Published by CPG Games, Eve Online has a league of its own. Considered one of the best space games, Eve Online is at the top spot in the MMORPG genre. And there are various games like Eve Online which enables players to participate in a multitude of activities like piracy, exploring space, combat, and travel.
This space game can be played in two modes. The first one is player versus player (PvP) and the other way is, player versus environment (PvE). Providing unmatchable experience, Eve Online is the oldest running space simulator game and the most distinctive. This is because players all across the world reside on the same massive server.
Space Strategy Games: Best Games Like Eve Online
Most users love the thrill and adventure associated with the games. Be it the best gacha games or open source games, there is an added rush to it. Similarly, inspired by this pioneer in Space-based MMORPGs, a number of others ventured into this genre and came up with some awesome alternatives to Eve Online. If you need to check out other games like Eve Online, here is a list of the best space strategy games.
1. Star Conflict
- Release Date: 27th Feb 2013
- Developer: Star Gem Inc.
- Price: Free
- Platforms: Windows, Mac
This space simulation game enables players to execute the roles of star pilots in the space station engaging in a massive clash between planets. One of the games like Eve Online, Star Conflict, lets you control your personal spacecraft, explore space, and experience stunning 3D graphics.
Indulge in PvP battles and PvE battles by fighting against enemies in this space combat MMO. In this survival game, when you reach a milestone, another ship will be unlocked for you.
2. X3 Terran Conflict
- Release Date: 16th Oct 2008
- Developer: Egosoft
- Price: $15.99
- Platforms: Windows, Mac
The last space game of the X trilogy takes us back to our solar system. In this space adventure, a new player can take up the role of a Terran Military Pilot or choose from the various characters available in the X Universe.
The alternative to the Eve Online game, is built on a fascinating theory that will make your imagination run wild. On the same line with games like Eve Online, the X3 Terran conflict explores countless possibilities in the virtual world.
3. Star Citizen
- Release Date: August 19, 2016 (version 3.0)
- Developer: Cloud Imperium Games
- Price: Starter Packages from $45
- Platforms: Windows
In this sci fi game, you wake up to realize that your spaceship needs a replacement. Just outside the window, you see the gaping space and a planet revolving around the sun that is in extremis.
The Wing Commander, Strike Commander, and other star pilots team up to build the space craft Star Citizen. One of the best games like Eve Online, let Star Citizen take you on an Action-Adventure ride in the 30th Century.
4. Vendetta Online
- Release Date: 4th Nov 2004
- Developer: Guild Software
- Price: Free for phones; For PC – 8 hours trial available
- Platforms: iPhone | Android | Windows | Mac OS
This MMORPG allows thousands of spaceship pilots to interact with each other in the vast universe. In this space exploration Eve Online alternatives, the gamer can choose the role they want to execute. They can choose between being Captains of Industry or Military Heroes.
In this space adventure, you need to accurately shoot enemy warcraft ships. The space craft ships follow certain laws, the weapons fire with a specific velocity, thereby making the space game world realistic.
You can use the keys and the mouse to move your ship through 3D space in real-time twitch gameplay in Vendetta Online.
5. Elite: Dangerous
- Release Date: 16th Dec 2014
- Developer: Frontier Developments
- Price: $29.99
- Platforms: Windows, Mac
In this space simulation game, the players are given their spaceship and a small amount of real money! They need to carve their way through the Milky Way Galaxy.
Do your best to upgrade your space craft engines and weapons in one of the best space games for pc. Indulge in space trading, mining, and exploration in this open-ended world game in the space adventure. If you love science fiction, and sci-fi games, you should definitely go for this.
6. No Man’s Sky
- Release Date: 9th Aug 2016
- Developer: Hello Games
- Price: $59.99
- Platforms: Windows
The space MMO game enables you to explore the enormous Open Universe consisting of eighteen different planets. Undertaking the role of an alien exploring different planets, you can repair and refuel your space craft as and when required.
This exploration and survival space time adventure enables you to fly from one planet to the other. In this multiplayer game, the gamer also gets to decide whether to reveal the discoveries to the other gamers or not.
7. Pirate Galaxy
- Release Date: 2009
- Developer: Splitscreen Studios
- Price: Free
- Platforms: Windows, Online
In this science fiction, the Mantis is a ruthless and power-hungry alien race. Cryonite, a mineral, is the most coveted treasure in the Universe. The Mantis’ are taking over the different planets bearing Cryonite in this online game. This is where the new player has to carve out trade routes condemning the aliens and space pirates from doing so.
One of the best games like Eve Online, Pirate Galaxy, enables you to undertake the role of an adventurous space craft pilot. His purpose is to take back what the Mantis took from you. If you own the Cryonite, you own the galaxy!
8. Evochron Mercenary
- Release Date: 17th Sept 2010
- Developer: StarWraith
- Price: $19.99
- Platforms: Windows
In this space program game, you are an independent gamer /mercenary who brings his/her unique skills and abilities. In this space simulation online game, one can join any of the solar empire clans to achieve common goals or ride solo to accomplish objectives.
When you are space trading, buying and selling commodities, beating the best pilots, fighting to survive, unearthing diamonds, Evochron Mercenary is one of the best games like Eve Online. There’s not a single dull moment in the life of a mercenary. So go on, as your spacecraft awaits you in the Sapphire Solar System.
9. Entropia Universe
- Release Date: 30th Jan 2003
- Developer: MindArk
- Price: Free
- Platforms: Windows, Mac
In Entropia Universe, which is one of the most engaging games like Eve Online, you generate a new character and explore the ever-expanding mysterious Universe. Together with the other players, this space exploration game gives you an opportunity to create an entirely new civilization.
In addition, you can declare the land you acquire as your own for constructing new communities. Be prepared to fight against hostile monsters and attacking robots in these alternatives to Eve Online.
10. Galaxy on Fire
- Release Date: 21st Aug 2012
- Developer: FishLabs
- Price: Free
- Platforms: iOS
In Galaxy on Fire 2, one of the best games like Eve Online, because of a malfunction in his spaceship, mercenary Keith T. Maxwell is transported through space and time. He wakes up after 35 years in a galaxy unknown to him.
As aliens and space pirates attempt to take over the galaxy, this space game enables you to fight to accomplish a common goal, that is survival of the galaxy. Furthermore, in this alternative to Eve Online, you can undertake various missions, and prove yourself in all adverse situations.
11. OGame
- Release Date: 26th Oct 2012
- Developer: Gameforge
- Price: Free
- Platforms: iOS
One of the best space games like Eve Online, OGame will test your skills and military strength for authority over the Universe. Each new player starts off with one planet and is given a chance to convert it into an interstellar empire.
The incredible resources that can be obtained in this survival game from research and technology will help you. This is with the objective to expand the empire and colonize all the different planets. This space exploration simulator game world enables you to forge strategic alliances, prove yourself in the battles, and measure your progress in the high scores.
12. Darkstar One
- Release Date: 14th Aug 2006
- Developer: Ascaron Entertainment
- Price: $1.99
- Platforms: Windows
Darkstar One, one of the most engrossing Eve Online alternatives, enables you to undertake the role of a young adventurer Kayron. He attempts to upgrade and customize his ship for space exploration.
Looking for answers to his father’s death in this survival game, Kayron Jarvis takes up various paths to earn money and upgrade their space craft. Create a fast attack boat or a heavy cruiser, use 200 weapons including rockets and mines as this space MMO game allows you to play as a trader, mercenary, or even a smuggler.
13. X3: Reunion
- Release Date: 10th Nov 2005
- Developer: Egosoft
- Price: $9.99
- Platforms: Windows, Mac
One of the best games like Eve Online, X3: Reunion introduces the players to an ever-expanding universe. Playing the role of Julian Brenner, you start the journey in your little vessel.
The player sets on a mission to hunt down a person, having no clue about his location. You get to explore sectors, discover new trade routes, and fly from one point to another. The alternatives to Eve Online enables you to build your own factories and manufacture products for your ship.
14. Astro Lords: Oort Cloud
- Release Date: 16th Jan 2016
- Developer: Aratog LLC
- Price: Free
- Platforms: Windows, Android, iOS, Mac
The free space game enables players to access an unlimited Universe with combat management in real-time. Every player starts the game as an Astro Lord located on their asteroids. This asteroid base enables players to extract minerals and build factories for producing bullets and missiles.
The trick is to stay alert and make sure you do not allow other Lords to capture your asteroids.
15. Ace Online
- Release Date: 28th Aug 2008
- Developer: Masang Soft
- Price: Free
- Platforms: Windows, Online
Combining action and MMORPG elements, Ace online is one of the best games like Eve Online. It enables the players to undertake the roles of fighter pilots and control your ships called ‘Gears.’
In order to survive, you can fly your spacecraft into massive space battles in PvP format. In this MMO game, One can also acquire credits that will be used in buying weapons and add-ons for the ships.
16. Star Trek Online
- Release Date: 2nd Feb 2010
- Developer: Cryptic Studios
- Price: Free
- Platforms: Windows, Mac
One of the games like Eve Online, Star Trek Online, enables you to carve your own destiny as the Caption of a Federation Starship.
Set in the 25th Century, the sci fi game allows you to visit iconic locations, explore star systems, and expand your empire to the extremities of the galaxy.
In addition, you can fill up your space craft with duty officers-specialized staff. These provide you with distinctive abilities to customize your gameplay in this space simulator game.
17. Star Ruler
- Release Date: 21st August 2010
- Developer: Blind Mind Studios
- Price: $7.99
- Platforms: Windows
This space simulator single-player game enables you to take charge of a huge interstellar empire and protect your species from extinction. Use your diplomacy to make other empires submit to your galaxy.
Each one provides you with special benefits as you proceed in Star Ruler, one of the most interesting games like Eve Online. Furthermore, it will be your weapons, your spacecraft, and therefore your laws.
18. Endless Space
- Release Date: 4th July 2012
- Developer: Amplitude Studios
- Price: $9.99
- Platforms: Windows, Mac
One of the exciting games like Eve Online, Endless Space enables the players to choose one civilization from ten extraordinary civilizations.
Choose from the plethora of possibilities, tweak the game and emerge a winner. You can meet the criteria for victory, such as Economic, Diplomatic, Supremacy victories. The battles happen in a real-time environment in the exquisitely designed user-interface.
19. Evochron Legacy
- Release Date: 18th Jan 2016
- Developer: StarWraith
- Price: $24.99
- Platforms: Windows
Indulge in various activities like space trading, spying, equipment crafting, mining, and exploring in this space exploration game.
It has no back story nor is it a character-based game. The best part about this game is that you can change and direct the course of this science fiction as per your choice. You get to decide what role you play in the Universe.
One of the most engaging games like Eve Online, the spaceship game rewards gamers who formulate their own strategies by thinking out of the box.
20. Star Wars: Empire At War
- Release Date: 15th Feb 2006
- Developer: Petroglyph
- Price: $19.99
- Platforms: Windows
One of the best space strategy games like Eve Online, Star Wars, lets you take part in space battles on different planets like Hoth, Tatooine, and Dagobah. The gamer needs to choose an alliance they want to be a part of. It can be either the Rebel Alliance or the Galactic Empire.
Indulge in mining activities to amplify a planet’s credit income and use the money that you own to buy resources for your planet. Defeat the enemy planet’s space forces to take charge of the planet itself in this sci fi game.
Check out Star Wars: Empire At War
21. Homeworld
- Release Date: 31st Aug 1999
- Developer: Relic
- Price: $34.99
- Platforms: Windows, Mac
Transported to a cruel desert world, exiles have been fighting for over 3000 years to retrieve the stars. In this virtual world, your role is to guide them home.
One of the best space games, Homeworld showcases stunning ship graphics, engaging space spectacles, and a unique navigation interface in a real-time environment. You get to choose your preferred type of space before the game starts.
22. Sins of a Solar Empire
- Release Date: 8th Feb 2008
- Developer: Ironclad Games
- Price: $39.99
- Platforms: Windows
Blending skillful combat with extensive space strategy, this space simulation game is a unique hybrid of RTS (real-time strategy) and 4X (explore, expand, exploit, exterminate) games. As a player, you need to conquer worlds, indulge in diplomacy and space trading activities with the other civilizations.
One of the most engaging games like Eve Online, Sins of a solar empire lets you expand military power, and formulate new technology. Your gaming field is a beautiful 3D web of planets and celestial objects enabling you to control wars in real-time.
Check out Sins of a Solar Empire
23. FTL: Faster Than Light
- Release Date: 12th Sept 2012
- Developer: Subset Games
- Price: $9.99
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS
One of the best space strategy games like Eve Online, FTL enables the players to control their spacecraft which can travel faster than the speed of light. You get to manage and control the Kestrel and its crew as you traverse through the galaxy. Controlling your crew is essential for keeping the spaceship operating and for fighting off enemies.
Every time you play the game, the experience you encounter will be different. This is because of the fact that the events in this space game world are randomly generated.
Check out FTL: Faster Than Light
24. Universe Sandbox
- Release Date: 29th April 2011
- Developer: Giant Army
- Price: $29.99
- Platforms: Windows
One of the best games like Eve Online, Universe Sandbox, enables you to create and destroy as you have never done before, encompassing the gigantic space.
Editing and creation tools enable you to construct your own simulations. This means that you can change the properties of any celestial object as and when you like. What more? After you’ve caused destruction, this space game lets you create your own Universe.
25. Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords
- Release Date: 21st Feb 2006
- Developer: Stardock
- Price: $19.99
- Platforms: Windows
This game takes place in the 23rd-century future where aliens attempt to control the galaxies and planets by using force and diplomacy. The players undertake the role of the leader of the citizens who then must strive to expand its existence in the militant galaxy.
Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords is one of our most favorites when it comes to games like Eve Online. Players can opt to play the game in both single-player and multiplayer modes.
Check out Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords
26. Perpetuum
- Release Date: 17th Oct 2014
- Developer: Avatar Creations
- Price: $4.99
- Platforms: Windows
Perpetuum includes remote-controlled mechanics and any gamer who loves to pilot such mechs instead of being in charge of spaceships must play this game. Perpetuum is one of the best games like Eve Online, which closely resembles the predecessor but with an improved and enhanced warcraft gameplay.
The space game boasts stunning graphics and most of the space station visuals will leave you in awe. Players get to control massive robots and aim to acquire all the wealth resources belonging to the competing planets.
27. Warframe
- Release Date: 25th March 2013
- Developer: Digital Extremes
- Price: Free
- Platforms: Windows
The third-person shooter space game gives players the opportunity to pick from 30 different warcraft options available. Tenno is fearing extinction and you play to save it from disintegrating. Players suit up in advanced armor in this free-to-play game and aim to win over the invading enemies.
If you love to play co-op games and are a fan of the genre, you must definitely try Warframe. One of the most exciting games like Eve Online, Warframe, has a very smooth combat system. You can create a team of four players, make your character jump, complete missions, and defeat enemies.
28. MechWarrior Online
- Release Date: 10th December 2015
- Developer: Piranha Games Inc.
- Price: Free
- Platforms: Windows and Online
Yet another first-person space shooter MMO to make it to the list of the top games like Eve Online, MechWarrior Online, is unmissable. If you are an avid fan of sci fi games and love shooter games with a scientific bent, MechWarrior Online is meant for you.
The space game boasts tons of exciting features. You join the team of the elite operators, take the operation of the space machines in your hand, and fight for supremacy over competing parties. Set up your weapons, form the best alliances, train your team well, and put your battle skills to test.
29. FreeSpace 2
- Release Date: 7th June 2014
- Developer: Volition Inc
- Price: Free
- Platforms: Windows
FreeSpace 2 requires the player to take charge of his/her spacecraft and perform myriad tasks in the never-ending solar empire. You embark upon various missions in the first-person shooter game and most mechanics are sure to remind you of Eve Online. The gameplay is similar to Eve universe.
All the action takes place with the lead player being inside the spacecraft and taking control of the happenings with his/her machine. Plan your mission tactfully for one wrong step that might cause you the game or your team.
One of the best space games like Eve Online, FreeSpace 2, still maintains its position as one of the favorites among gaming enthusiasts, especially Eve players.
30. DarkOrbit Reloaded
- Release Date: 11th December 2006
- Developer: Bigpoint
- Price: Free
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Web, Linux
DarkOrbit Reloaded includes all the elements you’d expect in a superlative space MMO game. With tons of space battles to fight and enormous amounts of resources to collect, it is one of the must-try games like Eve Online.
The players take charge of their spaceships and also get their hands on a set of cool weapons at the beginning of the game. No confusing mechanics and easy-to-follow rules make the game convenient even for first-time players.
The gameplay takes interesting twists and turns, so there’ll not be a single boring moment. Witness beautiful visuals, complete quests, and emerge as the most courageous space warrior.
31. Planet Calypso
- Release Date: 20th May 2002
- Developer: First Planet Company
- Price: Free
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Web
Planet Calypso boasts exceptionally realistic gameplay and super-intriguing mechanics. While it does a good job at being similar to Eve Online and is well-adapted from the predecessor, Planet Calypso includes some unique features as well that make the game stand out.
The multiplayer game is thrilling and keeps you on the edge of your seats. Pick your favorite avatar and customize it. Select the weapons that will help you defeat the opponents and strategize well. One of the best games like Eve Online that gives players myriad opportunities to explore and resources and places, Planet Calypso, is unmissable.
32. Ascent – The Space Game
- Release Date: 12th April 2016
- Developer: Fluffy Kitten Studios
- Price: $19.99
- Platforms: Windows
Ascent – The Space Game includes innumerable star systems. The space MMO focuses on mining, farming, research, technology, and space exploration. One of the most intriguing games like Eve Online, you must play Ascent – The Space Game if you are an avid fan of the sci-fi genre.
Every aspect of the PVE Sandbox is developed by gamers. Unlike most of the other space-based games, Ascent goes beyond requiring the players to be engaged in combat only. With more than 270 billion stars and planets to gaze at, you will often find yourself lost in the immersive gameplay not wanting to return to reality.
Check out Ascent – The Space Game
33. Vega Conflict
- Release Date: 115th December 2015
- Developer: Kixeye
- Price: Free
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
One of the best games like Eve Online, Vega Conflict, allows the gaming enthusiasts to bring their imagination to life. You are in charge of your resources, wealth, and various other material assets.
The aesthetically sharp visuals are Vega Conflict’s most attractive feature. The app versions of the game are available for Android and iOS users. You have your minors assigned in outer space and each of them is the pilot of their own space craft. In this space adventure, the gamer will particularly enjoy the intense battle sequences and the detailed ship structures.
Conclusion
We have given you an extensive list of space games like Eve Online and the best player-driven space games. The best free space games based on our observation are Star Conflict, Pirate Galaxy, Entropia Universe, OGame, Star Trek Online, and Ace Online. If you’re looking for Eve online alternatives and do not mind shelling out some real money, try Evochron Mercenary and Darkstar One.
You can always play Vendetta Online and Astro Lords on your Android devices and Galaxy on Fire on iOS for a superlative space gaming experience. Hard-core Eve players might find no replacement for their favorite game, but the above-listed ones will definitely make it to the list of similar games.
(Article Updated on 25th March 2021)
