7 Hardcore games like Elite Dangerous that you should try

With Elite Dangerous it shares deep RPG systems, punishing difficulty and melee combat. The common ground extends to a third-person camera and co-op play. Where the two diverge is setting and progression: dark, oppressive atmosphere and post-apocalyptic world.

What carries over from Elite Dangerous is deep RPG systems, punishing difficulty and open world exploration. To that it adds exploration and discovery, and online features. They part company on setting and visuals: this one brings dark, oppressive atmosphere and fantasy world.

Held in common with Elite Dangerous: deep RPG systems, punishing difficulty and melee combat. Both also lean on exploration and discovery, and multiplayer gameplay. The distance is in visuals and setting — its own ground is strong narrative focus and fantasy world.

On paper it is what Elite Dangerous is — punishing difficulty, melee combat and a sci-fi setting — though the resemblance is mostly at that level. Both also lean on a first-person view and single-player focus. The distance is in progression and game mode — its own ground is dark, oppressive atmosphere and skill tree progression.

It meets Elite Dangerous on deep RPG systems, punishing difficulty and open world exploration. The common ground extends to melee combat and a sci-fi setting. Where the two diverge is setting and visuals: historical setting and 3D presentation.

It meets Elite Dangerous on deep RPG systems, punishing difficulty and melee combat. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery, and multiplayer gameplay. Where the two diverge is setting and visuals: dark, oppressive atmosphere and fantasy world.

Shelved next to Elite Dangerous for good reason: punishing difficulty, melee combat and a sci-fi setting. The common ground extends to single-player focus and a first-person view. Where the two diverge is game mode and setting: ranged combat and fantasy world.