Summary
Sci-fiis a rich, mineable source of inspiration for game developers, leaving them free to use their imagination to dream up worlds and games that have no need of being realistic in any way. The very first computer game ever,Spacewar!, wasa sci-fi game, making this the oldest game genre of all.
Many modern sci-fi games can feature anopen world mapfor exploration, survival mechanics, complex crafting systems, and meaningfulbase-building systems. They can be single-player experiences, or they can be ideal experiences to enjoy with friends through cooperative gameplay. There are options for players who prefer a purely PvE experience, competitive PvP, or a mixture of the two.
The Frontis a sci-fi game with a twist. Rather than being set in a traditional sci-fi-themed environment, it takes place on a map that looks very much like the real world. However, due to rifts in spacetime, the player and their allies are set to repeat the same battles across time and space. Additionally, creatures from beyond the spacial rift can be summoned and fought.
Base building inThe Fronthas two main purposes. Firstly, as a location to place crafting stations and store materials and loot. Secondly, and more importantly, as a defense against other players.PvP is a huge part of this game, and it can be very competitive indeed. Without a well-defended base, complete with armed turrets and NPCs to protect it, even the largest group of players will be vulnerable.
InAstroneer, players are free toexplore the galaxy, land on planets, and shape these planets to their will. It is touted as a sci-fi adventure game and leans less on the standard survival game tropes found in similar games.
Set in the 25th century, Astroneers are pushing out into the frontiers of space, and base building is a large part of this exploration. Building bases gives the player a place to store items and materials and prepare for further travels into the galaxy. Overall, although the base building is quite simple in this game, it offers a very rewarding experience.
InStationeers, the player takes on the task of building and operating a fully functional space station. This includes setting up power generation systems, as well as installing and maintaining machinery and life support systems.
What makesStationeersmuch more fun is to play with a group of friends in co-op mode. This way, the entire team can work towards joint goals and turn a derelict space station into a successful, fully operational base of operations. This is a fantastic little space survival game that features interesting, goal-focused base building.
4Empyrion - Galactic Survival
A Sci-Fi Open-World Survival
Empyrion - Galactic Survivaldoesn’t really bring anything new to the table in the form of extended survival mechanics or base building. It walks in the footsteps of other games that pioneered the genre. That being said, this doesn’t detract from the gameplay at all; it simply feels familiar.
Base building revolves around setting up a habitat and living space, as well as all of the stations and machinery required for advanced crafting.The crafting systemis well fleshed out, as is the resource gathering and harvesting. Overall, it’s a well-put-together sci-fi survival game that many fans of the genre are sure to enjoy.
This is a sci-fi game with base building that offers a pretty unique twist to players. Rather than following the traditional open-world survival ethos, the player is tasked with terraforming the entire planet. This is a complex project that will require several phases to be completed.
Base building is not optional inThe Planet Crafter, as a base is needed to set up crafting stations and storage, and more importantly, terraforming stations such as bio domes and tectonic stabilization machinery. Overall, Planet Crafter offers a rewarding, challenging experience, with excellent base-building mechanics.
Of all the games featured on this list,Space Engineersoffers the player the most freedom over what they build and where. It isn’t just a base the player needs to build inSpace Engineers. Gamers will need to build everything that they may need to stay alive in this space survival game.
Initially, the player will need to locate key resources and then construct basic vehicles and ships toextract these resources. As they progress, they will build a home base, and then large, space-faring ships. Overall, this is a fantastic game for anyone who likes designing, building, and automating vehicles and structures. The limit of what the player can build is only limited by their own imagination.
No Man’s Skyis arguably the best space exploration and survival game available. After a rocky launch, the game has matured into something exceptional and unique. Furthermore, the sheer volume offree content that is releasedfor the game keeps it fresh.
Base building is an important part of the gameplay inNo Man’s Sky. The player will need to build multiple bases as they explore the galaxy and head on their journey toward the galactic core. Add to this the regular expedition events that are run, all of which require building a base of some sort, and gamers are sure to findNo Man’s Skyto be incredibly immersive. Players who enjoy space and exploration with a healthy dollop of survival are certain to enjoy whatNo Man’s Skybrings to the table.
