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Slipways similar games & best alternatives

Slipways

PC (Microsoft Windows), Web browser, Mac, Linux • 2021

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Quick resume

Weave isolated planets into a vast trade empire. Hatch plans. Research game-breaking technologies. Still be done in time for lunch. Enjoy the endless possibilities of a space grand strategy game in 60 minutes flat.

Global score

93/100

Genres

Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)

Similar games

    Pros

    • Deep and challenging puzzle gameplay
    • Short, replayable sessions
    • Polished ui and sound design
    • Randomized tech and perks for variety
    • Relaxing yet engaging experience

    Cons

    • Steep learning curve
    • Limited tutorial support
    • Some rng frustration
    • No multiplayer or social features
    • Campaign content still limited

    Analysis

    Less representative of its motivational profile, with noticeable differences. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Leadership, Survival, Violence, Strategy. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Competition. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Violence, Expression.

    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
      4

      "Players have freedom to choose council members, tech paths, and planet connections, requiring careful planning and adaptation each run."

    • Competence
      5

      "High skill ceiling with challenging puzzles, strategic resource management, and optimization rewarded; learning curve is steep but mastery is satisfying."

    • Competition
      1

      "Mostly single-player focused with optional ranked leaderboards; competition exists but is not central to gameplay."

    • Continuation
      4

      "Players report addictive 'just one more run' feeling with high replayability and short game sessions encouraging habitual play."

    • Cooperation
      -5

      "Entirely a single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative elements."

    • Creativity
      3

      "Players create and optimize unique trade networks and experiment with different tech and council combinations each run."

    • Domination
      -5

      "No player-vs-player or domination mechanics; interactions are solo and balanced."

    • Escapism
      3

      "Provides relaxing, immersive puzzle and strategy gameplay that offers distraction and mental engagement."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily for intrinsic enjoyment and challenge, not out of obligation."

    • Experimenting
      4

      "Randomized tech trees and perks encourage trying new strategies and adapting to different conditions every run."

    • Exploration
      3

      "Exploration of new planets and sectors is a key mechanic, with unknown areas revealed gradually."

    • Expression
      -3

      "Limited customization mainly through choosing council members and tech; no avatar or cosmetic personalization."

    • Fantasy
      2

      "Set in a sci-fi space setting with fictional alien races and technologies, but grounded in puzzle and economic mechanics."

    • Fellowship
      -5

      "No social or community gameplay elements; strictly single-player."

    • Growth
      4

      "Players develop skills in optimization, planning, and strategic thinking through repeated play and learning."

    • Health
      -5

      "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

    • Idle
      -4

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

    • Intimacy
      -5

      "No social or emotional relationship building; purely individual gameplay."

    • Leadership
      2

      "Players lead their empire's development and make strategic decisions, but no leadership over others."

    • Progression
      4

      "Progression through unlocking techs, upgrading planets, and expanding trade routes is central to gameplay."

    • Relaxation
      3

      "Calm music and turn-based mechanics provide a relaxing experience despite challenging puzzles."

    • Sensation
      2

      "Pleasant visuals and sound design enhance enjoyment but sensory stimulation is moderate and subtle."

    • Status
      0

      "Some leaderboard recognition exists but social status is not a major motivator."

    • Story
      1

      "Campaign mode offers some narrative and unique challenges, but core gameplay is context-free puzzle."

    • Strategy
      5

      "Strong emphasis on strategic planning, resource management, and problem solving."

    • Thrill
      1

      "Some tension from limited time and resource constraints, but overall controlled and predictable gameplay."

    • Value
      4

      "Players report high value for time with short, replayable sessions and deep gameplay."

    • Violence
      -5

      "No combat or destruction; focus on constructive economic and logistical puzzle solving."

    • Survival
      3

      "Managing happiness and money to avoid game over adds survival-like pressure."

    Where to buy

    Come talk about it on Discord!

    Last update: 29/04/2026