Need a No Man’s Sky Alternative?
No Man’s Sky is arguably the biggest game ever released in terms of the sheer scale it offers to players. However, after exploring dozens upon dozens of planets we began to ponder what other games could quench that exploration itch, especially if No Man’s Sky isn’t exactly the game for you. Now, we aren’t simply talking about games where you also walk around procedurally generated planets. No Man’s Sky isn’t just about exploration, although that is a heavy part of the gameplay, but leaving your mark on the world for others to see. It’s about a sense of being overwhelmed by the sheer size of the world you have to explore and the fear that comes with travelling into the unknown.
We are taking in all these factors to look at the games most like No Man’s Sky, ones that highlight this title’s qualities the best. Not every game will share the same reasoning and much like No Man’s Sky our own experiences in these game’s worlds may not reflect those of another player. Nonetheless, here are four games that not only remind us of No Man’s Sky, but may give you a more enjoyable experience if you’re not finding its exceptionally wide world to your liking.
Eve Online
One of the biggest selling points for No Man’s Sky has been the massive universe you can fly around in and explore organically. Starting out in No Man’s Sky is utterly overwhelming, and this sense of scale is perfectly mimicked in the MMO Eve Online. While this massive scale is common for MMOs, Eve Online’s size is incredibly impressive, especially considering how old the game is.
In both games your actions will affect a universe as a larger whole, but your impact is not nearly as grand in No Man’s Sky, while in Eve Online there’s always a good sense of you having affected this world in a unique way. Now if only we could have massive Eve Online size battles in No Man’s Sky.
Minecraft
While Minecraft is not set on a distant planet off in some galaxy, that doesn’t stop it from offering some of No Man’s Sky’s best features. Every time you start a new game in either you are dropped in a randomly generated area that will leave you lost and bewildered. There’s a real sense of discovery, especially early on, for both of these games that helps sells a sense of immersion.
Then there’s the obvious connection of visiting a gorgeous new area and completely devastating the natural landscape for resources. Yes, many other games have hopped onto the ‘mine an area for resources’ train, but both No Man’s Sky and Minecraft feel incredibly polished in this section. Minecraft surpasses No Man’s Sky in this mechanic, though, allowing for varied crafting and building options. If settling down after a hard day of mining is your style, Minecraft is definitely your choice.
Elite Dangerous
Your ship in No Man’s Sky is your lifeblood, and in many ways the deepest connection you will probably establish with anything. It allows you to traverse the universe and implements some of the only combat in the entire game. This sentiment is mimicked in Elite Dangerous, a game where you will explore the vastness of space via your own starship.
Much like No Man’s Sky, this is an important bond as you’ll spend an ungodly amount of time exploring planets, black holes, and asteroid belts in your floating metal transport. Plus, both games you get amazing cockpit views. Check out Elite Dangerous if you’re looking for more immersed space flying.
Starbound
Despite being on a 2-D plane, this game may have the most similarities with No Man’s Sky. Both titles start off with you needing to harvest materials to repair your ship and end with you off exploring every corner of the universe. Despite the differences in their aesthetics, both games have a real sense of immersion within the world and it’s very easy to get lost exploring the various planets. Even though Starbound has you interact more with sentient aliens, the diverse pool of creatures you stumble across during your journey certainly helps the experience of traveling.
No game is truly 100% like No Man’s Sky, as it’s a unique experience that has yet to be replicated. However, the various elements and concept it pulls from such stellar titles like Eve Online and Starbound are incredibly clear. Hello Games pulled from a breadth of mechanics, and if the joining of those elements in No Man’s Sky didn’t strike you, one of these games just might. Especially if you, somehow, finish No Man’s Sky and are still craving more intergalactic exploration. Now if you excuse me, there’s a tower of gold I need to shoot with a laser.
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