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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NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Sphere of Influence
Become a Daimyo of the Warring States period of Japanese history in NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION, a historical simulation game of conquest and domination. It is the 30th anniversary of this series and this current release, NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Sphere of Influence, is the crown of the series.
Rover Mechanic Simulator
As an Engineer - crew member of one of the first Mars colonies - you are responsible for repairing and maintaining Mars Rovers. In this advanced simulator you will learn the internal details of various Mars Rovers and their components.
Surviving Mars
There will be challenges to overcome. Execute your strategy and improve your colony’s chances of survival while unlocking the mysteries of this alien world. Are you ready? Mars is waiting for you.
Empires of the Undergrowth
Command swarms of warriors at an unprecedented scale of warfare in this blend of RTS and base-building. Lead ant colonies against the many fearsome threats of the insect world, while building intricate nests, developing pheromone-based tactics, and evolving to meet growing dangers.
Final Upgrade
Help humanity to spread throughout the cosmos by exploring new worlds, building space factories and setting up trade routes. Research advanced technologies to increase efficiency and unlock new paths of development. Fight off other artificial intelligences in your goal to reach the Final Upgrade!
Sailing Era
Every voyage is a journey of "Sailing & Beyond" in Sailing Era! Navigate your fleet and sail for fun; run a business; have a romantic encounter in the tavern; capture pirates amid intense battle; explore inland for treasure... Experience foreign culture, make novel discoveries, and sail away!
Holy Potatoes! We’re in Space?!
Holy Potatoes! We’re in Space?! is a whacky space exploration game where you manage your very own spaceship, craft hundreds of weapons, and explore the vastness of a veggie-filled universe.
Shadows of Forbidden Gods
Take on the role of a Dark Elder God and lead your agents to bring about an apocalypse in a fantasy world. Work in the shadows, avoiding the heroes who will try to stop you, as you bring about plague and famine, ice age and volcanic destruction, madness and never ending night.
Halo Wars: Definitive Edition
Halo Wars: Definitive Edition is an enhanced version of the real-time strategy classic, Halo Wars, updated to run natively on PC. Halo Wars: Definitive Edition includes improved graphics, new achievements and all of the DLC created for the landmark real-time strategy game.
Medieval Monarch
In the medieval era, assume the role of a lord and engage with other lords，develop fiefdoms, and employ strategies involving intrigue, warfare, and plunder. Expand your territory and strengthen your house lineage Or, be a god, manipulate the world? This game primarily strategic role-playing elements
The Red Solstice
2280 A.D. The last few survivors of a ruined Earth seek a new home: Mars, a planet whose inhabitants didn't take too kindly to outsiders. The Red Solstice is a tense, tactical, squad-based action game. Fight to survive with up to 8 players in co-op, or lead your own squad in single-player mode.
There Came an Echo
There Came an Echo is a real-time strategy game in which the player assumes command of a small squadron, using an advanced voice recognition system to issue orders. It features a character-driven sci-fi narrative that stars Wil Wheaton, Ashly Burch, Laura Bailey, Yuri Lowenthal, and more!
Half-Earth Socialism
Try your hand as a global planner of a future society. Play with a wide range of technologies and policies spanning different fields and ideologies. Will you lead the world to ecological utopia or planetary ruin?
Moonbase Alpha
NASA has once again landed on the lunar surface with the goal of colonization, research, and further exploration. Shortly after the return to the Moon, NASA has established a small outpost on the south pole of the moon called Moonbase Alpha.
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!
Halcyon 6: Starbase Commander
Halcyon 6: Starbase Commander is a retro space strategy RPG with base building, deep tactical combat, crew management and emergent storytelling.
Final Theory
Final Theory is a 4X-lite turn-based strategy game where you command fleets of battleships engaged in a galactic civil war. It presents an exciting experience for both veteran players and those new to the genre. It features innovative combat mechanics but also hearkens back to some of the classics.
Astrox Imperium
Astrox Imperium is a relaxing space game where you fly around a generated universe. Mining, Fighting, Building, Exploring, and Surviving. What makes this game unique? You have complete control of how it plays. A robust sandbox and lots of MOD tools. Make it your game, and play it your own way.
Project AURA
Project Aura is a micro management game where you lead a Colony of Climate Disaster Survivors. You have been assigned the mission to build an habitat capable of survival in this new unknown world.
Earth 2140
The year is 2140. After numerous wars and several environmental disasters, only two world powers remain; the United Civilized States (»UCS«), covering the American continent, Western Europe and North Africa, and the Eurasian Dynasty (»ED«) covering the coherent landmasses of Eastern Europe and Asia.
Red Planet Farming
Become the first Agricultural Director of Mars in Red Planet Farming! This casual strategy game tasks players with producing enough food to feed a growing population of settlers on the red planet.
Anno 1800
Anno 1800™ – Lead the Industrial Revolution! Welcome to the dawn of the Industrial Age. The path you choose will define your world. Are you an innovator or an exploiter? A conqueror or a liberator? How the world remembers your name is up to you.
Defense Grid: The Awakening
Defense Grid: The Awakening is a unique spin on tower defense gameplay that will appeal to players of all skill levels. A horde of enemies is invading, and it's up to the player to stop them by strategically building fortification towers around their base.
Knights of Honor
As King, it is your duty to lead your people in their struggle to raise your kingdom from its humble beginnings to a position of power and prestige. War, diplomacy and a burgeoning economy are the means by which you increase your power and expand your influence.
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 June 16th 2025.
1. Hearts of Iron IV
Similarity 45% 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 342,150 reviews of which 305,168 were positive and 36,982 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 30,016 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.8
305,168
36,982
30,016
players
2. Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI
Similarity 48% 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 349,920 reviews of which 304,053 were positive and 45,867 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 23,194 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like Stellaris based on player count.
8.6
304,053
45,867
23,194
players
3. Crusader Kings III
Similarity 45% 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 126,909 reviews of which 114,259 were positive and 12,650 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. While seeing 15,263 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like Stellaris based on player count.
8.9
114,259
12,650
15,263
players
4. Sid Meier's Civilization® V
Similarity 41% 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 204,265 reviews of which 195,724 were positive and 8,541 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 13,866 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Stellaris.
9.5
195,724
8,541
13,866
players
5. Europa Universalis IV
Similarity 53% 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 134,436 reviews of which 116,432 were positive and 18,004 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 13,299 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Stellaris.
8.6
116,432
18,004
13,299
players
6. No Man's Sky
Similarity 46% 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 352,858 reviews of which 293,332 were positive and 59,526 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 12,692 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Stellaris.
8.2
293,332
59,526
12,692
players
7. Elite Dangerous
Similarity 47% 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 100,024 reviews of which 77,388 were positive and 22,636 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. With 4,593 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Stellaris.
7.7
77,388
22,636
4,593
players
8. EVE Online
Similarity 40% EVE Online is a free-to-play community driven space MMO where players can choose their own path from countless different options. Experience space exploration, immense PvP and PvE battles, mining, industry and a thriving player economy in an ever-expanding sandbox. EVE Online is a space, free to play and massively multiplayer game developed and published by CCP. Released on December 15th 2010 has received 36,388 reviews of which 26,813 were positive and 9,575 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. With 4,117 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Stellaris.
7.3
26,813
9,575
4,117
players
9. Anno 1800
Similarity 41% Anno 1800™ – Lead the Industrial Revolution! Welcome to the dawn of the Industrial Age. The path you choose will define your world. Are you an innovator or an exploiter? A conqueror or a liberator? How the world remembers your name is up to you. Anno 1800 is a city builder, strategy and simulation game developed by Ubisoft Mainz and published by Ubisoft. Released on April 16th 2019 has received 25,091 reviews of which 20,368 were positive and 4,723 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 3,157 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Stellaris.
8.0
20,368
4,723
3,157
players
10. STAR WARS™ Empire at War - Gold Pack
Similarity 62% 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. With 2,985 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Stellaris.
9.6
38,503
932
2,985
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 June 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like Stellaris.
1. EarthX
Similarity 45% 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 Stellaris.
8.3
769
106
-99%
19.99€
0.29€
2. Old World
Similarity 60% 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 4,673 reviews of which 3,841 were positive and 832 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Stellaris.
8.0
3,841
832
-99%
39.99€
0.48€
3. Interstellar Space: Genesis
Similarity 69% 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 Stellaris.
7.9
648
124
-99%
27.99€
0.46€
4. Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak
Similarity 53% 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 Stellaris.
7.8
6,789
1,730
-99%
45.99€
0.88€
5. Aven Colony
Similarity 48% 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 Stellaris.
7.1
1,921
717
-99%
29.99€
0.47€
6. Distant Worlds 2
Similarity 79% 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 Stellaris.
6.9
2,304
933
-99%
48.99€
0.36€
7. Starpoint Gemini 2
Similarity 43% Captain your own space ship and roam the galaxy in 3D in this tactical space simulator with tons of RPG depth ! Space has never looked so inviting - but images can betray...It has been two years since the end of the second Gemini war, the situation in the wartorn system is further from resolution than ever. Starpoint Gemini 2 is a space, simulation and rpg game developed and published by Little Green Men Games. Released on September 26th 2014 has received 4,093 reviews of which 2,843 were positive and 1,250 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like Stellaris.
6.8
2,843
1,250
-99%
31.99€
0.57€
8. BattleGroupVR
Similarity 47% BattleGroupVR is a first person real-time space strategy where you lead a fleet of powerful warships into battle from the bridge of your own flagship. Assemble your fleet, upgrade your load-outs, train your captains, engage the enemy and secure the sector. Try not to go down with the ship. BattleGroupVR is a space sim, space and vr game developed and published by SpaceOwl Games. Released on July 31st 2023 has received 902 reviews of which 834 were positive and 68 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Stellaris.
8.7
834
68
-98%
20.99€
0.42€
9. AI War 2
Similarity 47% The most devious and acclaimed artificial intelligence in strategy gaming is better than ever. A grand strategy/RTS hybrid that reverses many conventions of both genres. Take territory without attracting attention, build your empire with care, and adapt to an ever-evolving galactic battleground. AI War 2 is a 4x, grand strategy and multiplayer game developed and published by Arcen Games and LLC. Released on October 22nd 2019 has received 1,490 reviews of which 1,318 were positive and 172 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for games like Stellaris.
8.4
1,318
172
-98%
19.50€
0.49€
10. DG2: Defense Grid 2
Similarity 51% 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 Stellaris.
8.3
2,723
440
-98%
12.49€
0.26€
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 June 16th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play games like Stellaris.
1. EVE Online
Similarity 40% EVE Online is a free-to-play community driven space MMO where players can choose their own path from countless different options. Experience space exploration, immense PvP and PvE battles, mining, industry and a thriving player economy in an ever-expanding sandbox. EVE Online is a space, free to play and massively multiplayer game developed and published by CCP. Released on December 15th 2010 has received 36,388 reviews of which 26,813 were positive and 9,575 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. With 4,117 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Stellaris.
7.3
26,813
9,575
4,117
players
2. Crusader Kings II
Similarity 49% 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 73,809 reviews of which 66,359 were positive and 7,450 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 1,554, this game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free games like Stellaris.
8.9
66,359
7,450
1,554
players
3. 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. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 148, this game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free games like Stellaris.
6.4
938
492
148
players
4. Endless Sky
Similarity 43% 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 6,651 reviews of which 6,141 were positive and 510 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 135 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free games like Stellaris.
8.9
6,141
510
135
players
5. Pixel Starships
Similarity 57% 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. Attracting a solid base of 117 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free games like Stellaris.
7.1
2,008
724
117
players
6. Hades' Star
Similarity 51% 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. Attracting a solid base of 104 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free games like Stellaris.
7.1
1,874
703
104
players
7. Planet S
Similarity 50% 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 Stellaris.
8.8
2,387
216
17
players
8. Demise of Nations
Similarity 44% 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 Stellaris.
7.6
423
100
9
players
9. Istrolid
Similarity 49% 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 Stellaris.
8.4
2,325
337
4
players
10. The Orville - Interactive Fan Experience
Similarity 50% 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 998 reviews of which 901 were positive and 97 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free games like Stellaris.
8.5
901
97
3
players