Games like Star Ruler on Steam
For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free games like Star Ruler are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
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?
AI War: Fleet Command
"You are outgunned. You are massively outnumbered. You must win." These are your orders. Humanity has already fought its war against the machines -- and lost. AI death squads stand watch over every planet and every wormhole, the few remaining human settlements are held captive in orbiting bubbles, and the AIs have turned their...
Reshaping Mars
「Reshaping Mars」is a colony simulation game on Mars, you will start by gathering resources, storing food, accepting immigrants, and building a better colony together. Develop powerful technologies for Mars Reshaping, make Mars great agai..sorry, just great. Don't forget to make the residents happy.
Distant Worlds: Universe
Distant Worlds is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game. Experience the full depth and detail of turn-based strategy, but with the simplicity and ease of real-time, and on the scale of a massively-multiplayer online game.
Hades' Star
A unique space strategy game where thousands of players participate in one shared galaxy.
ENDLESS™ Space - Definitive Edition
ENDLESS™ Space is a turn-based 4X strategy game, covering the space colonization age in the Endless universe, where you can control every aspect of your civilization as you strive for galactic domination.
The Last Federation
From the creators of AI War: Fleet Command comes an all-new grand strategy title with turn-based tactical combat, set in a deep simulation of an entire solar system and its billions of inhabitants. You are the last of a murdered race, determined to unify or destroy the 8 others.
Void Destroyer 2
Start with nothing... End with everything! All you have is a basic ship, barely fit for combat, with it you'll start your journey and empire. A open world space sandbox, inspired by and expanding the classics.
Gods and Idols
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.
Galcon 2: Galactic Conquest
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!
Star Ruler 2
Massive scale 4X-RTS set in space. Control hundreds of planets, manipulate galactic politics, research numerous advanced technologies, and command thousands of units and hundreds of planets in your quest for galactic dominance.
STAR WARS™ Empire at War - Gold Pack
Command or corrupt an entire galaxy in the definitive Star Wars strategy collection. It is a time of galactic civil war. Will you take up the reins of the Rebellion, assume control of the Empire, or rule the Star Wars Underworld?
Interstellar Space: Genesis
Interstellar Space: Genesis is a turn-based space 4X strategy game in which you attempt to build a thriving galactic empire. Discover mysteries among the stars, colonize worlds, and engage enemies in tactical turn-based combat on your journey to becoming the ruler of the galaxy!
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!
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!
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.
Particle Fleet: Emergence
Build and design your own fleets and stand opposed to the Particulate in this physics/strategy/RTS/fleet hybrid. Build partially destructible and self repairing ships that interact with enemies less controlled by some scripted logic and more driven by a real time massive physics particle simulation.
Master of Orion
The ascendant spacefaring 4X strategy game returns! A new chapter in the epic Master of Orion saga is poised to once again capture the imaginations of millions of gamers.
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.
Bingle Bingle
Bingle Bingle is a 'Roulette Builder' game where you can create your own Roulette. Strategically combine various betting options and unique balls to create synergies, earn extreme scores, and beat the casino.
United Penguin Kingdom
A city-building game where you build a penguin settlement and satisfy the various needs of your penguins while dealing with seals and killer whales. Enjoy the growth of your settlement, become the king, and lead the United Penguin Kingdom.
Final Theory
Final Theory is a 4X-lite turn-based strategy game where you command fleets of battleships engaged in a galactic civil war. It presents an exciting experience for both veteran players and those new to the genre. It features innovative combat mechanics but also hearkens back to some of the classics.Most played games like Star Ruler on Steam
Take a look at the top games like Star Ruler that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 19th 2025.
1. Stellaris
Similarity 73% 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 181,916 reviews of which 157,721 were positive and 24,195 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game like Star Ruler, thanks to its 12,543 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.6
157,721
24,195
12,543
players
2. Dyson Sphere Program
Similarity 73% 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 Gamera Games. Released on January 20th 2021 has received 84,564 reviews of which 82,585 were positive and 1,979 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 2,422 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like Star Ruler based on player count.
9.6
82,585
1,979
2,422
players
3. STAR WARS™ Empire at War - Gold Pack
Similarity 84% Command or corrupt an entire galaxy in the definitive Star Wars strategy collection. It is a time of galactic civil war. Will you take up the reins of the Rebellion, assume control of the Empire, or rule the Star Wars Underworld? STAR WARS™ Empire at War - Gold Pack is a strategy, rts and space game developed by Petroglyph and published by LucasArts, Lucasfilm and Disney. Released on May 25th 2010 has received 38,771 reviews of which 37,851 were positive and 920 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 1,932 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like Star Ruler based on player count.
9.6
37,851
920
1,932
players
4. Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance
Similarity 71% 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. Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance is a strategy, rts and sci-fi game developed by Gas Powered Games and published by Square Enix. Released on September 28th 2011 has received 13,370 reviews of which 12,950 were positive and 420 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 1,049 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Star Ruler.
9.4
12,950
420
1,049
players
5. Sins of a Solar Empire II
Similarity 71% Battle for galactic dominance in this real-time 4X strategy game with unrivaled scale! You’ll explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate through military force, diplomacy, trade, culture, influence, and other underhanded tactics. Sins of a Solar Empire II is a space, strategy and 4x game developed by Stardock Entertainment and Ironclad Games Corporation and published by Stardock Entertainment. Released on August 15th 2024 has received 6,693 reviews of which 5,753 were positive and 940 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 969 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Star Ruler.
8.3
5,753
940
969
players
6. ENDLESS™ Space 2
Similarity 99% 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? ENDLESS™ Space 2 is a strategy, space and sci-fi game developed by AMPLITUDE Studios and published by SEGA. Released on May 18th 2017 has received 22,087 reviews of which 18,447 were positive and 3,640 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 544 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Star Ruler.
8.2
18,447
3,640
544
players
7. Dune: Spice Wars
Similarity 80% 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. Dune: Spice Wars is a management, singleplayer and sci-fi game developed by Shiro Games and published by Shiro Games and Funcom. Released on September 14th 2023 has received 12,346 reviews of which 9,837 were positive and 2,509 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 401 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Star Ruler.
7.8
9,837
2,509
401
players
8. Master of Orion
Similarity 78% The ascendant spacefaring 4X strategy game returns! A new chapter in the epic Master of Orion saga is poised to once again capture the imaginations of millions of gamers. Master of Orion is a strategy, 4x and space game developed by NGD Studios and published by Wargaming Labs. Released on August 25th 2016 has received 7,883 reviews of which 6,047 were positive and 1,836 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. With 356 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Star Ruler.
7.5
6,047
1,836
356
players
9. Sins of a Solar Empire®: Rebellion
Similarity 78% 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. Sins of a Solar Empire®: Rebellion is a management, diplomacy and online co-op game developed by Stardock Entertainment and Ironclad Games Corporation and published by Stardock Entertainment. Released on June 12th 2012 has received 15,975 reviews of which 14,883 were positive and 1,092 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 337 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Star Ruler.
9.1
14,883
1,092
337
players
10. Galactic Civilizations IV
Similarity 67% Take command of a civilization that has just achieved faster-than-light travel in Galactic Civilizations IV, the newest entry in the award-winning space 4X strategy game series. Explore the galaxy, colonize worlds, shape cultures, make alliances, fight wars and pioneer new technologies. Galactic Civilizations IV is a space, grand strategy and simulation game developed and published by Stardock Entertainment. Released on October 19th 2023 has received 1,810 reviews of which 1,329 were positive and 481 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. With 305 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Star Ruler.
7.1
1,329
481
305
players
Best deals on games like Star Ruler on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of games like Star Ruler available on Steam right now, updated on April 19th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like Star Ruler.
1. Oriental Empires
Similarity 73% Turn based 4X strategy game, recreating the civilizations of ancient China. Develop your land, build great cities, raise huge armies and fight epic battles, with hundreds of soldiers fighting right on the game map. Advance your technologies, culture and religion to create one of mankind’s biggest empires. Oriental Empires is a strategy, simulation and indie game developed by Shining Pixel Studios and published by Iceberg Interactive. Released on September 14th 2017 has received 2,928 reviews of which 2,354 were positive and 574 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like Star Ruler.
7.8
2,354
574
-95%
30.00€
1.50€
2. Homeworld Remastered Collection
Similarity 76% Experience the epic space strategy games that redefined the RTS genre. Control your fleet and build an armada across more than 30 single-player missions. Choose unit types, fleet formations and flight tactics for each strategic situation. Homeworld Remastered Collection is a space, strategy and rts game developed by Gearbox Software and Aspyr (Mac) and published by Aspyr (Mac) and Gearbox Publishing. Released on February 25th 2015 has received 13,513 reviews of which 11,942 were positive and 1,571 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Star Ruler.
8.6
11,942
1,571
-94%
33.33€
2.00€
3. Distant Worlds: Universe
Similarity 93% Distant Worlds is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game. Experience the full depth and detail of turn-based strategy, but with the simplicity and ease of real-time, and on the scale of a massively-multiplayer online game. Distant Worlds: Universe is a strategy, 4x and space game developed by Code Force and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on May 23rd 2014 has received 1,816 reviews of which 1,376 were positive and 440 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 92% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like Star Ruler.
7.3
1,376
440
-92%
28.00€
2.24€
4. Planets Under Attack
Similarity 75% Play as humans or robots in a brand new sci-fi strategy adventure! Travel into the far reaches of space, through cleverly designed star constellations and variable game modes, conquering enemy planets using 15 combinable technologies. Planets Under Attack is a strategy, indie and space game developed by Targem Games and published by TopWare Interactive. Released on September 27th 2012 has received 1,113 reviews of which 806 were positive and 307 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like Star Ruler.
7.0
806
307
-92%
12.50€
1.00€
5. Revival: Recolonization
Similarity 67% 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. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for games like Star Ruler.
6.9
288
110
-91%
27.67€
2.49€
6. Holy Potatoes! We’re in Space?!
Similarity 67% 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 #6 position in the best deals for games like Star Ruler.
6.5
637
319
-90%
9.99€
0.99€
7. Nauticrawl
Similarity 67% A stolen, enigmatic machine is your only way out. It's likely to kill you, but so will the hostile planet you're escaping. Pull levers, hack devices, and puzzle out how to pilot the Nauticrawl to freedom in this unusual atmospheric adventure... or die trying. Nauticrawl is a simulation, indie and atmospheric game developed by Spare Parts Oasis and published by Armor Games Studios. Released on September 16th 2019 has received 342 reviews of which 316 were positive and 26 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like Star Ruler.
8.5
316
26
-85%
14.79€
2.21€
8. SPACECOM
Similarity 93% SPACECOM – a strategic-to-the-bone, starfleet command game in which deception, smart movement, and choices to battle decide victory or defeat. SPACECOM is a rts, strategy and indie game developed by Flow Combine and published by 11 bit studios. Released on September 17th 2014 has received 514 reviews of which 352 were positive and 162 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Star Ruler.
6.6
352
162
-85%
9.99€
1.49€
9. Shadow Empire
Similarity 67% 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 1,430 reviews of which 1,244 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 #9 position in the best deals for games like Star Ruler.
8.3
1,244
186
-83%
37.94€
6.45€
10. Drone Swarm
Similarity 73% Drone Swarm is a very unique take on tactical games. Control 32,000 drones in quick, fast-paced fights. Combine your swarm abilities and counter constantly evolving attacks of your opponents. Survive varying enemy waves, get upgrades to your swarm, and make it to the next system alive! Drone Swarm is a sci-fi, action and real time tactics game developed by stillalive studios and published by astragon Entertainment. Released on October 20th 2020 has received 318 reviews of which 201 were positive and 117 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 83% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for games like Star Ruler.
6.1
201
117
-83%
17.47€
2.97€
Free games like Star Ruler on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play games like Star Ruler you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 19th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play games like Star Ruler.
1. Hades' Star
Similarity 89% A unique space strategy game where thousands of players participate in one shared galaxy. Hades' Star is a free to play, space and strategy game developed and published by Parallel Space Inc. Released on February 27th 2019 has received 2,561 reviews of which 1,864 were positive and 697 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. With 123 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Star Ruler.
7.1
1,864
697
123
players
2. Planet S
Similarity 75% 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 2,565 reviews of which 2,352 were positive and 213 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free games like Star Ruler.
8.8
2,352
213
17
players
3. Sunrider: Mask of Arcadius
Similarity 67% As Captain Kayto Shields, embark on a galactic voyage of heroism and survival. With his home world destroyed and his nation conquered, the inexperienced Captain Shields, and his newly minted vessel, the Sunrider, are left as the only hope against a galactic evil intent on subjugating all sentient life. Sunrider: Mask of Arcadius is a anime, visual novel and free to play game developed by Love in Space and published by Sekai Project. Released on July 09th 2014 has received 2,781 reviews of which 2,572 were positive and 209 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free games like Star Ruler.
8.9
2,572
209
7
players
4. Istrolid
Similarity 75% In Istrolid you design your own unique spaceships from a large number of parts to fit your strategy and play style. With no set units or factions you are free to create a fleet where each ship has its own balanced strengths and weaknesses, from basic fighters and bombers to hulking battleships and speedy destroyers. Istrolid is a free to play, building and strategy game developed and published by treeform. Released on May 06th 2016 has received 2,658 reviews of which 2,322 were positive and 336 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free games like Star Ruler.
8.4
2,322
336
3
players
5. Galcon 2: Galactic Conquest
Similarity 84% 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 #5 spot among the most played free games like Star Ruler.
7.9
718
140
3
players
6. Gods and Idols
Similarity 84% 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 #6 spot among the most played free games like Star Ruler.
6.7
531
226
3
players