Spacewar! similar games & best alternatives
Should you play it?
Spacewar! is one of the earliest digital computer video games. It is a two-player game, with each player taking control of a starship and attempting to destroy the other. A star in the center of the screen pulls on both ships and requires maneuvering to avoid falling into it. In 1971 it was unofficially ported into a coin-operated PDP-11 machine and renamed Galaxy Game. As an arcade machine it was installed at the Tresidder Union at Stanford University in September, 1971, two months before the official release of Computer Space, the first mass-produced video game. Only one unit was built initially, although the game later included several consoles allowing users to play against each other.
What works
- Innovative physics-based space combat
- Balanced and skillful gameplay
- Engaging two-player competition
- Historical significance and legacy
- Simple yet deep mechanics
Things to keep in mind
- No single-player mode or ai
- Limited graphics and customization
- Short play sessions due to hardware constraints
- No cooperative or social features
- Steep learning curve for new players
What to play next
Top picks
Games that feel the closest overall
Less dominating
Game that feel like Spacewar! but with less domination over others · 18 games
Less competitive
Game that feel like Spacewar! but with less competition against others · 10 games
Less violent
Game that feel like Spacewar! but with less combat and destruction · 4 games
Others
Other games that might remind you of Spacewar! · 4 games
Last update: 02/11/2026