It’s 2025, and the legendary media franchise that isStar Warsis still going as strong as ever. There’s no shortage ofStar Warscontent to enjoy, but if you’re a die-hard fan, you may have already consumed it all. And even if you haven’t, sometimes it’s nice to mix things up without drifting too far from the themes and genre you’ve come to love.
With that in mind, here’s a list of games that aren’tStar Wars, but come close enough that most fans will feel right at home.
1TheMass EffectSeries
When BioWare set out to createMass Effect, they were fresh off the success ofStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and the influence shows. This was their chance to build an original universe: their own version ofStar Wars. Drew Karpyshyn, the lead writer forMass Effect, had also been a senior writer onKnights of the Old Republic, so it’s no surprise the series is infused withStar WarsDNA.
From the beginning,Mass Effectwas envisioned as a trilogy. BioWare aimed to tell a sweeping, galaxy-spanning space opera with the same kind of scope and ambition asStar Wars. The series delivers that with a sizable cast of alien species, detailed lore, advanced technology, seedy underworlds, and a protagonist caught between diplomacy and war.
Commander Shepard, much like the classic “Chosen One” figure, must navigate destiny, sacrifice, and moral choices that echo the light vs. dark themes central toStar Wars. EvenMass Effect’sbiotic abilities feel like a sci-fi reimagining of Force powers.Romance also plays a pivotal rolein both franchises.
All in all,Mass Effectmight be the closest thing you’ll find toStar Warsin video game form—without actually beingStar Wars.
2Everspace 2
If it’s the explosive, fast-paced space battles ofStar Warsthat appeal to you, look no further thanEverspace 2. It totally embraces the starfighter fantasy, letting you weave through asteroid fields and engage in thrilling dogfights against pirates and hostile factions.
While intense combat is the main attraction,Everspace 2also features a compelling narrative campaign. You play as a scrappy pilot trying to make a name for himself in a galaxy torn apart by conflict, populated by outlaws, aliens, and competing powers. It’s a massive open world packed with secrets to uncover and locations to explore, perfect for anyone who grew up dreaming ofStar Wars-style space-faring adventures.
3Final Fantasy XII
The visuals might throw you off at first, but don’t judge a book by its cover. It may not look likeStar Wars, but beneath the surface, there’s a case to be made that it’s the mostStar Wars-like game on this list.
Political intrigue and worldbuilding are at the heart ofFinal Fantasy XII. The main plot centers on a rebellion against a powerful empire, with a small band of unlikely heroes rising up to challenge it. Many of the characters feel like clearStar Warscounterparts: Princess Ashe mirrors Princess Leia, Balthier and Fran give off serious Han Solo and Chewbacca vibes, and Judge Gabranth both looks and acts likeDarth Vader.
If you can look past its aesthetic and give it a chance, you’ll find thatFinal Fantasy XIIscratches thatStar Warsitch almost immediately.
4TheDestinySeries
From the creators of theHalofranchise (which itself shares more than a few traits withStar Wars),Destinyoffers a universe that will instantly feel familiar to fans of the galaxy far, far away. You play as a Guardian, wielding a mysterious power known as the Light to combat dark, oppressive forces across the solar system. The game takes you to different planets, pits you against alien races with rich histories, and features cinematic battles that wouldn’t feel out of place in aStar Warsmovie.
The Guardians themselves resemble Jedi Knights, capable of wielding magical powers, slashing enemies with sci-fi swords, and zipping across terrain on speeder-like hover bikes. And there’s no better time to check outDestinyif you’re aStar Warsfan: the upcomingRenegadesexpansion is a full-blown crossover, complete with blasters and lightsabers. Purchasing theDestiny 2: Year of Prophecy Ultimate Editiongrants you the Dark Side Legends Bundle, letting you suit up as General Grievous, Darth Vader, or Kylo Ren.
5The Outer Worlds
Comparisons betweenThe Outer WorldsandStar Warsstart with its retro-futuristic design that combines pulp sci-fi and space-western influences. You play as a rebel in a galaxy controlled by greedy mega-corporations, and your journey is shaped by branching paths and meaningful moral decisions. Along the way, you’ll be joined by a cast of colorful companions, each with their own backstories and motivations.
It’s a player-driven RPG full of charm, wit, and rebellion—qualities that should resonate with anyStar Warsfan. A sequel,The Outer Worlds 2, is scheduled to release later in 2025.
6No Man’s Sky
No Man’s Skycaptures theStar Warsfantasy of jumping to lightspeed and exploring a vast, uncharted galaxy. With countless planets to discover, each one offers new risks and unexpected adventures. You’ll encounter alien species, align with or battle against factions, harvest rare resources, and navigate dynamic economies.
ThoughNo Man’s Skyhad a rocky launch, it’s undergone a remarkable transformation. Nearly a decade later, the game continues to receive substantial (and free) updates that have turned it into the experience players always hoped for. The sheer scale and freedom are unmatched, andin VR, the immersion might just make you feel like you’ve been transported into a world that could exist inStar Wars.
As aStar Warsfan, it’s not always easy to find other franchises that evoke the same kind of magic.Star Warsis a timeless classic for a reason, and anything compared to it has big shoes to fill. Still, these games, one way or another, channel thatStar Warsspirit. And they do it all without the license.
