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- Best overall: The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition (PlayStation 5)
- Best budget: The Outer Worlds (Nintendo Switch)
- Best premium: Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition (PlayStation 5)
- Best for space exploration: No Man's Sky (PlayStation 5)
- The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition is the strongest pick for a focused, single-player sci-fi RPG on PS5.
- Anthem is now a collector-only choice: its online servers shut down in 2026, ending access to gameplay.
- Mass Effect Legendary Edition bundles three story-driven RPGs for players who want a long campaign.
- Choose No Man's Sky for broad exploration, Cyberpunk 2077 for a detailed city setting, or Starfield for space exploration on Xbox.
The Outer Worlds vs Anthem Black Friday 2026 comes down to a key difference: The Outer Worlds is a playable, choice-driven RPG, while Anthem is no longer playable after its online servers shut down in 2026. For most buyers choosing a game to play, The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition is the clear starting point.
I’m Jake Morrison, and we researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across seven sci-fi games for console players. The list includes story-heavy RPGs, exploration games and one collector-focused Anthem edition. Match the platform and play style first, then use the product details to narrow your Black Friday shortlist. Here's the bottom line: choose a game you can play on your system, not just one with a familiar name.
How We Picked
- Compared each game's platform compatibility and edition contents.
- Prioritized clear differences in campaign, exploration and multiplayer style.
- Checked whether each game is currently playable, including Anthem's server shutdown.
- Considered owner feedback and review themes alongside listed features.
- Included console options across PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and Xbox.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Platform | Players | Standout content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition (PlayStation 5) | PS5 story RPG fans | PlayStation 5 | 1 | 2 expansions |
| The Outer Worlds (Nintendo Switch) | Portable RPG play | Nintendo Switch | 1 | Handheld campaign |
| Anthem Legion of Dawn Edition (PlayStation 4) | Physical collectors | PlayStation 4 | Online game | 4 Javelin classes |
| Mass Effect Legendary Edition (PlayStation 4) | Long story campaigns | PlayStation 4 | 1 | 3 campaigns |
| No Man's Sky (PlayStation 5) | Open-ended exploration | PlayStation 5 | 1 or multiplayer | More than 1,000 planets |
| Starfield Standard Edition (Xbox Series X) | Xbox space RPG fans | Xbox Series X | 1 | More than 1,000 planets |
| Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition (PlayStation 5) | Urban sci-fi storytelling | PlayStation 5 | 1 | 1 expansion |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition (PlayStation 5)
The The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition (PlayStation 5) is the best overall sci-fi RPG for PS5 players who want a compact campaign, with 2 story expansions included.
Best for: PS5 players who value choices and character builds.
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Players
- 1 player
- Included expansions
- 2 story expansions
- Genre
- Single-player role-playing game
- Combines the base game and two expansions.
- Offers dialogue choices and multiple character builds.
- Fits players who prefer a directed story.
- Single-player only, with no co-op mode.
Is The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition (PlayStation 5) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition (PlayStation 5) is worth considering for PS5 players who want a complete single-player RPG package. The included two expansions add more story content, while branching dialogue and character builds support different approaches.
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#2
The Outer Worlds (Nintendo Switch)
The The Outer Worlds (Nintendo Switch) is the best portable sci-fi RPG for Switch owners who want a story-led adventure, with 1-player campaign play on the go.
Best for: Switch owners who want portable role-playing.
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Players
- 1 player
- Mode
- Single-player campaign
- Genre
- Sci-fi role-playing game
- Makes the campaign playable in handheld mode.
- Includes branching conversations and quests.
- Provides a console option outside PlayStation and Xbox.
- Visual detail and performance are less robust than on newer consoles.
Is The Outer Worlds (Nintendo Switch) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Outer Worlds (Nintendo Switch) is worth considering when portability matters more than visual fidelity. The single-player campaign, quests and dialogue choices travel with the console, making this version a practical fit for Switch owners who want an RPG away from the TV.
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#3
Anthem Legion of Dawn Edition (PlayStation 4)
The Anthem Legion of Dawn Edition (PlayStation 4) is the best boxed collector pick for fans of its armor designs, with 4 Javelin suits represented in its action-focused world.
Best for: Collectors seeking a physical Anthem edition.
- Platform
- PlayStation 4
- Javelin classes
- 4
- Edition feature
- Legion of Dawn cosmetic gear
- Online status
- Servers shut down in 2026
- Features distinctive sci-fi armor designs.
- The Legion of Dawn edition includes themed cosmetic gear.
- A recognizable boxed item for game collectors.
- Server shutdown means the game is no longer playable.
Is Anthem Legion of Dawn Edition (PlayStation 4) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Anthem Legion of Dawn Edition (PlayStation 4) is a collector-only purchase in 2026. Anthem's online servers shut down in 2026, so buyers should not expect playable campaign or multiplayer access; the edition's appeal is its physical packaging and themed gear association.
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#4
Mass Effect Legendary Edition (PlayStation 4)
The Mass Effect Legendary Edition (PlayStation 4) is the best long-form story pick for RPG fans who want a connected space saga, with 3 remastered campaigns in one collection.
Best for: Players who want a long, character-driven trilogy.
- Platform
- PlayStation 4
- Campaigns
- 3
- Players
- 1 player
- Included games
- Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect 3
- Collects three major story campaigns.
- Carries character and choice continuity across the trilogy.
- Includes a broad selection of single-player content.
- The full saga asks for a substantial time commitment.
Is Mass Effect Legendary Edition (PlayStation 4) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Mass Effect Legendary Edition (PlayStation 4) is a strong pick for players who want a complete space-opera journey. Three campaigns follow connected characters and choices, so the collection suits RPG fans ready to invest more time than a short standalone adventure requires.
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#5
No Man's Sky (PlayStation 5)
The No Man's Sky (PlayStation 5) is the best exploration pick for players who enjoy open-ended space travel, with more than 1,000 explorable planets in its universe.
Best for: Explorers who want open-ended space discovery.
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Planets
- More than 1,000
- Players
- 1 player or multiplayer
- Core activity
- Explore, gather and build
- Supports broad planet-to-planet exploration.
- Combines discovery with gathering and base building.
- Offers multiplayer alongside solo play.
- Open-ended structure offers less directed storytelling.
Is No Man's Sky (PlayStation 5) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
No Man's Sky (PlayStation 5) is worth considering for players who want freedom to explore rather than a tightly directed RPG. More than 1,000 planets give the game a wide discovery focus, while crafting, building and multiplayer add activities beyond the main journey.
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#6
Starfield Standard Edition (Xbox Series X)
The Starfield Standard Edition (Xbox Series X) is the best Xbox space RPG for players who want a large exploration sandbox, with more than 1,000 planets across its setting.
Best for: Xbox players who enjoy space exploration and quests.
- Platform
- Xbox Series X
- Players
- 1 player
- Planets
- More than 1,000
- Mode
- Single-player
- Combines space travel with quests and character progression.
- Gives Xbox players a large sci-fi setting to explore.
- Supports a single-player experience without online co-op.
- Exploration and quest pacing will not suit every player.
Is Starfield Standard Edition (Xbox Series X) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Starfield Standard Edition (Xbox Series X) is worth considering for Xbox owners who want a single-player space RPG. The Starfield Standard Edition (Xbox Series X)'s setting spans more than 1,000 planets, with quests and character progression giving exploration a structured role alongside open-ended travel.
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#7
Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition (PlayStation 5)
The Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition (PlayStation 5) is the best city-based sci-fi RPG for players who want a dense story setting, with 1 major expansion included.
Best for: Players who prefer a detailed urban sci-fi setting.
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Players
- 1 player
- Included expansions
- 1: Phantom Liberty
- Setting
- Night City
- Combines the base game with Phantom Liberty.
- Presents a detailed, character-focused city setting.
- Offers quests and multiple character builds.
- Single-player only, without co-op.
Is Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition (PlayStation 5) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition (PlayStation 5) is worth considering for players who want a story-driven RPG set in a dense city rather than across space. The package includes Phantom Liberty, adding a separate expansion to the main Night City adventure.
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Which game wins The Outer Worlds vs Anthem in 2026?
The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition wins the 2026 comparison for players seeking a playable sci-fi RPG, while Anthem Legion of Dawn Edition is now a collector item. The biggest difference is access: Anthem's servers shut down in 2026, ending its online gameplay.
The Outer Worlds focuses on a single-player story, dialogue choices and character builds. The Spacer's Choice Edition also includes 2 expansions, giving PS5 buyers a more complete package. Anthem's Javelin suits and flight-focused action once made it an appealing multiplayer alternative, but the server closure changes its buying purpose completely.
Pick The Outer Worlds for a game to play. Pick Anthem only when the physical edition or its art and gear designs matter more than access to the game.
Which The Outer Worlds edition should you choose?
The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition (PlayStation 5) is the strongest version here for players with a PS5, while The Outer Worlds (Nintendo Switch) prioritizes portable play. Both offer the same core appeal: a single-player sci-fi RPG shaped by quests, dialogue and character decisions.
Choose the PS5 edition for its bundled 2 story expansions and newer-console experience. Choose the Switch version when handheld access is the deciding factor. The trade-off is straightforward: portability over visual detail, or a more complete package on PS5.
Check the exact platform before ordering. A game disc or digital code for one console does not automatically work on another system.
What are the best alternatives to The Outer Worlds and Anthem?
Mass Effect Legendary Edition includes 3 campaigns, No Man's Sky features more than 1,000 planets, and Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition includes 1 major expansion. Each alternative targets a different kind of sci-fi player.
Mass Effect suits anyone after a long, connected story. No Man's Sky prioritizes exploration, gathering and building, with multiplayer available alongside solo play. Cyberpunk 2077 centers its story in Night City, making it the city-based pick rather than a space-exploration game.
Starfield Standard Edition gives Xbox Series X owners another solo space RPG, also set across more than 1,000 planets. Match the game to your preferred pace: focused narrative, open exploration or a large quest sandbox.
Can you still play Anthem in 2026?
No: Anthem is no longer playable after its online servers shut down in 2026. Anthem Legion of Dawn Edition (PlayStation 4) therefore belongs in a collector conversation, not a shortlist for a working multiplayer game.
The shutdown matters because Anthem's gameplay relied on online services. A physical copy does not restore server access, and owning the Legion of Dawn edition does not change that limitation. Buyers seeking a game to play should choose The Outer Worlds, Mass Effect, No Man's Sky, Starfield or Cyberpunk 2077 instead.
Collectors should treat Anthem as memorabilia and confirm that a boxed edition's contents match their collection goals.
Which platform should you check before buying?
The seven picks span PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X, so console compatibility is the first check. A title name alone does not tell you whether a specific disc, code or edition works with your system.
PS5 owners can choose The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition, No Man's Sky or Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition. Switch owners get The Outer Worlds for portable play, while Xbox Series X players have Starfield Standard Edition. PlayStation 4 options include Anthem and Mass Effect Legendary Edition.
Read the product listing for the precise platform and edition before checkout. Digital availability and physical packaging differ by console and retailer.
Buying Guide
Start with your console
Match the listed platform to your console before comparing features. PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X editions are separate products. For handheld gaming, The Outer Worlds on Nintendo Switch is the portable choice; for PS5, start with Spacer's Choice Edition.
Pick a story style
Choose The Outer Worlds or Mass Effect Legendary Edition for dialogue-led, single-player campaigns. Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition centers on Night City, while Starfield combines quests with space exploration. No Man's Sky favors open-ended discovery over a tightly directed story.
Check multiplayer and online access
Confirm whether solo play or multiplayer matters to you. Anthem's servers shut down in 2026, so its edition is for collectors rather than active gameplay. The Outer Worlds, Mass Effect, Starfield and Cyberpunk 2077 focus on single-player campaigns.
Compare edition contents
Look for bundled expansions and included games, not just the main title. Spacer's Choice Edition includes 2 expansions, Mass Effect Legendary Edition contains 3 campaigns, and Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition includes Phantom Liberty. Verify the listing names the same edition.
Shop Black Friday 2026 with a shortlist
Save your preferred platform, edition and game style before browsing. Compare retailer listings for the exact product name and included content. Black Friday is a useful time to review console-game picks, but compatibility and playability should lead the decision.
FAQ
Is The Outer Worlds better than Anthem in 2026?
The Outer Worlds is the better choice for players who want an active sci-fi RPG in 2026. Anthem's servers shut down in 2026, ending access to its gameplay. Choose Anthem Legion of Dawn Edition only for collecting, not as a playable alternative.
Which The Outer Worlds version is best for PS5?
The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition (PlayStation 5) is the PS5 pick in this guide. The edition includes 2 story expansions and provides the clearest all-in-one option for players who want a single-player campaign with added story content.
Can you play Anthem on PlayStation 4 in 2026?
No. Anthem's online servers shut down in 2026, so Anthem Legion of Dawn Edition (PlayStation 4) no longer provides playable access. A physical copy does not bypass the shutdown; consider the edition for collecting rather than gameplay.
Which game has the most exploration: The Outer Worlds or No Man's Sky?
No Man's Sky (PlayStation 5) is the stronger exploration pick, with more than 1,000 planets and activities centered on discovery, gathering and building. The Outer Worlds offers a more directed, single-player RPG campaign with dialogue choices and quests.
Is Mass Effect Legendary Edition a good alternative to The Outer Worlds?
Mass Effect Legendary Edition (PlayStation 4) is a good alternative for players who want a much longer story arc. The collection includes 3 campaigns with connected characters and choices, while The Outer Worlds offers a more compact standalone RPG experience.
Which sci-fi game on this list is best for Xbox Series X?
Starfield Standard Edition (Xbox Series X) is the Xbox Series X pick in this guide. The single-player RPG combines quests, character progression and exploration across more than 1,000 planets, making it a fit for players who want a large space setting.