Cover of Elite

Similar games

Games like Elite

1984

The classic space trading game: you fly a small ship between star systems, trade goods, fight pirates and work your way up to the legendary 'Elite' rank. Its groundbreaking 3D vector graphics and open-ended design shaped an entire genre.

Sandbox with your own goals
Open world
Sci-fi setting
Lots to discover

＋ Combine with my games

More in these topics: Open-world games Sci-fi games

In short: Games like Elite

Each of these 10 games shares something of what makes Elite special. The reasons are listed right on each game.

Similar in what way?

0 of 3

Up to three areas count more, the rest steps back.

Not for me Exclude horror, turn-based combat, pixel art …

Games where this is clearly part of it are left out, no matter how well the rest fits.

Horror Turn-based combat High difficulty Roguelike runs Shooter Pixel art Grind Survival PvP Open world Card game

Best match

X3: Terran Conflict

93 %Match

2008USK 12PC, Steam Deck playable84 % positive−80 % ~~15.99 €~~ 3.19 €

A vast space sandbox where you fly ships, build trading empires and factory complexes, and get drawn into conflicts between rival races. Freedom is huge, but the learning curve is steep.

Where to buy

Steam Best price PC · until tomorrow 3.19 € ~~15.99 €~~ −80 % Go to shop
Gamesplanet* Steam key 14.39 € ~~15.99 €~~ −10 % Go to shop

* Affiliate link. Prices are synced regularly and may have changed in the shop since.

Similar games →

X: Beyond the Frontier

Sandbox with your own goals

A classic space sandbox where you play a stranded pilot who trades, fights and grows a personal empire of ships and stations. Freedom and a living economy matter far more than the story.

Parkan: The Imperial Chronicles

Sandbox with your own goals

A cult Russian genre blend of space sim, first-person shooter, strategy and RPG: you fly through space, explore planets and robot bases, and decide whether to be a trader, mercenary or pirate.

Starsector

Sandbox with your own goals

A space sandbox where you pilot a ship and build a fleet, trading, exploring and fighting in tactical real-time battles. You choose freely whether to become a trader, mercenary, pirate or warlord.

X3: Albion Prelude

Sandbox with your own goals

A vast, freely explorable space sandbox where you fly ships, trade, fight and build your own economic and fleet empire. The focus is on freedom and simulation rather than a tightly told story.

Evochron Legacy

Sandbox with your own goals

You pilot a spacecraft through a vast freeform universe where you choose your own mix of trading, combat and exploration. The simulation asks for patience to learn, but rewards you with a lot of freedom.

Evochron Mercenary

Sandbox with your own goals

You play an independent space mercenary who decides whether to take contracts or carve your own path. Trading, mining, bounty hunting and racing blend together in a sprawling sandbox galaxy.

Empyrion: Galactic Survival

Sandbox with your own goals

A space sandbox survival game where you build your own ships, stations and planetary bases while exploring planets and deep space. Gathering resources, defending your bases and playing solo or with friends are at the core.

Parkan II

Sandbox with your own goals

You pilot a lost spacecraft through hundreds of solar systems, fighting enemies and choosing life as a pirate or mercenary to afford better cruisers. A space adventure built on freedom and exploration.

Flatspace IIk

Sandbox with your own goals

A top-down space game set in a randomly generated universe where you freely trade, fight and explore while upgrading your ship. Every playthrough differs since you pick your own profession and path.

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