28 Best Xbox One Space Games To Explore The Great Unknown

The Xbox One may be a “last-gen” console now, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a lot you can do with it still. In fact, given that the Series X is both hard to find and doesn’t have a lot of original games on it, you might have the urge to play your Xbox One more. And if you’re looking for a “space kick”, we got something special for you here.

#28 The Callisto Protocol

Developer: Striking Distance Studios
Publisher: KRAFTON
Release Date : December 02, 2022
Platfrom: PC PS4 PS5 XSX|S Xbox One

Space may be the “final frontier” for humankind presently. But after playing games like The Callisto Protocol, you’ll wonder why we would risk going into the “great unknown.” After all, it’s not the nicest of players, especially when humans do things they’re not supposed to.

Case in point, in the game, you’re on a prison colony set in the orbit of Jupiter. An outbreak occurs, and monsters start swarming the colony. You’re one of the prisoners and have to “face your fears” to get through the nightmare around you. The game builds up the tension to extreme levels, and you’ll have to keep your head on straight if you want to get out alive.

#27 Warframe

Warframe is a very special game that continues to grow to newer and better heights. Long story short, you’re going to be able to control an exosuit known as a Warframe, and then send them out to go try and save the galaxy from danger at the behest of your “mother” in Lotus.

The fun part though is that there are dozens of Warframes you can choose from, each with their own special abilities and movesets you can have fun with. Plus, there are over 500 different and unique weapons that each and every Warframe can use!

Oh, and did we mention it’s all free to play? Because it absolutely is! So jump in with other players and see where you adventures take you.

#26 Observation

What is happening on the space station? What is happening with Dr. Emma and her crew? You are about to find out, but the twist here is HOW you will find out.

Because you aren’t one of the crew, nor Dr. Emma. You are S.A.M., the artificial intelligence on the station who is trying to understand itself what is occurring there. Using your cameras and access to various parts of the station, you’ll help Dr. Emma, and by extension yourself, try and figure out what is going on.

The game will blend the narrative of a mystery title with horror and true exploration of self as you start to piece together what has occurred, and what you yourself really are.

#25 Outer Wilds

The Outer Wilds is easily one of the most unique games ever made because not only does it allow you to explore a really impressive looking universe, you’ll do as you’re trying to solve a major mystery. What is that mystery?

Well, you’re stuck in a time loop, and so you’ll only have so long to go and explore before things reset for the most part and you’re back where you were. But not everything will return, some of the effects you have on the universe will stay the same, and as such, you’ll use that to go deeper into planets, explore what’s out there, and unlock the mystery of all that’s going on.

#24 Starlink: Battle of Atlas

Starlink: Battle of Atlas was meant to be a major leap in the space journey games of the past. Whether it got to that level or not will be up to you when you play it.

The best part about the game though is the variety of planets, ships, and pilots that you’ll have access to. For the ships and pilots, you’ll actually be able to mix and match them. Then outfit them with mods and enhancements to make the combo of your dreams to free the Atlas system.

You’ll go to seven different planets with seven very different kinds of ecosystems in order to free the Atlas system from beings known as the Forgotten Legion.

#23 Rebel Galaxy

How many adventures have you gone on where “swashbuckling” could be used to accurately describe the experience? If it’s “none”, then Rebel Galaxy will be able to fill that void for you.

In the game, you’ll be the captain of a very large ship and then be able to go throughout the actual galaxy in order to do whatever you want. Do you want to be a noble captain with the occasional rogue-streak? Sure, have at it. Want to be a pirate that takes whatever you want and blows up their enemies without a second thought? You can do that too.

Either way, you’ll have plenty of options, numerous unique characters to meet, and so on. So have fun!

#22 Space Engineers

In terms of creation and exploration, Space Engineers takes a fun yet realistic approach to things in that they give you the ability to grow and create what you want in terms of vehicles, ships, stations and so on. Then, you’ll get to go out to various planets to explore them, harvest them for resources, and then see what else you can create.

But in a fun twist, it’s meant to be very realistic in its tone and style. Even stating that it’s today’s technology but “60 years into the future”. You’ll deal with real physics and need to make ships that truly function in order to get anywhere.

So see what you can create in this version of space, and where it might just lead you.

#21 Everspace 2

For some people, the true desire of exploring space is to just go get into a ship and fly around to see what is out there. Everspace 2 will give that to you in abundance, and give you even more to enjoy.

For example, you can go and see the hand-crafted world that the game’s team will provide for you, and just enjoy doing that. Or, you can delve into the deep story that’ll send you on a worthwhile journey through the stars and have you doing all sorts of action, mining, recruiting and more.

Oh, and if you want to have epic space battles, they have that as well. You’ll need to be one of the best pilots out there to blast and dodge enemies in order to keep your ship intact.

So go forth and enjoy.

#20 Deep Rock Galactic

Let’s start out with something that is honestly very unique compared to the other titles that are upcoming. Deep Rock Galactic focuses on you and 3 other players being a team of space dwarves (yes, the species exists in space, deal with it!), and your job is to go to various spots in the galaxy and try to mine as much material as you can.

If you’re expecting a, “But…”, you’d be right in thinking that far ahead. Because within these places are massive hordes of monsters that will keep coming without end until you get what you need and then depart.

So work together, set up gadgets to help you fight off the horde, and get out with your loot!

#19 Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

We know that some of you will be mad that Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is so low on this list, but let’s be honest here, the LEGO video game titles are meant to satisfy a certain kind of gamer, and if that’s not you, then you’ll find this very over the top.

If it is a game for you though, then you’ll want to try this version of the titles because it literally brings all 9 mainline movies into one game for you to play. You’ll fight enemies, collect bricks and various other things, and of course, play as a large menagerie of other Star Wars characters.

It’s simple fun, what more could you ask for?

#18 Space Hulk: Tactics

Space Hulk: Tactics is one of many (MANY!!!) titles that hails in origins from the Warhammer 40K board game universe. In Space Hulk: Tactics, you’ll actually get a faithful recreation of the board game, but with some fun video game twists.

A “space hulk” if you don’t know isn’t a machine, but rather, a part of space in which there is a large mass of ships, debris, asteroids and so on all clumped together to make things very difficult to go around.

You’ll play as either the Blood Angels Squad, or, you’ll play as the Genestealers race for the first time ever, and square of in deep campaigns. Or, take the fight to multiplayer to see who comes out on top there!

#17 Astroneer

If you’re looking for a more “creative” side of these space adventures, you need only look at Astroneer. Why is that? Because in this game, you’ll be a space adventurer in the 25^th century, and you’ll be given the power to go and terraform worlds in order to make it more suitable for you and your employers, as well as just shaping the planets to your whim.

You’ll be able to go to a good sect of planets, and you can do things above ground, below ground, craft items and vehicles to help with your exploration or expansion, and more!

The visual style also helps it stand out, so don’t miss out!

#16 Chorus

What do you get when you mix intense action, mind-bending abilities, space combat, and a storyline about a former cult “weapon” trying to take out those that created them? No, it’s not an anime (though it could’ve been…), rather, it’s the game Chorus

You are Nara, who was a created being by a dark cult known as The Circle. They had great plans for you, but then, you broke away from their control, and now, with your sentient ship Forsaken at your side, you must travel the galaxy in order to rally a resistance in order to take The Circle down.

Both on the ground and in the depths of space you’ll be able to do all sorts of battles, so get ready for a deep and dark journey.

#15 Surviving Mars

In the real world, the question of “surviving Mars” is one that many are not only asking, but are trying to figure out openly so that we can at least attempt to colonize it one day.

In the video game Surviving Mars, you’ll actually be tasked with trying to make it happen, and in quick order. You might think that making a colony on Mars from the video game standpoint would be easy, but there’s a lot more in it than you realize.

You’ll have to place the colony, grow the colony, manage the resources you have, get the resources of Mars to try and help you further, and explore The Red Planet in order to see what mysteries lie on it and underneath its surface.

#14 Prey

You are a scientists on the Talos I space station, and your team is in the midst of doing experience that could change things for the human race as a whole.

But then, out of nowhere, as you yourself are being tested in the experiment, the station goes dark, and when you awaken, nothing is as it should be. An alien race is ravaging the station, you can’t remember who you are, and all of a sudden…you have abilities.

Now, you must use these new “gifts” to not just unravel the truth of all that’s going on, but to fight back against the invading threat. If you’re looking for intense action and a bit of alien horror, here you go!

#13 Stellaris

Stellaris is one of many games out there that gives you a “universe to explore” and they actually back that up in the best way. In this case, you are a planet that has finally gotten into the space exploration age of its cycle. So now…it’s time to make the most of it.

You’ll start out small, building and sending out all sorts of science and exploration ships to try and get a better grasp of what’s out there. But then, you’ll change tactics and start to shape your global empire.

You’ll meet other species, have to worry about maintaining the power of your newly growing empire, and more. So be ready for an ever-evolving adventure in Stellaris!

#12 Kerbal Space Program

Let’s just say for a sec that you don’t want to control humans in a game because you don’t want to “hurt them”…but you’re more than willing to do it to a fictional race! Well then, Kerbal Space Program is for you then.

Because in this game, you’ll take control of the Kerbals, a race of beings who are trying to get into space and expand. Thankfully, they have you, unfortunately, it’s going to be a trial-and-error process.

So much so that you’ll really need to learn from your mistakes, and then once you have the baseplate, you go and start exploring the solar system and beyond, set up space stations and colonies, and more!

Do it for the Kerbals!

#11 Elite Dangerous

Not unlike a previous title, Elite Dangerous is a game that has a massive universe to explore. The catch though is that you’re not ruling over a whole race, instead, you are in control of yourself, and will go on your own journey in any way you want to see how you “fit in” to this universe.

All you have to start the game is a ship and some credits, the rest is up to you. Be something good, be something bad, influence the universe around you, or let everyone else do the “hard work”. Either way you look at it, the universe is a big place, and the way you carve out your role in it is entirely and emphatically up to you…and the other players who affect the game as a whole.

#10 Star Wars: Squadrons

If you’re looking for a “more mature” Star Wars game (sorry, Lego!), then look no further than Star Wars: Squadrons.

Banking off the fan-love for the dogfighting elements in the Battlefront games, Star Wars: Squadrons puts you in the cockpit of some of the most legendary vehicles in the Star Wars universe. Whether you play as the New Republic or the Empire, your skills as a pilot will be tested to the limit.

What’s more, there is a storyline that takes place right after Return of the Jedi to help further prove where in-canon it is. So go and take to the skies and space and see if you have what it takes to be the best pilot in the galaxy.

#9 Alien Isolation

You are the daughter of Ellen Ripley, and one day, you get word that on a nearby space station there is a recorded message from her. You rush to the station, only to find out that the station is offline…and that there’s an “old friend” waiting for you.

Yes, Alien Isolation once again puts a group of people (but mainly you) up against the Xenomorph, and it’s your job to go and complete a series of tasks to get the station back up and running so you can escape and kill the Xenomorph.

But the “Alien” is always on the hunt, and you’ll need to be ready for it at all times so you can run and hide.

Do you think you can survive?

#8 Lovers In A Dangerous Spacetime

We promise, this isn’t a game that is graphic or untoward, it’s honestly not the kind of title you’re thinking of as a whole.

Because in point of fact, Lovers In A Dangerous Spacetime is 1-4 person co-op game where you are on a giant spaceship going around the galaxy trying to fight off the enemies that are indeed “anti-love”, we’re not making this up, promise.

Only through teamwork can you make this dream work. Because you’ll need to move the ship around, fire its thrusters, collect space bunnies, and more! It’s a fun and frantic old-school arcade style title, and if you think that’s good, jump in and play!

#7 No Man’s Sky

If we had made this list several years ago, there’s no doubt that No Man’s Sky would be very low on it. Hello Games promised gamers a literal universe to explore without fear of getting bored or planets just being “window dressing”. And yet, when it came out, we were very much bored of it, and many of the promises they made (like multiplayer) were not in the game.

To their credit though, No Man’s Sky got better as time went on. It got more content, it got multiplayer and co-op, and now, it’s almost an entirely new game. So if you’ve been waiting for the “right moment” to go and try it out, here is your chance.

#6 The Outer Worlds

The Outer Worlds is easily one of the most expansive RPGs out there in the world right now, and so it’s not that surprising that the game is made by the geniuses over at Obsidian.

And just like many of the titles that they’ve made over the years, the game is not only big, but it’s reliant on your choices and what you do next. The story puts you as a person waking up from a deep cryo sleep and finding that the galaxy is a MUCH different place.

Now, you’re asked to defend a colony, and to go up against the corporate overlords that are trying to take everything for themselves.

Make the path you want to go on, and see just how crazy this game can get.

#5 Destiny 2

While the Destiny franchise hasn’t fully lived up to the expectations of both fans, critics, and even Bungie, the developer has been working at it for YEARS to try and get it up to the high standards that many have, and they have succeeded in many regards.

Even now, there are key updates, expansions, and fixes that are being done in order to make the game more fun, more expansive, and better to do either by yourself or with friends.

So whether you’re a new player who needs to dive into this vast universe, or a player just wants to dive back in to see what they’ve missed, you would be wise to give Destiny 2 a look.

#4 Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy

Showtime, A-Holes!

There have been a lot of superhero video games that have not just come out late, but a vast majority of them have a quality to them that can’t be denied (Arkham series, Spider-Man), and one of them includes Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.

In the game, you’ll play solely as Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord, and with the rest of the GOTG at your back you’ll go through a deep story that’ll take you from one edge of the Marvel Universe to the other as you try and fight off bad guys, meet unique allies, and just try and stay alive long enough to jam to tunes.

The game is better than you likely realize, so don’t miss out!

#3 Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Our third Star Wars game on this list, we saved the best for last via Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. This very special singleplayer game (take that EA!) puts you in the role of Jedi Padawan Cal Kestis, who survives Order 66 and has gone into hiding in order to survive.

But, when things suddenly change, he gives himself a new mission, to re-establish the Jedi Order so that they can fight back against the Inquisitors and Darth Vader.

Learn to wield your lightsaber in special combat not really done in the Star Wars games before, and see the galaxy far, far away from a new perspective.

#2 Among Us

What? Putting Among Us at #2 isn’t sus at all…unless you’re trying to divert attention away from yourself!!!!

As we keep our eye on you, we’ll mention that Among Us was one of the many games that “took over the gaming world” for a time in the pandemic. So much so that the game (which was released well before the pandemic, mind you) got a whole bunch of memes, video content, fan art and cosplays, and yes, expansions within the game itself via the Airship map and other things.

The game is infinitely replayable because you need to find the imposter, whoever that may be, and get them out before they kill you all.

Sounds simple, right? Good luck with that…*heads to push the airlock button*

#1 Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Anytime we can fairly put the Mass Effect Legendary Edition at the top slot? We’re going to do it, you better believe we will. Why is that? Because this is arguably the greatest video game trilogy of all time. Even its controversial ending can’t fully bring down all the greatness that these three games had, and there’s a reason why so many love it to this day.

Plus, the legendary edition gives the games a visual overhaul for you to enjoy, as well as the DLC for each title and some special quality of life improvements to make them that much better.

So if you’re ready to embrace your inner Shepherd once more, get the Mass Effect Legendary Edition.