Games like Distant Worlds: Universe on Steam
For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free games like Distant Worlds: Universe are available at the bottom of the page.
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NEBULOUS: Fleet Command
Take command of your hand-tailored fleet of space warships and use realistic radar, electronic warfare, advanced movement controls in 3D space, and precision targeting to outmaneuver and outwit your opponents in a simulation-heavy tactical space game like no other.
Sins of a Solar Empire®: Rebellion
Command a space-faring empire in Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, the new stand-alone expansion that combines 4X depth with real-time strategy gameplay.
Starpoint Gemini Warlords
Strategy from the front lines! Starpoint Gemini Warlords combines 3rd person capital spaceship combat with 4X strategy and RPG gameplay elements. Build mighty war fleets and send them into battle or lead them into combat yourself. Become the Warlord and conquer the Gemini system!
Breachway
Explore the galaxy in this deckbuilding, sci-fi roguelike where ship upgrades and crew management are key to your survival. Optimize resource generation, engage in intense turn-based battles, and take on ever-growing threats as you seek out The Signal.
ENDLESS™ Space 2
ENDLESS™ Space 2 is a Strategic Space Opera, featuring the compelling “just one more turn” gameplay, set in the mysterious ENDLESS™ Universe. As the leader of your civilization, will you impose your vision and build the greatest stellar empire?
Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance
The last days of man are at hand.. Two years after the Infinite War the once great warring nations now lie in ruins, and humanity’s hope for a brighter future is nothing but a bitter memory. A new, seemingly unstoppable enemy, supported by the zealots of The Order, now seeks to eradicate mankind: UEF, Aeon Loyalist, and Cybran alike.
Cataclismo
Design and build fortresses brick by brick to stand against endless hordes of Horrors in this real-time strategy game with resource management, siege defense, and exploration. Lead from the ramparts, push back the darkness, and hold fast against the creatures of the Mist.
Manor Lords
Manor Lords is a medieval strategy game featuring in-depth city building, large-scale tactical battles, and complex economic and social simulations. Rule your lands as a medieval lord – the seasons pass, the weather changes, and cities rise and fall.
Terra Invicta
An alien invasion has fractured humanity into seven ideological factions each with a unique vision for the future. Lead your chosen faction to take control of Earth’s nations, expand across the Solar System, and battle enemy fleets in tactical combat.
Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic
Build a soviet republic from an impoverished country into a rich industrial superpower in a city builder with intricate production chains and a fully simulated global economy. Manage the lives of your citizens from education to work and party loyalty to criminal activity.
Empires of the Undergrowth
Command swarms of warriors at an unprecedented scale of warfare in this blend of RTS and base-building. Lead ant colonies against the many fearsome threats of the insect world, while building intricate nests, developing pheromone-based tactics, and evolving to meet growing dangers.
Exogate Initiative
Build and manage mankind’s first mission across the universe! Create a sprawling facility underground, recruit a diverse group of specialists from around the globe and explore mysterious new worlds through the Exogate.
Crusader Kings III
Love, fight, scheme, and claim greatness. Determine your noble house’s legacy in the sprawling grand strategy of Crusader Kings III. Death is only the beginning as you guide your dynasty’s bloodline in the rich and larger-than-life simulation of the Middle Ages.
Shadow Empire
Shadow Empire is a deep turn-based 4X wargame with a unique blend of military focus, procedurally generated content and role-playing features.
Creeper World 3: Arc Eternal
Creeper World 3 is what happens when cellular automata takes over a strategy simulation. Instead of discrete units that attack your base, a fluid-like substance spreads over the terraformable terrain. Your base, your weapons, your strategy... you must adapt them all.
The Pegasus Expedition
The Pegasus Expedition is a story-driven sci-fi grand strategy game set in a key moment for humankind’s survival. Facing an overwhelming threat at home, humanity sends expeditions to the Pegasus Galaxy in a desperate attempt to find a refuge for the population of Earth.
Dune: Spice Wars
A 4X real-time strategy game from the developers of the critically acclaimed Northgard. Set in Frank Herbert’s groundbreaking Dune universe, you must lead your faction and battle for control and dominance over the harsh desert planet of Arrakis.
Xenonauts 2
Wage a global war of resistance against an alien invasion. Command turn-based tactical battles, build a network of covert bases, directly control your fighter wings, and achieve strategic victory in a simulation of asymmetric warfare against a technologically superior foe.
Space Rangers HD: A War Apart
Space adventure, open world RPG, strategy, arcade, quest and more!
A Total War Saga: TROY
Inspired by The Iliad and brought to life through the award-winning strategy game series, A Total War Saga: TROY brings a blend of grand, turn-based empire management and spectacular real-time battles to the heart of the Trojan War.
Planetary Annihilation: TITANS
Wage war across entire solar systems with massive armies at your command. Annihilate enemy forces with world-shattering TITAN-class units, and demolish planets with massive super weapons!
Planetbase
Guide a group of space settlers trying to establish a base on a remote planet. Grow food, collect energy, mine resources, survive disasters and build a self-sufficient colony in a harsh and unforgiving environment.
RimWorld
A sci-fi colony sim driven by an intelligent AI storyteller. Generates stories by simulating psychology, ecology, gunplay, melee combat, climate, biomes, diplomacy, interpersonal relationships, art, medicine, trade, and more.
Europa Universalis IV
Rule your land and dominate the world with unparalleled freedom, depth and historical accuracy. Write a new history of the world and build an empire for the ages.Most played games like Distant Worlds: Universe on Steam
Take a look at the top games like Distant Worlds: Universe that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 28th 2025.
1. RimWorld
Similarity 60% A sci-fi colony sim driven by an intelligent AI storyteller. Generates stories by simulating psychology, ecology, gunplay, melee combat, climate, biomes, diplomacy, interpersonal relationships, art, medicine, trade, and more. RimWorld is a colony sim, base-building and survival game developed and published by Ludeon Studios. Released on October 17th 2018 has received 208,163 reviews of which 203,940 were positive and 4,223 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game like Distant Worlds: Universe, thanks to its 21,771 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.7
203,940
4,223
21,771
players
2. Crusader Kings III
Similarity 64% Love, fight, scheme, and claim greatness. Determine your noble house’s legacy in the sprawling grand strategy of Crusader Kings III. Death is only the beginning as you guide your dynasty’s bloodline in the rich and larger-than-life simulation of the Middle Ages. Crusader Kings III is a strategy, medieval and grand strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on September 01st 2020 has received 124,402 reviews of which 112,414 were positive and 11,988 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. While seeing 15,210 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like Distant Worlds: Universe based on player count.
8.9
112,414
11,988
15,210
players
3. Europa Universalis IV
Similarity 60% Rule your land and dominate the world with unparalleled freedom, depth and historical accuracy. Write a new history of the world and build an empire for the ages. Europa Universalis IV is a grand strategy, strategy and historical game developed by Paradox Development Studio and Paradox Tinto and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on August 13th 2013 has received 133,611 reviews of which 115,671 were positive and 17,940 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 12,863 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like Distant Worlds: Universe based on player count.
8.6
115,671
17,940
12,863
players
4. Stellaris
Similarity 78% Explore a galaxy full of wonders in this sci-fi grand strategy game from Paradox Development Studios. Interact with diverse alien races, discover strange new worlds with unexpected events and expand the reach of your empire. Each new adventure holds almost limitless possibilities. Stellaris is a space, grand strategy and strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on May 09th 2016 has received 182,155 reviews of which 157,931 were positive and 24,224 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 11,288 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
8.6
157,931
24,224
11,288
players
5. Oxygen Not Included
Similarity 57% Oxygen Not Included is a space-colony simulation game. Deep inside an alien space rock your industrious crew will need to master science, overcome strange new lifeforms, and harness incredible space tech to survive, and possibly, thrive. Oxygen Not Included is a colony sim, base-building and survival game developed and published by Klei Entertainment. Released on July 30th 2019 has received 127,429 reviews of which 123,288 were positive and 4,141 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 5,277 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
9.5
123,288
4,141
5,277
players
6. Space Engineers
Similarity 53% Space Engineers is a sandbox game about engineering, construction, exploration and survival in space and on planets. Players build space ships, space stations, planetary outposts of various sizes and uses, pilot ships and travel through space to explore planets and gather resources to survive. Space Engineers is a space, sandbox and building game developed and published by Keen Software House. Released on February 28th 2019 has received 131,797 reviews of which 116,697 were positive and 15,100 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 4,288 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
8.7
116,697
15,100
4,288
players
7. Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition
Similarity 58% Spanning the most turbulent era in Western history, your quest for territory and power takes you through Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and even onto the shores of the New World. Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition is a strategy, medieval and historical game developed by Creative Assembly and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux) and SEGA. Released on November 15th 2006 has received 33,054 reviews of which 31,637 were positive and 1,417 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 3,115 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
9.4
31,637
1,417
3,115
players
8. Manor Lords
Similarity 65% Manor Lords is a medieval strategy game featuring in-depth city building, large-scale tactical battles, and complex economic and social simulations. Rule your lands as a medieval lord – the seasons pass, the weather changes, and cities rise and fall. Manor Lords is a strategy, city builder and simulation game developed by Slavic Magic and published by Hooded Horse. Released on April 26th 2024 has received 70,793 reviews of which 61,238 were positive and 9,555 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 2,643 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
8.5
61,238
9,555
2,643
players
9. Kerbal Space Program
Similarity 60% In Kerbal Space Program, take charge of the space program for the alien race known as the Kerbals. You have access to an array of parts to assemble fully-functional spacecraft that flies (or doesn’t) based on realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics. Kerbal Space Program is a space, simulation and sandbox game developed by Squad and published by Private Division. Released on April 27th 2015 has received 126,522 reviews of which 120,440 were positive and 6,082 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 2,396 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
9.4
120,440
6,082
2,396
players
10. Dyson Sphere Program
Similarity 57% Build the most efficient intergalactic factory in space simulation strategy game Dyson Sphere Program! Harness the power of stars, collect resources, plan and design production lines and develop your interstellar factory from a small space workshop to a galaxy-wide industrial empire. Dyson Sphere Program is a automation, space and base-building game developed by Youthcat Studio and published by Gamirror Games. Released on January 20th 2021 has received 84,667 reviews of which 82,683 were positive and 1,984 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 2,183 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
9.6
82,683
1,984
2,183
players
Best deals on games like Distant Worlds: Universe on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of games like Distant Worlds: Universe available on Steam right now, updated on April 28th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
1. Old World
Similarity 54% Old World is a revolutionary new historical strategy game where you lead your dynasty over generations of rule against rival kings and queens. Wage massive wars, manage your court, and build a dynasty — or watch your empire crumble to dust. What legacy will you leave behind? Old World is a strategy, simulation and 4x game developed by Mohawk Games and published by Hooded Horse. Released on May 18th 2022 has received 4,541 reviews of which 3,726 were positive and 815 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
8.0
3,726
815
-95%
39.80€
1.99€
2. Revival: Recolonization
Similarity 57% Set in a post-apoc version of Earth, Revival is a 4x strategy game where the world and its rules can change at key moments, creating a deep and highly replayable experience. Revival: Recolonization is a 4x, grand strategy and turn-based strategy game developed and published by HeroCraft PC. Released on April 11th 2024 has received 398 reviews of which 288 were positive and 110 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 91% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
6.9
288
110
-91%
27.67€
2.49€
3. VoidExpanse
Similarity 56% Explore the vast reaches of VoidExpanse -- mine asteroids, upgrade your ship, trade, complete missions, advance your character and survive fast-paced combat with hostile aliens and mercenaries in the rich and exciting Sci-Fi universe of VoidExpanse! VoidExpanse is a space, rpg and open world game developed and published by AtomicTorch Studio. Released on April 02nd 2015 has received 748 reviews of which 534 were positive and 214 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 91% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
6.9
534
214
-91%
15.11€
1.36€
4. Space Rangers HD: A War Apart
Similarity 61% Space adventure, open world RPG, strategy, arcade, quest and more! Space Rangers HD: A War Apart is a space, rpg and strategy game developed by SNK Games, Elemental Games and Katauri Interactive and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on October 17th 2013 has received 6,625 reviews of which 6,253 were positive and 372 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
9.1
6,253
372
-90%
15.30€
1.53€
5. Holy Potatoes! We’re in Space?!
Similarity 55% Holy Potatoes! We’re in Space?! is a whacky space exploration game where you manage your very own spaceship, craft hundreds of weapons, and explore the vastness of a veggie-filled universe. Holy Potatoes! We’re in Space?! is a adventure, indie and simulation game developed by Daylight Studios and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on February 14th 2017 has received 956 reviews of which 637 were positive and 319 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
6.5
637
319
-90%
9.99€
0.99€
6. Europa Universalis IV
Similarity 60% Rule your land and dominate the world with unparalleled freedom, depth and historical accuracy. Write a new history of the world and build an empire for the ages. Europa Universalis IV is a grand strategy, strategy and historical game developed by Paradox Development Studio and Paradox Tinto and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on August 13th 2013 has received 133,611 reviews of which 115,671 were positive and 17,940 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
8.6
115,671
17,940
-88%
38.83€
4.66€
7. Space Rangers HD: A War Apart
Similarity 61% Space adventure, open world RPG, strategy, arcade, quest and more! Space Rangers HD: A War Apart is a game developed and published by . Released on October 17th 2013 has received 6,625 reviews of which 6,253 were positive and 372 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
9.1
6,253
372
-90%
15.30€
1.53€
8. Starpoint Gemini Warlords
Similarity 73% Strategy from the front lines! Starpoint Gemini Warlords combines 3rd person capital spaceship combat with 4X strategy and RPG gameplay elements. Build mighty war fleets and send them into battle or lead them into combat yourself. Become the Warlord and conquer the Gemini system! Starpoint Gemini Warlords is a space, rpg and open world game developed and published by Little Green Men Games. Released on May 23rd 2017 has received 3,527 reviews of which 2,592 were positive and 935 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
7.2
2,592
935
-85%
31.99€
4.79€
9. X3: Reunion
Similarity 58% X3: Reunion continues the epic space saga, blending deep space trading and intense real-time combat. Explore a vast universe, establish your empire, and shape the new frontier. With enhanced graphics and intricate economies, it's a journey of strategy, simulation, and interstellar intrigue. X3: Reunion is a space, simulation and strategy game developed and published by Egosoft. Released on July 21st 2006 has received 683 reviews of which 492 were positive and 191 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
6.9
492
191
-85%
9.73€
1.46€
10. Shadow Empire
Similarity 64% Shadow Empire is a deep turn-based 4X wargame with a unique blend of military focus, procedurally generated content and role-playing features. Shadow Empire is a strategy, simulation and 4x game developed by VR Designs and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on December 03rd 2020 has received 1,439 reviews of which 1,253 were positive and 186 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 83% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
8.3
1,253
186
-83%
39.53€
6.72€
Free games like Distant Worlds: Universe on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play games like Distant Worlds: Universe you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 28th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
1. Crusader Kings II
Similarity 55% Explore one of the defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy. Crusader Kings II is a grand strategy, strategy and medieval game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on February 14th 2012 has received 73,691 reviews of which 66,260 were positive and 7,431 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 1,698 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
8.9
66,260
7,431
1,698
players
2. Endless Sky
Similarity 57% Endless Sky is a 2D space trading and combat game inspired by the classic Escape Velocity series. Work your way up from a relatively wimpy shuttle, cargo ship, or fighter, to a highly upgraded and customized flagship or to a massive fleet of warships or freighters. Endless Sky is a space, free to play and open world game developed and published by Michael Zahniser. Released on October 30th 2015 has received 6,592 reviews of which 6,085 were positive and 507 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 167, this game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
8.9
6,085
507
167
players
3. Pixel Starships
Similarity 54% Pixel Starships is an FTL-style online sci-fi strategy builder and management game with a competitive PVP tournament. Set in the retro galaxy, your role is to explore space, meet aliens, and develop your ship, crew and AI. The game contains deep strategic and 4x elements. PSS is community-driven. Pixel Starships is a sci-fi, space and strategy game developed and published by SavySoda. Released on May 23rd 2023 has received 2,691 reviews of which 1,979 were positive and 712 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 146, this game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
7.1
1,979
712
146
players
4. Planet S
Similarity 53% Planet S is a real-time strategy game where your goal is to colonize multiple planets in a solar system to advance your civilization, build a city and supply it to grow your faction. Planet S is a strategy, city builder and multiplayer game developed and published by Glimmerlight Games. Released on October 28th 2023 has received 2,572 reviews of which 2,358 were positive and 214 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
8.8
2,358
214
17
players
5. Kepler-2100
Similarity 60% Kepler-2100 is a space fantasy strategy war game Kepler-2100 is a strategy, space and 3d platformer game developed and published by NCARD. Released on September 24th 2024 has received 425 reviews of which 342 were positive and 83 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
7.6
342
83
10
players
6. Galcon 2: Galactic Conquest
Similarity 58% Galcon 2 is a demolition derby in space! Send swarms of ships from planet to planet to conquer the galaxy in this fast paced multiplayer strategy game! Galcon 2: Galactic Conquest is a free to play, strategy and indie game developed and published by Hassey Enterprises and Inc.. Released on December 05th 2014 has received 858 reviews of which 718 were positive and 140 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
7.9
718
140
3
players
7. Gods and Idols
Similarity 56% Take the role of a newly ascended deity in Gods and Idols. Carve your place among the stars in an open, dynamic, and massive MMORTS universe. Command the powers of the cosmos, form alliances, and use your worshipers as instruments to further your goals. Gods and Idols is a free to play, 4x and god game game developed and published by Viking Tao. Released on December 12th 2016 has received 757 reviews of which 531 were positive and 226 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
6.7
531
226
2
players