The 10 best space RPGs of all time: Chart your own course among the stars

9. System Shock Remake

• Platforms: PC, Linux, macOS, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S
• Developer: Nightdive Studios

System Shock stands firmly among the greatest space RPGs and horror experiences ever created, but the 2023 remake elevates the original with numerous quality-of-life improvements and impressive enhancements that arguably represent the series at its finest.

There’s never been a more opportune moment to revisit Citadel Station and confront SHODAN, one of gaming’s most menacing and iconic science fiction antagonists.

This fresh interpretation of the 1994 classic was crafted by Nightdive Studios, veterans in retro remastering, and despite its admittedly turbulent development cycle, the extended wait proved worthwhile. While primarily an immersive first-person sim, System Shock incorporates sufficient RPG elements to earn its place in our collection.

8. Star Trek Online

• Platforms: PC, macOS, PS4, Xbox One
• Developer: Cryptic Studios

Star Trek Online is widely regarded as the definitive Star Trek gaming experience, and we can’t dispute its excellence as a comprehensive RPG that delivers tremendously for those who occupy the overlap between Star Trek enthusiasts and MMORPG devotees. Initially launched as a premium title requiring both purchase and monthly subscription, it later transitioned to a free-to-play model with premium options for additional content and items.

Even without financial investment, Star Trek Online continues to expand in impressive ways, offering both ground-based away missions and thrilling starship action while perfectly capturing the narrative magic of the Trek universe through quests, PvP encounters, and more. This game is ideal for anyone who’s recently completed a marathon of the best Star Trek films and craves seemingly endless adventures in that universe.

7. Starsector

• Platforms: PC, Linux, macOS
• Developer: Fractal Softworks

Starsector remains the most underappreciated title in our collection. Though in development as an ‘early access’ project since 2013, it hasn’t gained substantial mainstream recognition largely because it’s unavailable on popular digital distribution platforms like Steam or GOG. Until further development milestones are reached, Fractal Softworks exclusively sells it through their official website.

Despite its top-down perspective and visual limitations, Starsector features some of the most sophisticated RPG systems we’ve encountered in science fiction gaming. The experience offers both meaningful exploration and complex combat scenarios, with depth exceeding what’s typically found in mainstream titles. This complexity stems from Starsector’s procedurally generated universe and simulation systems designed to complement the player’s complete freedom of choice.

6. Warframe

• Platforms: PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
• Developer: Digital Extremes

Warframe has undergone a remarkable evolution since its 2013 debut. Beginning as a sort of free-to-play precursor to Destiny before Destiny existed, it has expanded dramatically over the years, introducing new systems and fundamental gameplay loops.

In Warframe, players control members of the Tenno, an ancient warrior race awakening from centuries of suspended animation to discover an ongoing conflict between various malevolent factions in Earth’s distant future. Tenno essentially function as space ninjas who utilize special battlesuits called Warframes, each bestowing unique combat abilities.

While screenshots might suggest a standard cooperative third-person shooter, Warframe delivers substantially more variety, featuring melee combat, acrobatic movement, magical abilities, and even space warfare. Recent years have brought larger, sandbox-style environments and narrative content that unfolds an ongoing epic saga.

With over a decade of updates available to explore, there’s no better time to begin your journey, Tenno!

5. The Outer Worlds

• Platforms: PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
• Developer: Obsidian Entertainment

Do you enjoy Fallout but wish it were set among the stars? If so, The Outer Worlds delivers precisely that experience.

Set in a highly satirical, hyper-corporate version of the galaxy, The Outer Worlds enables you to explore space’s furthest reaches, encounter fascinating factions, and fight (or negotiate) your way through a narrative with unexpected depths. Your choices significantly impact the story and can alter the game’s conclusion. Additionally, its manageable scope makes it perfect for casual players with limited gaming time.

As mentioned, the first-person gameplay strongly resembles Bethesda’s Fallout series—unsurprising given that Obsidian previously co-developed Fallout: New Vegas. Enthusiasts of story-driven, flexible RPGs should experience this before its sequel arrives. As an added bonus, it’s a permanent Game Pass title, making it easily accessible for Xbox and PC players.

4. Citizen Sleeper

• Platforms: PC, macOS, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
• Developer: Jump Over The Age

Citizen Sleeper represents an unconventional selection, but it’s ideal for those seeking a narrative-rich experience that incorporates tabletop RPG mechanics. Through a series of decisions and dice rolls, you explore and uncover the secrets of your new celestial home. There’s considerably more depth to the experience, but we’ll avoid spoiling such a unique gem.

The narrative centers on sleepers—humans whose consciousness has been digitized and transferred into robotic bodies owned by, predictably, a menacing corporation. The protagonist escapes servitude and arrives at a space station called the Eye, where diverse factions compete for survival and freedom. Multiple endings await, and if the game resonates with you, replaying feels effortless due to its concise structure.

While text-heavy—more reminiscent of choose-your-own-adventure books than most action-oriented titles on our list—those who appreciate thoughtful narrative design will find themselves enchanted by this experience… and its sequel, Citizen Sleeper 2, which is also available now.

3. Destiny 2

• Platforms: PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S
• Developer: Bungie

Joining the Light versus Darkness conflict at this advanced stage in Destiny 2’s ongoing narrative might seem overwhelming, but the payoff justifies the effort. Despite occasional seasonal inconsistencies and balance adjustments, Bungie’s online science fiction first-person shooter remains unparalleled in today’s gaming landscape.

With the Light & Darkness saga now concluded, players can experience its compelling cosmic journey from humble beginnings to definitive conclusion. While the future remains uncertain, new content and storylines continue to emerge regularly.

The base game has been free-to-play for several years, but accessing post-year one campaigns, raids, Nightfall strikes, proper endgame content, and much more requires purchasing recent expansions. We recommend trying the base game first—if Destiny’s blend of science fiction mysticism, exceptional gunplay, and rich mythology resonates with you, the additional content awaits. Fans of cosmic space opera should particularly appreciate what Bungie’s most expansive science fiction universe offers.

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

• Platforms: PC, macOS, Linux, Android, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
• Developer: BioWare, Obsidian Entertainment

Both Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) games rank among the finest Star Wars experiences ever created, securing their position among the greatest space RPGs. These titles mastered party-based role-playing systems while faithfully capturing Star Wars world-building, standing as exceptional space adventures independent of their license.

The narrative will captivate you as you navigate the struggle between light and dark side choices—your actions and dialogue genuinely matter. KOTOR provides a profound understanding of what it means to embody a Jedi… plus the ability to customize your lightsaber, which remains undeniably cool.

The influence of the Knights of the Old Republic series continues to permeate modern Star Wars storytelling and non-licensed RPG titles alike.

Like many fans, we eagerly anticipate the forthcoming remake of BioWare’s original masterpiece. Additionally, we highly recommend their MMORPG quasi-sequel—The Old Republic—which continues to thrive more than a decade after release.

1. Mass Effect Legendary Edition

• Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
• Developer: BioWare

Seeing the original Mass Effect trilogy atop numerous rankings might seem predictable, but these games genuinely deserve their acclaim. While the originals remain playable, we recommend the 2021 Legendary Edition which includes all DLC expansions, substantial visual enhancements, and numerous quality-of-life improvements.

The Mass Effect series represents the quintessential action RPG, blending tactical third-person shooter combat with compelling romance options, political intrigue, and galaxy-spanning adventures as you confront the formidable Reapers.

Multiple playthroughs are encouraged to explore different outcomes across three massive installments. With a proper sequel and television adaptation in development, this franchise remains essential for space RPG enthusiasts.