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
The Outer Worlds
The Outer Worlds is an award-winning single-player RPG from Obsidian Entertainment and Private Division. As you explore a space colony, the character you decide to become will determine how this player-driven story unfolds. In the colony's corporate equation, you are the unplanned variable.
Drone Swarm
Drone Swarm is a very unique take on tactical games. Control 32,000 drones in quick, fast-paced fights. Combine your swarm abilities and counter constantly evolving attacks of your opponents. Survive varying enemy waves, get upgrades to your swarm, and make it to the next system alive!
Perilous Warp
Perilous Warp is a fast-paced indie retro-shooter inspired by the classic 3D-actions. Communication with a distant space colony has been lost, and you bravely step into the teleporter with the desire for glorious adventures. But do not expect to win in a heartbeat!
G String
Slip into the Standard Issue Biosuit as Myo Hyori, a gifted Korean teenage girl who must face the perils of the future. Survive many hazards, explore a seemingly endless metropolis and beyond as the world around you implodes and history marches towards its inevitable conclusion.
Space Crew: Legendary Edition
Time for your toughest mission yet! Recruit and train your crew to tackle the growing threat from alien and android armies as you defend Earth to become a Galactic Legend in Space Crew: Legendary Edition. All new content free to existing owners of Space Crew!
Cartoon Strike
"Different realities, different rules, but always fun". In the multiplayer game Cartoon Strike, each map offers a different gaming experience. Players can enjoy a few minutes of fighting in the WWII, followed by a few minutes in the present, future or even funny mode.
Palindrome Syndrome: Escape Room
You wake up in a spaceship with no memories. In this escape room with a sci-fi setting you will have to investigate your past solving different puzzles. Will you be able to discover what happened to you and how did you get there?
Vecter
Vecter is a fast-paced runner and shooter game where your goal is to survive by the skin of your teeth and raise hell in your path. You get in your ship, you push the throttle on max and then try to survive for as long as possible by annihilating anything that gets in your way.
SPACE / MECH / PILOT
The S/M/P Initiative is not responsible for any odd abnormalities while playing. Connections to other universes are not monitored or controlled by the video game program. Keep away from children under the age of 6. Fun to play but not to eat.
ROBOTICS;NOTES ELITE
Thanks to the rising popularity of the PhoneDroid—a device which features augmented reality (A.R.)—the age of advanced technology has finally reached Tanegashima. On that island, Central Tanegashima High's "Robot Research Club" is about to have their club disbanded.
Red Wings: Aces of the Sky
Red Wings: Aces of the Sky is an arcade action game that puts you in the middle of WWI aerial battles. Accompany the legendary Red Baron and cheat death on your way to victory!
Ben 10: Power Trip
Evil Hex has cursed Europe – and only Ben 10 can stop him! Explore a 3D world filled with combat, puzzles and secrets as you save the day!
The Uncertain: Light At The End
The Uncertain is a story-driven adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic world. Humanity disappeared from the face of the Earth and has been replaced by robots. Together with Emily, one of the survivors, you will have to witness how people try to live in a world ruled by robots.
The Solitaire Conspiracy
We need your help, Spymaster. Join a world of near-future spies and take on a supervillain in this supercharged take on classic Solitaire. Precision engineered for replayable espionage action.
STAR WARS™: Squadrons
Master the art of starfighter combat in the authentic piloting experience STAR WARS™: Squadrons. Feel the adrenaline of first-person multiplayer space dogfights alongside your squadron, and buckle up in a thrilling STAR WARS™ story.
Interstellar Rift
Interstellar Rift is an open world starship simulator with an emphasis on ship construction and multi-player interaction. Survive in a hostile galaxy with your own custom designed and constructed starship. Invite other players to join your crew or fight them across the galaxy!
Space Travel Idle
If you ever dreamed of exploring space at a relaxed pace, here's a journey designed for you.
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.
Mythgard
Welcome to Mythgard, a fantasy cyberpunk CCG of heroes, gods, and mythical beasts. Master the unique lane and mana systems in your rise to the top or enjoy team play with a friend. New players can use the code WelcomeChallenger to get 20 free packs and more to start their journey.
Rushdown Revolt
Rushdown Revolt is a platform fighter featuring 12 dazzlingly unique characters and best-in-the-business rollback netcode.
Ostranauts
Ostranauts is a hardcore noir space-sim. Manage life aboard your ship, and beware the cost of every decision you make. Scavenge and explore the boneyard. Create, build, and customise your ship. Hire a crew to help but remember, nothing is more certain than death and taxes.
Star Renegades
Star Renegades is a dimension spanning rogue-lite strategy RPG. Outsmart uniquely generated adversaries, forge bonds between heroes and end the cycle!
High Entropy: Challenges
Use computers (via GUIs or the command line), unlock doors, crawl through vents, fight enemies head on or find other ways to neutralize or avoid them...
Iron Harvest
A classic real-time strategy game with an epic single player campaign, multiplayer & coop, set in the alternate reality of 1920+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 April 30th 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 182,155 reviews of which 157,931 were positive and 24,224 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played sci-fi game, thanks to its 8,932 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.6
157,931
24,224
8,932
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 350,242 reviews of which 290,801 were positive and 59,441 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 5,653 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
290,801
59,441
5,653
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 99,333 reviews of which 76,805 were positive and 22,528 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. While seeing 4,976 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
76,805
22,528
4,976
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 96,077 reviews of which 92,896 were positive and 3,181 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 3,265 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
9.5
92,896
3,181
3,265
players
5. 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 55,425 reviews of which 50,469 were positive and 4,956 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 2,135 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
9.0
50,469
4,956
2,135
players
6. 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 38,906 reviews of which 37,985 were positive and 921 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 1,923 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
9.6
37,985
921
1,923
players
7. 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 31,396 reviews of which 26,290 were positive and 5,106 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 1,394 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
8.2
26,290
5,106
1,394
players
8. 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 242,865 reviews of which 237,035 were positive and 5,830 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 1,234 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
9.7
237,035
5,830
1,234
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 74,588 reviews of which 71,155 were positive and 3,433 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 1,186 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
9.4
71,155
3,433
1,186
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 20,043 reviews of which 15,849 were positive and 4,194 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 1,075 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
7.8
15,849
4,194
1,075
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 April 30th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted sci-fi games.
1. 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 7,869 reviews of which 7,310 were positive and 559 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for sci-fi category.
9
7,310
559
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. 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 8,484 reviews of which 6,772 were positive and 1,712 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in sci-fi games.
7.8
6,772
1,712
-95%
45.00€
2.25€
3. Observation
Observation is a sci-fi thriller uncovering what happened to Dr. Emma Fisher, and the crew of her mission, through the lens of the station’s artificial intelligence S.A.M. Observation is a indie, adventure and space game developed by No Code and published by Devolver Digital. Released on May 21st 2020 has received 4,742 reviews of which 3,718 were positive and 1,024 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in sci-fi games.
7.6
3,718
1,024
-95%
26.80€
1.34€
4. The Entropy Centre
Think in reverse. Outsmart the impossible. A mind-bending first-person adventure where you solve ingenious and complex puzzles by rewinding objects through time. The Entropy Centre is a puzzle, first-person and sci-fi game developed by Stubby Games and published by Playstack. Released on November 03rd 2022 has received 3,538 reviews of which 3,186 were positive and 352 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for sci-fi games.
8.7
3,186
352
-94%
18.50€
1.11€
5. The Gunk
The Gunk is an action-adventure game in which you play as Rani, part of our duo of gritty space haulers. As they’re struggling to bring in funds, they chance upon an untouched planet brimming with life. They came in search of valuable resources, and it looks like they’ve hit the jackpot… The Gunk is a action-adventure, atmospheric and sci-fi game developed by Image & Form Games and published by Thunderful Publishing. Released on April 29th 2022 has received 2,664 reviews of which 2,289 were positive and 375 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for sci-fi games.
8.3
2,289
375
-94%
25.67€
1.54€
6. Hellpoint
Hellpoint is an intense action RPG taking place on Irid Novo, a derelict space station soaked in an intoxicating dark sci fi atmosphere. Fight dreadful creatures, face the Cosmic Gods and unravel their twisted story. Should the challenge be too great, play with a friend in local or online coop. Hellpoint is a souls-like, sci-fi and action game developed by Cradle Games and published by tinyBuild. Released on July 30th 2020 has received 4,269 reviews of which 3,124 were positive and 1,145 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for sci-fi games.
7.1
3,124
1,145
-94%
31.33€
1.88€
7. SPRAWL
SPRAWL is a hardcore retro FPS set in an endless cyberpunk megalopolis. Escape the walled city and take on the militarized government of the sprawl. Fueled by the blood of your enemies and a mysterious voice in your head, make your way towards the spire to topple whatever lays within. SPRAWL is a controller, sci-fi and combat game developed by MAETH and published by Rogue Games and Inc.. Released on August 23rd 2023 has received 1,961 reviews of which 1,721 were positive and 240 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for sci-fi games.
8.4
1,721
240
-93%
15.14€
1.06€
8. Scars Above
Scars Above is a challenging sci-fi third-person action adventure shooter combining the rewarding feel of overcoming difficulty with a compelling and intricate story, set in a mysterious alien world to explore. Scars Above is a action, adventure and female protagonist game developed by Mad Head Games and published by Prime Matter. Released on February 28th 2023 has received 2,702 reviews of which 2,087 were positive and 615 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for sci-fi games.
7.5
2,087
615
-93%
31.43€
2.20€
9. INDUSTRIA
Embark on a gripping journey in INDUSTRIA, an atmospheric FPS set in Cold War-era East Berlin. Unravel the secrets of a mysterious parallel dimension while searching for a missing colleague. Explore a haunting reality where the truth awaits. Discover the dark past that lies beyond. INDUSTRIA is a fps, action and sci-fi game developed by Bleakmill and published by Headup. Released on September 30th 2021 has received 3,200 reviews of which 2,273 were positive and 927 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for sci-fi games.
6.9
2,273
927
-93%
20.29€
1.42€
10. 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 56,237 reviews of which 52,569 were positive and 3,668 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for sci-fi games.
9.2
52,569
3,668
-92%
18.75€
1.50€
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 April 30th 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 20,043 reviews of which 15,849 were positive and 4,194 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 1,075 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
15,849
4,194
1,075
players
2. 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 2,699 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 sci-fi game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free sci-fi games on Steam.
7.1
1,985
714
138
players
3. 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 6,604 reviews of which 6,096 were positive and 508 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 129, this sci-fi game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free sci-fi games on Steam.
8.9
6,096
508
129
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 2,561 reviews of which 1,864 were positive and 697 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 108 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free sci-fi games on Steam.
7.1
1,864
697
108
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 886 reviews of which 666 were positive and 220 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
666
220
28
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 4,170 reviews of which 4,133 were positive and 37 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
4,133
37
7
players
7. Odysseus Kosmos and his Robot Quest: Episode 1
What do you do if you are the only one left aboard a spaceship? Your team has embarked on a mysterious expedition a few years ago, the ship’s machinery has started acting up and it seems there are ghosts wandering about. Luckily, the black hole above you doesn’t pose any problems…yet. Odysseus Kosmos and his Robot Quest: Episode 1 is a indie, sci-fi and point & click game developed by Pavel Kostin and published by HeroCraft PC. Released on January 12th 2018 has received 481 reviews of which 377 were positive and 104 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free sci-fi games on Steam.
7.4
377
104
7
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 831 reviews of which 798 were positive and 33 were negative resulting in a 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
798
33
1
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played free sci-fi games on Steam.
8.4
610
73
1
players
10. Global Agenda: Free Agent
2155. From the ashes of the devastating Third Great War rose the Commonwealth, an oppressive world government determined to control the entire planet. The few remaining independent factions retaliate the only way they can, with elite teams of special operatives trained in advanced warfare tactics and equipped with high-tech weaponry. Global Agenda: Free Agent is a free to play, action and massively multiplayer game developed and published by Hi-Rez Studios. Released on June 14th 2011 has received 1,275 reviews of which 987 were positive and 288 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free sci-fi games on Steam.
7.4
987
288
1
players