Best Sci-fi Games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated sci-fi games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free sci-fi games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Plains of Pain
Survive a brutal open world alone or with friends. Explore a procedural wasteland scorched by chaos. Build and defend your base, trade for what you need, complete deadly quests, and fight to claim faction outposts before someone else does.
The Last Starship
The Last Starship is a 2D space construction game where you design and upgrade your starship. Choose your path: pirate hunter, miner, engineer, spacebus driver, and more, whilst exploring vibrant star systems. Enjoy a growing sandbox world, with regular free updates. Your cosmic adventure awaits!
Tower Tactics: Liberation
We fused deck-building roguelikes and tower defenses in a way never seen before - deploy your towers, collect valuable trinkets and cast powerful spells to defend yourself against the Salkoth!
Fallen Hero: Retribution
So you're a villain now? Let's see if you survive the experience.
Deliver Us Mars
Deliver Us Mars is an atmospheric sci-fi adventure taking you on a suspense-fuelled, high-stakes mission to recover the ARK colony ships stolen by the mysterious Outward.
Industries of Titan
Create a sprawling industrial city. Compete with other rival corporations on Titan for resources, territory, and power. Seek victory via technology, influence, warfare, or the wealth extracted from your citizens. Stake your claim to the Industries of Titan in this innovative sim/strategy game!
Dead Space
The sci-fi survival-horror classic returns, completely rebuilt to offer an even more immersive experience — including visual, audio, and gameplay improvements — while staying faithful to the original game’s thrilling vision.
The Pioneers: Surviving Desolation
Deep and innovative space survival simulation experience. Build your station, manage your crew and explore the harsh environment of Io, the innermost moon of Jupiter. Are you brave enough to survive?
The Multi-Medium
The Multi-Medium is a visually unique 2D puzzle platform adventure in which you play as an interdimensional explorer lost in the multiverse. Travel to diverse worlds, each drawn or painted by hand in a different medium and style, in search of your place in the cosmos.
2112TD: Tower Defense Survival
Get ready for the ULTIMATE tower defense onslaught. Build, deploy, research and upgrade your defenses in this epic, old school RTS inspired sci-fi adventure.
Farlanders
Terraform, strategize, and construct a Martian colony in this retro-inspired turn-based city builder. Create a comfortable living for your citizens, research alien artifacts, and uncover the secrets of the Red Planet.
Dominance
Dominance is a multiplayer top-down shooter, built on a no-limits attitude. Choose between a rich variety of different ability and item combinations, select one of 6 distinct characters. Battle up to 24 foes on the ever-evolving terrain — and prove your Dominance.
Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider
Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is a side-scrolling action platformer that channels the golden age of classic 16-bit action games in a full-throttle quest for revenge. Created to defend a totalitarian state, the Moonrider rejects its programming and now seeks vengeance on its creators.
SCP: Labrat
You are a test subject in the underground SCP research facility. When a containment breach occurs, you must find your way out. Escape the SCPs, discover anomalous objects, and collect valuable resources along the way.
The Backrooms: Lost Tape
You work in the cinema as an usher and accidentally fell into the Backrooms, now being trapped, needing to unravel the mysteries of the yellow rooms in order to get out of this place, but be careful, there are entities that will be in your way.
Chicken Invaders Universe
A deliciously addictive core of finger-blistering shooting action, surrounded by delectable morsels of galactic exploration, spacecraft customization, and community competitions.
High On Life
HIGH ON KNIFE DLC OUT NOW!! - Humanity is being threatened by an alien cartel who wants to use them as drugs. It’s up to you to rescue and partner with charismatic, talking guns, take down Garmantuous and his gang, and save the world!
CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION
CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- REUNION is a remaster of CRISIS CORE featuring updated graphics, combat systems and soundtrack. Follow the tale of SOLDIER operative Zack Fair, as he discovers the secrets of Shinra's dark experiments.
Hubris
Hubris is a VR action-adventure game set in a unique and colourful Sci-Fi universe, with immersive movement options, including swimming, climbing, and jumping. Players will have to gather resources, craft food and upgrade their weapons to fight off alien wildlife, droids, and humanoid enemies.
Gunlocked
A twin stick shooter without the twin stick, Gunlocked is a sci-fi action roguelike about careful positioning and upgrade selection. Manage unique targeting systems across multiple weapons and upgrades, as you battle legions of alien ships, and then do it all over again!
Most played sci-fi games on Steam
Take a look at the top sci-fi games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 16th 2025.
1. Stellaris
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 sci-fi game, thanks to its 15,712 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.5
159,527
25,906
15,712
players
2. No Man's Sky
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. While seeing 13,602 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among sci-fi games based on player count.
8.2
293,332
59,526
13,602
players
3. Elite Dangerous
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. While seeing 4,961 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among sci-fi games based on player count.
7.7
77,388
22,636
4,961
players
4. Brotato
Brotato is a top-down arena shooter roguelite where you play a potato wielding up to 6 weapons at a time to fight off hordes of aliens. Choose from a variety of traits and items to create unique builds and survive until help arrives. Brotato is a rogue-like, singleplayer and action roguelike game developed and published by Blobfish. Released on June 23rd 2023 has received 97,801 reviews of which 94,525 were positive and 3,276 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 3,974 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
9.5
94,525
3,276
3,974
players
5. 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? 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 3,114 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
9.6
38,503
932
3,114
players
6. Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition
The Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition includes single-player base content and over 40 DLC from the highly acclaimed Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3 games, including promo weapons, armors, and packs — remastered and optimized for 4K Ultra HD. Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition is a story rich, rpg and choices matter game developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts. Released on May 14th 2021 has received 56,328 reviews of which 51,295 were positive and 5,033 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 2,971 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
9.0
51,295
5,033
2,971
players
7. Half-Life 2
Reawakened from stasis in the occupied metropolis of City 17, Gordon Freeman is joined by Alyx Vance as he leads a desperate human resistance. Experience the landmark first-person shooter packed with immersive world-building, boundary-pushing physics, and exhilarating combat. Half-Life 2 is a fps, action and sci-fi game developed and published by Valve. Released on November 16th 2004 has received 245,627 reviews of which 239,721 were positive and 5,906 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 1,801 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
9.7
239,721
5,906
1,801
players
8. BATTLETECH
Take command of your own mercenary outfit of 'Mechs and the MechWarriors that pilot them, struggling to stay afloat as you find yourself drawn into a brutal interstellar civil war. BATTLETECH is a mechs, strategy and turn-based tactics game developed by Harebrained Schemes and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on April 24th 2018 has received 31,563 reviews of which 26,438 were positive and 5,125 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 1,614 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
8.2
26,438
5,125
1,614
players
9. FTL: Faster Than Light
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. With 1,408 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
9.4
71,561
3,491
1,408
players
10. Star Trek Online
In Star Trek Online, the Star Trek universe appears for the first time on a truly massive scale. Players take the captain's chair as they command their own starship and crew. Explore strange new worlds, seek out new life and new civilizations, and boldly go where no one has gone before. Star Trek Online is a free to play, sci-fi and massively multiplayer game developed by Cryptic Studios and published by Arc Games. Released on January 31st 2012 has received 20,145 reviews of which 15,939 were positive and 4,206 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 1,015 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
7.8
15,939
4,206
1,015
players
Best deals on sci-fi games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of sci-fi games 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 sci-fi games.
1. Battlestar Galactica Deadlock
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. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for sci-fi category.
8.1
2,906
554
-99%
38.99€
0.48€
2. Interstellar Space: Genesis
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 #2 best deal in sci-fi games.
7.9
648
124
-99%
27.99€
0.45€
3. Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak
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. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in sci-fi games.
7.8
6,789
1,730
-99%
45.99€
0.88€
4. Ultros
ULTROS is a psychedelic metroidvania where you wake up stranded on The Sarcophagus — a cosmic uterus holding an ancient, demonic being. Trapped in the loop of a black hole, you will have to explore The Sarcophagus and meet its inhabitants to understand the part you play... Ultros is a metroidvania, adventure and platformer game developed by Hadoque and published by Kepler Interactive. Released on February 13th 2024 has received 744 reviews of which 594 were positive and 150 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for sci-fi games.
7.6
594
150
-99%
34.99€
0.54€
5. Aven Colony
Build a new home for humanity in Aven Colony. Discover Aven Prime - an alien planet of deserts, tundras, and wetlands light years from earth. Build your colonies into massive, sprawling cities whilst dealing with the challenges faced when settling on a new world. 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 sci-fi games.
7.1
1,921
717
-99%
29.99€
0.47€
6. Starpoint Gemini 2
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 #6 position in the best deals for sci-fi games.
6.8
2,843
1,250
-99%
31.99€
0.58€
7. Rebel Galaxy Outlaw
Out of cash, out of luck, out on the fringe. Juno Markev has a killer to tail, a debt to pay, and more trouble headed her way. Rebel Galaxy Outlaw takes place in a greasy, blue-collar world of outlaws, truckers, cops and thieves. Rebel Galaxy Outlaw is a space sim, open world and action-adventure game developed and published by Double Damage Games. Released on September 22nd 2020 has received 1,033 reviews of which 659 were positive and 374 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for sci-fi games.
6.2
659
374
-99%
24.99€
0.43€
8. XCOM: Enemy Unknown
The XCOM: Enemy Unknown - Slingshot Pack is Now Available! XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a turn-based strategy, tactical and strategy game developed by Firaxis Games and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral Interactive (Linux) and 2K. Released on October 11th 2012 has received 56,414 reviews of which 52,717 were positive and 3,697 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for sci-fi games.
9.2
52,717
3,697
-98%
19.99€
0.47€
9. Citizen Sleeper
Roleplaying in the ruins of interplanetary capitalism. Live the life of an escaped worker, washed-up on a lawless station at the edge of an interstellar society. Inspired by the flexibility and freedom of TTRPGs, explore the station, choose your friends, escape your past and change your future. Citizen Sleeper is a rpg, dice and story rich game developed by Jump Over The Age and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on May 05th 2022 has received 8,105 reviews of which 7,522 were positive and 583 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for sci-fi games.
9
7,522
583
-98%
19.50€
0.54€
10. Dome Keeper
Defend against waves of alien attackers in this innovative roguelike survival miner. Dig for resources and choose from powerful upgrade paths. Is there enough time to mine a little deeper and get back to defend before the monsters attack your dome? Dome Keeper is a singleplayer, post-apocalyptic and rogue-like game developed by Bippinbits and published by Raw Fury. Released on September 27th 2022 has received 16,212 reviews of which 14,952 were positive and 1,260 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for sci-fi games.
9.0
14,952
1,260
-98%
17.99€
0.44€
Free sci-fi games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play sci-fi games 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 sci-fi games.
1. Star Trek Online
In Star Trek Online, the Star Trek universe appears for the first time on a truly massive scale. Players take the captain's chair as they command their own starship and crew. Explore strange new worlds, seek out new life and new civilizations, and boldly go where no one has gone before. Star Trek Online is a free to play, sci-fi and massively multiplayer game developed by Cryptic Studios and published by Arc Games. Released on January 31st 2012 has received 20,145 reviews of which 15,939 were positive and 4,206 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 1,015 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free sci-fi games on Steam.
7.8
15,939
4,206
1,015
players
2. Endless Sky
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. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 160, this sci-fi game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free sci-fi games on Steam.
8.9
6,141
510
160
players
3. Pixel Starships
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 sci-fi game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free sci-fi games on Steam.
7.1
2,008
724
125
players
4. Hades' Star
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 sci-fi games on Steam.
7.1
1,874
703
91
players
5. Prosperous Universe
In Prosperous Universe start your galactic empire by trading on the real-time market exchange with other real players. Build your 1st base from humble beginnings & watch as your business flourishes with complex supply chain strategies. Economics, politics & realism fuel this immersive business MMO. Prosperous Universe is a early access, economy and resource management game developed and published by simulogics. Released on April 20th 2022 has received 898 reviews of which 675 were positive and 223 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free sci-fi games on Steam.
7.2
675
223
32
players
6. 买个可乐饼吧！ - Buy a Croquette!
March 2012, Nagano. The smart and brave high school girl, Chio Aozora, is facing a major crisis: she has no money to buy a croquette! Navigate through the streets and alleys of Nagano, interact with a variety of characters, solve complex puzzles, collect 380 yen in coins, and buy a croquette! 买个可乐饼吧！ - Buy a Croquette! is a rpgmaker, mystery and sci-fi game developed by 越青 and published by Eternal Dream. Released on April 27th 2024 has received 4,397 reviews of which 4,355 were positive and 42 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free sci-fi games on Steam.
9.5
4,355
42
8
players
7. Terraformers: First Steps on Mars
Terraformers: First Steps on Mars is a free prologue of Terraformers, featuring an exclusive challenge to lead humanity's first attempt at settling the Red Planet. Terraformers: First Steps on Mars is a strategy, simulation and colony sim game developed by Asteroid Lab and published by Goblinz Publishing and IndieArk. Released on October 23rd 2021 has received 683 reviews of which 610 were positive and 73 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free sci-fi games on Steam.
8.4
610
73
4
players
8. 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. Red Planet Farming is a strategy, indie and sci-fi game developed by Nina Demirjian, Sean Park and Sean Porio and published by Nina Demirjian. Released on May 25th 2020 has received 832 reviews of which 800 were positive and 32 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free sci-fi games on Steam.
9.0
800
32
3
players
9. Toaster Arena
Toaster Arena is a first person multiplayer arena shooter where players battle it out on different maps and game modes. Use Advanced movement to traverse obstacles and gain the advantage on the battlefield. Toaster Arena is a early access, action and fps game developed and published by Shadow_hawk. Released on January 20th 2025 has received 322 reviews of which 294 were positive and 28 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free sci-fi games on Steam.
8.4
294
28
3
players
10. The Orville - Interactive Fan Experience
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 sci-fi games on Steam.
8.5
901
97
2
players