Games like Star Ruler on Steam
For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free games like Star Ruler are available at the bottom of the page.
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ENDLESS™ Space 2
ENDLESS™ Space 2 is a Strategic Space Opera, featuring the compelling “just one more turn” gameplay, set in the mysterious ENDLESS™ Universe. As the leader of your civilization, will you impose your vision and build the greatest stellar empire?
Distant Worlds: Universe
Distant Worlds is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game. Experience the full depth and detail of turn-based strategy, but with the simplicity and ease of real-time, and on the scale of a massively-multiplayer online game.
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?
Planetary Annihilation: TITANS
Wage war across entire solar systems with massive armies at your command. Annihilate enemy forces with world-shattering TITAN-class units, and demolish planets with massive super weapons!
Dune: Spice Wars
A 4X real-time strategy game from the developers of the critically acclaimed Northgard. Set in Frank Herbert’s groundbreaking Dune universe, you must lead your faction and battle for control and dominance over the harsh desert planet of Arrakis.
Sins of a Solar Empire®: Rebellion
Command a space-faring empire in Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, the new stand-alone expansion that combines 4X depth with real-time strategy gameplay.
Stellar Warfare
Space RTS with base building and ship customization. Personal passion project. More than 200 available ships, weapons and modules to design your fleet with. Contains a small campaign, several single and multiplayer game modes and a coop game mode. Also contains Wave defense!
ENDLESS™ Legend
ENDLESS™ Legend is a 4X turn-based fantasy strategy game by the creators of ENDLESS™ Space and Dungeon of the ENDLESS™. Control every aspect of your civilization as you struggle to save your homeworld Auriga. Create your own Legend!
Planets Under Attack
Play as humans or robots in a brand new sci-fi strategy adventure! Travel into the far reaches of space, through cleverly designed star constellations and variable game modes, conquering enemy planets using 15 combinable technologies.
Taur
Taur is an action-strategy sci-fi game. Control the Prime Cannon and unlock all of its powerful weapons and abilities. Build turrets, droids, aircraft and more as you fight to protect the homeworld of the Tauron droids against a relentless invasion. Will your Taur stand against the Imperion warmachine?
Iron Marines
Real-time strategy battles in amazing sci-fi worlds! Command brave soldiers, mighty mechas and powerful aliens to face the greatest challenges in hostile alien worlds. The galaxy needs you!
Planetbase
Guide a group of space settlers trying to establish a base on a remote planet. Grow food, collect energy, mine resources, survive disasters and build a self-sufficient colony in a harsh and unforgiving environment.
Drone Swarm
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!
Oriental Empires
Turn based 4X strategy game, recreating the civilizations of ancient China. Develop your land, build great cities, raise huge armies and fight epic battles, with hundreds of soldiers fighting right on the game map. Advance your technologies, culture and religion to create one of mankind’s biggest empires.
Sins of a Solar Empire II
Battle for galactic dominance in this real-time 4X strategy game with unrivaled scale! You’ll explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate through military force, diplomacy, trade, culture, influence, and other underhanded tactics.
Stars in Shadow
Stars in Shadow is a turn-based 4X strategy game and a vivid tribute to the genre classics. Compete with alien factions to explore and colonize nearby starsystems, build fleets to defend against rivals, negotiate or conquer them. Win by unifying the galaxy, through diplomacy or force.
Supreme Commander 2
Includes 47 Steam achievements, leaderboards, and stats!
Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance
The last days of man are at hand.. Two years after the Infinite War the once great warring nations now lie in ruins, and humanity’s hope for a brighter future is nothing but a bitter memory. A new, seemingly unstoppable enemy, supported by the zealots of The Order, now seeks to eradicate mankind: UEF, Aeon Loyalist, and Cybran alike.
Exogate Initiative
Build and manage mankind’s first mission across the universe! Create a sprawling facility underground, recruit a diverse group of specialists from around the globe and explore mysterious new worlds through the Exogate.
Revival: Recolonization
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.
Shadow Empire
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.
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.Most played games like Star Ruler on Steam
Take a look at the top games like Star Ruler that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 30th 2025.
1. Stellaris
Similarity 73% Explore a galaxy full of wonders in this sci-fi grand strategy game from Paradox Development Studios. Interact with diverse alien races, discover strange new worlds with unexpected events and expand the reach of your empire. Each new adventure holds almost limitless possibilities. Stellaris is a space, grand strategy and strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on May 09th 2016 has received 182,155 reviews of which 157,931 were positive and 24,224 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game like Star Ruler, thanks to its 8,932 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.6
157,931
24,224
8,932
players
2. STAR WARS™ Empire at War - Gold Pack
Similarity 84% Command or corrupt an entire galaxy in the definitive Star Wars strategy collection. It is a time of galactic civil war. Will you take up the reins of the Rebellion, assume control of the Empire, or rule the Star Wars Underworld? STAR WARS™ Empire at War - Gold Pack is a strategy, rts and space game developed by Petroglyph and published by LucasArts, Lucasfilm and Disney. Released on May 25th 2010 has received 38,906 reviews of which 37,985 were positive and 921 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 1,923 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like Star Ruler based on player count.
9.6
37,985
921
1,923
players
3. Dyson Sphere Program
Similarity 73% Build the most efficient intergalactic factory in space simulation strategy game Dyson Sphere Program! Harness the power of stars, collect resources, plan and design production lines and develop your interstellar factory from a small space workshop to a galaxy-wide industrial empire. Dyson Sphere Program is a automation, space and base-building game developed by Youthcat Studio and published by Gamirror Games. Released on January 20th 2021 has received 84,667 reviews of which 82,683 were positive and 1,984 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 1,702 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like Star Ruler based on player count.
9.6
82,683
1,984
1,702
players
4. Sins of a Solar Empire II
Similarity 71% Battle for galactic dominance in this real-time 4X strategy game with unrivaled scale! You’ll explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate through military force, diplomacy, trade, culture, influence, and other underhanded tactics. Sins of a Solar Empire II is a space, strategy and 4x game developed by Stardock Entertainment and Ironclad Games Corporation and published by Stardock Entertainment. Released on August 15th 2024 has received 6,741 reviews of which 5,790 were positive and 951 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 766 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Star Ruler.
8.3
5,790
951
766
players
5. Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance
Similarity 71% The last days of man are at hand.. Two years after the Infinite War the once great warring nations now lie in ruins, and humanity’s hope for a brighter future is nothing but a bitter memory. A new, seemingly unstoppable enemy, supported by the zealots of The Order, now seeks to eradicate mankind: UEF, Aeon Loyalist, and Cybran alike. Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance is a strategy, rts and sci-fi game developed by Gas Powered Games and published by Square Enix. Released on September 28th 2011 has received 13,403 reviews of which 12,982 were positive and 421 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 706 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Star Ruler.
9.4
12,982
421
706
players
6. ENDLESS™ Space 2
Similarity 99% ENDLESS™ Space 2 is a Strategic Space Opera, featuring the compelling “just one more turn” gameplay, set in the mysterious ENDLESS™ Universe. As the leader of your civilization, will you impose your vision and build the greatest stellar empire? ENDLESS™ Space 2 is a strategy, space and sci-fi game developed by AMPLITUDE Studios and published by SEGA. Released on May 18th 2017 has received 22,121 reviews of which 18,469 were positive and 3,652 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 414 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Star Ruler.
8.2
18,469
3,652
414
players
7. Master of Orion
Similarity 78% The ascendant spacefaring 4X strategy game returns! A new chapter in the epic Master of Orion saga is poised to once again capture the imaginations of millions of gamers. Master of Orion is a strategy, 4x and space game developed by NGD Studios and published by Wargaming Labs. Released on August 25th 2016 has received 7,898 reviews of which 6,060 were positive and 1,838 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. With 284 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Star Ruler.
7.5
6,060
1,838
284
players
8. Sins of a Solar Empire®: Rebellion
Similarity 78% Command a space-faring empire in Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, the new stand-alone expansion that combines 4X depth with real-time strategy gameplay. Sins of a Solar Empire®: Rebellion is a management, diplomacy and online co-op game developed by Stardock Entertainment and Ironclad Games Corporation and published by Stardock Entertainment. Released on June 12th 2012 has received 15,980 reviews of which 14,889 were positive and 1,091 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 278 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Star Ruler.
9.1
14,889
1,091
278
players
9. Dune: Spice Wars
Similarity 80% A 4X real-time strategy game from the developers of the critically acclaimed Northgard. Set in Frank Herbert’s groundbreaking Dune universe, you must lead your faction and battle for control and dominance over the harsh desert planet of Arrakis. Dune: Spice Wars is a management, singleplayer and sci-fi game developed by Shiro Games and published by Shiro Games and Funcom. Released on September 14th 2023 has received 12,413 reviews of which 9,883 were positive and 2,530 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 234 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Star Ruler.
7.8
9,883
2,530
234
players
10. Galactic Civilizations IV
Similarity 67% Take command of a civilization that has just achieved faster-than-light travel in Galactic Civilizations IV, the newest entry in the award-winning space 4X strategy game series. Explore the galaxy, colonize worlds, shape cultures, make alliances, fight wars and pioneer new technologies. Galactic Civilizations IV is a space, grand strategy and simulation game developed and published by Stardock Entertainment. Released on October 19th 2023 has received 1,832 reviews of which 1,341 were positive and 491 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. With 217 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Star Ruler.
7.1
1,341
491
217
players
Best deals on games like Star Ruler on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of games like Star Ruler available on Steam right now, updated on April 30th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like Star Ruler.
1. Oriental Empires
Similarity 73% Turn based 4X strategy game, recreating the civilizations of ancient China. Develop your land, build great cities, raise huge armies and fight epic battles, with hundreds of soldiers fighting right on the game map. Advance your technologies, culture and religion to create one of mankind’s biggest empires. Oriental Empires is a strategy, simulation and indie game developed by Shining Pixel Studios and published by Iceberg Interactive. Released on September 14th 2017 has received 2,930 reviews of which 2,355 were positive and 575 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like Star Ruler.
7.8
2,355
575
-95%
30.00€
1.50€
2. Distant Worlds: Universe
Similarity 93% Distant Worlds is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game. Experience the full depth and detail of turn-based strategy, but with the simplicity and ease of real-time, and on the scale of a massively-multiplayer online game. Distant Worlds: Universe is a strategy, 4x and space game developed by Code Force and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on May 23rd 2014 has received 1,816 reviews of which 1,376 were positive and 440 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 92% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Star Ruler.
7.3
1,376
440
-92%
28.00€
2.24€
3. Planets Under Attack
Similarity 75% Play as humans or robots in a brand new sci-fi strategy adventure! Travel into the far reaches of space, through cleverly designed star constellations and variable game modes, conquering enemy planets using 15 combinable technologies. Planets Under Attack is a strategy, indie and space game developed by Targem Games and published by TopWare Interactive. Released on September 27th 2012 has received 1,114 reviews of which 806 were positive and 308 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 92% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like Star Ruler.
7.0
806
308
-92%
12.50€
1.00€
4. Revival: Recolonization
Similarity 67% Set in a post-apoc version of Earth, Revival is a 4x strategy game where the world and its rules can change at key moments, creating a deep and highly replayable experience. Revival: Recolonization is a 4x, grand strategy and turn-based strategy game developed and published by HeroCraft PC. Released on April 11th 2024 has received 398 reviews of which 288 were positive and 110 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like Star Ruler.
6.9
288
110
-91%
27.67€
2.49€
5. Shadow Empire
Similarity 67% Shadow Empire is a deep turn-based 4X wargame with a unique blend of military focus, procedurally generated content and role-playing features. 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 #5 position in the best deals for games like Star Ruler.
8.3
1,257
187
-83%
39.53€
6.72€
6. Drone Swarm
Similarity 73% Drone Swarm is a very unique take on tactical games. Control 32,000 drones in quick, fast-paced fights. Combine your swarm abilities and counter constantly evolving attacks of your opponents. Survive varying enemy waves, get upgrades to your swarm, and make it to the next system alive! Drone Swarm is a sci-fi, action and real time tactics game developed by stillalive studios and published by astragon Entertainment. Released on October 20th 2020 has received 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 #6 position in the best deals for games like Star Ruler.
6.1
202
118
-83%
17.47€
2.97€
7. Sunrider: Liberation Day - Captain's Edition
Similarity 67% Liberation Day will come... but you will be betrayed. Experience the stunning continuation of Sunrider Mask of Arcadius in this hardcore turn based tactics game with heavy story elements. Sunrider: Liberation Day - Captain's Edition is a strategy, visual novel and anime game developed by Love in Space and published by Sekai Project. Released on March 04th 2016 has received 812 reviews of which 675 were positive and 137 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like Star Ruler.
7.9
675
137
-80%
24.50€
4.90€
8. Filament
Similarity 67% Solve challenging cable-based puzzles and uncover what really happened to the crew of The Alabaster. Now with Hint System (for those ultra tricky puzzles). Filament is a puzzle, difficult and indie game developed by Beard Envy and published by Kasedo Games and Maple Whispering Limited. Released on April 23rd 2020 has received 712 reviews of which 615 were positive and 97 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 79% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Star Ruler.
8.1
615
97
-79%
16.62€
3.49€
9. Supreme Commander 2
Similarity 71% Includes 47 Steam achievements, leaderboards, and stats! Supreme Commander 2 is a strategy, rts and sci-fi game developed by Gas Powered Games and published by Square Enix. Released on March 01st 2010 has received 12,383 reviews of which 10,933 were positive and 1,450 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 76% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for games like Star Ruler.
8.6
10,933
1,450
-76%
13.21€
3.17€
10. STAR WARS™ Empire at War - Gold Pack
Similarity 84% Command or corrupt an entire galaxy in the definitive Star Wars strategy collection. It is a time of galactic civil war. Will you take up the reins of the Rebellion, assume control of the Empire, or rule the Star Wars Underworld? STAR WARS™ Empire at War - Gold Pack is a strategy, rts and space game developed by Petroglyph and published by LucasArts, Lucasfilm and Disney. Released on May 25th 2010 has received 38,906 reviews of which 37,985 were positive and 921 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 75% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for games like Star Ruler.
9.6
37,985
921
-75%
19.50€
4.87€
Free games like Star Ruler on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play games like Star Ruler you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 30th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play games like Star Ruler.
1. Hades' Star
Similarity 89% A unique space strategy game where thousands of players participate in one shared galaxy. Hades' Star is a free to play, space and strategy game developed and published by Parallel Space Inc. Released on February 27th 2019 has received 2,561 reviews of which 1,864 were positive and 697 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. With 108 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Star Ruler.
7.1
1,864
697
108
players
2. Planet S
Similarity 75% Planet S is a real-time strategy game where your goal is to colonize multiple planets in a solar system to advance your civilization, build a city and supply it to grow your faction. Planet S is a strategy, city builder and multiplayer game developed and published by Glimmerlight Games. Released on October 28th 2023 has received 2,579 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 #2 spot among the most played free games like Star Ruler.
8.8
2,364
215
9
players
3. Istrolid
Similarity 75% In Istrolid you design your own unique spaceships from a large number of parts to fit your strategy and play style. With no set units or factions you are free to create a fleet where each ship has its own balanced strengths and weaknesses, from basic fighters and bombers to hulking battleships and speedy destroyers. Istrolid is a free to play, building and strategy game developed and published by treeform. Released on May 06th 2016 has received 2,660 reviews of which 2,324 were positive and 336 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free games like Star Ruler.
8.4
2,324
336
4
players
4. Sunrider: Mask of Arcadius
Similarity 67% As Captain Kayto Shields, embark on a galactic voyage of heroism and survival. With his home world destroyed and his nation conquered, the inexperienced Captain Shields, and his newly minted vessel, the Sunrider, are left as the only hope against a galactic evil intent on subjugating all sentient life. Sunrider: Mask of Arcadius is a anime, visual novel and free to play game developed by Love in Space and published by Sekai Project. Released on July 09th 2014 has received 2,782 reviews of which 2,572 were positive and 210 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free games like Star Ruler.
8.9
2,572
210
2
players
5. Galcon 2: Galactic Conquest
Similarity 84% Galcon 2 is a demolition derby in space! Send swarms of ships from planet to planet to conquer the galaxy in this fast paced multiplayer strategy game! Galcon 2: Galactic Conquest is a free to play, strategy and indie game developed and published by Hassey Enterprises and Inc.. Released on December 05th 2014 has received 858 reviews of which 718 were positive and 140 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free games like Star Ruler.
7.9
718
140
2
players
6. Gods and Idols
Similarity 84% Take the role of a newly ascended deity in Gods and Idols. Carve your place among the stars in an open, dynamic, and massive MMORTS universe. Command the powers of the cosmos, form alliances, and use your worshipers as instruments to further your goals. Gods and Idols is a free to play, 4x and god game game developed and published by Viking Tao. Released on December 12th 2016 has received 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 #6 spot among the most played free games like Star Ruler.
6.7
532
226
1
players