10 Terms Explained – Best Space Sim Games Glossary

Reading about the best space sim games is easier when you know the vocabulary. This glossary explains 10 terms, from Newtonian flight and docking to trading and sandbox mode, using Wikipedia’s article on the space flight simulation genre as its source, and it points out where that source is thin.

Key Takeaways

• Wikipedia defines the genre as flight simulator games that let players experience space flight to varying degrees of realism.
• Realistic simulators follow the laws of nature, while arcade-style games bend physics and often include faster-than-light travel.
• Most space sims lean on trading, combat or exploration, and Elite is credited as the first truly open-ended game.
• This glossary rests on one source and does not rank games, so use it to learn terms and not to pick a winner.

What Do the Best Space Sim Games Have in Common?

According to Wikipedia, a space flight simulation game is a genre of flight simulator video games that lets players experience space flight to varying degrees of realism. That range is the main thing the best space sim games share: they all put you in a ship, but they disagree on how real the flight should feel.

The article groups games by what you do in the ship. Some focus on trading, some on combat and some on exploration, and many mix them. Knowing which activity a game stresses helps you tell games apart before you look at screenshots.

This glossary does not rank anything. The word best in this article is part of a search phrase, and the source does not rate titles. The terms below make store pages and reviews easier to read.

What Are the 10 Terms in This Space Sim Glossary?

Space flight simulation game – a genre of flight simulator video games that lets players experience space flight to varying degrees of realism.

Realistic simulator – a game whose piloting conforms with the laws of nature, focusing on checklists, planning and celestial mechanics, such as Microsoft Space Simulator (1994).

Arcade-style game – a game that bends physics for fun, such as Wing Commander and Freelancer.

Newtonian flight model – physics used usually only for maneuvering the craft in its direct environment, without orbital calculations.

Trading game – a game where the player starts in a small, outdated ship with little money or status and progresses through trade, exploration, combat or a mix, as in Star Trader (1974) and Trade Wars (1984).

Space combat game – a mission-based game where the player flies a small starfighter, often as part of a larger military force.

Exploration – the core loop of flying from one area to another for a variety of reasons, with Elite credited as the first truly open-ended game.

Docking – one of the main piloting tasks in realistic sims, along with landing and orbital maneuvers, often done precisely with the numeric keypad.

Joystick control – by far the most popular control system among genre enthusiasts, though many players use keyboard and mouse or a gamepad.

Sandbox mode – open-ended play without a fixed plot, as in the X series, which can be played with the plot disabled.

Faster-than-light travel is not a separate entry, but the article notes that many pseudo simulators favor streamlined play over accuracy and often include it. Treat it as a sign of the arcade side.

How Do Realistic and Arcade Space Sims Differ?

Realistic simulators try to match the laws of nature. Wikipedia says the piloting in these games is often limited to docking, landing and orbital maneuvers, and that analog joystick control is common for landing a Space Shuttle or Apollo Lunar Module.

Arcade-style games make the opposite choice. They bend physics so flight is fast and fun, which is why Wing Commander and Freelancer are listed there. Many of them include faster-than-light travel, so crossing a star system takes seconds.

Newtonian flight sits in the middle. The article says some games use Newtonian physics but usually only for maneuvering, and skip orbital calculations. Kerbal Space Program is described as realistic-leaning, using an imaginary universe with tweaked physics.

How Do Trading, Combat and Exploration Differ?

Trading games begin small. The article says the player usually starts with a relatively small, outdated ship and little money, then grows through trade, exploration, combat or a mix. It lists Star Trader from 1974 as the earliest known space trader, and Trade Wars from 1984 as the first multiplayer one.

Combat games are usually mission-based. You fly a small starfighter, often as part of a larger force, and the article contrasts them with trading and exploration games, which are more open-ended. Wing Commander ran from 1990 to 2007.

Exploration is the broadest loop. Elite, from 1984 in the article’s references, is credited as the first truly open-ended game, and Elite: Dangerous was released on December 16, 2014, after a Kickstarter campaign. EVE Online, from 2003, is described as a massively multiplayer living universe.

How Do Controls Shape the Best Space Sim Games?

Controls decide how a game feels. A joystick is by far the most popular system among enthusiasts, according to Wikipedia, although many players use keyboard and mouse or a gamepad. Realistic sims also rely on keyboard shortcuts and virtual instrument panels.

If you are new, check what a game supports before you buy it. A game that expects a joystick may feel awkward on a gamepad, while an arcade-style game is usually easier to pick up with the equipment you already own.

How Reliable Is This Glossary?

It rests on one source. Wikipedia’s article is a useful overview, but it is a general reference, and parts of it are marked as needing citations, including the claim that a small subclass of trading games removes combat entirely.

Some details are dated or missing. The article says Star Citizen began crowdfunding in November 2012, had raised over $114 million by May 2016 and was still in development, so its current status is not covered. Freelancer’s release year is not given in the body text.

We therefore give no prices, ratings or recommendations. Use the glossary to read reviews, and check current information on each game’s store page.

How Should You Choose Among the Best Space Sim Games?

Pick the style first. If you want checklists and orbital planning, look for a realistic simulator. If you want fast dogfights, look for an arcade-style combat game. If you want freedom, look for exploration and sandbox mode.

Then match controls and time. A realistic sim may need a joystick and many hours to learn, while an arcade title may suit short sessions. The best space sim games for you are the ones whose terms match what you want to do.