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
MechWarrior 5: Clans
In MECHWARRIOR 5: CLANS, players become new Smoke Jaguar pilots in the Clan Invasion of the Inner Sphere. Lead a five-mech "Star" squad across diverse planets, engaging in an expansive campaign with immersive gameplay and intricate combat. Customize BattleMechs and explore strategic options.
Eden Crafters
Embark on a journey of survival, crafting, and automation in Eden Crafters, a solo and co-op open-world game that challenges you to turn a hostile planet into a habitable haven for humanity. Temper the climate, create a breathable atmosphere, and turn toxic lakes into water: shape a new world!
I've Fallen For You!
Eight women simultaneously appear in your life, offering you unconditional love and support! Will you choose to uphold your beliefs and become a good man, or give in to human temptations and become a bad man?
Europa
On the moon Europa, a lush terraformed paradise in Jupiter’s shadow, an android named Zee sets out in search of answers. Run, glide and fly across the landscape, solve mysteries in the ruins of a fallen utopia, and discover the story of the last human alive.
Starship Troopers: Extermination
Starship Troopers: Extermination is a 16-player co-op FPS that puts you on the far-off frontlines of an all-out battle against the Bugs! Squad up, grab your rifle, and do your part as an elite Deep Space Vanguard Trooper to take back planets from the Arachnid threat!
Finn Dorset's Institute For Livestock Replication
An animated incremental game about cloning livestock. Make as many moon sheep as you can. Research technology, upgrade your operation and become a clone farm billionaire!
Endoparasitic 2
Three limbs ripped off, infected with a deadly parasite, you must survive. Drag yourself through the hallways of an infested arcship, fight off twisted eldritch creatures, craft vaccines and ammunition, and escape to civilization.
Silence of the Siren
A turn-based sci-fi strategy that combines exploration and exciting clashes on the battlefield. Take control over several different species, raise powerful armies for your heroes and destroy your opponents! This HoMM-like is set in a scifi universe, with new mechanics on top of the classic formula.
Axon TD: Uprising - Tower Defense
Axon TD lets you expand the map boundaries themselves. A huge arsenal of towers and a wide variety of enemies clash in a battlefield that grows to your whims. Engage in single, cooperative, and roguelite gameplay.
ZERO PROTOCOL
In this immersive sci-fi thriller, you will experience the atmosphere of classic 3D games as you solve puzzles, follow an intriguing non-linear storyline, and engage in battles with monsters.
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.
Kepler-2100
Kepler-2100 is a space fantasy strategy war game
The Forever Winter
March Update is here! AI spawning and awareness are sharper, gunplay is smoother, looting is smarter, & network & performance are improved. Oh, & Water 3.0 is here! The in-game timer is gone, replaced with a new system you should check out. Plus, a brand-new map, Stairway Gate, watch your step!
Just a To the Moon Series Beach Episode
The Beach Episode™ of To the Moon, Finding Paradise, and Impostor Factory. But something's off.
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster
Dead Rising returns with modern graphics in this Deluxe Remaster!
Machinika: Atlas
Machinika: Atlas is an indie puzzle game and is the direct sequel to Machinika: Museum, you play as a museum researcher who just land on Atlas. Will you unravel the mysteries of the alien vessel? Solve cryptic puzzles to find out what happened!
Subside
Subside is an immersive aquatic VR experience with multiple areas to explore and lifelike aquatic creatures to interact with. Crafted with unparalleled realism, it aims to replicate the nuances of real-life swimming and diving in shallow waters
Drill Core
Corporate greed meets strategic planet-mining in Drill Core! Drill to the heart of planets while managing workers, researching cutting-edge tech, and fortifying against alien attacks. Will you prioritize efficiency and risk your workers' safety, or focus on defense for survival?
DeathSprint 66
Compete in a bloody fight to the finish in DEATHSPRINT 66, fusing high-speed on-foot racing with deadly obstacles and brutal abilities. Unleash your velocity, push limits, and claim glory like never before.
Wild Bastards
The spiritual successor to the award-winning game Void Bastards, Wild Bastards is a roguelike strategy shooter with heart-pounding FPS action, mod management, and a tactical campaign. Saddle up and lead the most notorious outlaws in the galaxy.
NanoApostle
NanoApostle is a dark sci-fi boss rush action game featuring intense reaction-based combat and the unique "Destruction Point" system. Play as Anita, a child augmented with lethal nanomachines, as she battles against twisted cybernetic experiments to escape a top-secret facility.
Satisfactory
Satisfactory is a first-person open-world factory building game with a dash of exploration and combat. Play alone or with friends, explore an alien planet, create multi-story factories, and enter conveyor belt heaven!
Utopia Must Fall
Defend humanity's last surviving metropolis from mysterious alien machinations in this challenging base-defense arcade shooter. Featuring rapid upgrade progression, procedurally generated attack waves, dark humor and laser-sharp aesthetics.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 15th 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 18,284 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.6
157,497
24,175
18,284
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 15,581 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
15,581
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 9,924 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
9,924
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 8,603 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
8,603
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 5,033 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
5,033
players
6. 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 3,171 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
9.7
235,834
5,791
3,171
players
7. 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 2,432 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
9.4
70,940
3,408
2,432
players
8. 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 2,383 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
9.6
37,851
920
2,383
players
9. 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 2,319 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
8.2
26,233
5,104
2,319
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 1,424 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
1,424
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 15th 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 15th 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 1,424 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
1,424
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 226, this sci-fi game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free sci-fi games on Steam.
7.1
1,976
708
226
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 166, this sci-fi game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free sci-fi games on Steam.
7.1
1,861
697
166
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 122 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
122
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
33
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. The Orville - Interactive Fan Experience
Step aboard the USS Orville (ECV-197), the Planetary Union's finest mid-level exploratory class cruiser. With every room on every deck recreated with painstaking accuracy, you are free to explore the ship at your leisure and engage in all manner of shenanigans! The Orville - Interactive Fan Experience is a sandbox, space and sci-fi game developed and published by Messy Desk Interactive. Released on July 23rd 2019 has received 994 reviews of which 897 were positive and 97 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free sci-fi games on Steam.
8.5
897
97
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. Global Agenda: Free Agent
2155. From the ashes of the devastating Third Great War rose the Commonwealth, an oppressive world government determined to control the entire planet. The few remaining independent factions retaliate the only way they can, with elite teams of special operatives trained in advanced warfare tactics and equipped with high-tech weaponry. Global Agenda: Free Agent is a free to play, action and massively multiplayer game developed and published by Hi-Rez Studios. Released on June 14th 2011 has received 1,275 reviews of which 987 were positive and 288 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free sci-fi games on Steam.
7.4
987
288
2
players
10. 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 1,345 reviews of which 1,334 were positive and 11 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free sci-fi games on Steam.
9.4
1,334
11
1
players