The Most Popular Space Game, Ranked

Choose the space game you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 28, 2024 07:15
For many, choosing a new space game to play can be a daunting task given the sheer number of options available. With varied themes and gameplay mechanics, determining which game might suit one's taste requires some guidance. This is where ranking these games based on popularity can be especially beneficial, offering a snapshot of what games are resonating with the largest number of players. By participating in these rankings, gamers not only get to voice their preferences but also help others make informed decisions. Voting for your favorite title can ensure it receives the recognition it deserves, while also giving you a chance to see how others have voted. This dynamic list adjusts with new votes, providing an up-to-date guide to what's currently trending in the world of space games.

What Is the Most Popular Space Game?

  1. 1
    62
    votes

    Elite Dangerous

    A space-flight simulation game set in an open world, multiplayer environment. Players explore a realistic 1:1 scale open-world representation of the Milky Way galaxy.
    • Developer: Frontier Developments
    • Release Year: 2014
  2. 2
    18
    votes

    No Man's Sky

    An action-adventure survival game that allows players to engage in exploration, survival, combat, and trading in an infinite procedurally generated universe.
    • Developer: Hello Games
    • Release Year: 2016
  3. 3
    16
    votes

    EVE Online

    A player-driven, persistent-world MMORPG set in a science fiction space setting. Players can participate in a number of in-game professions and activities, including mining, piracy, manufacturing, trading, exploration, and combat.
    • Developer: CCP Games
    • Release Year: 2003
  4. 4
    15
    votes

    Star Citizen

    An upcoming multiplayer space trading and combat simulator. It is recognized for its crowdfunding success and its ambitious scope, combining features of a space sim, a first-person shooter, and an MMO.
    • Developer: Cloud Imperium Games
    • Initial Release (Alpha): 2013
  5. 5
    14
    votes

    Kerbal Space Program

    A space flight simulation game where players direct a nascent space program, staffed and crewed by green humanoid aliens known as Kerbals. The game features realistic orbital physics.
    • Developer: Squad
    • Release Year: 2015
  6. 6
    4
    votes

    FTL: Faster Than Light

    A real-time strategy roguelike game where the player controls the crew of a spacecraft, exploring a randomly generated galaxy filled with glory and bitter defeat.
    • Developer: Subset Games
    • Release Year: 2012
  7. 7
    0
    votes

    Mass Effect Series

    A science fiction, action role-playing third-person shooter video game series. The series is set within a fictional version of the Milky Way galaxy during the 22nd century, where humanity is threatened by a synthetic-organic starship race known as the Reapers.
    • Developer: BioWare
    • First Release Year: 2007
  8. 8
    0
    votes

    Halo Series

    A military science fiction media franchise centered on a series of video games managed and developed by 343 Industries, a subsidiary of Xbox Game Studios. The series centers on an interstellar war between humanity and an alliance of aliens known as the Covenant.
    • Developer: 343 Industries
    • First Release Year: 2001
  9. 9
    0
    votes

    Destiny 2

    A multiplayer first-person shooter video game set in a mythic science fiction world. It features a shared-world environment with elements of role-playing games.
    • Developer: Bungie
    • Release Year: 2017
  10. 10
    0
    votes

    Star Wars: The Old Republic

    An MMORPG based in the Star Wars universe. Set thousands of years before the original Star Wars movies, it explores the conflict between the Sith Empire and the Galactic Republic.
    • Developer: BioWare
    • Release Year: 2011

Missing your favorite space game?

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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

  • 1433 views
  • 129 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.

Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Space Game

Elite Dangerous
Rank #1 for the most popular space game: Elite Dangerous (Source)
Space games have captured the imagination of players for decades. These games offer a mix of exploration, strategy, and combat. They often feature vast galaxies, intricate storylines, and diverse missions. Players can pilot spacecraft, trade goods, and engage in epic battles. The allure of space games lies in their ability to transport players to unknown worlds.

The concept of space games began in the early days of video gaming. Developers saw the potential of space as a limitless setting. Early space games were simple, with basic graphics and limited gameplay. Yet, they laid the foundation for future titles. As technology advanced, so did the complexity and realism of these games. Modern space games boast stunning visuals, detailed physics, and immersive soundscapes.

A key element of space games is exploration. Players can navigate through star systems, discover new planets, and encounter alien species. This sense of discovery keeps players engaged. The vastness of space means there is always something new to find. Some games generate their worlds procedurally, ensuring that no two playthroughs are the same.

Another core feature is strategy. Players must manage resources, upgrade their ships, and plan their missions. This requires careful thinking and long-term planning. Many space games include elements of trade, where players buy and sell goods to earn currency. Balancing these aspects adds depth to the gameplay.

Combat is also a significant part of space games. Players face off against hostile forces, from space pirates to alien armadas. Combat can be fast-paced and intense, requiring quick reflexes and tactical thinking. Players often have access to a range of weapons and ship upgrades, allowing for varied combat styles.

Storytelling plays a crucial role in space games. Many feature rich narratives with complex characters and plot twists. Players may take on the role of a lone pilot, a fleet commander, or an interstellar trader. These stories often explore themes of survival, conflict, and the unknown. Engaging storylines add emotional weight to the gameplay.

Multiplayer options have become popular in space games. Players can team up with friends or compete against others online. This adds a social dimension to the experience. Cooperative missions and large-scale battles bring players together, fostering a sense of community.

The appeal of space games extends beyond gameplay. They tap into a fundamental human curiosity about the cosmos. Space represents the ultimate frontier, a place of endless possibilities. These games allow players to live out their fantasies of exploring the stars.

In recent years, space games have continued to evolve. Advances in technology have allowed for more realistic simulations and expansive universes. Virtual reality has added a new layer of immersion, letting players experience space in a whole new way. The genre shows no signs of slowing down, with new titles and updates constantly being released.

Space games offer a unique blend of exploration, strategy, and combat. They provide a gateway to the stars, allowing players to experience the wonders of the universe from the comfort of their homes. The genre's enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to inspire and entertain.

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