Minecraft and the thriving modding community around it can take players to the far reaches of the world and what is possible in it, but there is a lot more exploring to be done that is not bound to the land. Some of the most fascinating and exciting mods are those that take players into the stars, with space-age tech and exploration, to introduce an aspect to the game that the creators of the game wouldn't have thought possible.
This kind of sci-fi mod offers players a unique and intriguing chance to explore new planets, create advanced technology, and fight extraterrestrial threats. There will be a mod out there to fulfill the imagination of just about anyone, so here are some of the best sci-fi mods for players looking to get started on their Minecraft journey, or space veterans looking for a new thrill.
Futurepack Mod
Starting with one of the most well-rounded space exploration mods out there, Futurepack offers a complete view of the journey into the stars, starting from very humble beginnings. Designing a custom spaceship and taking it out into the beyond will be the main focus of this mod, but it offers a great deal besides, giving players a very satisfying gameplay experience.
The mod offers a ton of tech development and automation options, but the end goal will be heading into the stratosphere to explore new areas in space. It's a great mod to get anyone started on the genre, but will still have plenty to keep modding veterans busy, and is one of the best space mods out there despite being less well known.
Galacticraft
Galacticraft is one of the most realistic views of space exploration available in Minecraft, with a ton of new mechanics and features to make the experience as immersive as possible. It transforms a Minecraft experience into one focused around space exploration, and onto establishing colonies, gathering extraterrestrial resources, and much more.
The mod includes several celestial bodies for players to visit and explore, as well as adding a ton more with the Extra Planets add-on, all of which correspond to the solar system in real life. Couple this with realistic mechanics such as weightlessness, and it creates a true feeling of being off-world. This is a mod for the die-hard fan, as it requires management of life support systems, power generation, and more to keep a character alive.
Galaxies: Parzi's Star Wars Mod
For players looking to transport themselves to a different universe entirely, Galaxies is the most detailed Star Wars mod yet created for Minecraft and contains just about all the content a seasoned fan could want. It's a real innovation in immersion-level mods, and while it won't have every feature of the extended Star Wars universe, there is more than enough included for fans to feel like they are living the experience.
Galaxies is currently in an active alpha, with new features being added all the time, so now is the perfect time to get in before the crowds and experience the world being built. Much of the franchise content is already added, but survival compatibility is currently being worked on, so it won't gel perfectly with the rest of the game just yet, but will be a rewarding experience nonetheless.
Starflight Innovation
Starflight Innovation draws a great deal of inspiration from spaceflight simulators, and offers perhaps the most authentic experience of its kind in Minecraft. All the factors associated with rocket flight in real life will need to be taken into consideration, including engine thrust, efficiency, and fuel supply.
While this might sound like a mod not for the faint-hearted, there are plenty of resources to take players through the process, and building to the first launch is as great deal of fun. The rewards for getting up into the stars are also immense, with plenty of celestial bodies providing a backdrop for exploration.
Space Station
A mod that does exactly what it says on the tin, Space Station adds an orbital space station that players can visit, customize, and live in. This will act as another home base, and is certainly the centerpiece of this mod, but it actually has a lot more to offer both on and off the ship.
A ton of new machines are available on the station, as well as methods for gathering new resources and processing them. Besides customizing the station itself, these can be used to make new armor and tools, and much more, so there's plenty to keep any player occupied.
Rocketcraft Simulator
The best Minecraft mod for players looking for the building simulator aspect of space travel is Rocketcraft Simulator. This mod puts all the onus on the player for designing, building, and customizing their rocket, and offers more options and detail in the process than any other mod out there.
Like most building simulators, it will require quite a time investment, but there is no experience more complete available in Minecraft. Once the building process is complete, there is plenty to keep players occupied, as the cosmos is out there and ready to explore, but the most rewarding aspect will be the creation journey, and learning how to build a spaceship that can not only travel the galaxy but look great doing it.
The Galaxist Mod
The Galaxist Mod is built for players who are interested only in the exploration aspect of space travel and delivers in a way no other mod in Minecraft does, on planet or off. It adds two new solar systems into the game, with ten unique planets to explore and colonize, gathering new resources and much more on the way.
Where other space exploration mods tend to feature simple planets, this mod has some fascinating, unique, and diverse worlds on offer to explore. No other mod quite captures the feeling of exploring an alien world, but even dedicated players will never find themselves short of something to do in The Galaxist Mod.
Minecraft is available on mobile, PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One, and most legacy platforms.