Unleash Your Inner Space Pilot: The Best Freelancer Alternatives
“It is a chronological sequel to Digital Anvil's Starlancer, a combat flight simulator released in 2000. The game was initially announced by Chris Roberts in 1999, and following many production schedule mishaps and a buyout of Digital Anvil by Microsoft, it was eventually released in March 2003.In the game, players take on the roles of spacecraft pilots. These characters fly single-seater ships, exploring the planets and space stations of 48 known star systems. They also engage in dogfights with other pilots (player- and computer-controlled) to protect traders or engage in piracy themselves. Other player activities include bounty-hunting and commodity trading. The single-player mode puts the player in the role of Edison Trent, who goes through a series of missions to save the Sirius sector from a mysterious alien force. In multiplayer mode, players are free to take on any role and to explore anywhere from the start”. While Freelancer offered an expansive and engaging space combat and trading experience, many players seek modern alternatives with updated graphics, new features, and ongoing development. If you're looking for a fresh take on the space sim genre, exploring a Freelancer alternative is your next mission.
Top Freelancer Alternatives
Whether you're after intense dogfights, complex trading routes, or vast open-world exploration, these top contenders offer compelling experiences that rival or even surpass Freelancer.
Elite: Dangerous
Elite: Dangerous is a space adventure, trading, and combat simulator and the fourth release in the Elite video game series. Available on Commercial, Windows, OSVR, HTC Vive, Steam, and Oculus Rift, it offers a deep single-player experience with an entire galaxy to explore, making it an excellent Freelancer alternative for fans of vast universes.
Star Citizen
Star Citizen is an upcoming space sim video game for Microsoft Windows and Linux, renowned for its ambitious scope and detailed first-person space combat. With features like trading and a continually expanding universe, Star Citizen aims to be the ultimate space experience and a powerful Freelancer alternative for those seeking cutting-edge graphics and immersive gameplay.
X
X is a science fiction space trading and combat simulator series by German developer Egosoft. Set in the X-Universe, it features base building, an open world, single-player mode, and sci-fi elements. Available on Commercial, Mac, Windows, Linux, Steam, and GOG.com, the X series provides a comprehensive Freelancer alternative for players who enjoy deep economic simulations alongside combat and exploration.
Oolite
Oolite is a free, open-source space sim game inspired by Elite, offering a similar gaming experience with first-person view. Compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux, Oolite serves as an excellent open-source Freelancer alternative for those looking for a classic space trading and combat experience without the price tag.
Space Rangers
Space Rangers is a dynamic and open-ended game compared to Elite and Star Control 2, featuring complex trade prices and engaging gameplay. Available on Commercial, Windows, Android, iPhone, iPad, Steam, and GOG.com, it’s a strong Freelancer alternative for players who appreciate deep RPG mechanics mixed with space combat and trading.
Evochron Mercenary
In Evochron Mercenary, players are free to seek their fortune as independent mercenaries in an adventure driven by their choices. This commercial Windows title offers gaming, open world, simulation, and trade features, making it a compelling Freelancer alternative for those who enjoy open-ended gameplay and diverse career paths within a space sim.
Vendetta Online
Vendetta Online is a 3D space combat MMORPG for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android, allowing thousands of players to interact as spaceship pilots in a vast universe. With massive multiplayer and MMORPG features, Vendetta Online is a robust Freelancer alternative for players seeking persistent online worlds and player-driven economies.
Vega Strike
Vega Strike is a free, open-source 3D Action-Space-Sim built on OpenGL, allowing players to trade, fight, and explore in a vast universe. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, it offers multiplayer capabilities and is an excellent open-source Freelancer alternative for those who enjoy moddability and community-driven development.
Alite
Alite is a free, open-source fan port of the original Elite for Android, perfect for satisfying your space trader cravings on mobile devices. As a faithful recreation of the classic, Alite stands as a simple yet effective Freelancer alternative for mobile gamers and retro enthusiasts.
SOL: Exodus
In SOL: Exodus, players take on the role of an ace fighter pilot, battling a mysterious enemy and searching for a new home for humanity. This commercial Windows and Steam title focuses on gaming, offering a more linear, story-driven combat experience that can serve as a fast-paced Freelancer alternative for action-oriented players.
With a wide array of options available, from expansive open-world epics to focused combat simulators and community-driven projects, there's a perfect Freelancer alternative out there for every space pilot. Consider what aspects of Freelancer you enjoyed most – be it trading, combat, exploration, or role-playing – and dive into one of these fantastic alternatives to continue your interstellar adventures.