Games like Stellaris on Steam
For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free games like Stellaris are available at the bottom of the page.
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Sigma Theory: Global Cold War
A Turn-based Strategy game in a futuristic global cold war from the award-winning creators of Out There. Recruit a squad of special agents and run your intel agency to secure the control of the singularity.
Age of Wonders: Planetfall
Age of Wonders: Planetfall is the new strategy game from Triumph Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Age of Wonders series, bringing all the exciting tactical turn-based combat and in-depth empire building of its predecessors to space in an all-new, sci-fi setting.
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War brings you to a world of terror and violence. Four factions will engage in a brutal war for dominance over the planet’s resources. In the first turn-based 4X strategy game set in Warhammer 40,000 you will lead one of four unique factions.
Terraforming Mars
The taming of the Red Planet has begun! Corporations are competing to transform Mars into a habitable planet by spending vast resources and using innovative technology to raise temperature, create a breathable atmosphere, and make oceans of water.
No Man's Sky
No Man's Sky is a game about exploration and survival in an infinite procedurally generated universe.Most played games like Stellaris on Steam
Take a look at the top games like Stellaris that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 30th 2025.
1. Hearts of Iron IV
Similarity 52% Victory is at your fingertips! Your ability to lead your nation is your supreme weapon, the strategy game Hearts of Iron IV lets you take command of any nation in World War II; the most engaging conflict in world history. Hearts of Iron IV is a strategy, world war ii and grand strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on June 06th 2016 has received 337,948 reviews of which 301,552 were positive and 36,396 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game like Stellaris, thanks to its 23,200 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.8
301,552
36,396
23,200
players
2. RimWorld
Similarity 53% 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. While seeing 18,188 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like Stellaris based on player count.
9.7
203,940
4,223
18,188
players
3. Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI
Similarity 52% Expand your empire, advance your culture and go head-to-head against history’s greatest leaders. Will your civilization stand the test of time? Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI is a strategy, turn-based strategy and multiplayer game developed by Firaxis Games, Aspyr (Mac) and Aspyr (Linux) and published by Aspyr (Mac), Aspyr (Linux) and 2K. Released on October 20th 2016 has received 347,827 reviews of which 302,129 were positive and 45,698 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 17,726 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like Stellaris based on player count.
8.6
302,129
45,698
17,726
players
4. Crusader Kings III
Similarity 62% 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. With 15,811 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Stellaris.
8.9
112,414
11,988
15,811
players
5. Sid Meier's Civilization® V
Similarity 53% Create, discover, and download new player-created maps, scenarios, interfaces, and more! Sid Meier's Civilization® V is a turn-based strategy, strategy and turn-based game developed by Firaxis Games, Aspyr (Mac) and Aspyr (Linux) and published by Aspyr (Mac), Aspyr (Linux) and 2K. Released on September 23rd 2010 has received 203,684 reviews of which 195,180 were positive and 8,504 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 11,528 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Stellaris.
9.5
195,180
8,504
11,528
players
6. Europa Universalis IV
Similarity 70% 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. With 10,317 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Stellaris.
8.6
115,671
17,940
10,317
players
7. No Man's Sky
Similarity 50% 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 350,242 reviews of which 290,801 were positive and 59,441 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 5,653 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Stellaris.
8.2
290,801
59,441
5,653
players
8. Elite Dangerous
Similarity 57% 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 99,333 reviews of which 76,805 were positive and 22,528 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. With 4,976 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Stellaris.
7.7
76,805
22,528
4,976
players
9. Space Engineers
Similarity 52% 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 #9 spot among the most played games like Stellaris.
8.7
116,777
15,101
4,402
players
10. Oxygen Not Included
Similarity 61% 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 #10 spot among the most played games like Stellaris.
9.5
123,406
4,149
4,349
players
Best deals on games like Stellaris on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of games like Stellaris 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 Stellaris.
1. Old World
Similarity 65% 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 Stellaris.
8.0
3,726
815
-95%
39.80€
1.99€
2. Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War
Similarity 50% Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War brings you to a world of terror and violence. Four factions will engage in a brutal war for dominance over the planet’s resources. In the first turn-based 4X strategy game set in Warhammer 40,000 you will lead one of four unique factions. Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War is a strategy, warhammer 40k and 4x game developed by Proxy Studios and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on July 12th 2018 has received 14,238 reviews of which 11,571 were positive and 2,667 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Stellaris.
8.0
11,571
2,667
-95%
42.80€
2.14€
3. Distant Worlds: Universe
Similarity 76% 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 #3 best deal in games like Stellaris.
7.3
1,376
440
-92%
28.00€
2.24€
4. Rogue State Revolution
Similarity 53% Greetings your Excellency. Time to rebuild, reform and prepare for new challenges in the People's Republic of Basenji. In this thrilling political strategy, you will appoint ministers and lead the country to success. Be careful — you may find yourself replaced in the next election. Rogue State Revolution is a sandbox, atmospheric and turn-based strategy game developed by LRDGames and Inc. and published by Modern Wolf. Released on March 18th 2021 has received 495 reviews of which 382 were positive and 113 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like Stellaris.
7.3
382
113
-92%
12.50€
1.00€
5. Revival: Recolonization
Similarity 63% 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 #5 position in the best deals for games like Stellaris.
6.9
288
110
-91%
27.67€
2.49€
6. VoidExpanse
Similarity 55% 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. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for games like Stellaris.
6.9
534
214
-91%
15.11€
1.36€
7. Europa Universalis IV
Similarity 70% 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 #7 position in the best deals for games like Stellaris.
8.6
115,671
17,940
-88%
38.83€
4.66€
8. Terraforming Mars
Similarity 50% The taming of the Red Planet has begun! Corporations are competing to transform Mars into a habitable planet by spending vast resources and using innovative technology to raise temperature, create a breathable atmosphere, and make oceans of water. Terraforming Mars is a strategy, board game and space game developed by Artefacts Studio and published by Twin Sails Interactive. Released on October 17th 2018 has received 6,575 reviews of which 4,710 were positive and 1,865 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Stellaris.
7.0
4,710
1,865
-88%
19.83€
2.38€
9. X3: Reunion
Similarity 59% 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 #9 position in the best deals for games like Stellaris.
6.9
493
191
-85%
9.73€
1.46€
10. Shadow Empire
Similarity 66% 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 #10 position in the best deals for games like Stellaris.
8.3
1,257
187
-83%
39.53€
6.72€
Free games like Stellaris on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play games like Stellaris 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 Stellaris.
1. Cell to Singularity - Evolution Never Ends
Similarity 50% The epic story of evolution, technology, humanity, and dinosaurs is yours to tap. Cell to Singularity - Evolution Never Ends is a clicker, free to play and simulation game developed and published by Computer Lunch. Released on November 03rd 2021 has received 23,393 reviews of which 21,027 were positive and 2,366 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 2,520 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Stellaris.
8.8
21,027
2,366
2,520
players
2. Crusader Kings II
Similarity 57% 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. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 1,340, this game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free games like Stellaris.
8.9
66,260
7,431
1,340
players
3. Pixel Starships
Similarity 60% 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 #3 spot in the ranking of free games like Stellaris.
7.1
1,985
714
138
players
4. Endless Sky
Similarity 51% 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. Attracting a solid base of 129 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free games like Stellaris.
8.9
6,096
508
129
players
5. Planet S
Similarity 51% 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 Stellaris.
8.8
2,364
215
9
players