11 Simulation games 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 11 that fit the “Simulation” category. Scrap Mechanic, Space Engineers and Terraria top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to No Man's Sky.

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GenreSandboxSubgenreCrafting Sandbox

The best simulation games like No Man's Sky

11 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.

#1Scrap Mechanic

iRank83

GenreSandboxSubgenreCrafting Sandbox

MultiplayerCo-opSoloMeleeSandbox WorldOpen WorldExplorationCraftingFirst PersonThird Person

Steam👍 92%· 117KRAWG👍 70%· 124

Year 2016Dev Axolot GamesPlaytime ~6hOn PC

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

≠ Stands apart with online features, base building and early access, while skipping shooter

GenreSandboxSubgenreCrafting 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

GenreSandboxSubgenreCrafting 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

GenreSandboxSubgenreCrafting Sandbox

SoloMultiplayerCo-opSandbox WorldOpen WorldExplorationCraftingFirst PersonThird Person

OC90· 44

Year 2016Dev Mojang StudiosOn Xbox · PS4 · Linux

✓ Fits the crafting sandboxes cluster, with sandbox freedom, deep simulation and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings turn-based strategy, dark, oppressive atmosphere and fantasy world, while skipping shooter

GenreSandboxSubgenreCrafting Sandbox

MultiplayerSoloCo-opNarrativeSandbox WorldOpen WorldCraftingExploration

Steam👍 98%· 1.0MRAWG👍 88%· 2.5KMC89IGDB91· 13OC90· 76

Year 2016Dev ChucklefishPlaytime ~13hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Fits the crafting sandboxes cluster, with sandbox freedom, deep simulation and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings deep RPG systems, visual novel storytelling and cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping survival mechanics

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Steam GOG Xbox

#6Kitchen Simulator 2015

iRank40

GenreSandboxSubgenreCrafting Sandbox

SoloMeleeNarrativeSandbox WorldExplorationCraftingFirst Person

Steam👍 40%· 329

Year 2015Dev WhackAKey GamesPlaytime ~4hOn PC

✓ Both are crafting sandboxes — sharing sandbox freedom, deep simulation and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings horror tension, vibe casual and cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping survival mechanics

GenreSandboxSubgenreCrafting Sandbox

SoloNarrativeSandbox WorldCraftingRelaxing

Steam👍 93%· 43KIGDB70· 1OC83· 11

Year 2022Dev niceplay games · tinyBuildOn Xbox · PS4 · PC

✓ Fits the crafting sandboxes cluster, with sandbox freedom, deep simulation and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: puzzle design, deep RPG systems and vibe relaxing, while skipping survival mechanics

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Steam GOG Epic

#8Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator

iRank83

GenreSandboxSubgenreCrafting Sandbox

SoloNarrativeSandbox WorldCraftingRelaxing

Steam👍 93%· 43KRAWG👍 72%· 190OC77· 8

Year 2022Dev niceplay games · tinyBuildPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Xbox

✓ Both are crafting sandboxes — sharing sandbox freedom, deep simulation and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings deep RPG systems, puzzle design and vibe relaxing, while skipping survival mechanics

GenreSandboxSubgenreCrafting Sandbox

SoloCo-opSandbox WorldCraftingFirst Person

Steam👍 85%· 19KOC70· 7

Year 2019Dev Big Cheese Studio · Forever Entertainment S.A.On PS4 · PC · Xbox

✓ Fits the crafting sandboxes cluster, with sandbox freedom, deep simulation and sandbox world

≠ Stands apart with vibe casual, vibe relaxing and resource management, while skipping adventure storytelling

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Steam GOG Xbox

#10Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp

iRank78

GenreSandboxSubgenreCrafting Sandbox

SoloSandbox WorldCraftingThird PersonIsometric

IGDB78· 2

Year 2017Dev Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development · NintendoOn Android · iOS

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

≠ Where it differs: brings visual isometric and free to play, while skipping adventure storytelling

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Nintendo

#11Poly Bridge

iRank81

GenreSandboxSubgenreCrafting Sandbox

SoloNarrativeSandbox WorldCraftingHardcore

Steam👍 91%· 19KIGDB75· 2OC66· 12

Year 2016Dev Dry CactusOn Linux · Android · PC

✓ Same family of crafting sandboxes: sandbox freedom, deep simulation and strong narrative focus

≠ Where it differs: brings puzzle design, punishing difficulty and cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping adventure storytelling

Details →

Steam Nintendo

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