War Games That Take Combat Into Space

15 December 2025

When it comes to video games, there’s something inherently thrilling about taking the chaos of war from the confines of Earth to the vast, uncharted reaches of space. Who doesn’t love the idea of trading gravity for zero-g while piloting a starship decked out with laser cannons or commanding fleets in epic battles against alien forces? Space war games combine the tactical brilliance of traditional combat with the mind-blowing freedom of interstellar environments. But with so many choices out there, which ones should you play? Whether you're a die-hard sci-fi fan or just dipping your toes into the galactic combat pool, this list of war games that take combat into space is sure to fire up your thrusters.

Why Space Combat Games Are So Dang Cool

Let’s be real—space is the ultimate battleground. It’s vast, unpredictable, and full of opportunities for creative warfare. Unlike your traditional war games tied down by gravity, terrain, and Earthly limitations, space combat cranks up the possibilities. The rules are different. Gravity? Forget about it. Magnetic fields? They might just save your digital life. Battles can range from intimate dogfights between starfighters to gigantic space battles that feel like something out of a movie.

And the best part? These games don’t just let you fight—they immerse you in worlds filled with complex stories, rich visuals, and gameplay mechanics that keep you coming back for more.

Sound good? Great! Let’s dive into some of the best space war games you need to know about.

1. Star Wars: Squadrons

If you’ve ever dreamed of hopping into an X-Wing or TIE Fighter, Star Wars: Squadrons gives you the chance to live out your ultimate galactic fantasies. This game, developed by EA Motive, focuses specifically on dogfighting in space. And the best part? It’s entirely in first-person, putting you right in the cockpit.

You’ll get to play as both the Rebel Alliance and the Empire, experiencing space combat from multiple perspectives. The controls feel authentic—expect a steep learning curve—but once you’ve nailed the mechanics, it’s a satisfying blend of strategy and reflexes. Whether you’re blasting through asteroid fields or engaging in all-out fleet warfare, every battle feels intense.

Why It Stands Out:

- Immersive space battles with iconic Star Wars ships.
- Supports VR for an even closer-to-reality experience.
- Solid single-player campaign, plus a competitive multiplayer mode.

2. EVE Online

Now, let’s talk about EVE Online. This one’s for the hardcore gamers who are ready to sink hours (or, let’s be honest, weeks) into building their own legacy. EVE Online isn’t just a space game—it’s a full-on universe. It’s a massive multiplayer online game (MMORPG) where players can trade, mine resources, and, of course, wage all-out war.

One of the coolest parts? The battles in EVE Online can be absolutely bonkers. We're talking thousands of players duking it out in ships ranging from nimble frigates to enormous capital-class behemoths. But here's the kicker: every action in the game is player-driven. The political alliances, the betrayals—it’s all real.

Why It Stands Out:

- Insane scale of battles (we’re talking hundreds of ships on-screen).
- Deeper-than-the-ocean strategy mechanics.
- A persistent and player-driven universe.

3. Elite Dangerous

Have you ever wanted to be a space mercenary, bounty hunter, or even just a lone wolf exploring a galaxy? Elite Dangerous lets you do all that and more. While it’s not strictly a “war game,” combat plays a massive role, especially in the game's dangerous regions.

The sheer scale of this game is mind-blowing. The entire Milky Way galaxy has been recreated, giving you a literal universe to explore. Whether you're taking down pirates, battling rival factions, or joining up with other players for massive fleet battles, the combat feels intense and rewarding. The game also supports VR, which is a game-changer for immersion.

Why It Stands Out:

- Literally endless exploration.
- Realistic physics and spaceship controls.
- Perfect for solo players or groups.

4. Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak (And Its Space-Based Predecessors)

Okay, hear me out—Deserts of Kharak technically takes place on a planet, but it’s the prequel to one of the most iconic space war franchises: Homeworld. If you haven’t played this series yet, you’re seriously missing out.

The Homeworld franchise redefined real-time strategy (RTS) games by bringing the battlefield to a fully three-dimensional space. Commanding fleets of ships felt revolutionary, and the stunning visuals still hold up even for the older games.

In Deserts of Kharak, you’ll command ground-based units as they fight across a massive desert. The storyline and gameplay beautifully tie into the original Homeworld, making it a must-play for fans of space warfare.

Why It Stands Out:

- Unique 3D space combat mechanics in the original games.
- Rich storytelling across the entire franchise.
- A refreshing planetary take in Deserts of Kharak.

5. Halo Series (Space Combat Moments)

You wouldn’t immediately think of Halo as a space combat game—it’s more of a first-person shooter series—but several of its entries feature jaw-dropping spaceship warfare. Specifically, Halo Reach introduces one of the most exciting space combat levels in the franchise.

Taking control of a fighter called the Sabre, players engage in an epic dogfight in orbit. It’s not quite an entire game dedicated to space combat, but those moments in Halo Reach give you a taste of just how intense and cinematic interstellar combat can be.

Why It Stands Out:

- Blends traditional FPS gameplay with a splash of space combat.
- Rich sci-fi lore to immerse yourself in.
- A gateway into the wider Halo universe.

6. Mass Effect Series

If space wars and epic storytelling had a baby, it’d probably look like Mass Effect. While the series leans heavily into RPG mechanics, it also blends in intense combat sequences that include everything from infantry firefights to ship-to-ship battles.

The Mass Effect games put you in command of the Normandy, a sleek and powerful spaceship that becomes central to galactic warfare. While most combat happens on the ground, the scale of the war and your strategic decisions shape the outcome of intergalactic conflict.

Why It Stands Out:

- Unmatched story depth with player-driven choices.
- Emotional attachment to the characters and their struggles.
- Tactical combat balanced with RPG elements.

7. Endless Space 2

For the strategy nerds out there, Endless Space 2 is a must-play. This turn-based strategy game lets you control entire civilizations as they expand across the galaxy. But don’t think for a second that this is some dry, spreadsheet-style game. The combat here is cinematic—it feels like watching an epic interstellar battle play out as you tweak your fleet compositions and tactics.

The game’s attention to detail is jaw-dropping. You’re not just fighting; you’re managing resources, forging alliances, and exploring the mysteries of space. It’s the perfect blend of big-picture strategy and tactical combat.

Why It Stands Out:

- Deep, engaging gameplay mechanics.
- Beautifully designed space battles.
- A perfect marriage of strategy and storytelling.

Key Features To Look For In Space Combat Games

So, what makes a great space combat game? Here are a few things to keep in mind when picking your next adventure:

1. Immersion: From cockpit views to rich storylines, the best games make you feel like you're part of the action.
2. Combat Mechanics: Look for games with a mix of strategy and action—you want battles that keep you on your toes.
3. Replayability: Whether it’s multiplayer modes or branching storylines, great space war games keep you coming back for more.
4. Scale: Space is massive. The best games capture that sense of awe with sprawling galaxies and epic battles.

Final Thoughts

Space war games are like the wild west of the gaming world—unpredictable, limitless, and packed with adrenaline-pumping action. Whether you’re commanding fleets, piloting starfighters, or unraveling galactic mysteries, these games offer something for every type of player. So, fuel up your spaceship, gear up for battle, and prepare to take combat to the stars. Trust me, once you dive into interstellar warfare, there’s no going back.