10 Best Video Games Where You Step Into an Astronaut’s Boots

Have you ever gazed at the stars and wondered what it might be like to venture beyond our atmosphere? For most of us, becoming an astronaut remains a distant dream—but thanks to modern gaming, we can experience the thrill of space exploration without the years of training or inherent dangers.

The digital cosmos offers boundless opportunities to float through the endless void or make first contact on distant worlds. Few professions capture our imagination quite like space exploration, combining danger, discovery, and the ultimate frontier. Science fiction has gifted us with countless visions of extraterrestrial landscapes—from nightmarish hellscapes to breathtaking utopias—each one pushing the boundaries of human creativity and technological possibility.

Games featuring astronauts as protagonists typically blend elements of science fiction, survival mechanics, exploration, and occasionally delve into psychological horror with existential themes.

The titles below range from tightly crafted narrative experiences that gradually build tension to sprawling open-world adventures that emphasize freedom and discovery.

10. Deliver Us Mars

A Puzzle-Focused Journey

GenreAction-Adventure
ReleasedFebruary 2, 2023
ESRBT For Teen Due To Mild Blood, Violence
DeveloperKeokeN Interactive
PublisherFrontier Foundry
EngineUnreal Engine
PlatformsPC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
How Long To Beat9 Hours
PS Plus AvailabilityExtra & Premium
OpenCritic RatingFair

Deliver Us Mars prioritizes puzzle-solving and platforming elements, offering a narrative-driven experience with a more contemplative pace compared to the action-heavy titles further down our list. This doesn’t diminish its unique appeal, however.

Similar to storytelling adventures like Firewatch or Everybody’s Gone To The Rapture, you’ll gradually uncover an increasingly complex and mysterious narrative by examining the clues scattered across a barren extraterrestrial landscape.

Building upon its predecessor Deliver Us The Moon, this sequel transports players to the Red Planet where they’ll investigate a perplexing disappearance while navigating challenging climbing sequences and solving intricate puzzles to progress through the environment.

Though not without flaws, Deliver Us Mars provides a distinctive and immersive astronaut experience complemented by diverse gameplay mechanics that keep the journey engaging throughout.

9. Fort Solis

A Cinematically Driven Horror Experience

GenreAdventure
ReleasedAugust 22, 2023
ESRBM For Mature: Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Violence
DeveloperFallen Leaf, Black Drakkar Games
PublisherDear Villagers
Steam Deck CompatibilityVerified
PC Release DateAugust 22, 2023
PS5 Release DateAugust 22, 2023
PlatformsSteam, PlayStation 5
How Long To Beat3.5 Hours
OpenCritic RatingWeak

Fort Solis features Roger Clarke (known for portraying Arthur in Red Dead Redemption 2) in a chilling narrative set within an abandoned Martian mining facility. While the storyline follows a linear and straightforward path, it delivers a gripping experience that genuinely conveys the vulnerability one would feel in such a hostile environment.

The narrative primarily unfolds within the confines of the base, yet the environmental detail is remarkable. Interactive elements abound, including logs and personal effects that provide insights into the facility’s inhabitants and their mission objectives.

Visually, Fort Solis represents a technical achievement with some of the most photorealistic graphics available in the sci-fi gaming landscape, even if they’re primarily showcased within a linear narrative and interior settings.

The cast delivers compelling performances that make the story both convincing and captivating, while the absence of intrusive UI elements or obvious game mechanics enhances the immersive quality of the experience.

8. Astroneer

A Distinctive Space Survival Adventure

GenreAdventure
ReleasedFebruary 6, 2019
ESRBE For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence
EngineUnreal Engine 4
MultiplayerOnline Multiplayer
PlatformsPC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
DeveloperSystem Era Softworks
How Long To Beat22 Hours
OpenCritic RatingStrong
PublisherSystem Era Softworks
X|S OptimizedNo
File Size Xbox Series1 GB (November 2023)
Steam User Rating92% (October 25, 2023)

For those seeking a more lighthearted cosmic adventure, Astroneer delivers perfectly. Your mission revolves around transforming lifeless planets into vibrant, resource-rich ecosystems teeming with possibility.

This unique sci-fi sandbox offers unparalleled creative freedom, allowing you to shape and construct alien environments according to your vision. However, survival remains paramount as you’ll need to carefully manage resources like power and oxygen to stay alive.

While most gameplay occurs on planetary surfaces, you’ll have opportunities to explore multiple distinct worlds and travel between them throughout your journey.

Astroneer’s charming low-poly aesthetic contributes to a more relaxed experience compared to other titles in the genre. What distinguishes it as a survival game is its immersive quality and extensive creative options. Though combat is notably absent, the environments themselves present the greatest challenges to overcome.

7. The Invincible

A Legendary Sci-Fi Narrative

GenreRPG, Action-Adventure, Hack and Slash
ReleasedNovember 6, 2023
ESRBE
Publisher11 Bit Studios
EngineUnreal Engine 4
MultiplayerOnline Multiplayer
PlatformsPC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
DeveloperStarward Industries
OpenCritic RatingFair

Adapted from the renowned novel by acclaimed science fiction author Stanislaw Lem, The Invincible chronicles the investigation of a missing engineering team on the captivating and enigmatic planet Regis 3.

The gameplay follows a linear, story-focused approach that deliberately builds tension, but this measured pacing enhances rather than detracts from the experience. The exceptional source material provides rich characters, intricate backstories, and fascinating technology complemented by stellar writing—all elevated further through the game’s audiovisual presentation.

The result is a thoughtful, philosophical journey set in an atom-punk universe that consistently evokes emotional responses and heart-pounding moments throughout its winding and poignant narrative.

Special recognition must go to Brunon Lubas’s extraordinary original soundtrack, primarily created using vintage analog synthesizers that perfectly capture the essence of 1970s science fiction atmosphere.

6. Space Engineers

Creative Cosmic Construction

GenreSimulation, Sandbox
ReleasedFebruary 28, 2019
ESRBT For Teen Due To Drug Reference, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language
DeveloperKeen Software House
PublisherKeen Software House
EngineVRAGE 2.0
MultiplayerOnline Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
Cross-Platform PlayPC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
Number of Players1-4 (Xbox); 1-16 (PC); 1-8 (PS5)
Early Access ReleaseOctober 23, 2013
PC Release DateFebruary 28, 2019
PS5 Release DateMay 11, 2023
PlatformsPC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
DeveloperKeen Software House
How Long To Beat20 Hours
PS Plus AvailabilityExtra & Premium
PublisherKeen Software House
X|S OptimizedNo
File Size Xbox Series34 GB (May 2024)
Platforms That Support CrossplayPC, Xbox One, & Xbox Series X/S
Steam User Rating89% (October 27, 2023)

Keen Software House’s sci-fi sandbox title Space Engineers has developed a dedicated following over the years, maintaining an enthusiastic and active community long after its initial release.

The gameplay centers primarily on constructing buildings and spacecraft, with intuitive mechanics that create addictive gameplay loops even for solo players.

Space Engineers offers an exceptionally open-ended experience—whether you prefer establishing a permanent settlement on a single planet or assembling a formidable fleet to explore neighboring star systems, the choice is entirely yours.

A sequel has entered early access and shows promise for future development, but currently, the original game remains the more refined and content-rich option between the two.

5. Starfield

Limitless Cosmic Potential

GenreAction, RPG
ReleasedSeptember 6, 2023
ESRBM For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs, Strong Language, Violence
DeveloperBethesda
PublisherBethesda
EngineProprietary engine
Cross-Platform PlayNo multiplayer
Cross SaveNo
Steam Deck CompatibilityYes
PlatformsPC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
How Long To Beat20 Hours
OpenCritic RatingMighty
X|S OptimizedYes
File Size Xbox Series101 GB (September 2023)
Metascore86

Bethesda’s ambitious space odyssey Starfield may have received varied reactions from its fanbase, but there’s no denying it excels in several areas. From its vast array of explorable planets to extensive customization options, Starfield can truly impress when approached with measured expectations.

The game universe brims with fascinating mysteries and rich lore, with particularly memorable side quests that stand out from the main storyline.

Whether infiltrating a maximum-security prison on a hostile world or competing in the Red Mile while spectators place wagers, Starfield delivers moments reminiscent of Bethesda’s golden era titles like Oblivion and Fallout 3.

Locations such as Neon and Akila City offer immersive environments worth exploring, and players can construct personalized outposts virtually anywhere across the game’s expansive universe.

4. Elite Dangerous

Unparalleled Space Simulation

GenreFlight Simulator
ReleasedDecember 16, 2014
ESRBT For Teen due to Drug Reference, Fantasy Violence
DeveloperFrontier Developments
PublisherFrontier Developments
EngineCobra
MultiplayerOnline Multiplayer
PlatformsPC, PlayStation 4
How Long To Beat109 Hours
PS Plus AvailabilityExtra & Premium
OpenCritic RatingStrong
Steam User Rating76% (October 27, 2023)

Few titles come to mind more readily than Elite Dangerous when discussing authentic space flight and astronautics. Offering a comprehensive range of career paths and some of the most immersive piloting mechanics in any science fiction game, it stands as a benchmark in the genre across multiple criteria.

Not only does Elite Dangerous deliver audiovisual excellence, but its gameplay provides a satisfying and measured experience. While long-distance travel between star systems forms the core experience, updates over the years have expanded possibilities to include planetary exploration, faction allegiances, and diverse income-generating activities.

Substantial content remains on the development roadmap, with the developers showing continued commitment to Elite Dangerous for the foreseeable future. In fact, the game’s prospects appear brighter than ever before.

The experience reaches new heights when played in VR with joystick controls, elevating immersion to extraordinary levels. For players prioritizing realism over fantasy elements, Elite Dangerous stands as the definitive choice.

3. No Man’s Sky

Infinite Universal Discovery

GenreAdventure, Action, Survival
ReleasedAugust 9, 2016
ESRBT for Teen: Fantasy Violence, Animated Blood
DeveloperHello Games
PublisherHello Games
EngineProprietary
MultiplayerOnline Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
Cross-Platform PlayPlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Steam Deck CompatibilityVerified
PlatformsPlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
How Long To Beat30.5 Hours
PS Plus AvailabilityN/A
OpenCritic RatingFair
X|S OptimizedYes
File Size Xbox Series20.36 GB (September 2024)
Metascore83
Platforms That Support CrossplayPC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
Supported VR HeadsetsSony PlayStation VR, Sony PlayStation VR2, Valve Index, HP Reverb G2, HTC Vive Pro 2, HTC VIVE Cosmos, Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest Pro
How Long To Beat (Completionist Runs)150 hours

When it comes to boundless exploration, No Man’s Sky stands in a league of its own. Its virtually limitless universe contains hundreds of thousands of unique planets, each with distinct environments, mineral compositions, and wildlife.

Despite a controversial launch where its procedural generation approach faced significant criticism, the game has orchestrated a remarkable reputation recovery through consistent content updates over the years.

Today, No Man’s Sky ranks among the elite space-based games, guaranteeing players a uniquely personal adventure each time they embark.

The endless variety of worlds, creatures, and ecosystems serves as the game’s primary attraction, but over time, a substantial story campaign featuring specific missions and factions has been incorporated.

Few games allow you to board your spacecraft, aim skyward, and literally ascend beyond the atmosphere toward any visible star system or distant formation that catches your eye—No Man’s Sky offers precisely this experience with unmatched freedom.

2. Dead Space

A Harrowing Cosmic Nightmare

GenreSurvival Horror
ReleasedJanuary 27, 2023
ESRBRated M for Mature for Blood and Gore, Strong Language, and Intense Violence
DeveloperEA Motive
PublisherElectronic Arts
EngineFrostbite
FranchiseDead Space
PlatformsXbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, PlayStation 5
How Long To Beat12 Hours
PS Plus AvailabilityN/A
OpenCritic RatingMighty
X|S OptimizedYes
File Size Xbox Series31 GB (November 2023)
Metascore89

The Dead Space trilogy stands as an iconic sci-fi horror franchise from the Xbox 360 era, renowned for its exceptional storytelling, visual design, and atmospheric level layouts. While a remake of the original game launched in 2023, the classic titles continue to impress despite their age.

As USG Ishimura systems engineer Isaac Clarke, you’ll navigate labyrinthine ship corridors while combating grotesque mutant necromorphs that lurk within. Yet Dead Space offers far more than alien-hunting action.

The narrative weaves intricate and unexpected plot developments that are both skillfully written and believable within the established universe.

Though not suited for the easily frightened, the Dead Space series delivers numerous unforgettable moments guaranteed to captivate fans of astronaut-themed gaming experiences.

1. Mass Effect

The Definitive Cosmic Epic

GenreAction RPG, Third-Person Shooter
ReleasedNovember 6, 2012
ESRBT
DeveloperBioWare
PublisherMicrosoft
EngineUnreal Engine 3
FranchiseMass Effect
PlatformsXbox 360, Microsoft Windows, iOS, PS3, Android, PS4

BioWare’s Mass Effect series stands as arguably one of the most beloved science fiction franchises in gaming history—and deservedly so. Combining a richly detailed universe (or galaxy, more accurately) with meaningful character interactions, robust combat mechanics, and comprehensive RPG elements, it truly represents the pinnacle of the genre.

As Commander Shepard, a customizable protagonist, you’ll undertake diverse missions across numerous planets, forging alliances and confronting adversaries throughout your journey.

While Mass Effect 2 generally receives recognition as the series’ high point, each installment offers unique qualities worth experiencing. The Legendary Edition now conveniently packages the original trilogy as a single collection, making it the ideal starting point for newcomers.

Veterans of the Mass Effect saga will find this praise familiar, but those yet to experience this landmark sci-fi series should immediately place it at the top of their gaming priorities.