Free Space Sim Games on Steam
Steam currently has 1,433 Space Sim games available to download and play. Explore our list of the best free games ranked by popularity and ratings. Data for this list is calculated from reviews and player counts reported directly by Steam and will be updated in real-time. Free Space Sim game rankings were last updated on 2/23/2026.
Looking for more? Explore other lists such as:
- Best space sim games on Steam
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1. EVE Online
Over 20 years of legendary space battles! Explore a massive living universe of danger and opportunity in a challenging and highly rewarding space adventure. Fight, trade, build, and connect with a universe driven and shaped directly by players.
EVE Online holds the #1 spot for "best free Space Sim game on Steam" with a Player Score of 73. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 38,236 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 28,126 positive reviews and 10,110 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on both Windows and Mac systems. At the moment, it is possible to play EVE Online on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
2. Galaxy Idle Clicker
Embark on an interstellar journey with Galaxy Idle Clicker! Conquer galaxies, upgrade your spaceship, and face off against a myriad of enemy ships. With engaging minigames, powerful upgrades, GIC delivers an unparalleled idle space adventure. Join the cosmic conquest today and dominate the universe!
Galaxy Idle Clicker has achieved a Player Score of 72, placing it in the #2 spot for the best free Space Sim games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 1,104 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 829 positive reviews and 275 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Galaxy Idle Clicker on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 8/6/2025 |
| Developer | Soehnle |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 2962810 |
3. Nova: Space Armada
An exceptional sci-fi strategy game based on space adventure as its core.
Nova: Space Armada has achieved a Player Score of 51, placing it in the #3 spot for the best free Space Sim games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 211 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 108 positive reviews and 103 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Nova: Space Armada on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 10/22/2024 |
| Developer | STONE3 PTE. LTD. |
| Publisher | STONE3 PTE. LTD. |
| Steam App Id | 1108270 |
4. Pixel Starships
Pixel Starships is an FTL-style online sci-fi strategy builder and management game with a competitive PVP tournament. Set in the retro galaxy, your role is to explore space, meet aliens, and develop your ship, crew and AI. The game contains deep strategic and 4x elements. PSS is community-driven.
Pixel Starships has achieved a Player Score of 71, placing it in the #4 spot for the best free Space Sim games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,901 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 2,128 positive reviews and 773 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
5. Infinite Lagrange
Different forces strive to make their own way in the space and desire the control of the Lagrange system- a gigantic transportation network. You, emerging as one of the force leaders, find yourself in a time of challenges and opportunities.
Infinite Lagrange has achieved a Player Score of 57, placing it in the #5 spot for the best free Space Sim games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 999 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 574 positive reviews and 425 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run Infinite Lagrange on the Steam Deck.
| Release Date | 10/8/2021 |
| Developer | NetEase Games |
| Publisher | NetEase Games |
| Steam App Id | 1755920 |
6. DarkOrbit Reloaded
Dark Orbit is a free-2-play space MMO where three companies battle for galactic domination. Customize ships, trade resources, fight aliens and uncover a grand conspiracy on your epic cosmic journey. Thrilling PvP and PvE missions await! Will you lead your faction beyond the final frontier?
DarkOrbit Reloaded has achieved a Player Score of 32, placing it in the #6 spot for the best free Space Sim games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 326 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 90 positive reviews and 236 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Negative" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, there is no confirmed information regarding Steam Deck support for this game.
| Release Date | 12/3/2025 |
| Developer | Bigpoint GmbH |
| Publisher | Bigpoint GmbH |
| Steam App Id | 4054110 |
7. Endless Sky
Endless Sky is a 2D space trading and combat game inspired by the classic Escape Velocity series. Work your way up from a relatively wimpy shuttle, cargo ship, or fighter, to a highly upgraded and customized flagship or to a massive fleet of warships or freighters.
Endless Sky has achieved a Player Score of 89, placing it in the #7 spot for the best free Space Sim games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 6,925 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 6,395 positive reviews and 530 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Endless Sky on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 10/30/2015 |
| Developer | Michael Zahniser |
| Publisher | Michael Zahniser |
| Steam App Id | 404410 |
8. Star Conflict
Star Conflict is an action-packed, massively multiplayer space simulation game that puts players in the role of elite pilots engaging in a widespread interplanetary skirmish. The whole world for PVP and PVE!
Star Conflict has achieved a Player Score of 71, placing it in the #8 spot for the best free Space Sim games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 15,051 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 10,939 positive reviews and 4,112 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Star Conflict on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 2/27/2013 |
| Franchise | Gaijin Network Ltd |
| Developer | Star Gem Inc. |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 212070 |
9. Nova Empire
Build up a Space Empire and establish control of the Galaxy and the Universe! Nova Empire is a multiplayer space game in which the aim is to build your empire and conquer the galaxy in epic space battles against your rivals with other allies worldwide!
Nova Empire has achieved a Player Score of 53, placing it in the #9 spot for the best free Space Sim games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 280 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 149 positive reviews and 131 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Nova Empire on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 5/26/2022 |
| Developer | Gamebear Tech |
| Publisher | Gamebear Tech |
| Steam App Id | 1962770 |
10. Idle Sphere
Stunning sphere-themed idle/incremental game. Experience simplicity's beauty.
Idle Sphere has achieved a Player Score of 49, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free Space Sim games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 313 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 154 positive reviews and 159 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on both Windows and Mac systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run Idle Sphere on the Steam Deck.
| Release Date | 11/17/2024 |
| Developers | |
| Publisher | Idle System, Inc. |
| Steam App Id | 3217600 |
More Free Space Sim Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best free Space Sim games available on Steam.
| Image | Name | Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,668 | 12/15/2010 | 73 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 880 | 8/6/2025 | 72 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 136 | 10/22/2024 | 51 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 134 | 5/23/2023 | 71 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 115 | 10/8/2021 | 57 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 113 | 12/3/2025 | 32 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 96 | 10/30/2015 | 89 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 69 | 2/27/2013 | 71 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 61 | 5/26/2022 | 53 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 60 | 11/17/2024 | 49 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 59 | 7/16/2024 | 66 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 46 | 7/18/2024 | 58 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 36 | 4/20/2022 | 71 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 31 | 10/14/2024 | 65 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 26 | 2/6/2026 | 65 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 22 | 9/22/2020 | 61 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 22 | 8/27/2025 | 29 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 21 | 3/4/2026 | 71 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 21 | 5/4/2021 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 20 | 2/11/2024 | 84 | Free | Steam Charts |
Soures & References
Steambase has best-in-class data powered directly by Steam, our data partners, and in-house experts. Player counts and rankings are enriched, analyzed, and updated in real-time to ensure we surface the most up-to-date insights. Learn more about the Steambase approach to data collection and our review methodology.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, February 23). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, February 23). EVE Online on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, February 6). Galaxy Idle Clicker on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, February 1). Nova: Space Armada on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, March 1). Pixel Starships on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, February 9). Infinite Lagrange on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, March 4). DarkOrbit Reloaded on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, February 18). Endless Sky on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, March 6). Star Conflict on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, March 2). Nova Empire on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2026, January 24). Idle Sphere on Steam. Steam Store.