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Kerbal Space Program similar games & best alternatives

Kerbal Space Program

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Wii U, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Linux • 2015

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Quick resume

In Kerbal Space Program, take charge of the space program for the alien race known as the Kerbals. You have access to an array of parts to assemble fully-functional spacecraft that flies (or doesn’t) based on realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics.

Global score

95/100

Genres

Indie, Simulator

Similar games

    Pros

    • Highly realistic physics and orbital mechanics
    • Extensive creativity and modding support
    • Steep but rewarding learning curve
    • Long-lasting and addictive gameplay
    • Strong community and developer support

    Cons

    • Steep initial difficulty may frustrate new players
    • Lack of multiplayer or cooperative modes
    • No narrative or story elements
    • Requires significant time investment
    • Some bugs and performance issues on certain systems

    Analysis

    Less representative of its motivational profile, with noticeable differences. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Fellowship, Cooperation, Leadership, Violence. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Story, Violence, Fantasy.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      5

      "Players have full freedom to design rockets, choose missions, and explore at their own pace without fixed paths."

    • Competence
      5

      "High skill and learning curve; players must master orbital mechanics and rocket design to succeed."

    • Competition
      -3

      "Focus is on personal progress and experimentation rather than competing against others."

    • Continuation
      5

      "Highly addictive with many hours of gameplay and strong player attachment."

    • Cooperation
      -4

      "Primarily a single-player experience with limited or no multiplayer; cooperation is minimal."

    • Creativity
      5

      "Extensive building and modding possibilities allow for high creativity in spacecraft design."

    • Domination
      -5

      "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; focus on individual achievement."

    • Escapism
      4

      "Players use the game to immerse themselves in space exploration and escape real life."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily driven by interest and passion, not obligation."

    • Experimenting
      5

      "Strong emphasis on trial and error, testing new designs, and learning from failure."

    • Exploration
      5

      "Exploring planets, moons, and the solar system is a core motivation."

    • Expression
      4

      "Customization of vehicles and bases allows for personal expression."

    • Fantasy
      -2

      "Grounded in realistic physics and plausible spaceflight rather than fantasy."

    • Fellowship
      -3

      "Community exists but gameplay is mostly solitary without social group identity."

    • Growth
      5

      "Strong learning and skill development in physics, engineering, and orbital mechanics."

    • Health
      -5

      "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

    • Idle
      -4

      "Requires focused attention and planning; not a casual or background game."

    • Intimacy
      -5

      "Minimal social interaction or emotional closeness; mostly solitary play."

    • Leadership
      -4

      "No leadership roles; players manage their own program independently."

    • Progression
      4

      "Unlocking parts and advancing technology through science points is key to progression."

    • Relaxation
      2

      "Can be relaxing once mechanics are mastered, but initial learning curve causes tension."

    • Sensation
      3

      "Visual and auditory feedback from launches and explosions provide excitement."

    • Status
      -4

      "Achievements are personal and not socially recognized or ranked."

    • Story
      -5

      "No narrative or plot; sandbox gameplay without story context."

    • Strategy
      5

      "Requires careful planning, problem solving, and strategic thinking for missions."

    • Thrill
      3

      "Risk of failure and suspense in launches and landings create thrilling moments."

    • Value
      5

      "Highly praised for value; thousands of hours of gameplay justify the cost."

    • Violence
      -5

      "No combat or destruction for its own sake; focus on constructive engineering."

    • Survival
      3

      "Managing resources and avoiding mission failure is a key challenge."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026