I find myself getting hooked on No Man’s Sky and often neglecting my huge backlog of other games. I love the gameplay loop and the variety of tasks available, plus the laid-back nature of the game makes it perfect for relaxed sessions. You can dive into side stories, explore the lore, or just roam without following the main storyline. I’m interested in discovering recent games that have a similar vibe, but I’m looking for more hidden gems outside of the usual big names like Minecraft, Terraria, or the works of Bethesda. They don’t necessarily have to be in 3D or real-time. Any recommendations?
6 Answers
If you want a sci-fi twist, give Star Valor a shot. It’s like a top-down, open-world version of No Man’s Sky, focusing on ship combat, mining, and crafting. There’s some story and lore, but it’s super flexible, and you won’t need to follow it if you don’t want to. Plus, they’re constantly updating it with new content, including base building in an upcoming expansion!
How about modded Starbound? The base game can be a bit dull and repetitive, but the mods really open it up. It’s a 2D side-scroller like Terraria with crafting, base building, and a flexible storyline if you want it.
If you’re after something off the beaten path, you might want to try Intergalactic Fishing. Fans call it the “No Man’s Sky” of fishing! You can explore procedurally generated lakes, discover unique anomalies, and meet other fishers who have interesting stories to share.
I recommend Everspace. The first game is a rogue-like, while the sequel is more linear, with a focus on action and an actual storyline; I haven’t played it yet, but I’ve heard good things.
If you’re into a sandbox-style experience, Elite Dangerous might be up your alley. It’s essentially a sandbox MMO with zero storyline, and while it’s complex, it offers a lot to explore.
I wouldn’t say it’s similar to No Man’s Sky. NMS has a more accessible learning curve, while Elite feels much more like a detailed space truck simulator.
Already played hours of Elite! I’m looking for something less complex than that.
Make sure to check out the survival game subreddit; you might find some really good recommendations there.
This seems interesting, thanks!