From the golden age of the original PlayStation with Final Fantasy VII to massive online experiences like World of Warcraft, RPGs have always been a gateway to new worlds. But with modern technology, players can now explore not just one world, but entire galaxies rendered across current-gen platforms.
In this article, we rank the best RPGs that let players travel between planets and experience space exploration in exciting and memorable ways.
Table of contents
8. Rogue Galaxy
Rogue Galaxy was one of Level-5’s last ambitious PS2 exclusives. You play as a young adventurer named Jaster who joins a group of space pirates. While the galactic map feels somewhat linear at first, the game gradually opens up and gives players more freedom. Planet exploration here feels closer to moving through Dungeons than exploring a true Open-World universe.
7. Kingdom Hearts 2
One of the biggest improvements over the first game was the expanded number of worlds to explore. From Port Royal in Pirates of the Caribbean to Beast’s Castle, the variety was a major highlight. What made the experience even more unique was traveling between worlds using the Gummi Ship, which turned space travel into a fun mini-game of its own.
6. Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack In Time
The Ratchet & Clank series has always been tied to interplanetary adventure, but A Crack In Time took things further by giving players more freedom in space. You could move around more openly, engage in space combat, and enjoy the journey before even landing on a planet. It’s a feature that many fans still miss in newer entries.
5. Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
This BioWare classic is still considered by many to be one of the best Star Wars games ever made. Planet exploration may feel limited by today’s standards, but visiting iconic locations like Tatooine still delivers a powerful sense of immersion. Travel between planets is menu-based, but the atmosphere remains unforgettable.
4. Mass Effect
The Mass Effect trilogy lets players travel by ship to stations, moons, and different planets across the galaxy. In the first game, the M35 Mako gave players the ability to scan surfaces, gather resources, and explore planetary environments in a way that became iconic for the franchise. For many fans, it remains one of the most memorable mechanics in the series.
3. Borderlands
In Borderlands 3, the Sanctuary 3 serves as your main Hub, transporting you between planets as you search for hidden Vaults. The game takes a more direct, action-heavy approach, with a structure that often feels similar to a Dungeon-Crawler. Whether played solo or with friends, it offers a fast-paced and rewarding interplanetary adventure.
Related Article:Best Tactical RPGs Without a Grid System (Ranked)
2. Destiny
Although Destiny 2 is not a true Open-World game and only gives players access to certain zones on each planet, its environmental variety is impressive. From the vibrant beauty of Venus to the cold and eerie atmosphere of the Moon, the game still delivers some of the most visually striking sci-fi settings in modern gaming.
1. The Outer Worlds
Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind Fallout: New Vegas, The Outer Worlds captures the feel of a classic RPG in a space setting. Its deep dialogue systems, memorable Companions, and creative combat mechanics make it the strongest entry on this list. While some planets may feel a little underdeveloped, the overall experience is excellent for RPG fans.
Conclusion
Traveling across galaxies and exploring unknown planets is one of the most exciting experiences an RPG can offer. From the immersive world-building of Mass Effect to the spacefaring freedom of The Outer Worlds, each of these games delivers its own unforgettable interplanetary journey. If you’re looking for your next sci-fi adventure, these titles are more than worth your time.
FAQ
These games typically feature a ship or a “Hub” system that allows players to move between different solar systems, moons, or planets. While some are true Open-World games, others offer smaller, explorable zones on various planets that function as a Dungeon-Crawler or mission-based system.
If you are looking for deep lore and a narrative that spans an entire galaxy, Mass Effect is widely considered the gold standard. Its character-driven story and decision-based gameplay make it an unmissable experience for any RPG fan.
While all games on this list have unique travel mechanics, The Outer Worlds and Ratchet & Clank: A Crack In Time offer some of the most satisfying experiences when it comes to the “feel” of moving through space and landing on new, distinct worlds.
