, and decision-based gameplay that impacts the outcome of the game.- Release date: November 20, 2007
- Platform(s): Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
- Genre: Action role-playing, third-person shooter
- Modes: Single-player
- Setting: Science fiction
Mass Effect in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular RPG
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Ranking factors for popular space game
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Gameplay mechanicsA space game's core gameplay mechanics are crucial to the game's success. A game that offers exciting and challenging gameplay mechanics is likely to be more popular.
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Graphics and visualsA space game with visually stunning graphics can attract a lot of attention and a large player base. The better the graphics and visuals, the more immersive the gaming experience.
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Storyline and narrativeA compelling storyline and narrative can keep players engaged and invested in the game. A game with an intriguing plot can attract more players.
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Multiplayer functionalityMultiplayer functionality allows players to compete and cooperate with others, which is an essential feature in modern gaming.
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Availability on different platformsA game that's available on different platforms such as PC, consoles, and mobile devices is more accessible to players and can have a wider player base.
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Reviews and ratingsReviews and ratings from the gaming community and critics can give an indication of a game's quality and popularity.
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Price and accessibilityThe price and accessibility of a space game is also a crucial factor. Games with reasonable prices and easy accessibility tend to be more popular among players.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular space game. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or spaceship is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1322 views
- 152 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each spaceship once every 24 hours. The rank of each spaceship is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular space game
The topic of space games has been a popular genre among gamers for decades, with many games exploring the vast expanse of the universe in exciting and unique ways. From arcade-style shooters to complex simulation games, there is no shortage of options for those looking to explore the final frontier. As technology has advanced, so have the possibilities for these games, with stunning graphics and immersive gameplay earning them a loyal following among space enthusiasts and gamers alike. So, what is the most popular space game? With so many options to choose from, it's a question that has sparked much debate and discussion. At StrawPoll, we've gathered data and insights from our community to provide a comprehensive answer to this question.
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