Choose Spacebase Startopia
Choose Spacebase Startopia if you want a Strategy experience. On Steam, it's Steam Deck Verified, so handheld play works out of the box. Spacebase Startopia launched in 2021.
Spacebase Startopia vs Hardware Store Simulator
Spacebase Startopia and Hardware Store Simulator both land in Simulation on Steam, which is why they keep getting compared. The comparison below is built from each game's Steam metadata — release year, genres, categories, Steam Deck status, price, and review score — refreshed daily by imho.run's scraper. Headline differences: Both are Simulation games on Steam. Spacebase Startopia (2021) is 4 years older than Hardware Store Simulator (2025). Hardware Store Simulator scores higher on Steam reviews (55.6% positive) than Spacebase Startopia (50% positive). No login or purchase needed — scroll for the full table, the verdict FAQ, and links to ranked similar games for both titles.
Which should you pick?
Choose Hardware Store Simulator
Choose Hardware Store Simulator if you want an Indie, Casual, and Early Access experience. On Steam, it's currently about 68% cheaper on the Steam Store. Hardware Store Simulator launched in 2025.
Both Spacebase Startopia and Hardware Store Simulator sit in Simulation on Steam and both list Multi-player, Online PvP, and Online Co-op, so either pick lands in the same broad neighborhood. Use the side-by-side table for the feature view, or follow the "Games like" links below to see ranked alternatives for either title.
Side-by-side comparison
 Spacebase Startopia |  Hardware Store Simulator | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2021 | 2025 |
| Genres | Strategy, Simulation | Indie, Simulation, Casual, Early Access |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows |
| Steam Deck | Deck Verified | Unrated |
| Price | 39.99 USD | 12.99 USD |
| Steam reviews | 50% positive (234 reviews) | 55.6% positive (18 reviews) |
| Multiplayer | Multi-player, Online Co-op, Co-op | Multi-player, Online Co-op, Co-op |
| Developers | Realmforge Studios | Stellar Fusion Studios |
Side by side
- Both are Simulation games on Steam.
- Spacebase Startopia (2021) is 4 years older than Hardware Store Simulator (2025).
- Hardware Store Simulator scores higher on Steam reviews (55.6% positive) than Spacebase Startopia (50% positive).
- Hardware Store Simulator is currently ~68% cheaper on Steam than Spacebase Startopia (12.99 USD vs. 39.99 USD).
- Both support cooperative play.
- Spacebase Startopia is Deck Verified on Steam Deck; Hardware Store Simulator has no Deck rating yet.
Spacebase Startopia vs Hardware Store Simulator — FAQ
- Should I play Spacebase Startopia or Hardware Store Simulator first?
- If you want chronology, Spacebase Startopia (2021) came out before Hardware Store Simulator (2025). If neither is a sequel to the other, order doesn't really matter — start with whichever fits your current mood, since both share enough on Steam to make either a reasonable opener.
- Are Spacebase Startopia and Hardware Store Simulator similar?
- They overlap on Simulation on Steam, so the catalogue groups them together — but "similar" depends on the specific mechanics. Use the genre + category rows above to decide whether the overlap matches what drew you to the one you've already played.
- Do both Spacebase Startopia and Hardware Store Simulator have co-op?
- Yes — both list a co-op category on Steam. Specifics differ: Spacebase Startopia ships Online Co-op, Co-op; Hardware Store Simulator ships Online Co-op, Co-op.
- Does Spacebase Startopia run on Steam Deck?
- Yes — Spacebase Startopia is rated Deck Verified by Valve. Hardware Store Simulator doesn't have a Deck rating yet, so its Deck behaviour is currently unverified.