Selecting open world - adventure - building game options.
Selecting open world - adventure - building game options.
Hi guys, just checking again after the Steam sale started. I’m looking for a space exploration game that lets me freely explore space, land on planets, fly through them, build bases or spaceships, repair equipment, and hunt in those planets. So far I’ve considered these titles: Elite Dangerous, Empyrion - Galactic Survival, Space Engineers, and Starpoint Gemini Warlords. For open worlds I’m thinking of Green Hell, Rust, and The forest. I’m okay with buying more than one but want something that isn’t too repetitive or boring. Any other recommendations would be great!
the forest offers a great experience. It shares similarities with rust as a survival game, yet i've really liked it. It's not overly long if you know how to play, but when you consider what it offers, it becomes a solid exploration and survival title. The Long dark is also enjoyable, though it doesn't feel fully open-world. The design focuses on segmented areas for easier loading. I believe the overall scale is bigger than the forest, but it's another impressive survival game.
From a pricing perspective, the initial two titles and Rust stand out as the most promising options during the summer discounts, as they rarely drop their prices frequently. Space Engineers is currently priced too high and should be added to your wish list until it reaches about half its current cost, similar to past reductions. If you're interested in trying it, go ahead—Steam usually knows what you'll do.
Green Hell has reached a record low, but that doesn’t necessarily justify its present price. It could be worth it if you enjoy that genre, though performance may be disappointing on less powerful systems. Rust is a solid choice; it’s either loved or disliked, and its current cost reflects its rarity since the last major sale. It remains the best value you’ll likely see for some time, especially compared to other big releases.
The Forest offers a great deal at its lowest price since February 2018, now hovering around $13. It’s still a solid investment if your PC meets the minimum requirements, and it could be worth $15 or more depending on your experience.
For space-themed games, I’m not very familiar with them, so you’ll need to check out reviews or videos before deciding. Stranded Deep is currently at its lowest price and fits well with survival titles like The Forest or Subnautica. Subnautica is a strong option but tends to be on the pricier side now due to recent updates and DLCs. It’s still worth the cost if you’re willing to wait for a better deal.
Subnautica is another solid pick if you enjoy survival, crafting, zombie, or weather-driven gameplay with creative freedom. It’s often on sale between $10 and its current low of about $7.
7 Days To Die is a fun choice for fans of the genre. It’s frequently discounted, currently around $10, but could drop to as low as $7 if it hits a new low. It’s worth the price at $20 if you’re a dedicated player.
Mass Effect 2 is another solid option, especially if you like RPGs and third-person shooters set in space. It’s priced around $4.99 and remains popular despite being updated.
Astroneer is also a good fit for your interests, though it’s on the higher side. It’s expected to reach its current price before Christmas, so now is a smart time to buy if you’re looking for value.
Planet Nomads and Memories of Mars are currently on sale at half their original cost, matching your expectations. Kerbal Space Program could also be worth considering if it aligns with your preferences.
That’s the summary I have right now.
Hi, thanks for the guidance. I already had 7 days to die from last year’s monthly, so that’s taken care of. Stranded Deep is perfect for keeping me busy with crafting, and now I’m more confident choosing either Elite Dangerous or Empyrion because of the discount.
Welcome. Please note Surviving Mars is currently 66% off, reaching a record low. This aligns with your expectations. Planetbase is also at a historic low, though it's from 2015. It doesn't mean the game is bad; Stellaris is another example of a near historic low set in space, but it's primarily a strategy game.