Exploring the great unknown reaches of space is breathtaking in No Man’s Sky or Bethesda’s RPG juggernaut Starfield, but you might be looking for something different when it comes to space exploration. From Thursday, February 29, 2024, Xbox Game Pass members can put on their moon boots on and dive into Space Engineers, an excellent alternative that may have flown under your radar.
Developer Keen Software House has garnered a loyal following over the years, as Space Engineers first began life in early access back in 2013. Now, the underrated RPG game could easily become one of the best Xbox Game Pass games you’ll download to your console. Like No Man’s Sky, you’ll find yourself starting out on a barren planet, gathering resources, and beginning your base-building adventures. However, what we like about Space Engineer’s building mechanics is how granular it can be in comparison to Hello Games’ beloved open-world game.
You could spend hours just crafting the perfect structure alone, of which there are three to choose from: smaller and larger ships, and space stations. Putting structures together is done by using the game’s block system, as different blocks serve to give you certain purposes. For example, specific requirements are used to place more practical equipment that can power your utilities. We liken Space Engineers’ approach to base building to that of Starfield, which had us consumed last year trying to make awesome Starfield outposts.
Don’t worry about finding it too grindy either, as you can switch between creative and survival modes at your leisure. We’ve been messing around in the game’s creative suite, and there’s just something very cozy about letting your imagination run wild among the stars.
This is all enhanced by the game’s physics system too, which the developer describes as a “a realistic, volumetric-based physics engine: everything in the game can be assembled, disassembled, damaged and destroyed.”
Oh, and you don’t have to do it alone, too. Space Engineers is already one of the best multiplayer games around for familiar players, and now you can join the fun with up to 16 of your buddies. We recommend teaming up if you plan on fighting some of the game’s fierce enemies, like the massive Sabiroids.
Space Engineers joins a wealth of new Xbox games arriving on Xbox Game Pass, alongside an excellent sale you don’t want to miss out on.