Oh wait I forgot my favorite of all. Although idk how popular it is because its not on a standard platform

Starsector: fractalsoftworks.com

This game is incredible. Genuinely like probably the best game I’ve ever played. It simulates an economy fairly accurately, there’s space fleet battles with a complex ship modification system. There’s colony management, it has an interesting early game and it keeps your interest as you get further in the game with new challenges.

It is $15 dollars and is technically in early access (which tbh is a steal). Though in practice my experience with it is not remotely reflective of it being early access. It’s a little like how dwarf fortress was in early access (although unlike df before the steam launch there is a frontend that’s really solid).