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
| Genre | Action-Adventure |
| Released | February 2, 2023 |
| ESRB | T For Teen Due To Mild Blood, Violence |
| Developer | KeokeN Interactive |
| Publisher | Frontier Foundry |
| Engine | Unreal Engine |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S |
| How Long To Beat | 9 Hours |
| PS Plus Availability | Extra & Premium |
| OpenCritic Rating | Fair |
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
| Genre | Adventure |
| Released | August 22, 2023 |
| ESRB | M For Mature: Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Violence |
| Developer | Fallen Leaf, Black Drakkar Games |
| Publisher | Dear Villagers |
| Steam Deck Compatibility | Verified |
| PC Release Date | August 22, 2023 |
| PS5 Release Date | August 22, 2023 |
| Platforms | Steam, PlayStation 5 |
| How Long To Beat | 3.5 Hours |
| OpenCritic Rating | Weak |
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
| Genre | Adventure |
| Released | February 6, 2019 |
| ESRB | E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 4 |
| Multiplayer | Online Multiplayer |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One |
| Developer | System Era Softworks |
| How Long To Beat | 22 Hours |
| OpenCritic Rating | Strong |
| Publisher | System Era Softworks |
| X|S Optimized | No |
| File Size Xbox Series | 1 GB (November 2023) |
| Steam User Rating | 92% (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
| Genre | RPG, Action-Adventure, Hack and Slash |
| Released | November 6, 2023 |
| ESRB | E |
| Publisher | 11 Bit Studios |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 4 |
| Multiplayer | Online Multiplayer |
| Platforms | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S |
| Developer | Starward Industries |
| OpenCritic Rating | Fair |
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
| Genre | Simulation, Sandbox |
| Released | February 28, 2019 |
| ESRB | T For Teen Due To Drug Reference, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language |
| Developer | Keen Software House |
| Publisher | Keen Software House |
| Engine | VRAGE 2.0 |
| Multiplayer | Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer |
| Cross-Platform Play | PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S |
| Number of Players | 1-4 (Xbox); 1-16 (PC); 1-8 (PS5) |
| Early Access Release | October 23, 2013 |
| PC Release Date | February 28, 2019 |
| PS5 Release Date | May 11, 2023 |
| Platforms | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S |
| Developer | Keen Software House |
| How Long To Beat | 20 Hours |
| PS Plus Availability | Extra & Premium |
| Publisher | Keen Software House |
| X|S Optimized | No |
| File Size Xbox Series | 34 GB (May 2024) |
| Platforms That Support Crossplay | PC, Xbox One, & Xbox Series X/S |
| Steam User Rating | 89% (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
| Genre | Action, RPG |
| Released | September 6, 2023 |
| ESRB | M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs, Strong Language, Violence |
| Developer | Bethesda |
| Publisher | Bethesda |
| Engine | Proprietary engine |
| Cross-Platform Play | No multiplayer |
| Cross Save | No |
| Steam Deck Compatibility | Yes |
| Platforms | PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S |
| How Long To Beat | 20 Hours |
| OpenCritic Rating | Mighty |
| X|S Optimized | Yes |
| File Size Xbox Series | 101 GB (September 2023) |
| Metascore | 86 |
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
| Genre | Flight Simulator |
| Released | December 16, 2014 |
| ESRB | T For Teen due to Drug Reference, Fantasy Violence |
| Developer | Frontier Developments |
| Publisher | Frontier Developments |
| Engine | Cobra |
| Multiplayer | Online Multiplayer |
| Platforms | PC, PlayStation 4 |
| How Long To Beat | 109 Hours |
| PS Plus Availability | Extra & Premium |
| OpenCritic Rating | Strong |
| Steam User Rating | 76% (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
| Genre | Adventure, Action, Survival |
| Released | August 9, 2016 |
| ESRB | T for Teen: Fantasy Violence, Animated Blood |
| Developer | Hello Games |
| Publisher | Hello Games |
| Engine | Proprietary |
| Multiplayer | Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op |
| Cross-Platform Play | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC |
| Steam Deck Compatibility | Verified |
| Platforms | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC |
| How Long To Beat | 30.5 Hours |
| PS Plus Availability | N/A |
| OpenCritic Rating | Fair |
| X|S Optimized | Yes |
| File Size Xbox Series | 20.36 GB (September 2024) |
| Metascore | 83 |
| Platforms That Support Crossplay | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S |
| Supported VR Headsets | Sony 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
| Genre | Survival Horror |
| Released | January 27, 2023 |
| ESRB | Rated M for Mature for Blood and Gore, Strong Language, and Intense Violence |
| Developer | EA Motive |
| Publisher | Electronic Arts |
| Engine | Frostbite |
| Franchise | Dead Space |
| Platforms | Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, PlayStation 5 |
| How Long To Beat | 12 Hours |
| PS Plus Availability | N/A |
| OpenCritic Rating | Mighty |
| X|S Optimized | Yes |
| File Size Xbox Series | 31 GB (November 2023) |
| Metascore | 89 |
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
| Genre | Action RPG, Third-Person Shooter |
| Released | November 6, 2012 |
| ESRB | T |
| Developer | BioWare |
| Publisher | Microsoft |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 3 |
| Franchise | Mass Effect |
| Platforms | Xbox 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.