With Starfield just around the corner, excitement has never been higher for Bethesda Game Studios’ upcoming space-themed RPG. However, while we’re not too far away from its release, we’re not there yet.
To help with this dilemma, we’ve compiled a list of seven incredible and epic space RPGs to help you bide your time until launch. If games alone aren’t enough for you though, be sure to check out our latest on Starfield character bios, Starfield DLSS integration, and more.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Putting an entire trilogy on this list feels like cheating, but you can’t get the most out of Mass Effect without playing the main trilogy. Playing as Commander Shepard, there’s really something here for everyone. Space exploration, memorable characters, hard-hitting choices and probably one of the best sci-fi narratives in all gaming. The Legendary Edition has thankfully updated a lot of the gameplay kinks, making it the best way to experience BioWare’s space-themed opera.
The Outer Worlds
Almost like a close relative to Starfield, The Outer Worlds, developed by Obsidian Entertainment, probably gives you the best look at what you can expect from Starfield. Like Mass Effect, exploration and companions are really what make this game great. With a branching narrative where your choices have real consequences on the worlds around you, The Outer Worlds is the happy medium between Bethesda’s Fallout series and BioWare’s Mass Effect.
Outer Wilds
Arguable of the best indie games of the last ten years, anyone who has played Outer Wilds cannot stop singing its praises and for good reason. The time-looping mystery, seamless space exploration, and humorous dialogue create an intriguing, complex, and satisfying story that’s well worth you time.
No Man’s Sky
If, like us, you’re most looking forward to exploration in Starfield, then No Man’s Sky is the perfect game to dive into. With thousands of planets to explore and survey, Hello Games’ biggest gaming comeback is awe-inspiring and serene. There’s nothing better than repairing your ship, exploring each planet and then launching into space seamlessly from the planet’s surface.
Fallout 4
It’s probably no surprise to find another Bethesda Studios game on this list. Fallout 4 may differ significantly in setting and scope, but if the fundamental gameplay mechanics are something you enjoy in Starfield, then there are few games that will match this entry.
Fallout 4 works on many similar principles. You’ve got robust character creation, a wide, open world to explore, base building, factions, and NPCs to interact with. We may not yet have seen the full range of Starfield weapons and Starfield armor, but Fallout 4 did a pretty good job with its weapon customisation system. In short, player freedom in a richly built world is something that both games share in abundance.
Elite Dangerous
Elite Dangerous is a great choice to go for if you’re all about the themes and atmosphere that Starfield is aiming for. An MMO set in space, Elite’s popularity stems from its focus on grounded gameplay and worldbuilding paired with player freedom. The game can prove difficult to get into at first, but persist with it for a little bit and you may find yourself addicted. Elite Dangerous has a lot of appeal for a rich, player-led world that gives you a lot of options for play while keeping the experience as realistic as possible with complex, logical systems. If that’s your cup of tea, give it a look.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
More of a modern look at Star Wars games, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor might be a sequel game, but it feels hard to recommend the original given how much Jedi: Survivor improves on the first game’s mechanics and story. Even if you’re not a Star Wars fan, the combination of mild souls-like gameplay, planetary exploration and gripping single-player narrative presents a galaxy teeming with life and visual diversity.
More games like Starfield
The suggestions above not enough for you? Here are a few other quickfire suggestions that might sate your hunger.
- Star Wars: Knights of The Old Republic
- Eve Online
- Star Citizen
- Fallout: New Vegas
- Prey
Every game on this list might not be your cup of tea, but we guarantee that at least one of these entries will satisfy your sci-fi craving until Starfield releases. If you’re looking at diving head first into Starfield on August 31, 2023, or on the Starfield early access start dates be sure to check out our Starfield planets and Starfield companions guides to help you prepare.
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