Best sandbox space sim atm?

[Dimwit Donald (very high IQ)]

I liked X 2 and 3, but I'm not sure I'd enjoy the more recent titles with all the mixed to negative reviews...
Is X4 the game to get these days when looking for a space sim in the tradition of wing commander privateer, freelancer etc, or are there alternatives you'd rather recommend?

[Belteguesian]

I'd recommend you stick at X3... at least until X4 is fully developed (probably 2 more years).
There IS another sandobx/space sim that's really good and interesting, it's 2d though, called Endless Sky, found on Steam and (guess what) FREE.
You can get a discounted X Rebirth to see what's (almost) is going on in X4, i.e. the new engine and look, even though I was greatly disappointed at how things worked, then you can make a decision about X4 or wait for X5...

[shuulleech]

Im really happy with X4 possibilities, maybe just wait for full 3.0 release and Split DLC in Q1, and no, Endless Sky are not in the same boat or level of galaxy simulation (yo cant really compare space sim with rogue-like game where all the content is just spawned vs the game with full economy simulations as X4, this is rediculous) . IMO, X4 is currently best sandbox space sim.

[_obri [on LINUX]]

I play the Beta 3.0 and I am very happy with X4. It is a great game. It is not perfect and can (and surely will) be optimized, but it is great.

For me it is 8/10 Spacestations ;-)

[Darllock]

Starpoint Gemini is worth your money. EDIT X games are my fav but for an alternative SG games are very playable.

[Fhiach]

Starsector is also a great sandbox space game. Fully customisable loadouts on ships, You can start with a single ship and build up to your own faction. And there is a huge modding scene.

Can only be got through devs webiste, Fractal Softworks

[Dimwit Donald (very high IQ)]

Thanks for replies. Something I actually got hyped about in X Rebirth (although I lost interest once the terrible reviews started coming) were the "walkable" interiors. I am hoping they actually take this so far that you can have boarding battles, "away missions" and interact with your crew on the bridge etc. Are interiors even still a thing in X4?

[MaGicBush]

Originally posted by Darllock:

Starpoint Gemini is worth your money. EDIT X games are my fav but for an alternative SG games are very playable.

I second Starpoint Gemini Warlords if you don't want to Wait. It's a good game. X4 should be great when split dlc and 3.0 hit.

Also yes the interiors are improved in x4. I like watching as I tell someone to fly my ship across space, or doing space walks. I also enjoy the immersion it adds to the game.

[I Throw Spears.]

I cannot recommend Starsector enough.

[ShoC]

Thanks for the starsector suggestion, that looks really good.

I'd like to add to this, I'd suggest *Avorion that's a good open game where you build ships your self and stations. Also has random looting aspects after blowing things up.

There is another I'm watching but not purchased yet but will do for sure and that's *Astrox Imperium the dev does videos frequently about updates, fantastic community engagement.

[Dreamer]

Originally posted by ShoC:

Thanks for the starsector suggestion, that looks really good.

A small hint: if you watch a certain popular youtube starsector review, you will get a way to play starsector for free. I won't say what video, because I'm evil. The mentioning it exists is my only kindness (I bought starsector and its great)

[shuulleech]

Originally posted by Electronic Old Man:

I am hoping they actually take this so far that you can have boarding battles, "away missions" and interact with your crew on the bridge etc. Are interiors even still a thing in X4?

yes, Interiors are in X4 and they look cool, I love to stay on bridge of my Carrier during combat seeing all the flashes and small fighters zippping around, this can be immersing as hell.
But "boarding combat" will not be part of X4 im afraid, its out of scope for this game. And, honestly, id prefer devs to focus more on space part instead of spending time and resources on boarding combat as I very rarely even use boarding.

[FinaL]

Originally posted by Dreamer:

Originally posted by ShoC:

Thanks for the starsector suggestion, that looks really good.

A small hint: if you watch a certain popular youtube starsector review, you will get a way to play starsector for free. I won't say what video, because I'm evil. The mentioning it exists is my only kindness :winter2019cooldog: (I bought starsector and its great)

Didn't knew that, but would've bought it anyway. It's a awesome game with a lot of polish and there is more coming soon; I gladly support THAT kind of developer then I ever will buy another Egosoft game. They fooled me once with Rebirth, they fooled me with X4. To say, "they will fix it in time" is so cheap, I can't hear it anymore.

Originally posted by shuulleech:

yes, Interiors are in X4 and they look cool, I love to stay on bridge of my Carrier during combat seeing all the flashes and small fighters zippping around, this can be immersing as hell.
But "boarding combat" will not be part of X4 im afraid, its out of scope for this game. And, honestly, id prefer devs to focus more on space part instead of spending time and resources on boarding combat as I very rarely even use boarding.

Oh man what would I give for another version, where they just skip the walking thing....

[Gwizzz]

Originally posted by FinaL:

Originally posted by Dreamer:

A small hint: if you watch a certain popular youtube starsector review, you will get a way to play starsector for free. I won't say what video, because I'm evil. The mentioning it exists is my only kindness :winter2019cooldog: (I bought starsector and its great)

Didn't knew that, but would've bought it anyway. It's a awesome game with a lot of polish and there is more coming soon; I gladly support THAT kind of developer then I ever will buy another Egosoft game. They fooled me once with Rebirth, they fooled me with X4. To say, "they will fix it in time" is so cheap, I can't hear it anymore.

Originally posted by shuulleech:

yes, Interiors are in X4 and they look cool, I love to stay on bridge of my Carrier during combat seeing all the flashes and small fighters zippping around, this can be immersing as hell.
But "boarding combat" will not be part of X4 im afraid, its out of scope for this game. And, honestly, id prefer devs to focus more on space part instead of spending time and resources on boarding combat as I very rarely even use boarding.

Oh man what would I give for another version, where they just skip the walking thing....

It's already out.. called Elite Dangerous, go check it out it might be what you are looking for.

[BATTLEMODE]

Elite Dangerous really isn't that much like this. It has greater scope in some respects, and smaller in others. The flight engine is superior to X, by a long way, but unless you're into MP, and happy that if you want to make any real change to the universe around you, you're in for a massive grind, then maybe it's for you. I got bored of it relatively quickly, and I've been playing Elite since the original.

Elite Dangerous is beautiful though, and nothing beats it's atmosphere yet. It's just... kinda dull after a while.

[MaGicBush]

Originally posted by BATTLEMODE:

Elite Dangerous really isn't that much like this. It has greater scope in some respects, and smaller in others. The flight engine is superior to X, by a long way, but unless you're into MP, and happy that if you want to make any real change to the universe around you, you're in for a massive grind, then maybe it's for you. I got bored of it relatively quickly, and I've been playing Elite since the original.

Elite Dangerous is beautiful though, and nothing beats it's atmosphere yet. It's just... kinda dull after a while.

I plan to play Elite again after I get my VR headset here in a month, but yea it got a little old after a bit. It's basically just Truck Simulator in space, but that can be fun casually with a beer or two.