The sci-fi genre has become so popular over the years that game devs are competing to create games where players rub shoulders with mutants and aliens, go on a journey to space, and undertake dangerous missions. As video games in this genre keep popping out like crazy, it might be difficult to decide which one you’ll play. This is especially true if you’re looking for games on Steam — one of the largest distribution services in the industry.
Now, Steam’s library has hundreds of titles. Passionate gamers are like a kid in a candy store on this website — there are so many options to choose from. We want to save you time, so we decided to pick five sci-fi games on Steam you should play right away. Some of these titles will take you to the dark corners of the galaxy and show you what our future might look like years from now.
With developments in technology, developers are now able to build huge environments for exploration where players have a chance to travel among the stars. When they get there, players start searching for new life, treasures, and looking out for enemies to destroy.
All of this sounds exciting, right? Then check out one of these sci-fi games on Steam and begin your adventure!
Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 is now a household name in the sci-fi gaming world. After years of anticipation, science fiction fans were able to get their hands on this game in 2020 and receive some much needed taste of cyberpunk. Considering how popular the title was and is, we knew we had to open our list of the best sci-games on Steam with it!
If you like to explore open-world, action-adventure stories set in fictional cities, Cyberpunk 2077 is perfect for you! This game will take you to Night City, a megalopolis where everyone seems obsessed with power, glamor, and body modification (it’s cyberpunk, after all). You can explore this incredible city and try not to get lost in its lights. While there, you have a chance to make choices which will shape the story around you.
Cyberpunk 2077 will introduce you to the world where large corporations control everything and where you can get away with almost anything if you hold a special place in society.
Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition
You can’t browse through sci-fi games on Steam without seeing one of the biggest media franchises there — Mass Effect. First released in 2007, the Mass Effect trilogy has achieved commercial success over the years. One of the reasons is probably the fact that this franchise seems to be inspired by various popular works in the genre. As we couldn’t single out only one game from this franchise, we’ve decided to add Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition to our list because it’s a compilation of all three games.
Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition was released in May 2021, and it didn’t take long for the game to top the “best selling games” lists around the world. This is because the compilation contains the base content from all three titles, which is great for both Mass Effect veterans and newcomers. It deserves to be one of your top sci-fi games on Steam!
Set in an alternate universe, Mass Effect™ Legendary Edition features action role-playing games in which the player is Commander Shepard. One of the most important tasks is to unite the galactic community so that it could face a highly advanced race and win. Just like Cyberpunk 2077, Mass Effect lets you make choices that can impact the story.
Half-Life 2
Moving on to one of the “oldest” entries on our list of sci-fi games on Steam you should try. Released in 2004, Half-Life 2 proves that some games can stand the test of time if they bring excellent content and interesting characters to the table.
Just like the original Half-Life, launched in 1998, the sequel is a single-player first-person shooter whose main protagonist is Gordon Freeman. Now, if you’re a passionate gamer, you’ve probably heard of Freeman. Is he one of the best characters from a sci-fi game of all time? He might as well be due to this impressive quantum mechanics knowledge and practically non-existent military training.
If you’re a fan of health-and-weapon systems and periodic physics puzzles, this title will not disappoint! In Half-Life 2, the player gets a chance to carry out interesting and rewarding explorations which make the game stand out.
Which other sci-fi games on Steam do we recommend? Let’s see.
Fallout 4
If you enjoy an open-world post-apocalyptic concept, player freedom, action-packed sci-fi titles, and love useful companions, Fallout 4 is the perfect game for you! However, if you’re yet to play the first title in the franchise, we recommend you do that before you start with this game.
Fallout 4 introduces the player’s character who takes shelter in Vault 111. As the sole survivor, you emerge from the shelter and encounter a world destroyed by nuclear war. The game lets you roam the world freely and make your own choices. Every moment you spend in this game is a fight for survival, so you better come as prepared as possible.
Why is Fallout 4 one of the best sci-fi games on Steam? It features the most complex character creation system ever seen, with players being able to make edits as they progress through the story.
No Man’s Sky
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that we’ve included No Man’s Sky in our list of sci-fi games on Steam you should try out. This game features a procedurally generated universe that keeps you on your toes as long as you’re playing it.
No Man’s Sky is a survival game that was developed around four pillars: survival, combat, exploration, and trading. Here, the galaxy is filled with unique planets and lifeforms, and players face constant danger. You can travel smoothly from deep space to planets brimming with life. Who knows, you might discover places and creatures no one has ever seen before.
Furthermore, No Man’s Sky is one of the top sci-fi games on Steam because it includes planets with their own ecosystems and various alien species that will hold player’s attention until the very end.