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
Raw Data
Built from the ground up for VR, Raw Data’s action gameplay, intuitive controls, challenging enemies, and sci-fi atmosphere will completely immerse you within the surreal world of Eden Corp. Go solo or team up and become the adrenaline-charged heroes of your own futuristic technothriller.
Let Them Come
Let Them Come is a fast paced pixel art shoot ‘em up. Twitchy trigger fingers and focused battle tactics are the order of the day as wave after wave of alien-like creatures try to take you down.
ARMORED KITTEN
Awesome side scroll action about Cute and Deadly Kitten with a double shotgun!
RUINER
RUINER is a brutal action shooter set in the year 2091 in the cyber metropolis Rengkok. A wired psychopath lashes out against a corrupt system to uncover the truth and retrieve his kidnapped brother under the guidance of a secretive hacker friend.
Project Nimbus: Complete Edition
Project Nimbus is a high speed mech action game set in a post apocalyptic world. Players control 'Battle Frames' - humanoid battle suits armed with an arsenal of weapons.
Heat Signature
Heat Signature is a game from the developers of Gunpoint where you break into spaceships, make terrible mistakes, and think of clever ways out of them. You take a mission, fly to the target ship, sneak inside, and make clever use of your gadgets to distract, ambush and take out the crew.
ECHO
After a century in stasis the girl En arrives at her destination: A Palace out of legend. Out here, using forgotten technologies, she hopes to bring back a life that shouldn’t have been lost. But nothing could prepare her for what she’ll face in the ancient halls below.
HIVESWAP: ACT 1
A hand-drawn tribute to hilarious '90s adventure games (with none of the accompanying frustration). Play as Joey Claire, a puzzle-solving teen snatched out of her time (1994) and place (Earth) and stranded on a hostile alien planet on the brink of rebellion.
3030 Deathwar Redux - A Space Odyssey
3030 Deathwar is a unique mix of Adventure and Space Sim. Explore star systems, mine and hunt pirates in top-down mode. Leave your ship and switch into classic Adventuring mode, where you explore derelicts, talk to shady characters or head over to the space bar for a drink.
The Land of Pain
The Land of Pain is a Lovecraftian horror adventure. After something strange appears in the woods, you'll have to learn how to survive as you fend off a dark and disturbing evil. Flee from an unrelenting enemy, solve puzzles, and unravel the ancient mystery that's befallen this land.
Pixel Gladiator
Distant future… Brutal gladiatorial battles is a top-rated show, extremely popular all over the Universe. You’ve been sent to the abandoned planet as one of the participants of the show. Your goal is to survive as long as possible, fighting back deadly creatures in the focus of billions of viewers.
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?
X-Morph: Defense
Unique fusion of a top-down shooter and tower defense strategy. You are the invader! Use destructive weapons or lead your enemies into a maze of towers. Strategize in the build mode by carefully selecting various types of alien towers or throw yourself right into the heat of the battle.
1bitHeart
Welcome to 1bitHeart―the latest title from Alicemare and LiEat developer △○□× (Miwashiba). In this unique and endearing adventure game, take on the role of Nanashi, a lonely, agoraphobic boy, as you solve a slew of mysteries around town while also making friends.
ARK: Survival Evolved
Stranded on the shores of a mysterious island, you must learn to survive. Use your cunning to kill or tame the primeval creatures roaming the land, and encounter other players to survive, dominate... and escape!
Robocraft
Build insane, fully customisable robot battle vehicles that drive, hover, walk and fly in the free-to-play action game Robocraft. Add weapons from the future and jump in the driving seat as you take your creation into battle against other players online!
Distrust: Polar Survival
DISTRUST is an isometric survival adventure with procedural generation on an Arctic research station lost in the endless dark of a polar night. A story-rich fiction with multiple endings that suits both singleplayer fans and co-op enthusiasts.
Subsurface Circular
When the truth is buried, go underground. Step into this new take on text-based adventure from the award-winning team behind Thomas Was Alone and Volume. A short story that hands you the fate of the world above, as a detective looking for answers on the Subsurface Circular.
Gangs of Space
Gangs of Space is a massively-multiplayer Rogue Shmup where Gangs of players compete for the conquest of the galaxy.
War Robots VR: The Skirmish
War Robots VR: The Skirmish is a short, but highly immersive teaser-shooter for Oculus Rift and HTC Vive set in the universe of the War Robots franchise.
Rez Infinite
The legendary action-shooter finally comes to PC, and in style! Blast your way through mind-melting visuals and amazing beats, all in your quest through cyberspace to save a world on the verge of collapse. Playable on your desktop or in fully immersive VR.
Halcyon 6: Starbase Commander (LIGHTSPEED EDITION)
A retro space strategy RPG with base building, deep tactical combat, crew management and emergent storytelling. Halcyon 6: Lightspeed Edition is a massively enhanced version of the Award Winning indie strategy RPG, Halcyon 6.
Time Lock VR 1
TimeLock VR is an Escape the Room with Action elements where you take control over the time!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 May 02nd 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 10,071 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.6
157,931
24,224
10,071
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 6,126 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
6,126
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 5,780 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
5,780
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 96,511 reviews of which 93,310 were positive and 3,201 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 3,666 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
9.5
93,310
3,201
3,666
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 2,360 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
2,360
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 2,154 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
2,154
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 1,444 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
1,444
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 1,431 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
1,431
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 1,208 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
1,208
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 20,065 reviews of which 15,872 were positive and 4,193 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 1,022 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played sci-fi games.
7.8
15,872
4,193
1,022
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 May 02nd 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 1,966 reviews of which 1,725 were positive and 241 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
1,725
241
-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 May 02nd 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 20,065 reviews of which 15,872 were positive and 4,193 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 1,022 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
15,872
4,193
1,022
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 136, this sci-fi game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free sci-fi games on Steam.
7.1
1,985
714
136
players
3. 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. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 123, this sci-fi game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free sci-fi games on Steam.
7.1
1,864
697
123
players
4. 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. Attracting a solid base of 122 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free sci-fi games on Steam.
8.9
6,096
508
122
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
30
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
11
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 684 reviews of which 611 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
611
73
4
players
8. South Scrimshaw, Part One
South Scrimshaw is the story of a newborn whale in a vast alien ocean. It is a richly illustrated experimental visual novel, written in the style of a nature documentary. South Scrimshaw, Part One is a linear, sci-fi and hand-drawn game developed and published by Nathan O. Marsh. Released on June 09th 2023 has received 1,355 reviews of which 1,344 were positive and 11 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free sci-fi games on Steam.
9.4
1,344
11
2
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played free sci-fi games on Steam.
7.4
377
104
2
players
10. 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 #10 spot among the most played free sci-fi games on Steam.
9.0
798
33
1
players