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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Morningstar: Descent to Deadrock
Crash-landed on a desolate, alien planet, what should've been a routine work-for-hire job for Powell has become a deadly mission to save the merchant vessel Morningstar and her crew.
Zafehouse: Diaries
Stuck in a remote, abandoned town, you must lead five survivors with conflicting motivations, fragile relationships and fiery prejudices to safety from the roving undead. A sophisticated engine generates new survivors, towns and content so every adventure is a different experience, and you can use built-in editors to add yourself and...
EVERSPACE™
EVERSPACE™ combines fast-paced combat with roguelike elements, great visuals and a captivating story. It takes you on a challenging journey through an ever-changing, beautifully crafted universe full of surprises. Shoot, craft and loot your way to victory while the odds are stacked against you.
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 June 15th 2025.
1. Stellaris
Similarity 62% 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 185,433 reviews of which 159,527 were positive and 25,906 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game like Star Ruler, thanks to its 15,712 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.5
159,527
25,906
15,712
players
2. STAR WARS™ Empire at War - Gold Pack
Similarity 64% 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 39,435 reviews of which 38,503 were positive and 932 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 3,114 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
38,503
932
3,114
players
3. FTL: Faster Than Light
Similarity 63% 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 75,052 reviews of which 71,561 were positive and 3,491 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 1,408 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like Star Ruler based on player count.
9.4
71,561
3,491
1,408
players
4. Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance
Similarity 49% 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 13,468 reviews of which 13,042 were positive and 426 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 915 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Star Ruler.
9.4
13,042
426
915
players
5. Sins of a Solar Empire II
Similarity 74% 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 6,946 reviews of which 5,949 were positive and 997 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 834 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Star Ruler.
8.3
5,949
997
834
players
6. Cosmoteer: Starship Architect & Commander
Similarity 56% Design and simulate the starships of your dreams! Command your ship or fleet in epic battles and manage your crew while exploring a dangerous galaxy. Play alone or with friends, test your ships in online PvP, and let your imagination reach for the stars! Cosmoteer: Starship Architect & Commander is a sci-fi, singleplayer and 2d game developed and published by Walternate Realities. Released on October 24th 2022 has received 11,171 reviews of which 10,618 were positive and 553 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 536 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Star Ruler.
9.2
10,618
553
536
players
7. ENDLESS™ Space 2
Similarity 67% 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 22,190 reviews of which 18,526 were positive and 3,664 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 527 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Star Ruler.
8.2
18,526
3,664
527
players
8. Galactic Civilizations IV
Similarity 56% 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 1,887 reviews of which 1,378 were positive and 509 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. With 456 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Star Ruler.
7.1
1,378
509
456
players
9. Master of Orion
Similarity 68% 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 7,918 reviews of which 6,076 were positive and 1,842 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. With 334 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Star Ruler.
7.5
6,076
1,842
334
players
10. Dune: Spice Wars
Similarity 52% 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 12,520 reviews of which 9,973 were positive and 2,547 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 292 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Star Ruler.
7.8
9,973
2,547
292
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 June 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like Star Ruler.
1. EarthX
Similarity 57% EarthX is a rocket company management game. Go from launching small rockets on Earth to eventually building a colony on Mars. Create your own Internet constellation, develop new technologies, supply the International Space Station and terraform Mars! EarthX is a simulation, indie and strategy game developed by Denis and Ry and published by Mesote Games. Released on July 12th 2023 has received 875 reviews of which 769 were positive and 106 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like Star Ruler.
8.3
769
106
-99%
19.99€
0.29€
2. Battlestar Galactica Deadlock
Similarity 51% 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 3,460 reviews of which 2,906 were positive and 554 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Star Ruler.
8.1
2,906
554
-99%
38.99€
0.48€
3. Interstellar Space: Genesis
Similarity 80% Interstellar Space: Genesis is a turn-based space 4X strategy game in which you attempt to build a thriving galactic empire. Discover mysteries among the stars, colonize worlds, and engage enemies in tactical turn-based combat on your journey to becoming the ruler of the galaxy! Interstellar Space: Genesis is a strategy, indie and 4x game developed and published by Praxis Games. Released on July 25th 2019 has received 772 reviews of which 648 were positive and 124 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like Star Ruler.
7.9
648
124
-99%
27.99€
0.45€
4. Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak
Similarity 61% A ground-based RTS prequel to the classic Homeworld games. Assemble your fleet and lead them to victory on the shifting sands of Kharak in this compelling strategy game for PC from Blackbird Interactive. Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak is a strategy, rts and sci-fi game developed by Blackbird Interactive and published by Gearbox Publishing. Released on January 20th 2016 has received 8,519 reviews of which 6,789 were positive and 1,730 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like Star Ruler.
7.8
6,789
1,730
-99%
45.99€
0.88€
5. Aven Colony
Similarity 51% 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. Aven Colony is a colony sim, city builder and strategy game developed by Mothership Entertainment LLC and published by Team17 Digital Ltd. Released on July 25th 2017 has received 2,638 reviews of which 1,921 were positive and 717 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for games like Star Ruler.
7.1
1,921
717
-99%
29.99€
0.47€
6. Distant Worlds 2
Similarity 61% Distant Worlds 2 is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game. Distant Worlds 2 is a strategy, simulation and 4x game developed by CodeForce and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on March 10th 2022 has received 3,237 reviews of which 2,304 were positive and 933 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for games like Star Ruler.
6.9
2,304
933
-99%
48.99€
0.35€
7. ReignMaker
Similarity 46% ReignMaker: Saving the World One Tower at a Time. ReignMaker is a match-3 game with tower defense, city building, and political strategy elements. Your policy decisions determine the fate of your city and the direction of the story. Your match-3 and tower defense skills determine the fate of the world. ReignMaker is a casual, strategy and indie game developed and published by Frogdice. Released on April 16th 2014 has received 410 reviews of which 260 were positive and 150 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like Star Ruler.
6.1
260
150
-99%
14.99€
0.20€
8. X-Morph: Defense
Similarity 47% Unique fusion of a top-down shooter and tower defense strategy. You are the invader! Use destructive weapons or lead your enemies into a maze of towers. Strategize in the build mode by carefully selecting various types of alien towers or throw yourself right into the heat of the battle. X-Morph: Defense is a tower defense, strategy and action game developed by and published by Exor Studios. Released on August 30th 2017 has received 3,823 reviews of which 3,506 were positive and 317 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Star Ruler.
8.8
3,506
317
-98%
19.99€
0.54€
9. Fibbage XL
Similarity 51% NOTE: This game first appeared in The Jackbox Party Pack. It’s Fibbage XL – The Hilarious Bluffing Party Game in standalone form! Fool your friends with your lies, avoid theirs, and find the (usually outrageous) truth. “The mayor of Rabbit Hash, Kentucky is a ____.” Baby? Rabbit? Ham sandwich? Go! Fibbage XL is a strategy, casual and indie game developed and published by Jackbox Games and Inc.. Released on March 24th 2016 has received 318 reviews of which 301 were positive and 17 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for games like Star Ruler.
8.7
301
17
-98%
9.99€
0.22€
10. DG2: Defense Grid 2
Similarity 67% Setting the bar as the definitive tower defense game, Defense Grid 2 introduces new worlds and threats to test your tower placement strategies. With a bold new look and the addition of new game modes, player-versus-player and multiplayer co-op, every play brings fun new opportunities and challenges. DG2: Defense Grid 2 is a strategy, tower defense and indie game developed by Hidden Path Entertainment and published by Hidden Path Entertainment and 505 Games. Released on September 23rd 2014 has received 3,163 reviews of which 2,723 were positive and 440 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for games like Star Ruler.
8.3
2,723
440
-98%
12.49€
0.26€
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 June 15th 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. Star Trek Timelines
Similarity 50% Explore the Final Frontier in the ultimate sci-fi strategy RPG, Star Trek Timelines! Join Starfleet and overcome challenges as you boldly go where no game has gone before – across the entire history of Star Trek. Star Trek Timelines is a free to play, strategy and space game developed and published by Tilting Point. Released on July 12th 2017 has received 1,430 reviews of which 938 were positive and 492 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. With 171 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Star Ruler.
6.4
938
492
171
players
2. Zero-K
Similarity 55% With 100+ truly unique units, Zero-K is an RTS of freedom and creativity, tempered by a decade of refinement. Sculpt land into a castle and throw invaders off it with a Jugglenaut. Explore a massive campaign, solo or co-op. Hop online for epic 32 player battles or fast paced 1v1, on 100s of maps. Zero-K is a strategy, free to play and rts game developed and published by Zero-K Team. Released on April 27th 2018 has received 3,922 reviews of which 3,678 were positive and 244 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 141, this game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free games like Star Ruler.
9.0
3,678
244
141
players
3. Pixel Starships
Similarity 56% 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 2,732 reviews of which 2,008 were positive and 724 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 125, this game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free games like Star Ruler.
7.1
2,008
724
125
players
4. Hades' Star
Similarity 57% 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 2,577 reviews of which 1,874 were positive and 703 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free games like Star Ruler.
7.1
1,874
703
91
players
5. My Lands: Black Gem Hunting
Similarity 51% My Lands is a free online RTS where dark and light forces fight for Black Gem and dominion in a vast fantasy world. Cooperation between players, joint economy development, creation of clans and alliances and elaboration of a team strategy serve as the very foundation of the game. My Lands: Black Gem Hunting is a strategy, free to play and rts game developed by Gravvit Ltd and Forbes Consult Ltd and published by ELYLAND INVESTMENT COMPANY Ltd. Released on September 16th 2014 has received 3,306 reviews of which 2,766 were positive and 540 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free games like Star Ruler.
8.1
2,766
540
53
players
6. War of Omens Card Game
Similarity 52% War of Omens is a CCG with a unique Deckbuilder combat system and deep strategy. Set in a masterfully crafted dark fantasy world, it features fast, strategic battles with 4 distinct factions and over 20 heroes. Challenge the online ladder, conquer the story mode, or compete in a cross faction draft! War of Omens Card Game is a free to play, strategy and indie game developed and published by Fifth Column Games. Released on February 18th 2019 has received 682 reviews of which 589 were positive and 93 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free games like Star Ruler.
8.1
589
93
16
players
7. Planet S
Similarity 59% 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 2,603 reviews of which 2,387 were positive and 216 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free games like Star Ruler.
8.8
2,387
216
15
players
8. Demise of Nations
Similarity 57% Demise of Nations is a 4X turn-based grand strategy wargame covering the rise of Rome till the fall of modern civilization. Demise of Nations is a free to play, strategy and indie game developed and published by Noble Master LLC. Released on August 08th 2017 has received 523 reviews of which 423 were positive and 100 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free games like Star Ruler.
7.6
423
100
8
players
9. Istrolid
Similarity 62% 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 2,662 reviews of which 2,325 were positive and 337 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free games like Star Ruler.
8.4
2,325
337
7
players
10. Clatter
Similarity 49% Create and command your own customizable squads of fighting robots in this turn-based, arena tactics game. Clatter is a strategy, indie and turn-based game developed and published by Facepunch Studios. Released on December 10th 2018 has received 1,146 reviews of which 948 were positive and 198 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free games like Star Ruler.
7.9
948
198
4
players