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No Man's Sky

4 Games with a sci-fi setting like No Man's Sky that you should try

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We filtered the 15 games similar to No Man's Sky down to the 4 that fit the “Sci-Fi” category. Space Engineers, Starbound and Terraria top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to No Man's Sky.

iRank76/ 100

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GenreSandboxSubgenreCrafting Sandbox
Tags
NarrativeSoloMultiplayer
Year 2016Dev Hello Games
Stores
Steam ↗GOG ↗Xbox ↗PS ↗Nintendo ↗

Quick answer

Within the “Sci-Fi” category, the closest game to No Man's Sky is Space Engineers — scoring 89/100 on our similarity scale. Starbound and Terraria follow close behind.

#1Space Engineers89#2Starbound86#3Terraria85#4Loddlenaut75
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The best games with a sci-fi setting like No Man's Sky

4 similar games foundUpdated July 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to No Man's Sky. Each one has been evaluated across 21 real attributes — from combat style and progression mechanics to world structure and visual perspective — so every recommendation is based on how the game actually plays, not just its genre label.

#1Space Engineers
89
iRank76
Space Engineers
SandboxCrafting Sandbox
SoloMultiplayerCo-opMeleeSandbox WorldOpen WorldSpaceSci-FiExplorationCraftingFirst PersonThird Person
Steam👍 89%· 134KRAWG👍 58%· 269MC68IGDB80· 1OC80· 5
Year 2013Dev Keen Software HousePlaytime ~5hOn PC · Xbox

✓ Same family of crafting sandboxes: sandbox freedom, deep simulation and adventure storytelling

≠ Stands apart with combat tactical and early access, while skipping shooter

Details →
SteamXbox
#2Starbound
86
iRank84
Starbound
SandboxCrafting Sandbox
MultiplayerCo-opSoloMeleeNarrativeSandbox WorldOpen WorldProceduralSci-FiSpaceCraftingExploration
Steam👍 90%· 123KRAWG👍 73%· 852MC81IGDB87· 5OC85· 19
Year 2016Dev ChucklefishPlaytime ~17hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Both are crafting sandboxes — sharing sandbox freedom, adventure storytelling and survival mechanics

≠ Where it differs: brings deep RPG systems, precision platforming and vibe casual, while skipping deep simulation

Details →
SteamGOG
#3Terraria
85
iRank86
Terraria
SandboxCrafting Sandbox
SoloMultiplayerCo-opMeleeRangedNarrativeSandbox WorldOpen WorldProceduralSci-FiCraftingExploration
Steam👍 97%· 1.5MRAWG👍 80%· 2.5KMC81IGDB81· 13OC79· 33
Year 2011Dev Engine Software · 505 GamesPlaytime ~15hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Both are crafting sandboxes — sharing sandbox freedom, adventure storytelling and survival mechanics

≠ Its own twist: deep RPG systems, precision platforming and dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping shooter

Details →
SteamGOGXbox
#4Loddlenaut
75
iRank92
Loddlenaut
SandboxCrafting Sandbox
SoloNarrativeOpen WorldSandbox WorldSci-FiExplorationCraftingThird Person
Steam👍 98%· 5.7KOC81· 13
Year 2023Dev Moon Lagoon · Secret ModePlaytime ~4hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ Fits the crafting sandboxes cluster, with sandbox freedom, adventure storytelling and survival mechanics

≠ Its own twist: vibe relaxing, cozy, relaxing feel and vibe casual, while skipping deep simulation

Details →
Steam

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