Summary
Space combat has been a big part of gaming for decades, and the quality and mechanics of these games have only improved as time has gone on. Most of these games feature epic sci-fi battles that make use of theclassic space tropessuch as cool spaceships, aliens, fleet battles, as well as many other experiences that any fan of space games will love.
This article will list some of the best games featuring epic space combat that you need to check out. While some of these are newer games that consist of better graphics and mechanics, a lot of them are older, iconic ones that have stood the test of time.
Released: 2020
Developer: MOTIVE
Star Wars: Squadronsmay not have been the perfect Star Wars game, but it doesfeature some of the best space combat we have seen in recent years. You get to compete in large-scale fleet battles, where you can use iconic starfighters such asthe X-Wing and the TIE Fightersto take part in dogfights and clear the competition.
Although the multiplayer mode of the game may not be too active, it is worth checking out due to the single-player campaign mode alone, which takes place after Return of the Jedi and is pretty interesting for any Star Wars fan.
Released: 2015
Developer: Marauder Interactive, LLC
House Of The Dying Sun hassome of the best graphics for a space combat simulator game, and it is also one of the mosttactical gamesin this genre. Completing the 14 campaign scenarios of this game at all the difficulty levels will push you to your limits, and you will have to make every move carefully.
This is also one of the few space sims that comes with VR support, which can make the experience even more realistic and make you truly feel as if you’re in space.
Released: 2018
Developer: Egosoft
X4: Foundations is one of the most in-depth space simulator games out there. Fromamazing, realistic space combat to the ability to manage a vast empire in space,consisting of producing, mining, and trading between planets, this game has everything you could ask for.
Although combat isn’t the biggest part of the game as it is mostly focused onthe economic and management aspects, there are still some opportunities where you get to use your guns or energy beams when flying around, which is quite fun.
Released: 2006
Developer: Ascaron Entertainment ltd.
Darkstar One may not be the perfect game due to its various bugs, but it stillperfectly encapsulates what a space shooter game should look like. There are over 200 different weapons and equipment to use, with some of the special weapons being extremely fun to experiment with.
This game also gives you a lot of freedom in terms of its storyline, and you get to decide whether you want to play the good or bad guy role. The missions in this game are a lot of fun and its variety of alien races, weapons, and intense gameplay make up for any of its flaws.
Released: 2024
Developer: Cloud Imperium Games
Star Citizen is an open-worldMMOgame set in outer space. Although the game also featuresFPSground combat, its space combat is one of the most challenging yet rewarding parts of it. The realistic physics of this game make it a challenge even to fly your spaceship and use your thrusters properly.
Once you’ve figured out how to fly,shooting and aiming is even more of a challenge, as tracking your enemies can be quite tough. But once you figure out how to get better at it, it will be a struggle to go back to any other space game.
Released: 2014
Developer: Little Green Men Games
Starpoint Gemini 2 takes a lot of inspiration from retro space games such as Freelancerto create a beautiful and immersive environment.This game puts you in an RPG environment where you lead your crew through hundreds of quests and objectives.
Space combat in this game is exceptional, and the ships are easy to command and the variety of weapons makes it even better. The addition of cool space travel methods such as riftways, wormholes, and T-Gates adds a lot of flexibility to the game when it comes to travel.
Released: 2023
Developer: Pew Times Three
Although the pixel art style of Power Of Ten may not be for everyone, this game is still a lot of fun for anyone who likes space combat. The objective of each level is to save as many civilians as you may before they get overrun by enemy warships.
The procedurally generated mapsof Power Of Ten make every level a new challenge and the number of playable ships you can choose from makes it all the more fun. If you’re looking fora fast-paced game that focuses mostly on combat, then there aren’t many better options than this.
Released: 2019
Developer:I-Novae Studios, LLC
Infinity: Battlescape is a multiplayer space simulation game that is set in an infinite open-world environment. You have to work together with other players in this game to destroy enemy territories and make sure your faction gets to the top.
The large-scale, interdimensional wars in Infinity: Battlescape are unlike any other game, andhaving the right strategy and tactics across your team is essential for success.The fact that every spaceship in the game has its different strengths and the fact that there are so many differing environments to compete in is also a big factor.
Developer: ROCKFISH Games
Everspace 2is exactly what a space-shooting and combat game should feel like. This game isintense, fast-paced,and has arcadey mechanics that make it easy and fun to play. Speeding around in your spaceship, taking fights while ducking, dodging, and doing everything you can to avoid getting hit while using your massive arsenal of weapons to take down your enemies is the main concept of this game.
Along with the fun gameplay, there is also an interesting story to go alongside it, as well as an extremely large universe with plenty of side content and activities to keep you engaged.
Released: 1999
Developer: Volition Inc
Although it came out in 1999, Freespace 2 is still one of the greatest space combat games ever made. Along with a great storyline that puts you in the middle of an intergalactic war, the gameplay is also incredible and makes you complete a variety of missions, including destroying large enemy ships and taking down aliens.
You also get the option of customizing your ships, which is pretty cool for such an old game. Some other features,such as managing your team’s tactics and guiding your squad to victoryin these battles make the game all the more fun.
