Who isn't intrigued by space, the great unknown? Humanity for thousands of years has yearned for the skies and while we may live long enough to see the beginnings of true space exploration, that is still some time away.
In the meantime the only thing we can do is play some excellent sci-fi strategy games, imagining ourselves as galactic rulers or interstellar explorers.
With that said here are some of the most excellent sci-fi strategy games out there.
15. Emperor: Battle for Dune (PC)
Realistically you probably have not heard about this game, but that's what these lists are for. Emperor battle for dune is an excellent RTS game from 2001, it probably was slightly overlooked compared to other RTSs because there were a lot of them, it was the golden era of RTS games after all.
14. Homeworld Remastered Collection (PC)
Homeworld 1 and 2 are probably some of the greatest RTS games of all time. Set in an extremely deep universe filled with lore, you control a mothership together with smaller ships for fighting, defending, and gathering resources all in full 3D space. This was a very impressive technology for the time. The remastered collection is all that with updated graphics, just make sure to get the fan patch if you plan on playing it.
13. Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak (PC / macOS)
This is a prequel to the Homeworld series set on the desert planet of Kharak. To say that fans were apprehensive of this prequel would be an understatement, especially since the entire series beforehand was set in space in full 3D environments and suddenly Homeworld was a ground-based RTS game. But it managed to prove itself worthy of the Homeworld name by being an excellent RTS game. If you're a fan of Homeworld there is no better way to get ready for Homeworld 3 than by playing this game.
12. Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth (PC / macOS)
Something of a spiritual successor to the excellent Alpha Centauri game, Civilization: Beyond Earth is the series first foray into space. While it may not be the best in the series, critics pointing out the lack of charm and individuality that Alpha Centauri had, it's still loads of fun. If you're a hardcore sci-fi and civilization fan, this game is essentially a must-play.
11. StarCraft 2 (PC / MacOS)
Starcraft 2 is the essential RTS game and an excellent sci-fi game. What more needs to be said about Starcraft 2 other than the fact that the game's multiplayer mode spawned an entire esports scene. StarCraft 2 competitions are proof of just how good its gameplay is, but the campaigns are equally as good. Take control of one of three races and take on your friends in 1v1, 2v2, 3v3, or 4v4 in spectacular fun sci-fi combat, and the best part is that StarCraft 2 multiplayer is free since 2017.
10. Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion (PC)
Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion is an excellent sci-fi real-time grand strategy game with some 4X elements, the developers refer to it as RT4X. It's a standalone expansion for Sins of a Solar Empire. Assume control of one of three races (Is it just me or is it weird that often there are only three races in the universe?), gather resources, and conquer planets, all in a fully realized 3D environment. The rebellion aspect adds two factions to every race, rebel, and loyalist. While the game doesn't feature single-player campaigns, you can still play offline against AI players in sandbox mode. While it's a little old and lacking in certain features of the other games, it's still pretty great to play.
9. Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2 (PC)
Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2 is possibly the best Warhammer 40K strategy game. Don't let the fact that it's set in the 40K universe fool you, it's still an excellent space strategy game. You get to control massive armadas fighting in the depths of space. Armada 2 looks awesome as well, so apart from controlling these massive armadas, you also get to enjoy the visual spectacle of them fight Just like 40K itself, the game is large, brutal, and extremely fun.
8. Age of Wonders: Planetfall (PC / macOS / PS4 / XBox One)
Age of Wonders: Planetfall is a sci-fi 4X strategy game in the Age of Wonders series. Assume control of one of six factions battling for domination in the universe after the catastrophic fall of the Star Union, an intergalactic human government. Customize your ruler, lead your faction, engage in diplomacy or war. Planetfall has it all, truly an excellent sci-fi game, especially for those who weren't thrilled with Beyond Earth.
7. Star Wars: Empire at War (PC / macOS)
Wow, a good Star Wars strategy game. We all know that Star Wars is one of the best sci-fi universes, adored by literally hundreds of millions, then no wonder this game made it on the list. Star Wars: Empire at War is a real-time sci-fi strategy game set in the Star Wars universe between episodes III and IV. It features three game modes: campaign, skirmish, and galactic conquest. It also features land-based and space-based battles. Truly an excellent game for any Star Wars fan, hopefully, we'll get a sequel or a remake one day.
6. XCOM 2 (PC / macOS / PS4 / XBox One / Switch / Android / iOS)
XCOM 2 is a turn-based tactical sci-fi strategy game. Recruit soldiers, manage your squad, get attached to them, and inevitably get sad when your favorite squad member dies while fighting off the alien horde. The tactical combat of XCOM 2 is an excellent example of the genre, no wonder that a lot of people consider this to be one of the best games ever made.
5. Endless Space 2 (PC / macOS)
Endless Space 2, another excellent space-based strategy game. Endless Space 2 is a sci-fi turn-based game set in a universe that was dominated by a powerful race. Thousands of years after their fall you take control of one of twelve factions, each with its own gameplay mechanics, storyline, homeworlds, spaceships, heroes, and technologies. Will you be the one who imposes his will over the stars?
4. Distant Worlds (PC)
Distant Worlds is a sci-fi real-time grand strategy game that truly lives up to the name. The universe of Distant Worlds is extremely large, featuring over 50 000 planets and the systems reflect that. It has an excellent UI and empire management systems. While definitely bot newbie friendly it's still an excellent game for any space fan.
3. Rimworld (PC / macOS)
Rimworld is slightly different compared to other games on this list. Instead of a nation or an army, you control individual people, as part of a colony on the titular Rimworld. You instruct your colonists to gather resources, build, cook, plant, butcher, fight and so on to expand your base, defend against raids and ultimately get off the planet. The game is extremely in-depth and it will take some time to master it, but that's just what makes it excellent.
2. Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri (PC)
This is probably the best sci-fi game of all time, the only reason it's not on top of the list is that it's a little bit dated compared to Stellaris. Alpha Centauri is a spin-off of the original Civilization, which means it's a 4X turn-based strategy game only this time it's set in space. The game is filled with different factions with well-defined leaders full of character and depth. Every faction has different goals that reflect the personality of its leaders. Honestly, it's not hard to see why many players still consider it to be the best strategy game ever
1. Stellaris (PC / macOS / X Box One / X Box Series X/S)
Stellaris is an excellent game, and probably one of the best space strategy games out there. You control a civilization that just discovered faster than light travel, and the rest is up to you. Are you going to be a basic human civilization or a hive mind that seeks to incorporate all life forms into itself? One of the unique things about Stellaris is that you can actually design your civilization from the ground up, making for some great, albeit sometimes overpowered combinations. It might be too late for your dream of being an astronaut to come true, but it isn’t too late to make a galactic empire for yourself.
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