Games like Distant Worlds: Universe on Steam
For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free games like Distant Worlds: Universe are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Per Aspera
Make Mars your own! Take control of the world’s most sophisticated AI (AMI) and terraform the surface of the Red Planet for a city-building experience on a planetary scale. Transform this barren world into a lush paradise and explore the surface for any ancient secrets that may be waiting.
Aven Colony
Build a new home for humanity in Aven Colony. Discover Aven Prime - an alien planet of deserts, tundras, and wetlands light years from earth. Build your colonies into massive, sprawling cities whilst dealing with the challenges faced when settling on a new world.
Space Rogue
Take on the role of a spaceship captain. Explore new worlds, and engage in intense ship-to-ship battles. Develop unique battle tactics, upgrade your ship, and recruit crew members as you fight for peace or piracy.Most played games like Distant Worlds: Universe on Steam
Take a look at the top games like Distant Worlds: Universe that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 30th 2025.
1. RimWorld
Similarity 60% A sci-fi colony sim driven by an intelligent AI storyteller. Generates stories by simulating psychology, ecology, gunplay, melee combat, climate, biomes, diplomacy, interpersonal relationships, art, medicine, trade, and more. RimWorld is a colony sim, base-building and survival game developed and published by Ludeon Studios. Released on October 17th 2018 has received 208,163 reviews of which 203,940 were positive and 4,223 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game like Distant Worlds: Universe, thanks to its 18,188 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.7
203,940
4,223
18,188
players
2. Crusader Kings III
Similarity 64% Love, fight, scheme, and claim greatness. Determine your noble house’s legacy in the sprawling grand strategy of Crusader Kings III. Death is only the beginning as you guide your dynasty’s bloodline in the rich and larger-than-life simulation of the Middle Ages. Crusader Kings III is a strategy, medieval and grand strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on September 01st 2020 has received 124,402 reviews of which 112,414 were positive and 11,988 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. While seeing 15,811 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like Distant Worlds: Universe based on player count.
8.9
112,414
11,988
15,811
players
3. Europa Universalis IV
Similarity 60% Rule your land and dominate the world with unparalleled freedom, depth and historical accuracy. Write a new history of the world and build an empire for the ages. Europa Universalis IV is a grand strategy, strategy and historical game developed by Paradox Development Studio and Paradox Tinto and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on August 13th 2013 has received 133,611 reviews of which 115,671 were positive and 17,940 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 10,317 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like Distant Worlds: Universe based on player count.
8.6
115,671
17,940
10,317
players
4. Stellaris
Similarity 78% Explore a galaxy full of wonders in this sci-fi grand strategy game from Paradox Development Studios. Interact with diverse alien races, discover strange new worlds with unexpected events and expand the reach of your empire. Each new adventure holds almost limitless possibilities. Stellaris is a space, grand strategy and strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on May 09th 2016 has received 182,155 reviews of which 157,931 were positive and 24,224 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 8,932 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
8.6
157,931
24,224
8,932
players
5. Space Engineers
Similarity 53% Space Engineers is a sandbox game about engineering, construction, exploration and survival in space and on planets. Players build space ships, space stations, planetary outposts of various sizes and uses, pilot ships and travel through space to explore planets and gather resources to survive. Space Engineers is a space, sandbox and building game developed and published by Keen Software House. Released on February 28th 2019 has received 131,878 reviews of which 116,777 were positive and 15,101 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 4,402 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
8.7
116,777
15,101
4,402
players
6. Oxygen Not Included
Similarity 57% Oxygen Not Included is a space-colony simulation game. Deep inside an alien space rock your industrious crew will need to master science, overcome strange new lifeforms, and harness incredible space tech to survive, and possibly, thrive. Oxygen Not Included is a colony sim, base-building and survival game developed and published by Klei Entertainment. Released on July 30th 2019 has received 127,555 reviews of which 123,406 were positive and 4,149 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 4,349 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
9.5
123,406
4,149
4,349
players
7. Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition
Similarity 58% Spanning the most turbulent era in Western history, your quest for territory and power takes you through Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and even onto the shores of the New World. Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition is a strategy, medieval and historical game developed by Creative Assembly and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux) and SEGA. Released on November 15th 2006 has received 33,102 reviews of which 31,686 were positive and 1,416 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 2,694 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
9.4
31,686
1,416
2,694
players
8. Manor Lords
Similarity 65% Manor Lords is a medieval strategy game featuring in-depth city building, large-scale tactical battles, and complex economic and social simulations. Rule your lands as a medieval lord – the seasons pass, the weather changes, and cities rise and fall. Manor Lords is a strategy, city builder and simulation game developed by Slavic Magic and published by Hooded Horse. Released on April 26th 2024 has received 70,793 reviews of which 61,238 were positive and 9,555 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 2,051 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
8.5
61,238
9,555
2,051
players
9. Kerbal Space Program
Similarity 60% In Kerbal Space Program, take charge of the space program for the alien race known as the Kerbals. You have access to an array of parts to assemble fully-functional spacecraft that flies (or doesn’t) based on realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics. Kerbal Space Program is a space, simulation and sandbox game developed by Squad and published by Private Division. Released on April 27th 2015 has received 126,522 reviews of which 120,440 were positive and 6,082 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 1,958 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
9.4
120,440
6,082
1,958
players
10. STAR WARS™ Empire at War - Gold Pack
Similarity 75% 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 38,906 reviews of which 37,985 were positive and 921 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 1,923 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
9.6
37,985
921
1,923
players
Best deals on games like Distant Worlds: Universe on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of games like Distant Worlds: Universe available on Steam right now, updated on April 30th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
1. Old World
Similarity 54% Old World is a revolutionary new historical strategy game where you lead your dynasty over generations of rule against rival kings and queens. Wage massive wars, manage your court, and build a dynasty — or watch your empire crumble to dust. What legacy will you leave behind? Old World is a strategy, simulation and 4x game developed by Mohawk Games and published by Hooded Horse. Released on May 18th 2022 has received 4,541 reviews of which 3,726 were positive and 815 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
8.0
3,726
815
-95%
39.80€
1.99€
2. Revival: Recolonization
Similarity 57% Set in a post-apoc version of Earth, Revival is a 4x strategy game where the world and its rules can change at key moments, creating a deep and highly replayable experience. Revival: Recolonization is a 4x, grand strategy and turn-based strategy game developed and published by HeroCraft PC. Released on April 11th 2024 has received 398 reviews of which 288 were positive and 110 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 91% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
6.9
288
110
-91%
27.67€
2.49€
3. VoidExpanse
Similarity 56% Explore the vast reaches of VoidExpanse -- mine asteroids, upgrade your ship, trade, complete missions, advance your character and survive fast-paced combat with hostile aliens and mercenaries in the rich and exciting Sci-Fi universe of VoidExpanse! VoidExpanse is a space, rpg and open world game developed and published by AtomicTorch Studio. Released on April 02nd 2015 has received 748 reviews of which 534 were positive and 214 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 91% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
6.9
534
214
-91%
15.11€
1.36€
4. Space Rangers HD: A War Apart
Similarity 61% Space adventure, open world RPG, strategy, arcade, quest and more! Space Rangers HD: A War Apart is a space, rpg and strategy game developed by SNK Games, Elemental Games and Katauri Interactive and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on October 17th 2013 has received 6,625 reviews of which 6,253 were positive and 372 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
9.1
6,253
372
-90%
15.30€
1.53€
5. Europa Universalis IV
Similarity 60% Rule your land and dominate the world with unparalleled freedom, depth and historical accuracy. Write a new history of the world and build an empire for the ages. Europa Universalis IV is a grand strategy, strategy and historical game developed by Paradox Development Studio and Paradox Tinto and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on August 13th 2013 has received 133,611 reviews of which 115,671 were positive and 17,940 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
8.6
115,671
17,940
-88%
38.83€
4.66€
6. Space Rangers HD: A War Apart
Similarity 61% Space adventure, open world RPG, strategy, arcade, quest and more! Space Rangers HD: A War Apart is a game developed and published by . Released on October 17th 2013 has received 6,625 reviews of which 6,253 were positive and 372 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
9.1
6,253
372
-90%
15.30€
1.53€
7. X3: Reunion
Similarity 58% X3: Reunion continues the epic space saga, blending deep space trading and intense real-time combat. Explore a vast universe, establish your empire, and shape the new frontier. With enhanced graphics and intricate economies, it's a journey of strategy, simulation, and interstellar intrigue. X3: Reunion is a space, simulation and strategy game developed and published by Egosoft. Released on July 21st 2006 has received 684 reviews of which 493 were positive and 191 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
6.9
493
191
-85%
9.73€
1.46€
8. Shadow Empire
Similarity 64% Shadow Empire is a deep turn-based 4X wargame with a unique blend of military focus, procedurally generated content and role-playing features. Players take the seat of the supreme ruler of a small nation, with the goal of reconquering a devastated planet. 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 1,444 reviews of which 1,257 were positive and 187 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 83% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
8.3
1,257
187
-83%
39.53€
6.72€
9. Drone Swarm
Similarity 53% 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 320 reviews of which 202 were positive and 118 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 83% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
6.1
202
118
-83%
17.47€
2.97€
10. Original War
Similarity 55% An American geological expedition, under a UN mandate, assesses the natural resources in a distant part of Siberia, deep in the trackless steppes of Eastern Russia. But instead of oil, they discover a deposit of a hitherto unknown mineral. Original War is a strategy, rts and sci-fi game developed by Altar Games and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on January 27th 2014 has received 2,025 reviews of which 1,922 were positive and 103 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
9.0
1,922
103
-80%
9.99€
1.99€
Free games like Distant Worlds: Universe on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play games like Distant Worlds: Universe you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 30th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
1. Crusader Kings II
Similarity 55% Explore one of the defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy. Crusader Kings II is a grand strategy, strategy and medieval game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on February 14th 2012 has received 73,691 reviews of which 66,260 were positive and 7,431 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 1,340 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
8.9
66,260
7,431
1,340
players
2. Pixel Starships
Similarity 54% Pixel Starships is an FTL-style online sci-fi strategy builder and management game with a competitive PVP tournament. Set in the retro galaxy, your role is to explore space, meet aliens, and develop your ship, crew and AI. The game contains deep strategic and 4x elements. PSS is community-driven. Pixel Starships is a sci-fi, space and strategy game developed and published by SavySoda. Released on May 23rd 2023 has received 2,699 reviews of which 1,985 were positive and 714 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 138, this game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
7.1
1,985
714
138
players
3. Endless Sky
Similarity 57% Endless Sky is a 2D space trading and combat game inspired by the classic Escape Velocity series. Work your way up from a relatively wimpy shuttle, cargo ship, or fighter, to a highly upgraded and customized flagship or to a massive fleet of warships or freighters. Endless Sky is a space, free to play and open world game developed and published by Michael Zahniser. Released on October 30th 2015 has received 6,604 reviews of which 6,096 were positive and 508 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 129, this game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
8.9
6,096
508
129
players
4. Kepler-2100
Similarity 60% Kepler-2100 is a space fantasy strategy war game Kepler-2100 is a strategy, space and 3d platformer game developed and published by NCARD. Released on September 24th 2024 has received 425 reviews of which 342 were positive and 83 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
7.6
342
83
14
players
5. Planet S
Similarity 53% Planet S is a real-time strategy game where your goal is to colonize multiple planets in a solar system to advance your civilization, build a city and supply it to grow your faction. Planet S is a strategy, city builder and multiplayer game developed and published by Glimmerlight Games. Released on October 28th 2023 has received 2,579 reviews of which 2,364 were positive and 215 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
8.8
2,364
215
9
players
6. Galcon 2: Galactic Conquest
Similarity 58% Galcon 2 is a demolition derby in space! Send swarms of ships from planet to planet to conquer the galaxy in this fast paced multiplayer strategy game! Galcon 2: Galactic Conquest is a free to play, strategy and indie game developed and published by Hassey Enterprises and Inc.. Released on December 05th 2014 has received 858 reviews of which 718 were positive and 140 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
7.9
718
140
2
players
7. Gods and Idols
Similarity 56% Take the role of a newly ascended deity in Gods and Idols. Carve your place among the stars in an open, dynamic, and massive MMORTS universe. Command the powers of the cosmos, form alliances, and use your worshipers as instruments to further your goals. Gods and Idols is a free to play, 4x and god game game developed and published by Viking Tao. Released on December 12th 2016 has received 758 reviews of which 532 were positive and 226 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free games like Distant Worlds: Universe.
6.7
532
226
1
players