WhileStarfieldis nearly here, you might not be partaking (for whatever reason!). From the thoroughly entertainingThe Outer Worldsto the unrestricted freedom ofNo Man’s Sky,let’s look at the six best games thematically similar toStarfieldthat will satisfy your sci-fi-loving brain right now.
Chorus
One of the most underrated games in 2021,Chorusshould be on your list if you crave sci-fi action. While you can’t get out of your spaceship and wander about, thereisan open area to explore as you fly at high speed through asteroids and space gates. The combat impresses with its fast-paced action and powerful weapons. There’s also an intriguing storyline to follow, complete with side quests to complement it.
Elite Dangerous
Want to explore the stars but you’re stuck at home with a 9-5 job?Elite Dangerousmight be able to transport you beyond the skies above. You’ll be upgrading your ship as you fight enemy forces, explore the beautiful cosmos, and soar amongst the stars alongside your friends. There’s also a major sense of scale as the developer claims on itsSteampage that “the entirety of the Milky Way [is] re-created at its full galactic proportions”.It has beenfree on the Epic Games Storein the past, so check your library if you haven’t already.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition
One of Bethesda’s greatest aspects is its storytelling. The majority of its games have immense lore and an intriguing storyline full of interesting characters. TheMass Effectseries offers a similarly strong narrative that has you invested in its roster of heroes and villains. In addition, the worldbuilding is outstanding, as you get more intrigued by the factions and environments of this sci-fi universe the deeper you delve into it. Hopefully,Starfieldwill offer a story that has just as much drama as the legendary BioWare series.
No Man’s Sky
With one of the rockiest launches in modern gaming history,No Man’s Skywas a shell of the promises original made by the developer Hello Games. Fortunately, over the years, the game has received wide acclaim for its bevy of features, stunning landscapes, andintroduction of co-op. The randomized nature of the game has given us strange new creatures and gorgeous scenery that fans often share their pictures ofNo Man’s Sky.Starfieldalso features many, many worlds;No Man’s Skyhas likely inspired Bethesda with its daring concept, for better or for worse. Hopefully, the former.
Outer Wilds
IfNo Man’s Skydoesn’t tickle your fancy,Outer Wildsmight instead. You’re exploring a solar system that is trapped in a time loop, and it is up to you to solve the mystery behind it. The planets in this game each offer their own little secrets to discover as you find out details about the Dark Bramble and the alien ruins across the system. While there are no RPG mechanics to speak of,Outer Wildswill likely give you the same exploratory rush inStarfield.Nevertheless, Josh Talentino called the game “Superb” inhis reviewfor Destructoid.
The Outer Worlds
The closest game you’ll get toStarfieldis probablyThe Outer Worlds.Not to be confused with the similarly titled last entry, this Obsidian FPS/RPG has an exciting and engaging campaign. You’ll find well-written characters, an entertaining loot-and-shoot game loop, and a captivating story.The Outer Worldsdoes not feature interspace combat or a huge universe to explore. However, the densely populated environments have engrossing side missions and inspired art design. In fact,The Outer Worldswas Destructoid’s2019 Game of the Year.
Death Stranding
While there aren’t “traditional” RPG mechanics inDeath Stranding,that sense of exploration fromStarfieldis present in the game. You’re delivering packages throughout the world and helping connect the once-separated areas of post-apocalyptic America back together. Directed byMetal Gear Solidveteran Hideo Kojima, its sci-fi concepts are thought-provoking and stunning to behold.
The interactability between players is also unique as you help each other form a better world.Death Stranding’s available on Xbox Game Pass for PC if you want to check it out.
Deliver Us The Moon
If you want to explore a sci-fi world without chaotic shooting gameplay,Deliver Us The Moonmight be your ticket. You’re exploring a space station that is unresponsive and within it, you’ll discover exactly what has happened. The story is told in a quiet, yet impactful way. The puzzles are also well-implemented.
The detailed environments also present the story well, hopefully likeStarfield.It’s a sci-fi game that’s a breath of fresh air (well, at least as fresh as it can be in space).
Star Wars Squadrons
Lastly, there’sStar Wars Squadrons. The force is strong with this one! If you want to prepare yourself for ship battles in Starfield, you can control variousStar Warsships in Squadrons, and it’s a rush to shoot an Imperial ship in an X-Wing in this game. The cockpit view is also one-to-one to what Rebels like Wedge and Luke saw back in the day with all the visual do-hickeys and buttons intact.
As our review notes: “It finds a great balance between making the player feel like a responsible pilot and a complete badass.”
