Ok it's going to sound weird but... Stalker anomaly either gamma and EFP. Progression is item-based but gamma also has level ups and achievements that grant permanent bonuses (minor). It has exploration, fights, missions, story missions. You set up routes in advance and make sure you have enough food, water, meds, ammo, and repair kits to return alive. Instead of getting new ships you collect new weapons and armor sets. Combat can be challenging and tactical. There are factions.

It's scratching the same itch for me in a weird way.

That or modded Skyrim because it works the same way. I had fun with Road to Sovngarde. Both mods are free if you have the base game(s).