Kerbal Space Program review

Kerbal Space Program is the space game for people who want to build the rocket, not just fly it. You run the space program of the Kerbals, assembling craft from parts whose behavior follows realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics, then launch crews into orbit and on to the moons and planets of the Kerbol system. Science mode unlocks technology through experiments, Career mode adds funding and strategy, and Sandbox opens every part from the start. You can dock craft into stations and starships, build surface bases, send crew on spacewalks and scan terrain with satellites. It has the strongest review record here, 96% positive across 85,095 English Steam reviews, costs $39.99 and runs on Windows, macOS and Linux with 4 GB of RAM. It lands mid-list because it has no combat and its physics take patience to learn.

Who it is for

Players who want to design rockets and learn real orbital mechanics

Price

$39.99 one-time purchase on Steam (US store).

based on realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics. $39.99 Buy on Steam
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Build spacecraft from parts that follow realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics
• Science, Career and Sandbox modes
• Dock craft together to build space stations and surface bases
• Crew spacewalks and satellite terrain scanning
• Community mods supported

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: 96% of 85,095 English Steam reviews are positive
• Strength: Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
• Strength: Minimum spec asks for only 4 GB of RAM
• Weakness: No traditional space combat
• Weakness: Single-player only
• Weakness: Orbital mechanics take time to learn

Key facts

• Developer: Squad
• Publisher: Private Division
• Released on Steam: April 27, 2015
• Modes: Science, Career, Sandbox
• English Steam reviews: 96% positive of 85,095

Where it ranks

Kerbal Space Program is No. 5 in our Best Space Games verdict.