Best free "space combat" games

GAME GENRE - Space combat games are a genre where players pilot spacecraft and engage in battles across vast, often three-dimensional, space environments. Gameplay can range from dogfights and fleet engagements to strategic ship management, combining fast-paced action with tactical decision-making. Players must navigate zero-gravity physics, manage shields, weapons, and resources, and sometimes coordinate with allies or fleets. Missions often include exploration, escort duties, or large-scale interstellar warfare. The genre appeals to both action enthusiasts and strategy fans, offering the thrill of piloting advanced ships while mastering complex combat systems.