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
Griftlands
Griftlands is a deck-building roguelite where you negotiate, fight, steal or otherwise persuade others to get your way. Every decision is important, be it the jobs you take, the friends you make, or the cards you collect.
Gaia Project
Gaia Project is the digital adaptation of the boardgame Gaia Project created by Helge Ostertag and Jens Drögemüller and published by "Feuerland Verlag". It is a 1-4 player strategy game. It plays in the same universe as Terra Mystica and continues the adventure in the far future.
Frog Fighters
Frog Fighters is a light-hearted, fast-paced, third-person-shooter where you become a frog on a lily pad with an ability to shoot other flying frogs with different types of laser-leafs.
幽灵高校(Ghost College)
An average college girl takes an elective class and everything is different. Death, spooky, enveloped her, uncovering the truth, looking for clues, making the right choice was the only way.
EARTH DEFENSE FORCE: WORLD BROTHERS
A new EDF adventure begins! Only this time, the action unfolds in a parallel world where the Earth is made of digital blocks. This world has befallen into chaos, as the once peaceful square Earth has been shattered into pieces. Shape aside, it is an Earth nonetheless which needs to be defended.
Imagine Earth
Build your own global colonies on distant worlds. Manage energy and resource supplies and produce goods for space trade. Form economic and diplomatic alliances or take over competing corporations. Conduct research to protect your colonists from disasters and avoid a climate crisis.
Lacuna – A Sci-Fi Noir Adventure
A murder. A hack. A bombing. All it takes to plunge the solar system into war – unless you do something about it. Help CDI agent Neil Conrad make a string of increasingly difficult decisions in this modern dialog-driven adventure set in a gorgeous 2D sci-fi noir universe.
Galactic Mining Corp
Galactic Mining Corp is a unique rogue-lite, action game with crafting and base building mechanics. Head into uncharted space and discover a universe of locations to exploit for riches! Use your profits to expand your HQ, hire a crazy work force, obtain new drill components and upgrade everything.
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.
cyberpunkdreams
2090s America, torn apart by war and corporate greed. A lone traveller stands outside the gates of Cincinnati, greatest of the border cities. How far will you go to make it to the top? How far will you go to fulfil your mission?
Subnautica: Below Zero
Dive into a freezing underwater adventure on an alien planet. Below Zero is set two years after the original Subnautica. Return to Planet 4546B to uncover the truth behind a deadly cover-up. Survive by building habitats, crafting tools, & diving deeper into the world of Subnautica.
Lost Ruins
Lost Ruins is a 2D side-scrolling survival action game, where you play as a young girl that has awoken in a strange and foreign place without her memories. Explore a dark and dangerous world, battle hideous monsters, and topple incredible bosses.
Before We Leave
Before We Leave is a city building game set in a cozy corner of the universe. Nurture your Peeps and their surroundings while rebuilding and rediscovering civilisation. Settle new lands and planets while avoiding hungry Space Whales.
HUNTDOWN
In the mayhem-filled streets of the future where criminal gangs rule and cops fear to tread, only the bounty hunters can free the city from the corrupt fist of felony. Lay waste to the criminal underworld and make a killing in this hard boiled action comedy arcade shooter.
R-Type Final 2
R-Type has returned! The legendary side-scroller is back and better than ever with beautifully rendered 3D graphics, exhilarating shoot-'em-up gameplay, and a multitude of stages, ships, and weapons that will allow you to conduct a symphony of destruction upon your foes.
Predator: Hunting Grounds
Hunt or be hunted in this asymmetrical multiplayer shooter that pits man against Predator. As part of a Fireteam, complete missions before the Predator finds you. Or be the Predator and hunt your prey.
Cognition Method: Initiation
Free demo for Cognition Method - a story-driven, first-person puzzle game inspired by Space Odyssey 2001 and Solaris. Discover an innovative mechanics of altering gravity and dive into the surreal setting. Find your way within a mysterious artifact and unveal a non-ordinary story.
SMASH LEGENDS
Play Smash Legends for free! Smash Legends is an exciting PVP action brawler where fairy tale Legends engage in a lively battle. Play solo or in a 3v3 team battle with your friends! Play now with Smashers from all over the world on Steam, iOS, and Android!
CARNAL
CARNAL is a fast and challenging retro FPS straight from the mid '90s. The Sons of Anak are opening portals to extract Dark Matter from the "other side". Combat the possessed soldiers, the manifested demons helping them, and any inanimate objects standing in your way!
ANOTHER EDEN
[Single player JRPG] Take your cat on a time-traveling adventure!
Genesis Noir
A noir adventure spanning time and space. When a love triangle between cosmic beings becomes a bitter confrontation, you'll witness a gunshot fired by a jealous god—otherwise known as The Big Bang. Jump into the expanding universe and search for a way to destroy creation and save your love.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 17th 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 10,287 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.6
157,497
24,175
10,287
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 7,766 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
7,766
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 6,081 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
6,081
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 3,699 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
3,699
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 2,737 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
2,737
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 1,750 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
1,750
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 1,678 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
1,678
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 1,591 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
1,591
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 1,452 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
1,452
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 1,071 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
1,071
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 17th 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 17th 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 1,071 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
1,071
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 149, this sci-fi game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free sci-fi games on Steam.
7.1
1,976
708
149
players
3. 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. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 109, this sci-fi game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free sci-fi games on Steam.
7.1
1,861
697
109
players
4. 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. Attracting a solid base of 106 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free sci-fi games on Steam.
8.9
6,074
505
106
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
26
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
4
players
7. South Scrimshaw, Part One
South Scrimshaw is the story of a newborn whale in a vast alien ocean. It is a richly illustrated experimental visual novel, written in the style of a nature documentary. South Scrimshaw, Part One is a linear, sci-fi and hand-drawn game developed and published by Nathan O. Marsh. Released on June 09th 2023 has received 1,348 reviews of which 1,337 were positive and 11 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free sci-fi games on Steam.
9.4
1,337
11
2
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played free sci-fi games on Steam.
8.4
608
72
2
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 529 reviews of which 474 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
474
55
1
players