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Realistic moon simulation now available for free on Steam

REAL MOON was released on Steam on December 16. (Image source: Steam)
REAL MOON was released on Steam on December 16. (Image source: Steam)
On December 16, a moon simulation launched on Steam, allowing players to explore a realistic section of the lunar surface. The objective is straightforward – locate a specific spot that matches a given photograph.

Anyone who has ever dreamed of setting foot on the Moon can now do so digitally – and completely free of charge. REAL MOON puts players in the boots of an astronaut exploring the lunar surface. The environment is built using real topographical data and was developed by historia Inc. in collaboration with the Japanese space agency JAXA to recreate authentic craters and rock formations.

The goal in REAL MOON is to locate a specific spot on the lunar surface using only a single photograph as a reference. Fortunately, players are not limited to exploring on foot – a rover can be used to cover greater distances more efficiently. Most users report finding the target within 15 to 30 minutes, although there is no time limit, allowing players to proceed entirely at their own pace. So far, the experience has been widely praised for its calm, almost meditative atmosphere. Players also note that the reduced lunar gravity feels convincing, while the built-in photo mode adds a subtle sense of purpose to exploration, providing a small but meaningful boost to long-term motivation.

(Image source: Steam)
(Image source: Steam)
(Image source: Steam)
(Image source: Steam)

It is worth noting that REAL MOON does not offer access to the entire lunar surface – only a limited area is available. Well-known locations such as the Apollo landing sites are missing, which has been one of the most common points of criticism. Some players have also expressed a desire for a first-person perspective and more advanced visuals, particularly given the nature of the project. Still, since the moon simulation is completely free to play, these shortcomings are easy to overlook. Since its release on December 16, REAL MOON has accumulated around 50 user reviews, with 76% rated positively. The title is also currently holding the top spot in Steam’s “Trending Free” category.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2025 12 > Realistic moon simulation now available for free on Steam
Marius Müller, 2025-12-17 (Update: 2025-12-17)