11 Simulation games like No Man's Sky that you should try

It meets No Man's Sky on a sandbox world, melee combat and multiplayer gameplay. Both also lean on exploration and discovery, and a first-person view. What it adds of its own: online features and base building.

If No Man's Sky worked for you because of a sandbox world, melee combat and a space setting, the same is here. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery, and single-player focus. Where the two diverge is combat: tactical combat.

Same family as No Man's Sky: strong narrative focus, a sandbox world and melee combat. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery, and a sci-fi setting. Where the two diverge is visuals and setting: dark, oppressive atmosphere and horror setting.

On paper it is what No Man's Sky is — exploration and discovery, a sandbox world, and single-player focus — though the resemblance is mostly at that level. Both also lean on a first-person view. The distance is in tone and setting — its own ground is dark, oppressive atmosphere and fantasy world.

Same family as No Man's Sky: strong narrative focus, a sandbox world and multiplayer gameplay. The common ground extends to crafting mechanics. Where the two diverge is setting and visuals: cozy, relaxing feel and fantasy world.

Same family as No Man's Sky: strong narrative focus, a sandbox world and melee combat. To that it adds exploration and discovery, and single-player focus. They part company on setting and tone: this one brings a casual, approachable feel and horror setting.

Same family as No Man's Sky: strong narrative focus, a sandbox world and single-player focus. Both also lean on crafting mechanics. The distance is in setting and visuals — its own ground is a relaxing pace and a medieval setting.

Same family as No Man's Sky: strong narrative focus, a sandbox world and single-player focus. To that it adds crafting mechanics. They part company on setting and visuals: this one brings a relaxing pace and a medieval setting.

On paper it is what No Man's Sky is — a sandbox world, single-player focus and crafting mechanics — though the resemblance is mostly at that level. The common ground extends to a first-person view. Where the two diverge is tone and world: a casual, approachable feel and resource management.

Same family as No Man's Sky: a sandbox world, single-player focus and crafting mechanics. Both also lean on a third-person camera. The distance is in game mode and visuals — its own ground is an isometric view.

Shelved next to No Man's Sky for good reason: strong narrative focus, a sandbox world and single-player focus. The common ground extends to crafting mechanics. Where the two diverge is setting and visuals: punishing difficulty and a cartoon aesthetic.