Best Sci-fi games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated sci-fi games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free sci-fi games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT
From legendary game creator Hideo Kojima comes a genre-defying experience, now expanded in this definitive DIRECTOR’S CUT. As Sam Bridges, your mission is to deliver hope to humanity by connecting the last survivors of a decimated America. Can you reunite the shattered world, one step at a time?
For The Warp
A roguelike deckbuilding game in space! Explore randomly generated systems, enemies and strange encounters. Build your deck, survive and reach For The Warp gate!
Orbital Bullet – The 360° Rogue-lite
Orbital Bullet is a fast paced 360° action-platformer with rogue-lite elements, where all actions take place in a circular pattern. Fight your way through a variety of procedural planets and use body modifications, crafting and heavy weaponry. Kill. Die. Modify.
9-nine-:NewEpisode
Enjoy short after stories for the heroines of the 9-nine- series in 9-nine-:NewEpisode!
Neon Sundown
Neon Sundown is an extremely challenging arena-shooter that mixes fast-paced action with roguelite elements. Take on increasingly difficult arenas as you unlock new ships, upgrades, synergies, and more! Think you have what it takes to survive?
ANNO: Mutationem
ANNO: Mutationem is an action-adventure game with RPG elements set in a cyberpunk world, featuring a unique mix of pixelated 2D & 3D graphic style with a rich, dark and bizarre plot.
Hyperbolica
Hyperbolica is a whimsical Non-Euclidean adventure with mind-bending worlds full of games, puzzles, mazes, and secrets! Immerse yourself in reality-warping geometries where lines can never be parallel, horizons are curved, and space grows exponentially.
Distant Worlds 2
Distant Worlds 2 is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game.
Warhammer 40,000: Battle Sister
Welcome to the grim darkness of the far future! Experience the war-torn universe of Warhammer 40,000 brought into jaw-dropping, visceral reality for the first time in VR. Immerse yourself in a gripping, action-filled story spanning the galaxy.
Spaceflight Simulator
In Spaceflight Simulator, you will get to build your rockets, plan launches and flights, attempt landings, deploy payloads and explore new worlds.
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.
Cyanotype Daydream -The Girl Who Dreamed the World-
Kaito wakes to find himself in a strange room, with no memories, and a taciturn girl named Yonagi by his side. Upon learning of his role, he immerses himself into three wondrous dream worlds with her. When all three stories meet a bitter end, Kaito recovers his memories, and the true story unfolds.
Model Builder: Complete Edition
Become a master model maker in the Complete Edition of this beloved crafting simulator, featuring all DLCs. Assemble, customize and display your creations, whether you’re a veteran or a novice. Get building, and get creative!
Solargene
Lead a space corporation in the sci-fi simulator Solargene! Manage personnel, design and develop colonies and orbital stations throughout the solar system! Extract resources, establish logistics, research new technologies, trade and complete missions
Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX 2
Break into the new apeX of 2D action! INTI CREATES is proud to present new apeX of cutting-edge 2D action with Luminous Avenger iX 2!
Serious Sam: Siberian Mayhem
Serious Sam: Siberian Mayhem is a new stand-alone expansion to the world of the classic FPS series. Join the fight against Notorious Mental on a journey through the wild lands of Russia, and find your way through this lost chapter of Sam Stone's adventures.
Hidden Deep
Hidden Deep is an atmospheric sci-fi action game heavily inspired by Aliens, The Thing, and Half-Life. Explore, climb, swim, scan, blast and shoot your way through dangerous missions in a huge sub oceanic mining and research facility. Fear the horrors that lurk below…
Blade Assault
Blade Assault is a 2D action rogue-lite platformer with beautiful pixel art set in a desolate sci-fi world. Fight against the corrupt military of Esperanza as part of the resistance force of the Undercity. Bring the corrupt to justice by becoming stronger and fighting alongside your trusty comrades.
VOCÊ É UM DEFUNTO MECÂNICO
Baleado até a morte, você é um defunto mecânico se lembrando de como morreu, e das vidas torturadas que agora ficam para trás. Uma aventura em prosa para 20 minutos de pavor existencial no presente pós-singularidade.
Heaven Dust 2
Deep inside a research base, waking up from a cryogenic pod, you find yourself trapped in a living hell, surrounded by zombies. Heaven Dust 2 is a love letter to classic survival horror games featuring exploration, action, puzzles, and resource management.Most played sci-fi games on Steam
Take a look at the top sci-fi games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 16th 2025.
1. Stellaris
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 181,672 reviews of which 157,497 were positive and 24,175 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played sci-fi game, thanks to its 9,926 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.6
157,497
24,175
9,926
players
2. No Man's Sky
No Man's Sky is a game about exploration and survival in an infinite procedurally generated universe. No Man's Sky is a open world, open world survival craft and space game developed and published by Hello Games. Released on August 12th 2016 has received 349,909 reviews of which 290,482 were positive and 59,427 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 7,856 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among sci-fi games based on player count.
8.2
290,482
59,427
7,856
players
3. Elite Dangerous
Take control of your own starship in a cutthroat galaxy. Elite Dangerous is the definitive massively multiplayer space epic. Elite Dangerous is a space sim, space and open world game developed and published by Frontier Developments. Released on April 02nd 2015 has received 98,919 reviews of which 76,509 were positive and 22,410 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. While seeing 5,805 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among sci-fi games based on player count.
7.7
76,509
22,410
5,805
players
4. Brotato
Brotato is a top-down arena shooter roguelite where you play a potato wielding up to 6 weapons at a time to fight off hordes of aliens. Choose from a variety of traits and items to create unique builds and survive until help arrives. Brotato is a rogue-like, singleplayer and action roguelike game developed and published by Blobfish. Released on June 23rd 2023 has received 95,805 reviews of which 92,641 were positive and 3,164 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 3,247 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
9.5
92,641
3,164
3,247
players
5. Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition
The Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition includes single-player base content and over 40 DLC from the highly acclaimed Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3 games, including promo weapons, armors, and packs — remastered and optimized for 4K Ultra HD. Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition is a story rich, rpg and choices matter game developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts. Released on May 14th 2021 has received 54,992 reviews of which 50,066 were positive and 4,926 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 2,732 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
9.0
50,066
4,926
2,732
players
6. FTL: Faster Than Light
This "spaceship simulation roguelike-like" allows you to take your ship and crew on an adventure through a randomly generated galaxy filled with glory and bitter defeat. FTL: Faster Than Light is a rogue-like, space and strategy game developed and published by Subset Games. Released on September 14th 2012 has received 74,348 reviews of which 70,940 were positive and 3,408 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 1,832 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
9.4
70,940
3,408
1,832
players
7. 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? 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. With 1,640 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
9.6
37,851
920
1,640
players
8. BATTLETECH
Take command of your own mercenary outfit of 'Mechs and the MechWarriors that pilot them, struggling to stay afloat as you find yourself drawn into a brutal interstellar civil war. BATTLETECH is a mechs, strategy and turn-based tactics game developed by Harebrained Schemes and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on April 24th 2018 has received 31,337 reviews of which 26,233 were positive and 5,104 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 1,590 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
8.2
26,233
5,104
1,590
players
9. Half-Life 2
Reawakened from stasis in the occupied metropolis of City 17, Gordon Freeman is joined by Alyx Vance as he leads a desperate human resistance. Experience the landmark first-person shooter packed with immersive world-building, boundary-pushing physics, and exhilarating combat. Half-Life 2 is a fps, action and sci-fi game developed and published by Valve. Released on November 16th 2004 has received 241,625 reviews of which 235,834 were positive and 5,791 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 1,385 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
9.7
235,834
5,791
1,385
players
10. Star Trek Online
In Star Trek Online, the Star Trek universe appears for the first time on a truly massive scale. Players take the captain's chair as they command their own starship and crew. Explore strange new worlds, seek out new life and new civilizations, and boldly go where no one has gone before. Star Trek Online is a free to play, sci-fi and massively multiplayer game developed by Cryptic Studios and published by Arc Games. Released on January 31st 2012 has received 20,017 reviews of which 15,828 were positive and 4,189 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 1,126 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
7.8
15,828
4,189
1,126
players
Best deals on sci-fi games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of sci-fi games available on Steam right now, updated on April 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted sci-fi games.
1. Battlestar Galactica Deadlock
In Battlestar Galactica Deadlock™ you’ll take command of the Colonial Fleet in defense of the Twelve Colonies during the First Cylon War. Lead many different types of ships in this 3D tactical game. Every decision counts, your strategy will be vital – can you ensure mankind’s survival? Battlestar Galactica Deadlock is a strategy, space and sci-fi game developed by Black Lab Games and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on August 31st 2017 has received 3,427 reviews of which 2,881 were positive and 546 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Featuring a massive 96% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for sci-fi category.
8.1
2,881
546
-96%
42.25€
1.69€
2. Citizen Sleeper
Roleplaying in the ruins of interplanetary capitalism. Live the life of an escaped worker, washed-up on a lawless station at the edge of an interstellar society. Inspired by the flexibility and freedom of TTRPGs, explore the station, choose your friends, escape your past and change your future. Citizen Sleeper is a rpg, dice and story rich game developed by Jump Over The Age and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on May 05th 2022 has received 7,821 reviews of which 7,266 were positive and 555 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in sci-fi games.
9
7,266
555
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. Observation
Observation is a sci-fi thriller uncovering what happened to Dr. Emma Fisher, and the crew of her mission, through the lens of the station’s artificial intelligence S.A.M. Observation is a indie, adventure and space game developed by No Code and published by Devolver Digital. Released on May 21st 2020 has received 4,729 reviews of which 3,711 were positive and 1,018 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in sci-fi games.
7.6
3,711
1,018
-95%
26.80€
1.34€
4. The Bureau: XCOM Declassified
The year is 1962 and the Cold War has the nation gripped by fear. A top-secret government unit called The Bureau begins investigating a series of mysterious attacks by an enemy more powerful than communism. The Bureau: XCOM Declassified is a action, tactical and sci-fi game developed by 2K Marin and published by 2K. Released on August 22nd 2013 has received 11,742 reviews of which 8,252 were positive and 3,490 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for sci-fi games.
6.9
8,252
3,490
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
5. The Entropy Centre
Think in reverse. Outsmart the impossible. A mind-bending first-person adventure where you solve ingenious and complex puzzles by rewinding objects through time. The Entropy Centre is a puzzle, first-person and sci-fi game developed by Stubby Games and published by Playstack. Released on November 03rd 2022 has received 3,453 reviews of which 3,106 were positive and 347 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for sci-fi games.
8.7
3,106
347
-94%
18.50€
1.11€
6. Homeworld Remastered Collection
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 13,504 reviews of which 11,934 were positive and 1,570 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for sci-fi games.
8.6
11,934
1,570
-94%
33.33€
2.00€
7. The Gunk
The Gunk is an action-adventure game in which you play as Rani, part of our duo of gritty space haulers. As they’re struggling to bring in funds, they chance upon an untouched planet brimming with life. They came in search of valuable resources, and it looks like they’ve hit the jackpot… The Gunk is a action-adventure, atmospheric and sci-fi game developed by Image & Form Games and published by Thunderful Publishing. Released on April 29th 2022 has received 2,588 reviews of which 2,226 were positive and 362 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for sci-fi games.
8.3
2,226
362
-94%
24.33€
1.46€
8. Hellpoint
Hellpoint is an intense action RPG taking place on Irid Novo, a derelict space station soaked in an intoxicating dark sci fi atmosphere. Fight dreadful creatures, face the Cosmic Gods and unravel their twisted story. Should the challenge be too great, play with a friend in local or online coop. Hellpoint is a souls-like, sci-fi and action game developed by Cradle Games and published by tinyBuild. Released on July 30th 2020 has received 4,260 reviews of which 3,117 were positive and 1,143 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for sci-fi games.
7.1
3,117
1,143
-94%
31.33€
1.88€
9. SPRAWL
SPRAWL is a hardcore retro FPS set in an endless cyberpunk megalopolis. Escape the walled city and take on the militarized government of the sprawl. Fueled by the blood of your enemies and a mysterious voice in your head, make your way towards the spire to topple whatever lays within. SPRAWL is a controller, sci-fi and combat game developed by MAETH and published by Rogue Games and Inc.. Released on August 23rd 2023 has received 1,950 reviews of which 1,712 were positive and 238 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for sci-fi games.
8.4
1,712
238
-93%
15.14€
1.06€
10. INDUSTRIA
Embark on a gripping journey in INDUSTRIA, an atmospheric FPS set in Cold War-era East Berlin. Unravel the secrets of a mysterious parallel dimension while searching for a missing colleague. Explore a haunting reality where the truth awaits. Discover the dark past that lies beyond. INDUSTRIA is a fps, action and sci-fi game developed by Bleakmill and published by Headup. Released on September 30th 2021 has received 3,171 reviews of which 2,251 were positive and 920 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for sci-fi games.
6.9
2,251
920
-93%
20.86€
1.46€
Free sci-fi games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play sci-fi games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 16th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play sci-fi games.
1. Star Trek Online
In Star Trek Online, the Star Trek universe appears for the first time on a truly massive scale. Players take the captain's chair as they command their own starship and crew. Explore strange new worlds, seek out new life and new civilizations, and boldly go where no one has gone before. Star Trek Online is a free to play, sci-fi and massively multiplayer game developed by Cryptic Studios and published by Arc Games. Released on January 31st 2012 has received 20,017 reviews of which 15,828 were positive and 4,189 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 1,126 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free sci-fi games on Steam.
7.8
15,828
4,189
1,126
players
2. Pixel Starships
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 2,684 reviews of which 1,976 were positive and 708 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 150, this sci-fi game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free sci-fi games on Steam.
7.1
1,976
708
150
players
3. Endless Sky
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 6,579 reviews of which 6,074 were positive and 505 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 103, this sci-fi game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free sci-fi games on Steam.
8.9
6,074
505
103
players
4. Hades' Star
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 2,558 reviews of which 1,861 were positive and 697 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 103 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free sci-fi games on Steam.
7.1
1,861
697
103
players
5. Prosperous Universe
In Prosperous Universe start your galactic empire by trading on the real-time market exchange with other real players. Build your 1st base from humble beginnings & watch as your business flourishes with complex supply chain strategies. Economics, politics & realism fuel this immersive business MMO. Prosperous Universe is a early access, economy and resource management game developed and published by simulogics. Released on April 20th 2022 has received 883 reviews of which 665 were positive and 218 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free sci-fi games on Steam.
7.2
665
218
25
players
6. 买个可乐饼吧！ - Buy a Croquette!
March 2012, Nagano. The smart and brave high school girl, Chio Aozora, is facing a major crisis: she has no money to buy a croquette! Navigate through the streets and alleys of Nagano, interact with a variety of characters, solve complex puzzles, collect 380 yen in coins, and buy a croquette! 买个可乐饼吧！ - Buy a Croquette! is a rpgmaker, sci-fi and mystery game developed by 越青 and published by Eternal Dream. Released on April 27th 2024 has received 4,032 reviews of which 3,995 were positive and 37 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free sci-fi games on Steam.
9.5
3,995
37
6
players
7. Terraformers: First Steps on Mars
Terraformers: First Steps on Mars is a free prologue of Terraformers, featuring an exclusive challenge to lead humanity's first attempt at settling the Red Planet. Terraformers: First Steps on Mars is a strategy, simulation and colony sim game developed by Asteroid Lab and published by Goblinz Publishing and IndieArk. Released on October 23rd 2021 has received 680 reviews of which 608 were positive and 72 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free sci-fi games on Steam.
8.4
608
72
3
players
8. Odysseus Kosmos and his Robot Quest: Episode 1
What do you do if you are the only one left aboard a spaceship? Your team has embarked on a mysterious expedition a few years ago, the ship’s machinery has started acting up and it seems there are ghosts wandering about. Luckily, the black hole above you doesn’t pose any problems…yet. Odysseus Kosmos and his Robot Quest: Episode 1 is a indie, sci-fi and point & click game developed by Pavel Kostin and published by HeroCraft PC. Released on January 12th 2018 has received 480 reviews of which 378 were positive and 102 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free sci-fi games on Steam.
7.4
378
102
3
players
9. AX:EL - Air XenoDawn
Combining the very best of sci-fi and aerial dogfighting gameplay, AX:EL delivers a totally new gaming experience. Create your very own shape-shifting vehicle and dominate both the sky and the ocean. AX:EL - Air XenoDawn is a action, indie and simulation game developed by Alex Piola and published by KISS ltd. Released on December 04th 2015 has received 1,181 reviews of which 891 were positive and 290 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free sci-fi games on Steam.
7.2
891
290
2
players
10. Star Wars: Droid Repair Bay
In Star Wars: Droid Repair Bay by ILMxLAB, Poe Dameron's sidekick needs your help. Repair BB-8 and his astromech droid friends, each with their own unique personalities, so they can roll back into the fight against the First Order. Star Wars: Droid Repair Bay is a free to play, vr and robots game developed by ILMxLAB and published by Disney Platform Distribution and Inc.. Released on December 06th 2017 has received 528 reviews of which 473 were positive and 55 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free sci-fi games on Steam.
8.4
473
55
1
players