Write your own story cockpit simulator list?

Hey guys I can't think of a better title but I'm after games like Star Citizen or Evochron Legacy? Those games where you are you and not a character, you choose where to go what to do. I have both, enjoy both, but I feel like I'm missing some. I split my time between PC and steam deck (with moonlight if needed) so something for either a full hotas or controller layout preferred. X4 was a bit of a no-go I can't really explain why, maybe because the flying was always secondary to the zoomed out map? I will try it again at some point. Elite I already own also but I'd rather play SC. I'm looking for the hidden gems or at least not the same "top 10" that get pushed on YouTube a lot.

I know this probs gets asked a lot. I promise I searched beforehand.

TLDR: open world "sense of discovery" and contract freedom of choice game suggestions with a 3rd person or cockpit PoV