10. EVE Online
- Platforms: PC, macOS
- Developer: CCP Games
We’re placing EVE Online at number ten on our ‘best space RPGs’ list because, while brilliant, it’s difficult to recommend to casual players. At its core, CCP Games’ 2003 masterpiece is an MMORPG, letting you interact with thousands of players across more than 7,000 star systems. However, be prepared for a significant learning curve. This one’s for the truly committed.
Your goal is to build your legacy within this living universe through whatever path you choose. Available activities include mining resources, engaging in space piracy, manufacturing goods, trading, exploration, and combat. EVE Online’s fame comes from its complex systems, featuring natural economic competition, warfare, and political intrigue affecting both in-game and real-world currencies. One famous example was the Bloodbath of B-R5RB, involving thousands of participants in a battle lasting approximately 21 real-world hours.Yahtzee Croshaw famously called it a “job you pay to have” and while that’s true, it’s a job as a starship captain, and that’s exactly the experience we’re looking for.
9. System Shock Remake
- Platforms: PC, Linux, macOS, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S
- Developer: Nightdive Studios
System Shock stands as a monumental achievement among both space RPGs and space horror games, and the 2023 reimagining of the classic introduces such significant quality-of-life improvements and sophisticated enhancements that it arguably represents the series at its finest.
For those wishing to explore the eerie hallways of Citadel Station and face SHODAN – one of gaming’s most formidable and memorable science fiction antagonists – there’s never been a better time.This fresh interpretation of the 1994 masterpiece, originally developed by Looking Glass Studios, comes from restoration experts Nightdive Studios. Despite experiencing some development challenges, the extended wait has been worthwhile. While primarily a first-person immersive sim, it incorporates enough RPG elements to earn its place in our carefully selected lineup.
8. Star Trek Online
- Platforms: PC, macOS, PS4, Xbox One
- Developer: Cryptic Studios
Star Trek Online has established itself as the definitive Star Trek gaming experience, and we must recognize its excellence as a comprehensive RPG that delivers abundantly for those at the intersection of Star Trek enthusiasm and MMORPG appreciation. Initially launched as a premium title requiring both purchase and subscription, it later shifted to a free-to-play model while maintaining premium options for additional content and items.Even without financial investment, Star Trek Online continues to evolve impressively, offering both ground-based away missions and engaging starship combat while expertly capturing the narrative spirit of the Trek universe through diverse quests, PvP encounters, and beyond. It’s particularly ideal for those who’ve recently finished watching the best Star Trek movies and crave endless cosmic adventures.
7. Starsector
- Platforms: PC, Linux, macOS
- Developer: Fractal Softworks
Starsector remains the undiscovered treasure within this collection. Though in development as an ‘early access’ project since 2013, it has stayed relatively unknown due to its absence from major digital storefronts like Steam and GOG. Fractal Softworks currently distributes the game exclusively through their own website while development continues.
Despite its top-down perspective and visual limitations, Starsector features some of the most sophisticated RPG mechanics in science fiction gaming. The game seamlessly blends meaningful exploration with complex combat scenarios, offering greater depth than typical mainstream releases. This richness stems from Starsector’s procedurally generated universe and simulation systems designed to work harmoniously with complete player freedom.
6. Warframe
- Platforms: PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Digital Extremes
Warframe has undergone a remarkable transformation since its initial release in 2013. What began as a pioneering free-to-play experience that preceded Destiny’s formula has evolved dramatically throughout its lifespan, continuously expanding with innovative systems and engaging content.
In this vast universe, players control the Tenno, an ancient warrior civilization awakening from cryogenic suspension in Earth’s distant future, thrust into an ongoing conflict between various hostile factions. These Tenno warriors, essentially cosmic ninjas, utilize advanced combat suits called Warframes, each providing them with unique combat abilities and tactical advantages.
While surface-level images might suggest a standard cooperative third-person shooter, Warframe transcends such simple classification. The game combines complex melee combat systems, fluid parkour-style movement mechanics, supernatural abilities akin to magical powers, and even comprehensive space warfare elements. Recent updates have introduced vast, open-world environments and rich narrative content that weaves an intricate, ongoing tale.
5. The Outer Worlds
- Platforms: PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
For those who’ve longed to experience Fallout’s charm in a cosmic setting, The Outer Worlds delivers exactly that compelling combination.
Set within a highly satirical and hyper-corporate galactic landscape, The Outer Worlds invites players to travel through the cosmos’s distant frontiers, interact with diverse factions, and navigate a surprisingly complex narrative through combat or diplomacy. Your choices carry significant weight, potentially altering the story’s conclusion. Its manageable scope makes it particularly appealing to casual players with limited gaming time.As mentioned earlier, the first-person gameplay mechanics strongly resemble Bethesda’s Fallout series, which isn’t surprising given Obsidian’s history as co-developers of Fallout: New Vegas. Enthusiasts of choice-driven, narrative-rich RPGs should definitely try this title before the sequel arrives. Additionally, its inclusion as a permanent Game Passoffering provides excellent value for Xbox and PC users. The cosmos awaits your discovery!
4. Citizen Sleeper
- Platforms: PC, macOS, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Jump Over The Age
Citizen Sleeper represents an unconventional yet brilliant option for those seeking a narrative-focused experience that cleverly incorporates tabletop RPG elements. Through carefully weighted decisions and probability-based dice mechanics, you’ll gradually uncover the mysteries of your stellar sanctuary. There’s substantially more depth to discover, but we’ll preserve the intrigue of this unique gaming experience.
The story centers around sleepers, individuals whose consciousness has been digitally transferred into robotic vessels owned by an imposing and powerful corporation. The protagonist manages to escape from their enforced servitude and finds their way to a space station known as the Eye, where various groups engage in simultaneous struggles for both survival and freedom. The game features multiple possible endings, and for those who connect with its distinctive atmosphere, subsequent playthroughs remain engaging and concise.The experience is predominantly text-based, bearing more resemblance to an interactive novel than the action-oriented titles in our collection, but for those who appreciate this style of storytelling, it proves to be a captivating journey… and its successor Citizen Sleeper 2 has now also been released.
3. Destiny 2
- Platforms: PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S
- Developer: Bungie
Entering the Light versus Darkness conflict at this advanced stage of Destiny 2’s ongoing saga might seem daunting, but we assure you, the experience justifies the initial learning curve. Despite occasional seasonal fluctuations and some challenging balance adjustments, Bungie’s multiplayer science fiction first-person shooter remains unmatched in today’s gaming landscape.
Moreover, with the Light & Darkness narrative arc now concluded, players can experience this compelling science fiction journey from its humble beginnings through to its definitive conclusion. While the future appears somewhat uncertain, fresh content and narrative elements continue to emerge regularly.
The core game has been available without charge for several years, but accessing post-year one campaigns, raids, Nightfall strikes, comprehensive endgame content, and numerous additional features requires investment in recent expansions. We suggest trying the base game initially, and if Destiny’s unique blend of science fiction elements, superior gunplay mechanics, and rich lore resonates with you, consider exploring the additional content. Fans of cosmic space drama will particularly appreciate the scope of Bungie’s most extensive science fiction universe to date.
2. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 1 & 2
- Platforms: PC, macOS, Linux, Android, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: BioWare, Obsidian Entertainment
The Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) duology ranks among the finest Star Wars gaming experiences ever created, simultaneously earning their place among the greatest space-themed RPGs. Both titles excel in implementing party-based role-playing mechanics while masterfully capturing the essence of Star Wars world-building, establishing themselves as exceptional space adventures in their own right.
The story will captivate you as you navigate the complex dynamics between light and dark side choices – your decisions and dialogue carry genuine significance. KOTOR provides an authentic experience of the Jedi journey… and includes the particularly satisfying feature of customizing your own lightsaber.
The enduring influence of the Knights of the Old Republic series resonates deeply throughout contemporary Star Wars narratives and independent role-playing game developments, establishing a legacy that continues to shape the gaming landscape.The gaming community eagerly anticipates the forthcoming reimagining of BioWare’s groundbreaking masterwork. For those seeking additional content in this universe, we strongly recommend exploring their free-to-play MMORPG continuation — The Old Republic — which maintains a vibrant player base and regular content updates well into its second decade of operation.
1. Mass Effect Legendary Edition
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
- Developer: BioWare
While the frequent appearance of the original Mass Effect trilogy at the summit of gaming rankings might seem excessive, their consistent top placement is thoroughly deserved. Though the original versions remain accessible, we strongly advocate for experiencing the 2021 Legendary Edition, which incorporates comprehensive downloadable content, substantial visual enhancements, and numerous gameplay refinements.
The Mass Effect series represents the pinnacle of action RPG design, seamlessly integrating strategic third-person combat mechanics with immersive elements of interpersonal relationships, complex political narratives, and extensive exploration across the Milky Way galaxy while confronting the formidable Reaper threat.Furthermore, the games are specifically designed to encourage multiple playthroughs, allowing players to discover diverse narrative outcomes across three expansive chapters. With an anticipated sequel in development and a Mass Effect television adaptation currently in production, this series demands attention.