15 Games Like No Man’s Sky That Capture the Thrill of Discovery

Few games embody boundless exploration quite like No Man’s Sky. Its infinite galaxies, ever-changing planets, and sense of solitude turn discovery into something poetic.

If you love the freedom to roam strange worlds, uncover secrets, and chase that next horizon, these games will let you experience that same thrill — whether through spacefaring, sailing, or simply wandering.

Starfield

From the creators of Skyrim, Starfield expands humanity’s reach to the stars, letting you chart hundreds of planets and craft your own spacefaring story. It captures the scale, mystery, and quiet awe that No Man’s Sky fans crave.

Outer Wilds

A masterpiece of cosmic curiosity, Outer Wilds lets you explore a hand-crafted solar system caught in a time loop. It’s not about collecting resources — it’s about understanding the universe, one revelation at a time.

Subnautica

Dive into an alien ocean teeming with life, mystery, and danger. The deeper you go, the more you uncover — not just about the world around you, but about survival and adaptation itself.

Journey to the Savage Planet

Equal parts colorful and chaotic, this offbeat exploration game turns alien worlds into playgrounds of discovery. Its humor and creativity make each expedition feel joyful rather than daunting.

Empyrion: Galactic Survival

Build, explore, and survive across multiple planets and star systems. It’s the perfect choice for players who love No Man’s Sky’s freedom but want deeper survival mechanics and base-building complexity.

Starbound

A pixel-art universe filled with infinite worlds, quirky characters, and handcrafted adventure. Like No Man’s Sky, it’s about finding your own rhythm among the stars — but with cozy storytelling charm.

Elite: Dangerous

Chart star systems, trade, fight, and mine your way through a 1:1 recreation of the Milky Way. Its realism and sheer scale make every jump through hyperspace feel monumental.

The Outer Worlds

Explore corporate-controlled colonies filled with vivid characters, humor, and choice-driven storytelling. It combines No Man’s Sky’s sci-fi wonder with Fallout-style role-playing depth.

Everspace 2: Titans

A single-player space shooter with stunning visuals and loot-driven exploration. Its open zones and narrative flow make every discovery feel earned and exciting.

ABZU

Descend into a dreamlike underwater world bursting with color and mystery. It’s less about survival and more about serenity — the same meditative awe that No Man’s Sky evokes in its calmest moments.

The Planet Crafter

Terraform an alien world, slowly transforming its barren landscape into a thriving paradise. Watching life emerge where there was none perfectly mirrors No Man’s Sky’s sense of progress and wonder.

Sable

Glide across a desert planet on your hoverbike, uncovering ancient ruins and quiet stories. It’s a peaceful, introspective take on exploration, turning each landscape into an emotional journey.

Astroneer

Explore colorful, procedurally generated planets and reshape entire landscapes with your trusty terrain tool. Its creative base-building and cooperative exploration make discovery a joyful, hands-on experience rather than a grind.

Sea of Thieves

Sail open seas filled with adventure, mystery, and hidden treasures. Whether you’re uncovering ancient ruins or navigating storms with your crew, it captures that same boundless sense of freedom and wonder among the stars — only this time, on the waves.

The Long Journey Home

Pilot a small crew stranded light-years from Earth, exploring procedurally generated star systems filled with danger and mystery. Every encounter and navigational choice feels personal, turning each voyage into a story of resilience and awe — a perfect match for fans of No Man’s Sky’s spirit of endless exploration.