Embark on Galactic Adventures: 10 Stellar Games Like Destiny for Space Enthusiasts

Destiny by Bungie revolutionized the looter-shooter genre by infusing it with MMO elements, expansive lore, and captivating cooperative gameplay set in a mesmerizing sci-fi universe. Fans drawn to the intricate mechanics and the prospect of battling against the forces of darkness with friends have other games to consider. Here are ten of the best games striking a chord similar to Destiny's Symphony of Bullets and camaraderie.

1. Warframe

Warframe is a free-to-play shooter that shares many similarities with Destiny, notably its sci-fi setting, cooperative gameplay, and loot grind mechanics. Developed by Digital Extremes, it places a heavy emphasis on mobility and customization, allowing players to embody powerful space ninjas with a variety of abilities. With a complex crafting system and a unique parkour style, Warframe presents its distinct spin on the shared-world shooter concept.

2. The Division Series

While not set in space, The Division series by Ubisoft crafts a shared-world experience in the post-apocalyptic streets of major cities. It emphasizes tactical cover-based shooting and RPG progression in a manner reminiscent of Destiny’s engaging gameplay. Players work together to reclaim and rebuild a society torn apart by cataclysmic events, armed with an array of weapons and technological gadgets.

3. Anthem

Developed by BioWare, Anthem is a game that aims to blend the developer’s narrative strength with a looter-shooter design. Piloting powerful exosuits called Javelins, players traverse a beautiful and dangerous open world. Despite mixed reviews at launch, Anthem offers exhilarating flying mechanics and luscious visuals in a sci-fi setting that fans of Destiny may find inviting.

4. Borderlands Series

The Borderlands series from Gearbox Software brings together looter-shooter fun with a distinctive comic book aesthetic. Renowned for its irreverent humor, a diverse array of guns, and engaging cooperative play, Borderlands offers a less serious but equally loot-centric alternative to Destiny’s sometimes solemn narrative.

5. Outriders

Square Enix’s Outriders blends a dark and gritty approach to its story with a traditional cover-based shooter mechanic and supernatural powers. Players choose from different classes, each equipped with unique abilities that significantly impact gameplay, reminiscent of Destiny’s class system.

6. Marvel’s Avengers

Marvel’s Avengers might seem an odd comparison, yet it shares Destiny's commitment to a compelling multiplayer experience and a deep gear system. Players assume the roles of their favorite Marvel heroes, each offering dynamic gameplay styles and customization options against the backdrop of a cinematic narrative. For fans of Destiny who also enjoy superhero flair, Marvel's Avengers could be the key to a thrilling new universe of challenges.

7. Halo Series

Bungie's previous work, the iconic Halo series, cannot be overlooked when drawing parallels to Destiny. While predominantly known for its competitive multiplayer, Halo’s expansive universe, compelling story, and cooperative elements also make it a touchstone for Bungie fans. It provides a narrative richness and strategic combat that resonates with the themes found in Destiny.

8. Remnant: From the Ashes

Remnant: From the Ashes by Gunfire Games is another third-person shooter firmly situated within the looter genre. It offers a unique blend of post-apocalyptic settings mixed with fantasy elements. Focused on three-player co-op action, players face off against interdimensional creatures, making it a gritty, dark fantasy parallel to Destiny's interstellar warfare.

9. Star Wars: The Old Republic

Star Wars: The Old Republic from BioWare is an MMORPG set in the beloved Star Wars universe. While its gameplay deviates with an emphasis on role-playing elements, the game captures a sense of camaraderie among players as they explore vast planets and engage in galactic-scale conflicts, echoing Destiny's shared-world experience.

10. Dauntless

Dauntless is a free-to-play game that offers a fresh take on the co-op action RPG genre. Players can join forces to hunt down monstrous creatures known as Behemoths. With its focus on cooperation and crafting, it embodies a core aspect of Destiny's gameplay loop, tasking players with defeating powerful adversaries for rewards used to craft and upgrade gear.

Across the ecosystem of games that emulate some aspect of Destiny's formula, each title offers a window into a universe brimming with adventure, camaraderie, and the thrill of the loot chase. From the fantastical realms of alien planets to the ruins of Earth's once-great cities, these games invite players to forge friendships and conquer adversaries in richly-crafted worlds. Whether it's frenetic gunplay, deep role-playing, or the pursuit of the next great piece of gear, fans of Destiny will find something to love in each of these stellar gaming experiences.