SpaceEngine is a Free Sandbox Space Exploration Game
Original Release: June 2010
Version: SpaceEngine 0.9.8.0 (last free version*)
License: Proprietary
Developer: Vladimir Romanyuk
SpaceEngine is a free space simulation program that lets you explore the universe in three dimensions, from planet Earth to the most distant galaxies.
Areas of the known universe are represented using actual astronomical data, while regions uncharted by astronomy are generated procedurally.
Millions of galaxies, trillions of stars, countless planets – all available for exploration. You can land any planet, moon or asteroid and watch alien landscapes and celestial phenomena.
You can even pilot starships and atmospheric shuttles.
Using real astronomical catalogues and procedural generation, it creates a three-dimensional planetarium representing the entire universe. Users can travel through space in any direction or speed, and forwards or backwards in time. SpaceEngine is in beta status and is currently freeware for Microsoft Windows.
It uses pseudo-random numbers to procedurally create any kind of planetary system, nebula or galaxy.
The proclaimed goal of SpaceEngine is scientific realism, and to reproduce every type of known astronomical phenomenon.
It uses star catalogues along with procedural generation to create a universe.
The use of procedural generation allows for a much larger universe to explore than similar programs; billions of galaxies can be explored, each with billions of stars, planets and moons.
The surfaces on terrestrial planets are generated using an algorithm based on fractal noise.
Everything is based on the same seed, which produces the same simulated universe in every computer on which the program runs, making it possible to share locations between users.
Minimum System Requirements:
Processor: 2 GHz single core CPU
Memory: 2 GB of RAM
Graphics: 512 MB with OpenGL 3.3 Cards
Hard Drive: 1.5 GB free space
SpaceEngine Screenshots
SpaceEngine Videos
External Links:
* Edit Jan 2020 – Please note
Old versions of SpaceEngine are available for free.
Many changes and improvements have occurred between the release of 0.9.8.0 and the launch of the paid Steam version, you can browse old blog posts on the News section of the official website to learn more about its development.
Not free, why here?
If you go to the Download page of the official website there are free versions
(Yes, if you go to steam and get the latest version you will be charged)
Please remember we are a FREE resource and cannot keep up to date with all posts, things may change that we do not know about.
If you think a page needs an update please let us know so we can look and see what we can do.
Just in case you feel inclined and you want to donate Bitcoin(BTC) or Satoshi, any amount would be appreciated.
Donate to Bitcoin account: 1MNiKYHExU3rcjBcCam4PZ3qMSxyf9uyaK