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
Alien: Rogue Incursion
Alien: Rogue Incursion is an all-new action-horror VR game that transforms you into ex-Colonial Marine Zula Hendricks on a dangerous mission to the uncharted planet Purdan, featuring innovative real-life motion gameplay, a whole-body loadout, and the most cunning Xenomorphs ever encountered.
Clone Drone in the Hyperdome
Cut robots apart in VR. Feel your sword disintegrate their metal bodies. Now you live and die in the Crashloop, a roguelike tournament to the death. Lock swords! Shoot shurikens from your wrist! This is CLONE DRONE... in the HYPERDOME!!!
Murky Divers
Solo or up to 8 players. Get rid of your employer's failed experiments in abandoned underwater labs. Navigate your submarine, avoid abyssal terrors, and remove all corpses.
IRON REBELLION
Climb inside a colossal, crushing war machine, where every switch, lever, and round of ammunition is at your command. Physically interact with every support system and navigation stick as if you were truly in the cockpit. Customize and outfit your mech to outsmart and assert your superiority.
Creeper World IXE
The unstoppable alien force known as The Creeper has returned, devouring thousands of worlds in its path, and yours is next. Battle against the Creeper fluid in a groundbreaking pixel-level simulation to prove that humanity will rule the galaxy forever!
Heat Death: Survival Train
Heat Death is a sci-fi survival game where you can build, upgrade, and customize your battle train to explore and survive a frozen world! This train is not only your shelter and vehicle, but also your weapon and ally to face hostile drones, deadly storms, and hidden mysteries of an unknown world!
Astrometica
Astrometica is a space exploration and base-building survival game. After a catastrophic event, explore vast space, gather resources, build bases, and uncover cosmic mysteries. Use advanced technology, craft tools, and discover new blueprints to survive and thrive in the unknown.
FANTASIAN Neo Dimension
Embark on an adventure to discover your memories and save the world from a mechanical infection. Maneuver your skill trajectories during battle, and dive into a new dimension with a unique twist on a classic RPG experience.
The Thing: Remastered
The Thing: Remastered is a faithful restoration of the cult-classic 2002 third-person survival horror shooter game inspired by Universal Pictures’ genre-defining 1982 film, The Thing
Marvel Rivals
Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter! Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe!
Caves of Qud
Caves of Qud is a science fantasy roguelike epic steeped in retrofuturism, deep simulation, and swathes of sentient plants. Come inhabit an exotic world and chisel through layers of thousand-year-old civilizations.
Battle Shapers
Battle Shapers is an action-packed, sci-fi FPS roguelite in which you shoot and smash your way through swarms of corrupt robots. Wield powerful weapons, abilities, and game-changing new powers stolen from ruthless Overlords.
Star Wars Outlaws
Experience the first-ever open world Star Wars™ game and explore distinct locations across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as scoundrel Kay Vess, seeking freedom and the means to start a new life.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Discover the vast Chornobyl Exclusion Zone full of dangerous enemies, deadly anomalies and powerful artifacts. Unveil your own epic story as you make your way to the Heart of Chornobyl. Make your choices wisely, as they will determine your fate in the end.
Rogue Command
Classic RTS gameplay fused with a modern roguelike. Shape your build each run by assembling an evolving arsenal of powerful units and facilities. Harvest resources, build out your base. Raise your army and call down orbital strikes to overcome the forces threatening your survival.
Deep Space Cache
Deep Space Cache is a short & simple semi-idle bullet heaven incremental asteroid miner game.
Bioweaver
Bioweaver is an RPG game with the main content of treasure hunting and character building. You can use basic programming logic to deeply customize your skill sets, and you can also create organs with different attributes and functions with the special crafting system.
Space Trash Scavenger
Grab your jetpack and explore procedural asteroid fields, derelict spaceships and abandoned outposts. Build and automate your Space Rig to process scavenged trash. Craft, trade and fight your way home in this interstellar, open-world survival sandbox.
Mind Over Magnet
An attractive puzzle platformer where you use magnetism to escape a factory. Meet a cast of magnet characters and work together to solve logical conundrums.
XENOTILT: HOSTILE PINBALL ACTION
LIGHTNING STRIKES AGAIN!! XENOTILT, the sequel to the cult hit, DEMON'S TILT. Get ready for another PINBALL FANTASY. XENOTILT shreds the envelope with face-melting gameplay & graphics.
Time Treker
Choose your pilot and build your own custom mecha with 17+ weapons and 55+ attachments, then jump to the battlefield against hundreds of enemies to save spacetime itself in this thrilling sci-fi bullet heaven!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