Starfield is the latest RPG developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. The creators of the award-winning The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim decided to return to their roots and create an extraordinary story, this time set in space.
In the year 2330, Earth has become desolate, and people seek refuge in space. The main character joins an organization called the Constellation, which is dedicated to exploring the cosmos. The fate of the galaxy’s inhabitants now depends on them.
It’s true that Starfield is unique in many ways, and Bethesda has set the bar high. However, there are several titles that might interest you if you haven’t purchased Starfield yet or if you’re looking for a similar vibe. Let’s introduce our suggestions!
We’ve divided our list into three categories: Space Exploration Games, Immersive Sci-Fi RPGs, and Futuristic Combat and Strategy Games, making it easier for you to find exactly what you’re looking for. So… let’s get started!
| Game | Release | Developer | Trailer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Astroneer | 2016-12-15 | System Era Softworks | |
 | Destiny 2 Legacy Collection 2023 | 2023-02-28 | Bungie | |
 | Elite Dangerous | 2015-04-02 | Frontier Developments | |
 | Fallout 4 Game of the Year Edition | 2017-09-26 | Bethesda Game Studios | |
 | Kerbal Space Program 2 | 2023-02-24 | Intercept Games | |
 | Mass Effect Legendary Edition | 2021-05-14 | BioWare | |
 | No Man's Sky | 2016-08-12 | Hello Games | |
 | Outer Wilds | 2020-06-18 | Mobius Digital | |
 | Prey 2017 | 2017-05-04 | Arkane Studios | |
 | The Outer Worlds | 2020-10-23 | Obsidian Entertainment |
I. Space Exploration Games
No Man's Sky
| Release date: | 2016-08-12 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Hello Games |
In No Man’s Sky, players assume the role of an explorer known as the Traveler. Our goal is to reach the centre of the galaxy and uncover its secrets. However, our task is far from easy, as we find ourselves stranded on a random planet.
No Man’s Sky had a challenging start, mainly due to many shortcomings, but it eventually achieved significant success. It is one of the frequently mentioned titles in the “games like Starfield” category, and it’s easy to see why. Exploration, survival elements, base building – these are just a few of the many similarities between these two games.
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Elite Dangerous
| Release date: | 2015-04-02 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Frontier Developments |
Elite Dangerous is the fourth instalment in the Elite series. The game is set in a fictional Elite universe, 50 years after the events of Frontier: First Encounters. Humans have colonized a significant portion of planetary systems, but many places are lawless and anarchic. Players are given a ship and resources, and the fate of their character is in their hands.
If what you enjoy in Starfield is space travel, Elite Dangerous is the game for you. Similar to Starfield, you can visit space stations to trade, upgrade your ship, or take on side missions. However, remember that Elite Dangerous is primarily a space flight simulator.
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Outer Wilds
| Release date: | 2020-06-18 |
| Genre: | Action |
| Developer: | Mobius Digital |
In Outer Wilds, the protagonist is a recruit of the Outer Wilds Ventures space program. Unexplained changes are constantly occurring in the solar system. A time loop has also emerged, and we must first discover the cause of its creation before trying to escape it.
Compared to Starfield, the universe in Outer Wilds is much smaller. However, there are numerous mysteries to uncover on planets, waiting to be solved and unveiling a much greater secret.
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Kerbal Space Program 2
| Release date: | 2023-02-24 |
| Genre: | Simulation |
| Developer: | Intercept Games |
Kerbal Space Program 2 is a continuation of the 2015 Kerbal Space Program. The amusing green creatures once again leave their planet in the name of science and adventure. Our task, alongside them, is to conquer space and uncover cosmic mysteries.
Kerbal Space Program 2 is another flight simulator, but this time in a slightly more playful manner. Although the green creatures are endearing, they can be demanding (the game focuses on education), so failure is not uncommon.
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II. Immersive Sci-Fi RPGs
Fallout 4
| Release date: | 2017-09-26 |
| Genre: | RPG |
| Developer: | Bethesda Game Studios |
The action of Fallout 4 takes place in the vicinity of Boston in the year 2287. The player character, the sole survivor of Vault 111, wakes up from cryogenic stasis and embarks on a journey to find their son Shaun and seek vengeance against the killers of their spouse.
The entire Fallout series is noteworthy, but Fallout 4 has the most advanced world-building mechanics and the ability to create your own settlements. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Bethesda’s games have a unique atmosphere and humour. So, if you dream of playing Starfield, why not first try your hand at Fallout 4?
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Mass Effect Legendary Edition
| Release date: | 2021-05-14 |
| Genre: | Action RPG |
| Developer: | BioWare |
The Mass Effect Legendary Edition is a collection of all three titles from the Mass Effect trilogy. The protagonist of the trilogy is Commander Shepard, whose task is to unite the galactic community in the fight against an advanced race of machines known as the Reapers.
Similarities between Starfield and the Mass Effect Legendary Edition are not hard to find. After all, both of these games are space-set RPGs. When you add in an excellent storyline, intriguing dialogue options, and often difficult choices, you have the perfect taste of the highly anticipated Starfield.
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The Outer Worlds
| Release date: | 2020-10-23 |
| Genre: | Action RPG |
| Developer: | Obsidian Entertainment |
The action of The Outer Worlds takes place in an alternate future in the Halcyon solar system. After awakening from cryogenic sleep, our protagonist finds themselves in the midst of a conspiracy threatening the balance of power in the world. The course of events to come depends on our actions.
The Outer Worlds is a light RPG game, featuring skill trees, a multi-approach mission system, and an environment begging to be explored. Every choice matters here, and if that’s the case, it might be worth choosing this title!
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Astroneer
| Release date: | 2016-12-15 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | System Era Softworks |
The game is set during the Interstellar Age of Discovery in the 25th century. Astroneers, taking advantage of cheap and fast space travel, seek quick ways to get rich. Unfortunately, they often risk their lives in the process.
Astroneer is a light sandbox adventure. While you won’t find a story like in Starfield, you can still have a great time building tools, vehicles, and bases.
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III. Futuristic Combat and Strategy Games
Destiny
| Release date: | 2014-09-09 |
| Genre: | First-person shooter |
| Developer: | Bungie Inc |
The action of Destiny takes place on Earth in the distant future. In a time when humanity faces destruction, our protagonist becomes a Guardian, tasked with fighting the forces of darkness.
While Destiny is more of an MMO than an RPG, similar to RPGs, you can create your own character, earn experience points, level up, and even acquire equipment that affects your character’s final stats. Sounds familiar, right?
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Prey
| Release date: | 2017-05-04 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Arkane Studios |
Morgan Yu, the main character of Prey, wakes up on board the Talos I space station orbiting the Moon. The station has been overrun by aliens, and our task is to survive and save Talos and its crew.
Prey offers everything – space simulation, shooting, and even stealth elements. The game’s storyline will satisfy even the most discerning players.
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Summary
As you’ve probably noticed, there are at least 10 expansive and captivating games set in space, though the list is actually much longer. Whether you’re drawn to Starfield for its genre, graphics, story, exploration opportunities, or other elements – you’ll easily find games with a similar atmosphere. If not on your own, then certainly with our help!