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PurplePanda’s Space/Construction Game list


 

This list is being created for anyone who or wants some DU-ish games to play between tests or until DU releases. All of these have been chosen by me through “extensive” research that I did an hour ago, as well as some personal favorite of mine. Hope you enjoy some of these games, I think some of them are definitely worth a look!

 

(Note all reviews will be from there Steam pages)


 

Out Now

 

Avorion -  Early Access

 

A procedural co-op space sandbox where players can build their own space ships out of dynamically scalable blocks. Fight epic space battles, explore, mine, trade, wage wars and build your own empire to save your galaxy from being torn apart by an unknown enemy

 

I’ve seen this game around for a little bit and although I’ve never played it myself, I find the aesthetics and mechanics look fantastic. For me it really puts into scope how big the universe is and how there is so much more out there, but less in an existential way, and more in an curious way.

 

All Reviews: Very Positive   Recent Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive.   $22.95 AU

 

https://store.steampowered.com/app/445220/Avorion/



 

Astroneer - Fully Released

 

Explore and reshape distant worlds! Astroneer is set during the 25th century Intergalactic Age of Discovery, where Astroneers explore the frontiers of outer space, risking their lives in harsh environments to unearth rare discoveries and unlock the mysteries of the universe.

 

In this space sandbox adventure, players can work together to build custom bases above or below ground, create vehicles to explore a vast solar system, and use terrain to create anything they can imagine. A player’s creativity and ingenuity are the keys to thriving on exciting planetary adventures! 

 

Once again I haven’t actually played the game but I’ve seen it from time to time and the aesthetics are simply whimsical. I also watched a very interesting and entertaining documentary about it and the company’s creation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfUjl4owxTQ

 

All Reviews: Very Positive   Recent Reviews: Very Positive.   $29.99 AU

 

https://store.steampowered.com/app/361420/ASTRONEER/

 


 

Star Made - Early Access

 

The ultimate space sandbox. Participate in epic fleet battles, form alliances, strive to dominate entire galaxies and harness the universe’s resources for your industrious empire or the destruction of others. Customize your experience, the universe is yours!

 

A voxel-based 3D sandbox set in the never-ending darkness of space. Create your own ships, explore new galaxies, stars, and planets. Discover and salvage space stations, fight against pirates or opposing factions in multiplayer. Equip your ships with completely customizable weapons and conquer the galaxy. Trade and make a fortune, mass produce materials in gigantic factories. Design your very own space station. Create warp gates and network the universe at your front door. 

 

Star made is probably the game I have sunk the most hours into (although not that impressive), and I’ll admit I had a lot of fun doing it but the game has kind of stagnated. Personally, I think it is a good game but updates now rarely come out and the community is all but dead. If you enjoy playing by yourself and are able to see past some of its problems, I do believe you could have a genuinely enjoyable experience. At the very least it could be useful for prototyping ship ideas.

 

All Reviews: Mixed   Recent Reviews: Mostly Positive.  $Free. Download the demo it’s the full game.

 

https://www.star-made.org/



 

Interstellar Rift - Early Access

 

Interstellar Rift is an open world Starship Simulator with an emphasis on ship construction and multi-player interaction. Players can explore and conquer the galaxy with their own custom designed and constructed a starship. Space is vast, but you won't have to face it alone, other players will be able to join your crew, and help out, or build their own rival fleet and fight you across the galaxy.

 

I don’t own this game and have only recently learned about it but from what I’ve seen (and read) it incentivizes ship creation and allows for immense amounts of creative freedom.

 

All Reviews: Mostly Positive   Recent Reviews: Mixed. $26.95 AU

 

https://store.steampowered.com/app/363360/Interstellar_Rift/  


 

FTL: Faster Than Light - Fully Released

 

In FTL you experience the atmosphere of running a spaceship trying to save the galaxy. It's a dangerous mission, with every encounter presenting a unique challenge with multiple solutions. What will you do if a heavy missile barrage shuts down your shields? Reroute all power to the engines in an attempt to escape, power up additional weapons to blow your enemy out of the sky, or take the fight to them with a boarding party? This "spaceship simulation roguelike-like" allows you to take your ship and crew on an adventure through a randomly generated galaxy filled with glory and bitter defeat.

 

I don’t know much about this game and I have never played it, but I know it’s a classic and that it’s a classic for a reason. Definitely worth a try if you haven't yet.

 

All Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive   Recent Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive.   $14.50 AU

 

https://store.steampowered.com/app/212680/FTL_Faster_Than_Light/



 

Cosmoteer - Early Access

 

Cosmoteer is a starship design, simulation, and battle game. Design a fleet of ships by placing individual modules including weapons, shields, engines, and hallways. Battle A.I. starships to earn bounties or test your design skills against other players. A dynamic crew and combat simulation make every design decision important and interesting.

 

This game is one of my recent favorite, hands down. I find the way how the shipbuilding and 2D elements blend to be thoroughly enjoyable. There is a large amount of flexibility when it comes to the construction of your ships and I find it deeply satisfying when I pit two of my creation against each other, using there A.I to efficiently decimate the other party. I highly recommend this game, whether you're into pitting your creations against other peoples ships or your own (or the bounty hunter campaign). Plus there's nothing to lose, it’s free!!! (There's also a relatively large modding community).

 

No Official Reviews.   $Free (at least for now).  

 

https://cosmoteer.net/        





 

Space Engineers - Fully Released

 

Space Engineers is a sandbox game about engineering, construction, exploration, and survival in space and on planets. Players build space ships, space stations, planetary outposts of various sizes and use's, pilot ships and travel through space to explore planets and gather resources to survive.

 

I don’t have much to say on this title as I have played it only on occasion, it’s a very well know game with a good single player mode. The multiplayer has been notorious for its issues but it does work to some extent (from what I’ve seen) and it was known for its insanely long alpha period, but in total it’s apparently a really good game.

 

All Reviews: Very Positive   Recent Reviews: Very. $28.95 AU

 

https://store.steampowered.com/app/244850/Space_Engineers/ 



 

No Man’s Sky - Fully Released

In No Man's Sky, every star is the light of a distant sun, each orbited by planets filled with life, and you can go to any of them you choose. Fly smoothly from deep space to planetary surfaces, with no loading screens, and no limits. In this infinite procedurally generated universe, you'll discover places and creatures that no other players have seen before - and perhaps never will again.

 

If you know anything about this game, you know about its horrendously rough start and while I wouldn't say all the hate the company was just, after twenty hours of playing I got bored and stopped. But while some of the responses were justified, Hello Games were able to truly turn their disaster around. Although I myself have barely played it since release I intend to soon, that's because in the years No Man’s Sky has been online Hello Game has been constantly updated. If you bought this game and have never looked at it since I highly suggest you give it another chance, you may be pleasantly surprised.

 

All Reviews: Mixed   Recent Reviews: Very Positive.   $84.95 AU

 

https://store.steampowered.com/app/275850/No_Mans_Sky/



 

Kerbal Space Program - Fully Released

 

In Kerbal Space Program, take charge of the space program for the alien race known as the Kerbals. You have access to an array of parts to assemble fully-functional spacecraft that flies (or doesn’t) based on realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics. Launch your Kerbal crew into orbit and beyond (while keeping them alive) to explore moons and planets in the Kerbol solar system, constructing bases and space stations to expand the reach of your expedition.

 

K.S.P is another game I would have to list as a favorite game, simply because it is so difficult yet so fun, in all the 40 hours I’ve played I got nowhere, but I got nowhere with style. And I think that's what's so great about it, if you do dedicate time and effort you can go somewhere, you can go to many many where’s.  Whether you're a casual player that just wants to play in sandbox mode or colonies the solar system through dedication, this game deserves a look. 

 

All Reviews: Very Positive   Recent Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive.   $45.99 AU 

 

https://store.steampowered.com/app/220200/Kerbal_Space_Program/



 

PULSAR: Lost Colony - Early Access

 

Team up to operate an advanced starship and explore a randomized galaxy falling into chaos. Each player assumes a role aboard the ship: Captain, Pilot, Scientist, Weapons Specialist and Engineer. Coordination between your crewmembers will be essential in order to survive the perils that await you.

 

I’ve been seeing the game on multiple sites like youtube for the past few years and it always caught my attention. I love the idea of having specialized roles and love how they have been able to recreate that ship on the frontier feel, with only yourself and your crewmates to rely on. If you like playing in friend groups, or just want to feel like you actually are controlling a ship, this game is for you.

 

All Reviews: Very Positive   Recent Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive.   $35.95 AU

 

https://store.steampowered.com/app/252870/PULSAR_Lost_Colony/



 

Planet Nomads - Fully Released

 

Planet Nomads is a single player sci-fi sandbox game of survival on alien planets through block-style building. You are a lone astronaut scientist crash-landing on a strangely captivating planet. Keeping your wit together and securing your basic survival needs that include food, water, and building material is the best start towards figuring out a way out of this messy situation.

This game started its development around the same time as the No Man’s Sky hype and sort of faded into the background, and although production continued the product today is quite controversial. Many of the players say that the game failed due to lag, mediocre updates, and eventual boredom while many others really like the game and still support it. If your willing to give this game a chance and aren't adverse to a bit of risk it might be something to check out.

 

All Reviews: Mixed   All Reviews Mixed. $28.95 AU

 

https://store.steampowered.com/app/504050/Planet_Nomads/



 

Elite Dangerous - Fully Released

 

Elite Dangerous is the definitive massively multiplayer space epic, bringing gaming’s original open-world adventure to the modern generation with a connected galaxy, evolving narrative and the entirety of the Milky Way re-created at its full galactic proportions.

 

I don’t actually know much about Elite, I know it’s big, it’s pretty and it’s quite hard to get into it and enjoy it but other than that it’s up to you to investigate and research.

 

All Reviews: Mixed   Recent Reviews: Very Positive.   $42.95 AU

 

https://store.steampowered.com/app/359320/Elite_Dangerous/

 

 

 

Infinfactory - Fully Released

Infinifactory is a sandbox puzzle game by Zachtronics, the creators of SpaceChem and Infiniminer. Build factories that assemble products for your alien overlords, and try not to die in the process.

 

This game is all about industry, so it would be perfect for anyone partaking in Alpha 2 to get some “practice” before or in between (I don’t know how much help it would be). Other than that, anyone who likes to create systems that work flawlessly or like to think logically might like this game.

 

All Reviews: Very Positive   Recent Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive.   $35.95 AU

 

https://store.steampowered.com/app/300570/Infinifactory/



 

Empyrion Galactic Survival - Early Access

 

Empyrion - Galactic Survival is a 3D open-world space sandbox survival adventure. Build powerful ships, mighty space stations and vast planetary settlements to explore, conquer or exploit a variety of different planets and discover the mysteries of Empyrion!

 

As far as I can tell, Empyrion is a game similar to Space engineers with more customization ability for its creations. Of course, there are probably several key differences but I have not played the game and thus do not know.

 

All Reviews: Very Positive   Recent Reviews: Mostly Positive.   $28.95 AU

 

https://store.steampowered.com/app/383120/Empyrion__Galactic_Survival/



 

Nimbatus - Early Access

 

Nimbatus - The Space Drone Constructor is an action-packed simulation game. Craft drones out of hundreds of different parts and explores a destructible, procedurally generated galaxy. Build autonomous drones to fight against other players' creations. Do you have what it takes to become a drone engineer?

 

I’ve only played Nimbatus for a little bit, but from what I have played and have seen externally from the game, it is going to highly appeal to those who like using logic parts. While i is an extremely fun game without using them and I suggest you look into the game, either way, the logic parts are definitely one of its strong suites.

 

All Reviews: Very Positive   Recent Reviews: Very Positive   $28.95 AU

 

https://store.steampowered.com/app/383840/Nimbatus__The_Space_Drone_Constructor/



 

EVE Online - Fully Released

 

EVE Online is a community-driven spaceship MMO where players can play free, choosing their own path from countless options. Experience space exploration, immense PvP and PvE battles, mining, industry and a thriving player economy in an ever-expanding sandbox.

 

EVE truly is a virtual world, one that houses so many people and factions and wars it’s almost impossible to keep track of. If you're looking for a game with history and lore, legends and tales of war, and distances almost unimaginable to the human mind, then EVE is for you. Although you should note that it is extremely hard to get into and to fully immerse yourself in the culture and history, will take a lot of dedication.

 

All Reviews: Mostly Positive   Recent Reviews: Very Positive.   $Free (With packs)

 

https://store.steampowered.com/app/8500/EVE_Online/

Bonus

 

I know we already have enough on our plate with DU, but these two are game projects that are definitely worth following in the future. I highly suggest you look into them.


 

Starbase - https://store.steampowered.com/app/454120/Starbase/


Skywanderes - https://skywanderersgame.com/

 

 

If you have anymore good games that i missed or noticed any mistakes I've made, please notify me with a comment! ☺️

 

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Don't know about others but space is not mandatory when it comes to games that I play, having fun is, and one of the most fun and creative voxel games I've played is 7 Days to Die, soon will be released alpha 18  and it will be tons of fun for a month or two especially playing together with friends, building traps and bases. Game world is fully editable same as in DU, everything you see you can destroy or build and it looks much better than average voxel game given players have a good PC. 

 

And the game is damn cheap now, more info: https://store.steampowered.com/app/251570/7_Days_to_Die/

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Space Engineers multiplayer works fine. Players need to keep in mind that the game is not designed with multiplayer in mind and yes has limitations. Stick to them and it'll be fine.

20 man races, build-offs or Battle Royal games can be great fun..

 

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On 7/8/2019 at 4:51 PM, spaceforger said:

Don't know about others but space is not mandatory when it comes to games that I play, having fun is, and one of the most fun and creative voxel games I've played is 7 Days to Die, soon will be released alpha 18  and it will be tons of fun for a month or two especially playing together with friends, building traps and bases. Game world is fully editable same as in DU, everything you see you can destroy or build and it looks much better than average voxel game given players have a good PC. 

 

And the game is damn cheap now, more info: https://store.steampowered.com/app/251570/7_Days_to_Die/

I Agree!!! Originally i was going to split the category's into 3 section, Space/Construction, Just Space, and Just Construction to cover a larger area of games but i ran out of time and mental willpower before i could do that. ?

 

If I ever update the list i'll make sure to add those category's as well as as many good games I can find to put in them. Also i don't know much about & Days to Die, i'll have to look into it, Thanks for the suggestion!

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20 hours ago, blazemonger said:

Space Engineers multiplayer works fine. Players need to keep in mind that the game is not designed with multiplayer in mind and yes has limitations. Stick to them and it'll be fine.

20 man races, build-offs or Battle Royal games can be great fun..

 

Thanks for the information update! I only could go off of what i could observe through what i'd read and watched about a lot of the games so i was certain i was going to get some information wrong.

 

If i ever make an update to the list (which i hopefully will), I'll make sure to correct any inaccurate information and do much more research into the game's that i compile!

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  • 3 weeks later...

Great list! If I may, I would add Satisfactory: https://www.epicgames.com/store/en-US/product/satisfactory/home

 

You'll find factories, it's looking a lot like the last Industry update from DU, and it's on an alien planet. Construction is not at the same level (you don't really have housing except the factory), and you'll lack the true multiplayer, but you can have trains, that's fun, no?

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  • 3 weeks later...
  • 6 months later...
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  • 1 month later...

I've been playing Eve Online for 3 years, I reckon I have another 2 years to achieve my goals. Proper adult game where some element of risk accompanies every action. Combat system is not for everyone, me included, I'm an industrialist/businessman/scout/diplomat/thief and general scoundrel.

 

For fun I play Elite Dangerous (open play) and (try to) blow stuff up and scout/explore.

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  • 1 month later...

The only flat game left i play is DU... And i hope it will go VR asap too

except that i play allmost only VR games since i have a Rift S.

 

Games in this List for VR:

 - Elite Dangerous

 - No Mans Sky

 - Pulsar Lost Colony

 

Other beautiful Space Games in VR:
 - Lone Echo (my absolute favorite VR Game! Part 2 is about to be released this year)

 - Echo VR (the standalone free to play battle and hoverdisc DLC form Lone Echo)

 - Vader immortal Episode I - III (imho the best Star wars game ever - Darth Vader in full size right in front of you and teaching you the force? Hell thats awesome)
 - Star Trek Bridge Crew (up to 5 people controlling a Star Trek ship in a couple of challanging missions)

 - End Space (actionpacked awardwinning Dogfight Simulation in Space)
 - Universe Sandbox 

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  • 3 weeks later...

My Organization and I have been playing some space engineers and no mans sky getting ready for Dual Universe. 


For those that like strategy games we've also been playing Total War Warhammer 2 and been having a blast on that. 

 

We've also been playing star citizen for a bit each patch it gets but mostly waiting till it gets smoother for the most part.

 

I've also recently got a VR headset (Oculus Rift S) And have been enjoying half life alyx and blades and sorcery and some other games on there.

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  • 3 weeks later...
  • 7 months later...

Hello,

 

a large shout out and thank you to @PurplePanda for taking the time of compiling the list.

 

Asked in a friendly way:

 

What is the advantage / usp of DU given this plethora of alternatives?

 

For me DU was:

  • the promise of freedom / sandbox character
  • LUA support
  • the promise of a single shard experience paired with good performance
  • the scale of player constructions, Space, Ships, Ground
  • no NPCs
  • promise of player driven markets

 

currently on the downside:

  • the look and feel of space combat is ugly beyond belief compared to the competition
  • schematics in it's current form
  • performance is bad
  • general lack of development progress
  • communication with the community
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On 7/8/2019 at 3:58 AM, PurplePanda said:

Once again I haven’t actually played the game but I’ve seen it from time to time and the aesthetics are simply whimsical.

 

Astroneer

 

I have it and its far worse then DU.. 

 

The game is quite fun in the 1st 5 hours, trying to get what you need with the oxygen range limitation. 

 

But after that initial fun challenge, you quickly realise there is nothing else to do but farm more. 

 

The game does not have a compelling objective. Just the pain to power up several ancient structures. That will require days of farming. 

 

There are no enemies. No ai what so ever will challenge you in any way. If you dont make a big mistake, you wont ever die. 

 

Its a 3 day game. Nice to play with children. For grown ups, its just booorrriiinggg. 

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On 7/8/2019 at 3:58 AM, PurplePanda said:

I don’t know much about this game and I have never played it, but I know it’s a classic and that it’s a classic for a reason.

 

FTL

I have, its a fun game to play on summer vacation. 

 

Gameplay is quite repetitive and you find your self doing the exact same thing several games in a row. 

 

But there are several ships, each with different options. 

 

The best part of the game is the randomness it brings, very often a simple split second decision will send that game run into a totally unexpected route. 

 

But its a very simple game that starts and ends every time you play. 

Not suitable for long term entertainment. 

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On 7/8/2019 at 3:58 AM, PurplePanda said:

K.S.P is another game I would have to list as a favorite game, simply because it is so difficult yet so fun

 

I would not suggest KSP for general audience. 

It is simply too difficult for most ppl. 

Requires a above average physics knowledge. 

 

But yea. Great game. Hope KSP 2 is even greater. 

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  • 4 weeks later...

 

Space Engineers has gone well past grinding to a halt with more than 4 players by now. I'm actually setting up a multi server game cluster for 100-200 players with a RP focus right now(yes there is PVP, but PVP needs to flow from RP, not be just pewpew for the sake of pewpew). Game world is divided into sectors, each runs on a separate server with seamless transition between them and a general backend sync.

 

Another good example of this setup is Sigma Draconis which uses a similar setup but is ffa PVP.

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