Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →If you love No Man’s Sky for its mix of planet-hopping, resource gathering, survival, and building, start with Astroneer for hands-on planetary exploration or Empyrion – Galactic Survival for constructing ships and space stations. No single game here reproduces the whole package: each offers a different slice of Hello Games’ procedurally generated galaxy sandbox.
Hello Games describes No Man’s Sky as an exploration and survival game in a procedurally generated galaxy, with travel between planets and space, discoveries, building, and shared-universe play (Hello Games’ official press kit). These picks are organized around the parts of that formula you may want more of.
Choose by what you want more of
| If you want… | Try | What carries over | What changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planet exploration, crafting, bases, and vehicles | Astroneer | Alien worlds, gathering resources, crafting, building, and travel to other planets | A distinct low-poly style and a more focused experience |
| Planetary exploration plus ships and stations you can build | Empyrion – Galactic Survival | Planetary resource gathering, exploration, and construction | Its own sandbox structure and technology progression |
| Ship-based galaxy exploration and trading | Elite Dangerous | Open-ended space travel and large-scale exploration | More focused on piloting; planetary exploration works differently, and the cited guide says an online connection is required |
| A procedural solar system and a customizable ship | Rodina | Procedural space, planet visits, and ship customization | A smaller-scale indie game; the cited guide identifies it as PC-only |
| Interplanetary crafting in 2D | Starbound | Exploration across planets, crafting, and building | Side-on pixel art, with campaign and RPG elements |
| Survival and discovery on an alien world | Subnautica | Resource use, exploration, crafting, base building, and survival | One ocean planet, underwater dangers, and oxygen management |
| Planetary survival and terraforming | The Planet Crafter | Planet exploration, survival, building, and environmental change | Progression centers on making one planet livable, not traveling a galaxy |
The comparisons draw on GamesRadar+’s 2026 list and GameSpot’s 2026 guide to The Planet Crafter and Astroneer (GamesRadar+; GameSpot). Platform details can change, so check the current store listing for the edition you plan to play.
1. Astroneer: for planetary exploration and building
Astroneer is a strong first pick if the satisfying part of No Man’s Sky is landing on a world, gathering materials, and turning a basic foothold into a working base. You explore alien planets, collect resources, craft equipment, and build bases and vehicles before traveling onward to other worlds.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
It is not a close match in presentation or scope: its low-poly look and more focused experience give it a distinct identity. Think of it as a planet-exploration and construction game rather than a replacement for a galaxy-spanning sandbox. GamesRadar+ and GameSpot both describe its planetary exploration and base-building appeal.
2. Empyrion – Galactic Survival: for ships, stations, and planetary survival
Choose Empyrion – Galactic Survival if you want to move between planets and space while gathering resources and constructing your own ships or space stations. Its blend of planetary exploration, alien life, construction, and a technology tree makes it a natural option for players whose favorite part of No Man’s Sky is building up their capabilities as they explore.
It has its own sandbox structure and progression, so expect a different rhythm rather than a one-for-one version of Hello Games’ game. GamesRadar+ highlights its travel between space and planets, resource gathering, and ship and station construction.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
3. Elite Dangerous: for piloting and a vast galaxy
Elite Dangerous suits players more interested in flying a ship through a large-scale galaxy, customizing it, trading, and taking on activities such as bounty hunting. Its appeal is spaceflight and the scale of its Milky Way recreation, not the same balance of on-foot planet exploration and building found in No Man’s Sky.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
GamesRadar+ says the game requires an online connection and offers a solo mode. Solo mode is not the same as playing offline: the guide’s stated online requirement still applies. It also cautions that landing on planets does not provide the same kind of walking planetary exploration as No Man’s Sky.
4. Rodina: for a smaller procedural space adventure
Rodina offers a procedural solar system with planets and asteroids to visit, along with a customizable ship interior. It is worth considering if the appeal of No Man’s Sky is discovering places in a generated space setting and making a spacecraft feel like your own.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Its scope is smaller and more indie in character than No Man’s Sky; GamesRadar+ identifies it as PC-only. Expect a more compact experience that also includes hostile conditions and combat, not a comparable galaxy-wide catalogue of activities.
5. Starbound: for crafting across planets in 2D
Starbound takes interplanetary exploration and crafting into a side-on, pixel-art format. You can visit planets, gather materials, build, and encounter creatures; the game also offers an optional campaign. It fits if you want the collect-and-create loop of a space adventure but are happy to trade 3D exploration for a 2D presentation with RPG elements.
That shift in perspective is fundamental: it is not a first-person or third-person planetary exploration substitute. GamesRadar+ describes it as a 2D counterpart in broad concept, not as an identical experience.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
6. Subnautica: for survival on one dangerous alien world
Subnautica narrows the setting to an alien ocean planet, then builds its exploration around underwater survival. You manage oxygen, collect resources, craft equipment, construct bases, and investigate the world while facing dangerous sea creatures.
It shares No Man’s Sky’s sense of discovery and the practical loop of gathering materials to survive and build, but it is not about crossing a galaxy. Pick it if you want a focused survival-crafting adventure where the environment itself is the central challenge.
7. The Planet Crafter: for making a planet livable
The Planet Crafter turns planetary survival into a terraforming progression. You begin by trying to survive and establish a small base, then work toward changing the environment and making the planet livable. That makes it a good fit if you most enjoy the gradual transformation of a place through exploration, building, and sustained effort.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Its focus is one planet rather than a sequence of destinations. GameSpot’s 2026 guide describes the progression from initial survival and a small base toward a livable world.
How to pick the right game
- Want to explore on foot and build a base? Start with Astroneer; choose The Planet Crafter if terraforming progression is the bigger draw.
- Want to construct spacecraft or stations? Try Empyrion – Galactic Survival.
- Want the ship to be the center of the experience? Look at Elite Dangerous for piloting, trading, and galaxy-scale travel, or Rodina for a smaller procedural setting and ship customization.
- Want crafting and exploration without 3D planetary travel? Starbound offers a 2D take.
- Want survival pressure in a contained setting? Choose Subnautica for its ocean environment, oxygen management, and underwater dangers.
These are different kinds of similarity: some emphasize spaceflight, others on-foot exploration; some offer procedural scale, while others focus on a single world or a smaller setting. Building can mean a base, vehicle, ship, or station, and the role of survival varies too. Check current platform and online-play requirements on the relevant game’s official store or product page before buying; platform availability is not listed here because recommendation-page details can become outdated.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
