As of the end of Freespace 2, there are four canon species in the Freespace universe.
- Terrans - The Terrans, or Humans, are the most prominent race in the games, and the race of the player in all official Freespace Titles to date.
- Vasudans - A race of philosophers and warriors from a desert world, the Vasudans are adversaries in the early stages of Freespace 1, but firm allies by Freespace 2
- Shivans - A five limbed, xenocidal alien race, the Shivans are the primary adversary in both Freespace 1 and 2.
- Ancients - A mysterious, extinct species known only from ruins, the Ancients provided the Terran Vasudan Alliance with the information that killed the Lucifer, and built the Knossos portal in Gamma Draconis.