The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →If you want cinematic space combat with a story campaign, STAR WARS: Squadrons is the closest match among these alternatives: it centers on first-person starfighter combat and pairs a single-player campaign with multiplayer dogfights and fleet battles. For a single-player shooter with more exploration, loot, and RPG progression, choose EVERSPACE 2. Neither is a one-to-one replacement for Squadron 42; they share space combat but differ in scale, story emphasis, and play style.
Which games are most like Squadron 42?
| Game | Best fit | What to expect | How it differs |
|---|---|---|---|
| STAR WARS: Squadrons | First-person starfighter combat with a cinematic campaign | EA describes a single-player campaign as well as multiplayer dogfights and fleet battles. StarWars.com also highlights ship customization and multiplayer modes. EA’s game page and StarWars.com’s overview describe the features. | A focused starfighter game set in the Star Wars universe, with both campaign and multiplayer as key parts of the experience. |
| EVERSPACE 2 | Single-player space combat with exploration and RPG loot | Developer ROCKFISH Games describes space and planetary exploration, a story campaign, loot, RPG elements, mining, and crafting. Its official FAQ also lists HOTAS support. | It is structured more like an open-world RPG and looter shooter than a cockpit-focused space sim. ROCKFISH explicitly says it is not a space sim. |
| Squadron 42 | The benchmark for a story-led military space adventure | Its Steam description presents a single-player story involving a crew and combat across fighter cockpits, capital ships, stations, and frontier outposts. | Use it as the experience you are trying to match, not as evidence of current release or download availability. RSI says downloading follows completion of development, testing, and release in its support article. |
Choose by the kind of space combat you want
For cockpit dogfights and a campaign: STAR WARS: Squadrons
Choose Squadrons if the appeal of Squadron 42 is the feeling of piloting a fighter in first-person combat, with a campaign rather than multiplayer alone. It also offers multiplayer dogfights and fleet battles, so it is the better fit if you want both solo and competitive or cooperative-style space combat. Its scope is more tightly focused on starfighters than Squadron 42’s broader mix of locations and ship types.
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For solo exploration and RPG progression: EVERSPACE 2
Choose EVERSPACE 2 if you would rather explore, collect loot, and build up a character and ship through RPG systems than stay within a military campaign structure. ROCKFISH describes it as a narrative-driven single-player open-world RPG with looter-shooter elements—not a space sim. That distinction matters if your priority is realistic or simulation-style cockpit handling rather than action-oriented progression. See the official EVERSPACE 2 page and FAQ.
How Squadron 42 differs from these alternatives
Squadron 42 is the reference point: its Steam description emphasizes a crew-centered, cinematic single-player adventure that moves among fighter cockpits, capital ships, stations, and frontier outposts. Squadrons narrows the focus to starfighter combat, while EVERSPACE 2 broadens it toward exploration and RPG-style loot progression. Compare the games along four axes before choosing:
#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.
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- Story: a campaign is central to Squadrons and the Squadron 42 description; EVERSPACE 2 also has a story campaign, but its progression is framed as an open-world RPG.
- Combat style: Squadrons focuses on first-person starfighter combat. EVERSPACE 2 is an action shooter with RPG and looter-shooter elements, rather than a space sim.
- Multiplayer: Squadrons includes multiplayer dogfights and fleet battles alongside its campaign. EVERSPACE 2 is described by its developer as single-player.
- Progression and scope: customization and multiplayer modes feature in Squadrons; EVERSPACE 2 emphasizes loot, exploration, mining, crafting, and RPG elements. Squadron 42’s described scope includes several types of locations and vessels.
Are flight sticks supported?
A HOTAS flight stick and throttle is an optional way to pursue cockpit-style controls, not a requirement established for these games. ROCKFISH lists HOTAS support for EVERSPACE 2 in its FAQ; a TIME review also describes HOTAS among the control options for STAR WARS: Squadrons. Compatibility depends on platform and device, so check current game requirements and hardware support for your setup before buying equipment.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Rank #4
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- 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
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.
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Rank #2
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
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