11 Games Similar to Elite: Dangerous for Linux

Elite: Dangerous, the fourth game in the Elite series, is an open-world space simulator that has built up a massive fan base. However, after countless hours exploring the vastness of Elite: Dangerous, you might be itching for new horizons to conquer.

The good news is, there are several games out there similar to Elite: Dangerous – including ones that will run fine on mainstream Linux distros. This article will introduce you to 11 games that replicate some or all elements of Elite: Dangerous.

Game 1: Everspace 2 (Proton)

Everspace 2 is a fast-paced single-player space shooter with deep exploration and RPG elements. Its focus on exploration and combat makes it a worthy successor to Elite: Dangerous. Like Elite, Everspace 2 offers a vast open world filled with hidden treasures and dangerous enemies.

Everspace 2 also introduces RPG elements, allowing players to customize their spaceships with different weapons, shields, and engines. Last but not least, the game also features a gripping storyline, which adds a layer of depth to the gameplay. It is not available in a native Linux version, but comes with a gold rating on ProtonDB and is perfectly playable after a few minor tweaks.

Available on GOG

Game 2: No Man’s Sky (Proton)

No Man’s Sky offers a nearly infinite universe for players to explore. Each planet, creature, and even galaxy in No Man’s Sky is procedurally generated, ensuring that no two players will have the same experience.

There’s also a complex crafting system, allowing players to gather resources and craft anything from equipment to spaceships. The game’s recent updates have also introduced multiplayer aspects and base building, providing even more depth to the gameplay. With its vast universe and infinite possibilities, No Man’s Sky is a game that Elite: Dangerous fans shouldn’t miss.

Unfortunately, there’s no Linux-native version but will run well via Proton in most cases.

Available on GOG

Game 3: X4: Foundations

X4: Foundations is a game that combines space combat, trading, and exploration into one seamless experience. Like Elite: Dangerous, X4: Foundations offers a vast open world filled with opportunities and dangers. Players can choose to become a trader, a pirate, or a mercenary, each with unique challenges and rewards.

One of the standout features of X4: Foundations is its dynamic economy. The prices of goods fluctuate based on supply and demand, allowing you to profit through smart trading. The game also features a complex ship customization system, allowing players to design their own spaceships from scratch.

Available on Steam (Native)

Game 4: Starfield (Proton)

Starfield is a massive space RPG from Bethesda (creators of The Elder Scrolls and Fallout series). It’s very Elite-like in terms of the vast open world but focuses mainly on planet exploration.

As a Linux gamer, you should double-check that it’s playable on your system before buying, however. It is a rather demanding Windows title and reports from users on ProtonDB are mixed at the time of writing.

Official site

Game 5: Star Wars Squadrons (Proton)

If you are mostly into Elite: Dangerous for the action, Star Wars Squadrons will bring some iconic Star Wars space battles to life. You get to pilot a variety of Star Wars ships, from X-wings to TIE fighters, and engage in intense dogfights. It also offers a pretty good storyline set in the Star Wars universe.

Also, do check with ProtonDB first as it’s Windows-only and currently comes with a Silver rating.

Available on Epic Games

Game 6: Pioneer

Pioneer is an open-source space simulation game that offers a procedurally generated universe to explore. Like Elite: Dangerous, Pioneer offers a mix of space exploration, trading, and combat.

One of the standout features of Pioneer is its realistic physics. The game uses real-world physics to simulate the movement of ships and the effects of gravity, providing a unique and challenging gameplay experience. The game also offers a wide range of ships and equipment, allowing players to customize their gameplay experience. If you’re a fan of Elite: Dangerous and enjoy a challenge, Pioneer is a game worth trying.

You can find this game in the main package repos of most distros.

Game 7: Rebel Galaxy Outlaw (Proton)

Rebel Galaxy Outlaw is a game that offers a mix of space combat, exploration, and trading in a dynamic, open-world setting. Like Elite: Dangerous, the game offers a vast universe filled with opportunities and dangers. Players can choose to become a trader, a pirate, or a bounty hunter, each with its unique challenges and rewards.

One of the standout features of Rebel Galaxy Outlaw is its combat system. The game offers a variety of weapons and tactics, allowing players to approach combat in their unique way. The game also features a gripping storyline and a dynamic economy, adding depth to the gameplay.

This is a Windows title but it is Gold-rated on ProtonDB.

Game 8: Star Conflict

Star Conflict is a free-to-play online space combat game that offers fast-paced action and a variety of gameplay modes. While the game’s focus on combat makes it slightly different from Elite: Dangerous, it offers a similar level of intensity and excitement.

The game offers a wide range of ships and equipment, allowing players to customize their gameplay experience. It also features a dynamic economy, allowing players to make a profit through smart trading. If you’re a fan of Elite: Dangerous and enjoy fast-paced action, Star Conflict is a game worth trying.

Available on Steam (Native)

Game 9: Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars (Proton)

Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars is a game that offers a mix of space exploration, diplomacy, and combat in a turn-based setting. Like Elite: Dangerous, the game offers a vast universe filled with opportunities and dangers. Players can choose to expand their empire through peaceful diplomacy or aggressive conquest, each with its unique challenges and rewards.

One of the standout features of Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars is its complex diplomacy system. The game offers a wide range of diplomatic options, allowing players to forge alliances, declare war, or even trade technologies. The game also features a deep technology tree, providing a variety of strategic options for players. It works perfectly via Proton according to ProtonDB.

Available on GOG

Game 10: The Outer Worlds (Proton)

The Outer Worlds has been called “Fallout in space”. It is a game that offers a mix of space exploration, combat, and RPG elements in a single-player setting. Like Elite: Dangerous, the game offers a vast universe filled with opportunities and dangers. Players can choose to be a hero, a villain, or anything in between, each with its unique challenges and rewards.

One of the standout features of The Outer Worlds is its deep RPG elements. The game offers a wide range of character customization options, allowing players to create their unique characters. It’s a Windows-only title, but runs well via Proton.

Game 11: X3: Reunion

Like Elite as well as its previously mentioned successor X4, X3: Reunion is a mix of space exploration, trading, and combat in a dynamic, open-world setting. You can choose to become a trader, a pirate, or a mercenary.

A standout feature is the game’s economy with prices of goods that fluctuate based on supply and demand. In addition, you get a complex ship customization system,. If you’re a fan of Elite: Dangerous, X3: Reunion is worth a try.

Available on GOG (Native)