So I love me some star sector but to be frank its been over a year since the last update and I've already modded the game to hell and back. So I'm looking for recommendations.
I've all ready played S.P.A.Z. (its how I found star sector) any thing else like it?

https://www.giantbomb.com/starsector/3030-37533/similar-games/
Some are available here on GOG.

I've seen that list before, I've played space rangers before and all the other lack the depth I'm looking for.

Yeah, Starsector is awesome for sure, ofc modded like crazy too lol. Endless Sky is a similar game and it's pretty nice also. ES is not sold on GOG though.

Sins of a Solar Empire Trinity (mostly Entrenchment) is part of why I like the above games. Which is sold here on GOG btw.

P.S. Escape Velocity Nova is probably where both of the first 2 games took inspiration from. (I was able to DL is from somewhere. I think I got it bookmarked)
.

Maybe you would enjoy controlling your fleet of battleships in Gothic Armada 2? Or how about a real try at the universe in the crazy 4x that distant worlds 2 is becoming ?

https://www.gog.com/en/game/battlefleet_gothic_armada_2 --- currently at a massive discount
https://www.gog.com/en/game/distant_worlds_2

There's Ascii Sector. It's a freeware remake of Wing Commander Privateer - very familiar and very different at the same time. If you don't mind ascii graphics I highly recommend it.

https://asciisector.fandom.com/wiki/Ascii_Sector_Wiki

The original website is gone but the wiki should contain links to everything you need.

I haven't played Starsector, but I've played SPAZ, which I liked a lot.

On GOG: Astrox Imperium, Battlevoid Harbinger, Space Pirates and Zombies 2 (obviously)
Not on GOG: Final Theory, Star Valor

in that regard, there's also a lot of noise (some) about spacebourne 2

Star Control is pretty iconic, if you haven't played it yet. Probably the best version of SC2 is free (google "Ur-Quan Masters") but the whole series is on GOG if you want to buy it.

I like Battlevoid Harbinger. Not a complicated game and fun for a little while at least.
.

agreed, spend a lot of time with the mobile version. It was a free game at the time (android)

Well, you'd be pressed to find a game of the same theatre type. I can however recommend two very different yet very similar games. Mount and Blade (any), and Kenshi. For mod ability go with Warband as there's total conversions that are just amazing; however, Bannerlord will get there eventually since it is still fresh yet there's a warhammer mod in somewhat early stages.