10. EVE Online

PlatformsDeveloper
PC, macOSCCP Games

EVE Online claims the tenth position in our space RPG rankings because, while extraordinary, it remains difficult to recommend to casual players. At its core, CCP Games’ 2003 creation functions as an MMORPG, offering interactions with innumerable players across more than 7,000 star systems. However, be prepared for a substantial learning investment. This one’s designed for dedicated enthusiasts.

Your objective involves establishing your legacy within this dynamic universe through whatever path you select. Available careers include mining resources, engaging in space piracy, manufacturing goods, trading commodities, exploring uncharted regions, and participating in combat. EVE Online has built its reputation on complex systems encompassing organic economic competition, warfare, and political intrigue affecting both in-game and real-world currencies. A famous example includes the Bloodbath of B-R5RB, involving thousands of participants in a conflict lasting approximately 21 real-time hours.

Yahtzee Croshaw famously described it as a “job you pay to maintain,” and while that’s true, it’s employment as a starship captain—precisely the experience space enthusiasts cherish.

9. System Shock Remake

PlatformsDeveloper
PC, Linux, macOS, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X/SNightdive Studios

System Shock represents a monumental achievement among both space RPGs and space horror experiences, and the 2023 reimagining of this landmark title introduces such significant quality-of-life improvements and sophisticated enhancements that it arguably showcases the franchise at its absolute best.

For those eager to explore the eerie hallways of Citadel Station and confront SHODAN—one of gaming’s most formidable and memorable science fiction antagonists—there has never been a better time.

This fresh interpretation of the 1994 masterpiece, originally developed by Looking Glass Studios, comes from restoration experts at Nightdive Studios. Despite experiencing some development challenges, the extended development period has proven worthwhile. While primarily an immersive first-person simulation, it incorporates enough RPG elements to earn its place in our carefully selected collection.

8. Star Trek Online

PlatformsDeveloper
PC, macOS, PS4, Xbox OneCryptic Studios

Star Trek Online has established itself as the definitive Star Trek gaming experience, deservedly recognized as an excellent RPG that delivers abundantly for those at the intersection of Star Trek fandom and MMORPG appreciation. Initially launched as a premium product requiring purchase and subscription, it later adopted a free-to-play model while maintaining premium options for additional content and items.

Even without financial investment, Star Trek Online continues to evolve impressively, delivering both planetary away missions and engaging spacecraft combat while expertly capturing the storytelling essence of the Trek universe through varied quests, PvP encounters, and beyond. It’s especially appropriate for those who’ve recently finished watching the best Star Trek films and seek ongoing cosmic adventures.

4. Citizen Sleeper

PlatformsDeveloper
PC, macOS, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S, Nintendo SwitchJump Over The Age

Citizen Sleeper represents an unconventional yet brilliant option for those seeking a narrative-focused experience that cleverly incorporates tabletop RPG elements. Through carefully weighted decisions and probability-based dice mechanics, you’ll gradually uncover the mysteries of your stellar sanctuary. There’s substantially more depth to discover, but we’ll preserve the intrigue of this distinctive gaming experience.

The story revolves around sleepers, individuals whose consciousness has been digitally transferred into robotic vessels owned by an imposing and powerful corporation. The protagonist manages to escape their enforced servitude and finds refuge on a space station called the Eye, where various factions engage in simultaneous struggles for both survival and freedom. The game features multiple potential endings, and for those who connect with its unique atmosphere, subsequent playthroughs remain engaging and concise.

The experience is primarily text-based, resembling an interactive novel more than the action-oriented titles in our collection, but for those who appreciate this storytelling approach, it proves to be a captivating journey… and its sequel Citizen Sleeper 2 has now also been released.

3. Destiny 2

PlatformsDeveloper
PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X/SBungie

Joining the Light versus Darkness conflict at this advanced stage of Destiny 2’s ongoing saga might seem daunting, but we assure you, the experience justifies the initial learning curve. Despite occasional seasonal fluctuations and some challenging balance adjustments, Bungie’s multiplayer science fiction first-person shooter remains unmatched in today’s gaming landscape.

Moreover, with the Light & Darkness narrative arc now concluded, players can experience this compelling science fiction journey from its modest beginnings through to its definitive conclusion. While the future appears somewhat uncertain, fresh content and narrative elements continue to emerge regularly.

The core game has been available free of charge for several years, but accessing post-year one campaigns, raids, Nightfall strikes, comprehensive endgame content, and numerous additional features requires investment in recent expansions. We suggest trying the base game initially, and if Destiny’s unique blend of science fiction elements, superior gunplay mechanics, and rich lore appeals to you, consider exploring the additional content. Enthusiasts of cosmic space drama will particularly appreciate the scope of Bungie’s most extensive science fiction universe to date.

2. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 1 & 2

PlatformsDeveloper
PC, macOS, Linux, Android, Xbox, Nintendo SwitchBioWare, Obsidian Entertainment

The Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) duology ranks among the finest Star Wars gaming experiences ever created, simultaneously earning their position among the greatest space-themed RPGs. Both titles excel in implementing party-based role-playing mechanics while masterfully capturing the essence of Star Wars world-building, establishing themselves as exceptional space adventures in their own right.

The storyline will captivate you as you navigate the complex interplay between light and dark side decisions – your choices and dialogue carry genuine significance. KOTOR provides an authentic experience of the Jedi journey… and includes the particularly satisfying feature of customizing your own lightsaber.

The enduring influence of the Knights of the Old Republic series resonates deeply throughout contemporary Star Wars narratives and independent role-playing game developments, establishing a legacy that continues to shape the gaming landscape.

The gaming community eagerly anticipates the forthcoming reimagining of BioWare’s groundbreaking masterwork. For those seeking additional content in this universe, we strongly recommend exploring their free-to-play MMORPG continuation — The Old Republic — which maintains an active player base and regular content updates well into its second decade of operation.