Buckle up, for you’re about to embark on a quest through the 15 most spellbinding and downright quirky sci-fi games the Steam universe offers!
Welcome to the whimsical Sci-Fi zone on Steam, where your controller is your key to the unknown realms of imagination! Imagine a universe where cats roam cyberpunk cities, and spaceships are the new Uber rides. This isn’t just any journey; it’s a rollercoaster ride through time and space! From lightsaber duels that’ll have you swinging your arms in the living room to strategizing the survival of humanity with a cup of coffee in hand, allow us to help you navigate through this intergalactic arcade.
15. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Metacritic Rating: 79
Other Platforms Supported: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, S, Microsoft Windows, Google Stadia
When we think of Sci-Fi, it is inevitable, not to mention the Star Wars series. From having dominated the big screens, the video game series makes up for the best of the best gaming combos. The game chronicles Cal Kestis’s journey as he attempts to escape the clutches of the Empire and its Inquisitors, offering players an engaging experience.
Packed with a variety of abilities to acquire, souls-like combat mechanics to master, and an array of iconic Star Wars destinations to explore, there’s never a dull moment while you delve into this sci-fi universe. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is an excellent choice not only for Star Wars enthusiasts but also for anyone who appreciates challenging combat mechanics and a sci-fi narrative that’ll keep you up and gaming all night.
14. Halo: Combat Evolved
Metacritic Rating: 83
Other Platforms Supported: Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, Xbox
Halo Combat Evolved and marked a revolution in the world of FPS and Sci-Fi action games. It’s always safe to go back to the originals in the case of sci-fi, for most of the new games have drawn inspiration from them.
Take charge of Master Chief as you prepare to battle against horrendous aliens and creatures and become the hero to save the day. Nothing special, just another day of intergalactic battles that may exhaust you but are equally fun! It’s remarkable how the original game continues to deliver in terms of gameplay and remains thoroughly enjoyable in its campaign, even after more than twenty years.
13. Stray
Metacritic Rating: 83
Other Platforms Supported: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, macOS, Xbox One, Xbox series X and S.
A cyberpunk cat roaming the town only to find its way back to its pack? Hell yes! This adorable 2022 sci-fi game, Stray allows you to become a cat. Whether you’re a cat or a dog person, this adorable game allows you the perspective of creatures beyond humanity. They have nothing to do with humans; it’s really that simple!
The immersive environment and befriending a drone are both gameplay elements that blew us away from conventional sci-fi gaming and made us rethink the genre itself. This one is for everyone who wants a weekend binge on adorable gaming sans hyper-violence, yet a simple cyberpunk adventure.
12. Soma
Metacritic Rating: 84
Other Platforms Supported: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac operating systems, Classic Mac OS
Topically, this may seem like another title like Alien: Isolation, yet upon playing in-depth, you realize why this is among the top-ranking sci-fi classics. Frictional Games, the developer behind Amnesia: The Dark Descent, has also crafted and launched SOMA, a science fiction horror video game.
But who wouldn’t be scared if mysterious events started occurring underwater on a weirdly isolated research facility, PATHOS-II Let’s? Just say that, like your relationships, this game keeps getting more and more complicated. Not only are there evil monsters and insane machines, but there are also corrupt people that you’re forced to deal with. And, at the end of the day, your wits are what ultimately save the day in Soma.
The first-person perspective significantly enhances the experience as it effectively conveys the claustrophobia and paranoia that the game aims to instill in players, making it a fitting choice.
11. FTL: Faster Than Light
Metacritic Rating: 84
Other Platforms Supported: iOS, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac operating systems, Classic Mac OS
You’re running a spaceship and in outer space; oh wait, you’re against the clock to save the galaxy! These life-threatening missions and unique problems with solutions only you can come up with pretty much make up the FTL: Faster Than Light experience! (The barrage of missiles was totally uncalled for, btw, but such is FTL, and you will have to deal with it inevitably!)
Your spaceship might not exactly come in handy while playing, for it can throw challenges out of the blues sans any anticipation. You can either re-route your engines or rewire things to aid the process of making it live on time. While the gameplay mechanics might seem confusing to a rookie, a sci-fi player or a Star Wars/Star Trek fan would definitely find Faster Than Light worth a shot!
10. Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Metacritic Rating: 87
Other Platforms Supported: PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Cloud Gaming
Mass Effect is a renowned sci-fi action-adventure series that fans have enjoyed repeatedly! While this third-person shooter and RPG game may seem monotonous initially, the suspense and engagement build up over time. Upgrade and customize your characters however you like!
Mass Effect: The Legendary Edition revives the classic trilogy with enhanced high-definition textures and audio. Remastered and improved for better gameplay, this edition is among the top games in classic science fiction. Every choice that you make here matters, and what’s better than having three sci-fi games to keep you occupied for long hours? This collection comprises Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3, along with additional features like an interactive comic book, a digital art book, and the original soundtrack. Furthermore, it introduces refined gameplay adjustments to the initial game, offering an improved playing experience.
9. NieR: Automata
Metacritic Rating: 88
Other Platforms Supported: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
We couldn’t have resisted putting this classic Japanese RPG from our sci-fi Steam video game collection. Here, experimental gameplay meets a gripping story and rich characters. As you navigate this action RPG, you find yourself in a blend of third-person and bullet hell mechanics, crafting a unique experience. The immersive gameplay and extensive character building throughout the game make it among our top picks for the science fiction genre.
In NieR: Automata, Earth has been overtaken by mechanical invaders from another world, forcing humanity into exile. Humans (being the selfish creatures we are) send androids to this dystopian world to save it. Step into the shoes of the androids 2B, 9S, and A2, who are at the forefront of the struggle to reclaim the dystopian world now dominated by formidable machines. Amidst this chaos, a fierce conflict rages between the android forces and robotic enemies. Get the best sci-fi dystopian reality experience, except that it’s not all Wall-E for you, but a more stark, shocking, morally conflicted world.
8. Deux Ex: Human Revolution
Metacritic Rating: 89
Other Platforms Supported: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, macOS, Wii U, and Mac operating systems
Step into the shoes of Adam Jensen and get on the defense lines of one of America’s cut-throat biotechnological companies. You’re an ex-SWAT agent and get yourself immersed in a situation where everything flips itself over completely.
The freedom of gameplay, dialogues, and missions become a significant part of why this game has made it to the list! Your character depends on how you wish to mold the situations in this cyberpunk universe. You can customize Adam’s abilities to match your preferred playstyle, whether that involves slicing through corporate defenses or removing security personnel with firepower. The underlying themes of technology and its impact on social classes make it potent gameplay for this genre, giving you the liberty of exploration.
7. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
Metacritic Rating: 89
Other Platforms Supported: PlayStation 5 and PC
Bordering on the lines of Science Fiction and Science Fantasy, we believed that it’d be unfair to exclude Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade from our roster. From the story to the characters to the world-building, this game has the perfect blend of it all to keep you hooked for hours at a time.
The makers of the original series decided to try their hands on a new concept, only to come up with this Science Fantasy masterpiece. The game and characters both come alive in this action-adventure RPG.
The birth of this science fiction fantasy is due to Cloud Strife, a former SOLDIER agent, entering the mako-fueled metropolis of Midgar. With cutting-edge technology, advanced graphics, and an intriguing storyline, this is a game for all those who like the elements of fantasy, well-rounded characters, action, and weird gizmos assisting these characters!
6. Horizon Zero Dawn
Metacritic Rating: 89
Platforms Supported: PlayStation 4, PC
This post-apocalyptic sci-fi is yet another unique addition to the sci-fi Steam video game collection; however, it makes perfect sense to rank so high. Imagine going from the pinnacle of humanity to being sidelined and living as tribes among ginormous machines that could come anytime to get to you!
Step into the shoes of Aloy, an extirpated woman from her tribe, left alone to survive in this dangerous world where she must unearth the deepest, darkest secrets of humanity and Earth. In a quest for the answers to her being an outcast, Aloy discovers the truth about the old humans and finds the power of modern Machines and how to wield them.
It is a quintessential sci-fi classic with an intricately crafted plot, mesmerizing graphics, and immersive gameplay that make up for the perfect weekend classic.
5. Dead Space
Metacritic Rating: 89
Platforms Supported: PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
Be it the original Dead Space or its sequel, it truly is one of those Sci-fi games that transcend the conventional boundaries of the genre and seep into the horror genre. The highly immersive experience with a couple of jumpscares and the setting make up for a perfect experience for a night of chills.
It’s never safe or a good idea to be abandoned on a ship with Necromorphs who can pounce upon you any time, unexpectedly so. Embark on this unruly journey with Issac Clarke in the quest for fixing a ship while his beloved, Nicole, gets lost somewhere on board. Dead Space is a great sci-fi horror steam game with fixed controls, jumpscares, an immersive atmosphere, an intriguing plot, and great UI!
4. XCOM: Enemy Unknown
Metacritic Rating: 89
Platforms Supported: Android, Microsoft Windows, Linux, iOS, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation Vita, macOS, Mac operating systems
If you’re looking for strategy Sci-Fi Games, then this is the perfect game for you to play! Well, to be honest, it’ll be a love-hate relationship, for you’ll be using the best of your abilities and then get defeated, only to come up with something even better! The notoriety of this game comes from its difficulty; yet again, it’s a chart-topper owing to this very reason.
The tact-based gameplay makes up for a chief factor. However, the sci-fi setting and gameplay mechanics make it among the top picks for all the sci-fi junkies out there. Just when you think that you’ve made it through the hard playthrough, the arbitrary assortment of villains, aliens, and whatnot, invading in ways you perhaps couldn’t have even thought of, becomes the ultimate turning point of your play.
3. Portal
Metacritic Rating: 90
Platforms Supported: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Android, Microsoft Windows, macOS
The best of first-person shooter mechanics, coupled with the element of puzzle solving, makes it a unique pick of Sci-Fi games to add to your gaming roster. The unconventional game mechanics that continue the action sequences, paired with the tenet of solving puzzles, allow you to explore the world of Portal with an entirely new lens.
And would you believe that these aren’t even the chief reasons or elements as to why it’s among the top Sci-Fi Games? The storytelling, subtly dark sense of humor, and quirky puzzles peppered throughout the gameplay make it a must-have.
Unlike most games that test the finesse and challenge a player’s intellect, this one allows you room to breathe and play at your own pace while immersing yourself completely in the gameplay. In addition to this, the plotline of a human lab rat attempting to escape a space created by AI portrays the carnivalesque, humorous nature of the game. While this may be one perspective, it also alerts the user about something beyond just gameplay humor and pushes food for thought with respect to the ethics of AI.
This subtle yet holistic sci-fi video game is essential for all gaming enthusiasts across the globe!
2. Mass Effect 2
Metacritic Rating: 94
Platforms Supported: PS3, Xbox 360, PC
Another one of the award-winning titles in the world of RPG has to make it to this list of Best Sci-fi Games on Steam! Mass Effect 2 took the gaming world by storm in the 2010s. With its expansive gameplay and world-building, it has to be one of the top RPG titles to exist on Steam.
Step into the shoes of Shepherd as you prepare to lose everything to save the galaxy and the fate of humankind. Your choices shall ultimately impact the final strand of your adventure through the gameplay, be it your valuable friendships or the blunders that ensued along the way. Commander Shepherd’s Saga is yet another one of the significant High-Tech titles from the world of Science Fiction Adventure games that you wouldn’t want to miss out on.
1. Half-Life 2
Metacritic Rating: 96
Platforms Supported: PC (Steam), Xbox 360, Xbox (Original), PS3, macOS, Linux, Android
Alien Infestation? Check! Is Gordon Freeman in action again? Check! Rescue, sci-fi futuristic story? Check! The fan-favorite franchise, Half-Life, broke records in the gaming industry, and the sequel has, till date, carried forth the legendary legacy of the game. When it comes to sci-fi, Half-Life 2 is the prototype for several modern games!
While one may assume that the early 2000s graphics could hinder the gameplay with modern technology, as we’ve said, it’s classic for a reason! Source, i.e., the proprietary engine of Valve, the Developers, makes the gameplay graphically and play-wise smoother altogether. The grappling narrative pushes you toward the action that entails, thus providing you with the best of both worlds. If you’re looking for a classic sci-fi futuristic video game on Steam, Half-Life 2 should definitely be worth a try, for many players have been disappointed!
Summary
These games are more than just a series of quests and button-mashing; they’re your ticket to alternate realities where you can be the hero, villain, or cat with a mission. From the depths of underwater facilities in “Soma” to the neon-lit streets prowled by felines in “Stray,” we’ve zigzagged across the cosmos to bring you the crème de la crème of sci-fi gaming. Every title is a wormhole into a universe where the impossible becomes possible, and every gameplay is a story waiting to be told with a twist of the extraordinary. So, grab your space helmet (or cat ears), dive into these sci-fi worlds, and let your imagination run wild!
