Scratching That Space Sim Itch: Games to Play Instead of Star Citizen

So, you’re looking for something to fill that space sim void, something to capture the vastness, the freedom, and maybe even the frustration that Star Citizen promises (and sometimes delivers)? You’re not alone. With its protracted development and hefty system requirements, Star Citizen isn’t always the most accessible or stable option. Fear not, aspiring spacefarer! There’s a galaxy of alternatives out there, each with its own unique flavor. Here’s a look at some of the best, categorized by what aspects of Star Citizen they emulate:

The “It’s Like Star Citizen, But…” Alternatives

These games often share core gameplay elements with Star Citizen but offer a different focus or execution.

• Elite Dangerous: Often considered the most direct competitor, Elite Dangerous boasts a vast, procedurally generated galaxy to explore, trade in, fight in, and even settle. While it lacks Star Citizen’s detailed character interactions and on-foot gameplay, Elite Dangerous provides a polished and immersive spaceship experience with realistic Newtonian physics. The recent Odyssey expansion added on-foot exploration, though it’s generally considered less developed than Star Citizen’s FPS component.

• X4: Foundations: Want to build your own space empire from the ground up? X4: Foundations lets you do just that. You start as a lone pilot but can eventually manage fleets of ships, construct space stations, and control entire sectors of the galaxy. Its scale is impressive, and the dynamic economy creates emergent gameplay opportunities. Its complexity can be daunting, but the payoff for mastering the system is huge.

Combat Focused Space Sims

If you’re primarily interested in the space combat aspect of Star Citizen, these games offer thrilling dogfights and strategic fleet battles.

• Star Conflict: This free-to-play MMO is all about fast-paced, arcade-style space combat. It offers a wide variety of ships, customization options, and game modes, from team deathmatch to capture the flag. While it doesn’t have the same depth or complexity as Star Citizen, Star Conflict is a great option for quick bursts of adrenaline-fueled space action.

• Everspace 2: Everspace 2 combines stunning visuals with intense dogfights and RPG elements. As a single-player experience, it delivers a crafted narrative and compelling progression system that lets you constantly improve your ship and abilities. It’s less of a sandbox than Star Citizen but offers a more focused and polished experience.

Exploration and Story-Driven Games

For players drawn to Star Citizen’s promise of exploration and discovery, these games provide compelling narratives and intriguing worlds.

• No Man’s Sky: Once criticized for its lack of content, No Man’s Sky has undergone a remarkable transformation. With constant updates, it now offers a vast and diverse universe to explore, with procedurally generated planets, unique creatures, and engaging multiplayer features. While the gameplay loop can be repetitive, the sheer scale and sense of wonder are undeniable.

• Outer Wilds: This indie darling is a masterpiece of exploration and discovery. You’re tasked with solving the mystery of a dying solar system, armed only with your ship and your curiosity. Outer Wilds is a time-looping puzzle box that rewards experimentation and thoughtful observation. While it doesn’t have the visual fidelity of Star Citizen, its world is far more engaging and memorable.

• Chorus: Chorus is a narrative-driven space combat shooter. Take control of Nara, a skilled pilot haunted by her past, as she fights to liberate the galaxy from a oppressive cult. With fast-paced gameplay, a compelling storyline, and a unique sense of style, Chorus is a standout title in the space sim genre.

The Nostalgia Trip

If you’re yearning for the classic space sim experience, these games offer a taste of the past.

• Freelancer: This classic from Chris Roberts (the creator of Star Citizen) offers a compelling single-player campaign and a sandbox universe to explore. While it’s showing its age, Freelancer’s engaging storyline, memorable characters, and accessible gameplay still hold up today.

• Homeworld Remastered Collection: A real-time strategy classic, Homeworld puts you in command of a fleet of ships on a desperate journey through space. The remastered collection features updated visuals and controls, making it the perfect way to experience this iconic game. The strategic depth and compelling narrative make it a must-play for any space sim fan.

Other Notable Mentions:

• EVE Online: A complex and unforgiving MMO where player actions have real consequences.
• Dual Universe: A voxel-based sandbox where players can build anything they imagine.
• Starpoint Gemini 2: Offers a blend of space combat, exploration, and RPG elements.

While none of these games perfectly replicate the ambitious vision of Star Citizen, they all offer compelling spacefaring experiences in their own right. The best choice for you will depend on your individual preferences and what aspects of Star Citizen appeal to you most. Perhaps you will find similar interests and educational benefits in other games. You can also find more resources about the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Elite Dangerous better than Star Citizen?

That depends on your priorities. Elite Dangerous is more stable and complete, with a vast galaxy to explore. Star Citizen aims for more detailed character interactions and on-foot gameplay but is still in development. Elite Dangerous is also a finished, playable game, whereas Star Citizen is still an Alpha.

2. Can I play Star Citizen for free?

Officially, no. You need to purchase a Game Package to play. However, Star Citizen occasionally offers free fly events that allow you to try the game for a limited time. Be sure to check the RSI website for such events.

3. What are the PC requirements for Elite Dangerous?

Elite Dangerous has lower PC requirements than Star Citizen. The minimum requirements include an Intel Core i3-3220 or AMD FX-4300 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 750Ti or AMD Radeon R7 240 graphics card.

4. Is No Man’s Sky worth playing now?

Yes! After a rocky launch, No Man’s Sky has been significantly improved with numerous updates and expansions. It now offers a vast and engaging universe to explore.

5. Is EVE Online difficult to learn?

Yes, EVE Online has a reputation for being complex and difficult to learn. However, the community is generally helpful, and there are plenty of resources available to help new players get started.

6. What is the gameplay like in X4: Foundations?

X4: Foundations is a sandbox game that allows you to build your own space empire. You can pilot ships, manage fleets, construct space stations, and trade resources.

7. What are the best space sims for VR?

Elite Dangerous and No Man’s Sky both offer excellent VR support. The immersion of flying a spaceship in VR is truly incredible.

8. Are there any upcoming space sims to look out for?

Several space sims are currently in development. Keep an eye on Kickstarter and Steam Early Access for promising new titles.

9. What’s the difference between a space sim and a space opera game?

A space sim typically focuses on realistic physics and detailed simulation, while a space opera game prioritizes storytelling and character development.

10. Do I lose my ship permanently in Elite Dangerous?

No, you don’t lose your ship permanently in Elite Dangerous. You can purchase insurance that will cover the cost of replacing your ship if it’s destroyed.

11. Is Star Conflict pay-to-win?

While Star Conflict is free-to-play, players can purchase premium ships and upgrades. However, skill and strategy are more important than spending money.

12. Can you play Freelancer on modern PCs?

Yes, Freelancer can be played on modern PCs, although you may need to make some compatibility adjustments. There are also mods available that improve the game’s graphics and features.

13. Is Homeworld Remastered Collection worth the price?

Yes, the Homeworld Remastered Collection is a great value. It includes updated visuals, improved controls, and both Homeworld and Homeworld 2.

14. What makes Outer Wilds so special?

Outer Wilds is unique for its time-looping mechanic and its focus on exploration and discovery. The game’s world is intricately designed, and the puzzles are both challenging and rewarding.

15. Are there any space sims with multiplayer co-op?

Yes, Elite Dangerous, No Man’s Sky, and Star Citizen all offer multiplayer co-op gameplay. You can team up with friends to explore the galaxy, complete missions, and engage in combat.