Surviving in Space: Games That Take Survival to the Stars

16 December 2024

Let’s face it—outer space is terrifying. It’s infinite, cold, and utterly unforgiving. If you mess up, there’s no one coming to rescue you. Yet, humans can’t help but be drawn to the mysteries of the final frontier. And what better way to experience the challenges and dangers of space than in the comfort of your gaming chair? Space survival games let you dip your toes (or, y’know, spacesuit boots) into this harsh reality without the risk of, well, suffocating in a vacuum.

But not all space survival games are created equal. Some make you scavenge resources like your life depends on it (spoiler: it does). Others throw you into hostile alien worlds where everything, including the plants, wants you dead. So, if you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to survive in the vast, quiet abyss of space, these games have you covered. Buckle up, grab your oxygen canister, and check your fuel levels, because we’re diving into the best space survival games that bring the stars to life.

Why Are Space Survival Games So Addictive?

Before we dive into the games, let’s talk about why this subgenre grips us harder than zero gravity. Think about it—space is the ultimate survival scenario. No food, no water, no breathable air, and the nearest convenience store is a bazillion light-years away. Add to that the unknown dangers of alien planets, black holes, and rogue asteroids, and you’ve got a survival cocktail more intense than a triple-shot espresso.

These games tap into our primal instincts. They push you to adapt, plan, and think several steps ahead. The thrill of barely scraping by after running out of oxygen with just seconds to spare? That’s what keeps us coming back for more. It’s like a puzzle where one wrong move can send you spiraling into cosmic oblivion.

Top Space Survival Games That Keep You on the Edge

1. Subnautica: Below Zero

Wait, isn’t Subnautica about oceans? Yep, but in this standalone expansion, the game takes you to a freezing alien world where water isn’t the only thing trying to kill you. You crash-land on Planet 4546B (again), but this time around, the stakes are higher. You’ll need to deal with freezing temperatures, limited resources, and a whole lot of aggressive alien wildlife that doesn’t understand the concept of personal boundaries.

Let me just say—wandering the icy landscapes in a barely-functioning spacesuit is nerve-wracking. One wrong turn, and you’re either a popsicle or alien chow. The game’s environmental storytelling is top-notch, and the tension of constantly battling the elements never lets up.

Oh, and did I mention the sea-monkeys? Yeah, they’re cute until they steal your gear.

2. No Man’s Sky

Ah, the infamous redemption story of gaming. What started as a disappointment transformed into one of the greatest space survival adventures. In No Man’s Sky, you start stranded on an alien planet with nothing but a broken-down ship and a multitool. You’ve got to gather resources, fix your ship, and—oh, yeah—not die while doing it.

The real beauty of this game lies in its sheer scale. Imagine exploring an endless number of planets, each one different from the last, and never knowing what to expect. Toxic storms? Carnivorous plants? Gigantic sandworms? Yup, all of that and more.

But what makes No Man’s Sky special is its unpredictability. One moment you’re mining gold in peace, and the next, you’re being hunted by sentinels for disturbing the ecosystem. It’s a chaotic, unpredictable experience that mirrors the dangers of real space exploration. And honestly, isn’t that half the fun?

3. The Solus Project

The Solus Project doesn’t just drop you on an alien planet—it also makes you humanity’s last hope. No pressure, right? After your ship crashes, you’re left alone on a bizarre world with only one goal: survive long enough to find a way to send a distress signal.

This game leans heavily into atmosphere. From ominous weather to ancient alien ruins, every inch of the world feels like it has a story to tell. Managing hunger, thirst, and body temperature becomes second nature as you navigate the planet’s eerie landscape. And just when you think you’ve got a handle on things, the game throws in terrifying alien creatures to keep you on edge.

It’s like being stranded on a deserted island, but instead of coconuts, it’s glowing alien fungi. Oh, and the possibility of certain doom around every corner.

4. Space Engineers

This one’s for the builders and tinkerers out there. Sure, surviving in space is great and all, but Space Engineers lets you thrive. This sandbox game focuses on engineering and creativity. You’ll spend hours designing ships, building space stations, and figuring out how to not accidentally depressurize your habitat.

The survival mode takes things up a notch. You’ll have to mine for resources, manage your oxygen levels, and fend off threats. There’s a steep learning curve here, but once you get the hang of things, it’s incredibly satisfying. It’s like LEGO, but in space and way more dangerous.

And hey, if things go downhill, you can always blame the laws of physics.

5. Astroneer

At first glance, Astroneer looks like a chill and colorful sandbox game. But don’t let the cute graphics fool you—this game still considers the cold vacuum of space a deathtrap. Your job is to colonize planets, gather resources, and solve puzzles using some seriously cool tools, like tether systems to maintain oxygen.

The game is deceptively simple. You land on a planet, start digging, and suddenly realize you’re running out of oxygen because you wandered too far from your tethers. Panic sets in as you scramble back to safety. And just when you get your bearings, the game introduces hazards like deadly plants and deep chasms that’ll remind you why space is no joke.

What makes Astroneer so appealing is its balance between challenge and creativity. There’s a real sense of accomplishment when you turn a barren planet into a thriving base. Plus, who doesn’t love jetpacking around alien landscapes?

6. Elite Dangerous: Odyssey

Looking for a survival experience on an intergalactic scale? Elite Dangerous: Odyssey delivers just that. While the base game focuses on piloting ships, trading, and space combat, the Odyssey expansion brings you boots-on-the-ground survival.

Exploring alien planets on foot is breathtaking, but also dangerous. Low oxygen levels, hazardous terrain, and hostile forces will keep you on your toes. And if that wasn’t stressful enough, managing your ship’s upkeep and supplies is no walk in the park either.

The beauty of Elite Dangerous is that it gives you freedom. Want to be a space pirate? Go for it. Feel like roleplaying as a stranded astronaut? You can. Every choice you make has consequences, and surviving in this universe feels like an achievement in itself.

Final Thoughts

Space survival games aren’t just about staying alive. They’re about thriving in the face of impossible odds. Whether you’re scavenging for scraps on a forgotten moon or building a sprawling base on an alien planet, these games remind us of our resilience and adaptability.

Sure, they might stress you out sometimes (hello, oxygen alarms), but they also offer incredible moments of triumph. Because there’s nothing quite like stepping out of your ship, gazing at a planet you’ve conquered, and realizing, “I did that.”

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your spacesuit, fire up one of these games, and show the universe who’s boss. Just don’t forget to pack extra oxygen.