Summary
Science fiction and sandboxgames have long been partners in crime. Standout titles such asFreelancerprovide players with open galaxies to explore and an abundance of activities to engage in. Traditionally, these include mining,bounty-hunting, and trading.
Not every game fits this definition of a sci-fi sandbox, however. Many different kinds of sandbox games feature a science-fiction theme of some kind. The detective simulatorShadows Of Doubt, for example, is a more grounded experience, butits neo-noircity is steeped in science-fiction. Sandbox games in general tend to lack clear goals or, at the very least, allow players to attack objectives in whichever way they see fit. This allows players to tackle challenges creatively, rather than being rail-roaded down a particular path towards a predictable solution.
6Star Valor
An ARPG Space Sandbox With Faction Play & Ship Customization
This open-world sandbox is atop-down action-RPGthat takes place in space, giving players control of a spaceship and allowing them to explore of their own free will, following the story and attempting to amass wealth. The game plays similarly to loot-based RPGs such asDiablo, but features a more open structure that is closer to games such asMount & Blade.
The ship customization is one ofStar Valor’sgreatest strengths. There’s a crafting system and an abundance of loot to discover, as well as over eighty different ships to choose from. The game also features faction play, mining, and trading, resulting in a diverse gameplay loop that’s rarely dull.
5Stellar Tactics
Despite having the low budgetof an indie game,Stellar Tacticsexcels with its diverse gameplay and abundance of content. Although the game’s tactical turn-based ground combat can get a little repetitive,Stellar Tacticsmakes up for it with an intriguing world to explore and a focus on player agency.
Players take on the role of mercenaries in space, and the classless RPG character progression allows players to combine a wide variety of perks to make each character their own. The game features a main story, but in true space sandbox fashion,Stellar Tacticsalso allows players to mine asteroids and trade goods. However, it remains an RPG that’s relatively focused on combat encounters.
AlthoughShadows Of Doubtis afull-on detective simulator, the game takes place in an intricately simulated and procedurally generated sci-fi city, drenched in neo-noir. The game’s stylized visuals and dense atmosphere make exploring its city an immersive experience, and the immersive-sim gameplay mechanics only add to this.
In the game, players solve murder cases by exploring the fully-simulated city, engaging with its NPCs, and making use of gadgets. Due to the immersive mechanics and focus on simulation, players are able to solve cases in their own way, resulting in a dense sandbox.Shadows Of Doubtreleases in 1.0 on the 26th of September, marking the end of its run in Early Access.
3Ostranauts
A Detailed But Inaccessible Sci-Fi Simulation
Created by the developer of the turn-based survival gameNeo Scavenger,Ostranautsis an incrediblyhardcore sci-fi simulationin which players salvage hulking space wrecks. The game is packed with intricate systems and complex mechanics that make it both immersive and, unfortunately, tremendously inaccessible. However, the immersive mechanics and overall sense of atmosphere makeOstranautsa game worth trying.
There’s no hiding thatOstranautsis a slow-paced experience with its emphasis on exploring and scavenging materials, and its state in Early Access makes it a little rough around the edges. However, its impressive ambition and creative vision fits a very particular niche.
Star Traders: Frontiersis an incredibly open-ended RPG that allows players to explore a diverse galaxy rife with conflict. Players can customize their ship and its crew, taking on the role of a freelancer as they roam around and complete quests. There’s plenty to do inStar Traders: Frontiers, from smuggling and bounty-hunting to trading for massive profit or even pirating.
Star Traders: Frontiersfeatures two combat systems: one forship-to-ship space combat, and the other for encounters on the ground. Furthermore, the ship and crew customization, as well as the standard RPG progression, allow players to become attached to their ship and its crew.
RimWorldis a diverse and intricate sandbox that tasks players with surviving the game’s harsh environments in any way they see fit. Players are given charge of several struggling colonists at the start of the game, building and managing their own unique colony and defending it from wild animals and bloodthirsty raiders. The colony grows as the player progresses, and it becomes increasingly difficult to keep everyone safe as the game goes on.
This often unforgiving colony-simulator may have minimalist visuals, but its evocative music and detailed soundscape create a dense and immersive atmosphere. The acoustic guitar and droning ambience, combined with the Western frontier theme, makes for a sci-fi world akin to the cult classicFirefly.
