It’s been years in the making but Starfield, Bethesda’s space-based RPG is finally here. At least, it is if you’re on the Xbox or PC. Starfield has skipped the PS4 and PS5, due in no small part to Microsoft now owning Bethesda.
And that’s got us thinking. What about PlayStation owners who are looking for a Starfield-like experience, the joys of exploration, the quirky characters, dying horribly in the vaccum of space? That’s why we’ve rounded up the best games like Starfield on PS4 and PS5.
1. The Outer Worlds
- Available on PS4 and PS5 (also Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC)
From Obsidian Entertainment, the developer behind the Bethesda-published Fallout: New Vegas, The Outer Worlds has you roaming a solar system, blasting villains (or good guys, depending on your temperament) and either combating or supporting a corporation. We’re not talking about an Umbrella-style evil corporation, though, The Outer Worlds’ company is just rubbish.
You don’t get to fly around in space (your ship is basically a fast travel device) but it’s a gorgeous game with all the twists, turns and ethical grey areas you’d expect from an Obsidian game. And if you’re a fan of ’50s sci-fi, you’ll find plenty to love there too.
Read our review of The Outer Worlds
2. No Man’s Sky
- Available on PS4 and PS5 (also Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, iPad)
On PS4 and PS5, No Man’s Sky might not be quite as story driven as Starfield, but it offers an amazing universe to explore, packed with unique planets and weird wildlife. Since its initial release there have been a wealth of updates adding purchasable freighters, deep sea creatures, new NPCs and so much more.
And unlike Starfield you can traverse an entire planet, soar seamlessly between worlds and even jet across the surface if you so desire. If it’s exploration rather than story you’re after, No Man’s Sky is a must-have.
3. Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
- Available on PS4 (also Xbox One, PC)
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition collects the three original Mass Effect games and remasters them for the PS4. If it’s an epic sci-fi story you’re after, you really can’t go wrong here. There’s an alien menace to stop, idiots who won’t believe you when you inform them of the menace, companions to befriend and/or romance and more action than you can shake a robotic cuttlefish at. And the Normandy would beat Starfield’s Frontier hands down.
4. Outer Wilds
- Available on PS4 and PS5 (also Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC)
Yes, that really is a giant alien Angler Fish disguised as a campsite. Not to be confused with The Outer Worlds, Outer Wilds’ space playground is smaller than either Starfield or No Man’s Sky’s. But it’s packed with such weird and wonderful delights you’ll never get bored. The time-loop mechanic takes getting used to but’ll you’ll crave an answer as to why it’s happening.
Read our review of Outer Wilds
5. Genesis Alpha One
- Available on PS4 (also Xbox One and PC)
Genesis Alpha One sends you on a journey to, well, not die, really. This is a rogue-lite that, a blending elements of No Man’s Sky, Farming Simulator and Aliens, shoves you into deep space on board your own spaceship. The permadeath mechanic can be an irritation but if you like your sci-fi grim and gritty, without going full Warhammer 40,000, you’ll absolutely love this.
