Games Like Aliens: Dark Descent

Lead the Mobile Infantry in this RTS game set in the Starship Troopers film universe. Balance your army composition with a diverse set of unit types, overcome line-of-sight and line-of-fire challenges through tactical positioning, and use special abilities to smash the Arachnid hordes!

Why similar: RTS 40.1%, Strategy 20.2%, Tactical 18.6%, Sci-fi 8.5%, Aliens 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: Features similar real-time tactical gameplay focused on managing squads against overwhelming swarms of alien enemies.

Terminator: Dark Fate – Defiance is not just a game; it's an adrenaline-fueled journey where your strategic prowess decides the fate of mankind against the machines. After the machines took over, the greatest threats may not come from the machines but rather from other human survivors.

Why similar: RTS 34.4%, Real Time Tactics 31.9%, Strategy 13.7%, Dark 9.4%, Horror 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a gritty, real-time tactical experience where squad preservation and positioning are critical to survival.

Gears Tactics is the fast-paced, turn-based strategy game from one of the most-acclaimed video game franchises – Gears of War. Outnumbered and fighting for survival, recruit and command your squad to hunt down an evil mastermind who makes monsters.

Why similar: Strategy 48.1%, Tactical 29%, Violent 9%, Isometric 7%, Sci-fi 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers intense, squad-based tactical combat with a focus on aggressive positioning and character abilities.

Desperados III is a story-driven, hardcore tactical stealth game, set in a ruthless Wild West scenario. Play smart if you want to succeed. A good plan can make the difference between survival and finding yourself at the business end of a pistol.

Why similar: Real Time Tactics 34.7%, Tactical 18.4%, Strategy 14.2%, Stealth 13.2%, Isometric 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for real-time tactics, emphasizing stealth, squad coordination, and careful planning.

Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector is a fast-paced turn-based strategy game set in the grimdark universe of the 41st Millennium. Pick your force, develop your army, field mighty heroes and fight for victory using superior strategy, awesome abilities, and devastating weaponry.

Why similar: Tactical 26.8%, Strategy 25.4%, Isometric 13.9%, Sci-fi 13.3%, Violent 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on tactical, squad-based combat in a dark, sci-fi setting that mirrors the intensity of Dark Descent.

Shadow Tactics is a hardcore tactical stealth game set in Japan around the Edo period. A new Shogun seizes power over Japan and enforces nationwide peace. In his battle against conspiracy and rebellion, he recruits five specialists with extraordinary skills for assassination, sabotage and espionage.

Why similar: Tactical 26.8%, Real Time Tactics 22.4%, Stealth 17.2%, Strategy 13.7%, RTS 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A masterclass in real-time tactical gameplay that requires precise squad control and environmental awareness.

Discover the true meaning of fear in Alien: Isolation, a survival horror set in an atmosphere of constant dread and mortal danger.

Why similar: Aliens 26.4%, Sci-fi 17.2%, Horror 15.8%, Stealth 14.5%, Space 12.2%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the exact dread, atmosphere, and claustrophobic horror of the Alien franchise perfectly.

Command military Special Ops Teams in gripping tactical combat against a Middle East-based terrorist network. Sequel to RockPaperShotgun's "Best Tactics Game of 2014".

Why similar: Real Time Tactics 24.7%, Tactical 23.7%, RTS 18.1%, Strategy 9.2%, Top-Down 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a deep, real-time tactical experience centered on squad-based room clearing and threat management.

XCOM 2 is the sequel to XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the 2012 award-winning strategy game of the year. Earth has changed and is now under alien rule. Facing impossible odds you must rebuild XCOM, and ignite a global resistance to reclaim our world and save humanity.

Why similar: Tactical 34.1%, Strategy 17.1%, Isometric 17%, Sci-fi 16.9%, Top-Down 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: The definitive squad-based tactical game featuring high-stakes combat against an overwhelming alien occupation.

Sequel to the best-seller ​The Red Solstice​. Plan your strategy and infiltrate a real-time tactical battlefield - alone or with up to 7 squad members. Can you demonstrate the combat prowess to survive and secure a future for humanity?

Why similar: Real Time Tactics 30.8%, Aliens 20%, Tactical 17.7%, Sci-fi 12.3%, Strategy 12.2%

Why You'll Like It: Combines squad-based real-time tactical combat with a dark, sci-fi atmosphere and resource management.

Aliens: Fireteam Elite is a cooperative third-person survival game set in the iconic Alien Universe. Battle through hordes of different types of Xenomorph, customize your character and gear, and level-up as you try to contain this ever-growing threat.

Why similar: Aliens 33.7%, Sci-fi 16.9%, Space 14%, Survival 13.1%, Horror 12.2%

Why You'll Like It: Provides an action-oriented perspective on the same universe, focusing on squad cooperation against Xenomorphs.

Lead humanity’s greatest weapon, the Grey Knights, in this fast-paced turn-based tactical RPG. Root out and purge a galaxy-spanning plague in a cinematic, story-driven campaign, using the tactics and talents of your own personalised squad of Daemonhunters.

Why similar: Tactical 52.9%, Strategy 24.8%, Sci-fi 16.6%, 3D 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: Features high-stakes, squad-based tactical combat against terrifying cosmic threats.

The country of Grand Chien is thrown into chaos when the elected president goes missing and the paramilitary force known as “the Legion” seizes control. Hire mercs, meet interesting characters, and fight in tactically deep turn-based combat in this true successor to a beloved franchise.

Why similar: Tactical 48.2%, Strategy 32%, Isometric 11.8%, Action 3.5%, Singleplayer 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on deep, tactical squad management and mercenary customization in a challenging combat environment.

Wage a global war of resistance against an alien invasion. Command turn-based tactical battles, build a network of covert bases, directly control your fighter wings, and achieve strategic victory in a simulation of asymmetric warfare against a technologically superior foe.

Why similar: Tactical 38.4%, Strategy 21%, Sci-fi 20.2%, Action 8.6%, Combat 8%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on squad-based tactical defense against an alien invasion with a strong emphasis on research and management.

The acclaimed strategy game from the creator of X-COM. Fight tactical battles on procedural maps against a foe that adapts to your tactics. Manage diplomacy and economy on a global scale. Research, explore, overcome. Now includes Steam Workshop support for mods!

Why similar: Tactical 32.1%, Aliens 25.4%, Strategy 14.9%, Isometric 14.6%, Horror 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a complex tactical experience involving squad management against evolving alien horrors.

Company of Heroes 3 combines heart-pounding combat with deeper strategic choices in a stunning Mediterranean theatre of war. In Company of Heroes 3, every battle tells a story...what's yours?

Why similar: RTS 33.4%, Real Time Tactics 25.7%, Strategy 16.1%, Tactical 12.9%, Top-Down 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: Offers deep, real-time tactical squad management with a focus on cover, positioning, and attrition.

Command a team of 5 elite soldiers against an alien horde of 100,000. Surrounded on all sides, you must outmaneuver and outsmart the enemy.

Why similar: RTS 31.3%, Strategy 21.1%, Tactical 11.4%, Aliens 10.5%, Sci-fi 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: Features real-time tactical combat against massive, overwhelming alien swarms that require strategic adaptation.

Brave a new world in Stranded: Alien Dawn, a planet survival sim placing the fate of a small marooned group in your hands. Forge your story through compelling and immersive strategic gameplay as you make vital decisions to protect your survivors.

Why similar: Survival 32.7%, Strategy 31.8%, Sci-fi 12.4%, Combat 9.3%, 3D 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the survival and base-building aspects of managing a small group in a hostile alien environment.

Satellite Reign is a real-time, class-based strategy game, set in an open-world cyberpunk city. You command a group of 4 agents through rain-soaked, neon-lit streets, where the law is the will of mega-corporations.

Why similar: Tactical 23.8%, Strategy 18.9%, Sci-fi 12.5%, RTS 11.6%, Stealth 9%

Why You'll Like It: Features squad-based tactical control in a dark, atmospheric cyberpunk world that rewards careful planning.

Survive, hunt and prey in the deadly jungles and swamps in distinctly new and thrilling first person gameplay.

Why similar: Aliens 35.3%, Sci-fi 18.1%, Horror 11.9%, Action 11.7%, Stealth 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: An action-heavy experience that allows you to engage with the iconic Xenomorphs from multiple perspectives.

Experience warfare like never before! Men of War II, the anticipated sequel to the highly acclaimed RTS franchise is here with all-new units, locations, campaigns, game modes and true trademarks of the series: historical fidelity and action-filled gameplay on the Eastern and Western Fronts of WWII.

Why similar: RTS 29.2%, Real Time Tactics 25.9%, Tactical 18.4%, Strategy 11.3%, Top-Down 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: Offers granular, real-time tactical control of individual soldiers and squads in intense combat scenarios.

You & your friends are the deadliest killers in the galaxy – the US Colonial Marines. It’s up to you to not just survive, but wipe out the Xeno infestation.

Why similar: Aliens 40.4%, Sci-fi 17.9%, Action 13.4%, Space 11.6%, Horror 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: An action-oriented shooter that explores the lore and atmosphere of the Alien franchise.

Experience the explosive science fiction arcade-shooter that resurrects a much revered franchise in an epic single player and co-op multiplayer campaign.

Why similar: Aliens 28%, Sci-fi 17%, Isometric 13%, Top-Down 12.7%, Action 12.6%

Why You'll Like It: A top-down action game that captures the claustrophobic, dark corridors of the Alien franchise.

2280 A.D. The last few survivors of a ruined Earth seek a new home: Mars, a planet whose inhabitants didn't take too kindly to outsiders. The Red Solstice is a tense, tactical, squad-based action game. Fight to survive with up to 8 players in co-op, or lead your own squad in single-player mode.

Why similar: RTS 23%, Real Time Tactics 18.7%, Tactical 18.4%, Aliens 14.2%, Strategy 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: A co-op focused real-time tactical game that emphasizes squad survival against alien threats.

Strain Tactics is a real-time-with-pause tactical game, where you command a squad of soldiers to liberate earth from an alien infestation. Using your helibase, deploy your custom squad and provide air support. Remember to keep your crew sane and motivated while staying clear of alien contamination!

Why similar: Real Time Tactics 27.6%, Strategy 18.4%, Aliens 14.8%, Sci-fi 8.7%, Top-Down 8%

Why You'll Like It: A top-down real-time tactical game that emphasizes squad management and horror elements.

UFO: Aftermath is a 3D isometric, tactical strategy game with a rich and compelling sci fi story.

Why similar: Strategy 34.9%, Tactical 27.3%, Aliens 18.8%, Sci-fi 10.6%, Space 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical squad-based game that pits human soldiers against a global alien threat.

Lead a strike force against an alien threat in this turn-based tactical RPG from the developers of Battle Brothers. Answer distress calls across different worlds, train and equip infantry, deploy tanks and mechs, and plan and execute missions in detailed turn-based battles.

Why similar: Tactical 35.6%, Strategy 23.6%, Sci-fi 21.1%, Action 8.5%, Combat 7.3%

Tactical, beautiful, and wholly unique, the GOTY-winning sci-fi RTS returns with Homeworld 3. Assume control and battle through fleet combat in dazzling, fully 3D space while the award-winning story unfolds on a galactic scale.

Why similar: RTS 33.1%, Tactical 17.8%, Space 12.4%, Strategy 12.2%, Sci-fi 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a grand-scale, sci-fi real-time strategy experience with a focus on tactical positioning in 3D space.

A new action-horror story set in the iconic Alien universe. Play as rogue Colonial Marine Zula Hendricks, sent to investigate a blacksite on Purdan. Fight and survive using your skill, reflexes, and determination against a deadly Xenomorph incursion in this gripping first chapter of a two-part saga.

Why similar: Aliens 26.5%, Sci-fi 17.5%, Stealth 16.1%, Action-Adventure 12.1%, Action 9.7%

Relive the real-time tactics masterpiece that defined the genre like no other: Commandos 2 - HD Remaster is a true homage to one of gaming’s most celebrated masterpieces.

Why similar: Strategy 38.4%, Real Time Tactics 31.7%, Stealth 13.5%, Tactical 9.6%, Isometric 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: A classic real-time tactical game that demands precise coordination and stealthy squad movement.

Starship Troopers: Extermination is a 16-player co-op FPS that puts you on the far-off frontlines of an all-out battle against the Bugs! Squad up, grab your rifle, and do your part as an elite Deep Space Vanguard Trooper to take back planets from the Arachnid threat!

Why similar: Aliens 34.8%, Sci-fi 21.6%, Space 17.3%, Action 9.4%, Combat 8.7%

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.

Why similar: Aliens 27.7%, Sci-fi 13.9%, Stealth 10.8%, Violent 10.5%, Dark 9.2%

“Alien Marauder” is a real-time strategy game with survival and confrontation theme. In this game, you will be the leader to a treacherous alien planet, build and defend base to survive against the vexan waves. Make the right decision!

Why similar: RTS 27.5%, Real Time Tactics 18.7%, Aliens 12.7%, Strategy 10.5%, Sci-fi 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: Combines base defense with real-time tactical combat against waves of hostile aliens.

XCOM: Chimera Squad delivers an all-new story and turn-based tactical combat experience in the XCOM universe.

Why similar: Strategy 38.4%, Aliens 29.1%, Tactical 15%, Sci-fi 14.2%, Singleplayer 3.3%

Xenopurge is a tactical auto-battler where you are a Commander tasked with purging the Xenos threat. Operate from a remote command center, issuing indirect orders via multi-screen interfaces. Plan routes, set priorities, and adapt as missions escalate and feel the true weight of being in command.

Why similar: Real Time Tactics 25.2%, RTS 23.1%, Tactical 13.8%, Aliens 12%, Strategy 10%

The U.S. Army is the most powerful ground force in the entire world. The backbone of a ground invasion is the U.S. Army Infantry, and in the midst of combat, their skills, courage, and teamwork are put to the test. While readiness continues to be the U.S. Army's top priority, how it goes about its business is changing.

Why similar: Tactical 41.9%, Strategy 39.1%, Action 17.1%, Singleplayer 1.9%

Why You'll Like It: Emphasizes squad-based tactical movement and cover-based combat in a realistic military setting.

Xenonauts is a strategy game in which you control a multi-national military organisation defending a Cold War-era Earth from alien invasion, using small squads of persistent soldiers to eliminate the extraterrestrials and recover their technology in turn-based ground combat.

Why similar: Tactical 29.6%, Aliens 24.5%, Strategy 16.1%, Sci-fi 13.5%, Isometric 13%

Command distinct factions in a desperate struggle for power and resources in Tempest Rising - a classic RTS set on Earth after a nuclear war.

Why similar: RTS 66.2%, Strategy 24.7%, Isometric 4.1%, Singleplayer 1.5%, Action 1.2%

Hidden Deep is an atmospheric sci-fi action game heavily inspired by Aliens, The Thing, and Half-Life. Explore, climb, swim, scan, blast and shoot your way through dangerous missions in a huge sub oceanic mining and research facility. Fear the horrors that lurk below…

Why similar: Aliens 34.5%, Sci-fi 16.5%, Dark 14.7%, Horror 12.5%, Action-Adventure 9.9%

From the creators of Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden comes a beautifully crafted tactical adventure you won’t forget. Embark on a quest across a post-apocalyptic wasteland torn apart by a savage force known only as the ‘Miasma’.

Why similar: Tactical 35.1%, Strategy 16.2%, RTS 15.1%, Sci-fi 9.8%, Action-Adventure 8.6%

Door Kickers is an innovative realtime strategy game that puts you in charge of a SWAT team and lets you command them during a tactical intervention.

Why similar: Tactical 42.1%, Strategy 16.5%, RTS 12.3%, Real Time Tactics 12.2%, Top-Down 8.5%

Future War Tactics: SOF vs Alien Invasion - a turn-based strategy where you command SOF forces against an alien threat. Investigate disappearances, fight the invaders, and uncover the mystery. Every decision affects the fate of humanity.

Why similar: Strategy 35.5%, Aliens 34.2%, Tactical 23.2%, 3D 6%, Singleplayer 1.1%

You are in control of X-COM: an organization formed by the world's governments to fight the ever-increasing alien menace.

Why similar: Tactical 26.2%, Strategy 24.8%, Aliens 24.6%, Sci-fi 15.1%, Isometric 6.6%

We're happy to present a new game in the Alien Shooter universe! Get prepared to unique tactical gameplay, lots of monster types and 8 fighter types allowing you create your own style of completing missions and defeating bosses.

Why similar: RTS 30.1%, Aliens 18.1%, Tactical 15.4%, Strategy 12.7%, Isometric 8.2%

Innovative Tower Defense inspired by legendary Alien Shooter series! The game was created in keeping with the best traditions of Sigma`s games, no concessions of any kind - everything is just like in real life!

Why similar: Real Time Tactics 22.9%, Aliens 15.9%, Strategy 12.1%, Sci-fi 10.6%, Isometric 9%

Defend galaxy against Alien invasion in the RTS offline game with roguelike fun

Why similar: Real Time Tactics 26%, RTS 24.9%, Aliens 11.8%, Strategy 10.2%, Sci-fi 7.2%

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Extraction is a tactical, co-op, PvE first-person shooter where you and your squad face an evolving alien threat. Teamwork, tactics, and flawless execution are key to your survival.

Why similar: Aliens 26.1%, Sci-fi 23.1%, Stealth 21.2%, Action 19.8%, Violent 6.7%

ALARM! You have been selected for a mission which will shape the fate of the entire world. Witness the very beginning of the legendary elite WWII force in Commandos: Origins. The long-awaited sequel to the Commandos series brings you right back to the foundation of the real-time tactics genre.

Why similar: Real Time Tactics 25.4%, RTS 24.6%, Strategy 12.4%, Isometric 8.6%, Tactical 8.1%

The sci-fi survival-horror classic returns, completely rebuilt to offer an even more immersive experience — including visual, audio, and gameplay improvements — while staying faithful to the original game’s thrilling vision.

Why similar: Sci-fi 16.7%, Aliens 15.8%, Space 15.2%, Horror 14.5%, Survival 7%

Hard West 2 is a journey to the heart of darkness in the American West. Take control of a supernatural posse and catch the mysterious Ghost Train. Outsmart, outcheat and outgun your enemies in this turn-based tactics game set in a Wild West world where nothing is as it seems.

Why similar: Tactical 36.7%, Strategy 21%, Isometric 20%, Top-Down 6.7%, Horror 5.7%

Dive deep into this Lovecraft-inspired RTS survival for a second time. Assemble your strike team and manage your convoy. It's up to you to survive the onslaught of nightmares that are surely coming your way. Will you find the source of the darkness?

Why similar: RTS 28.7%, Aliens 17%, Strategy 12.5%, Dark 8.8%, Survival 8.7%

A 4X real-time strategy game from the developers of the critically acclaimed Northgard. Set in Frank Herbert’s groundbreaking Dune universe, you must lead your faction and battle for control and dominance over the harsh desert planet of Arrakis.

Why similar: RTS 27.5%, Real Time Tactics 24.3%, Tactical 20.2%, Sci-fi 14.3%, Strategy 10.7%

Aliens Versus Predator Classic 2000 features the Colonial Marine, Alien and Predator Campaigns and the frenetic single-player Skirmish mode from the original title: Alien Versus Predator Gold Edition, which was released to massive acclaim in 2000.

Why similar: Aliens 40.5%, Sci-fi 22.8%, Horror 15.5%, Action 12.1%, Stealth 4.1%

Lead an armored squad through the perils of this reversed tower defense action-strategy game!

Why similar: Strategy 40.6%, RTS 18.5%, Sci-fi 15.5%, Aliens 9.8%, Action 8.8%

A fast paced multiplayer shooter that pits aliens against humans in a strategic and action-packed struggle for survival!

Why similar: RTS 30.2%, Strategy 18.6%, Aliens 17.9%, Sci-fi 12.5%, Tactical 11%

A first-person fight to the death in the depths of space!

Why similar: Sci-fi 29.7%, Horror 17.1%, Space 15.6%, Action 14.1%, Violent 11.1%

Experience the final explosive chapter in the Alien Breed series and uncover the horrifying truth surrounding the existence of the Breed. Launch discount good thru Nov. 24 10am PST.

Why similar: Aliens 25.5%, Isometric 16%, Sci-fi 14.3%, Space 9.2%, Top-Down Shooter 9.1%

Command an elite team of allied special operators in Nazi-occupied France wreaking havoc in the run up to D-Day in this ambitious turn-based tactics game. Take on the might of Germany's war machine and launch daring raids in occupied territory. Can you do enough to ensure Allied victory?

Why similar: Tactical 35.7%, Stealth 16.9%, Strategy 16.7%, Isometric 15.9%, Action 6.3%

In Nemesis: Lockdown, you're part of a team exploring an alien-infested space base. Craft, hide and fight to make it out of its dark, threat-filled corridors. Fulfill your objective even if it means betraying your allies, but remember - this time, you are not the hunter. You are the PREY.

Why similar: Aliens 30.5%, Isometric 20.9%, Sci-fi 19.2%, Strategy 18.1%, Singleplayer 5.6%

The XCOM: Enemy Unknown - Slingshot Pack is Now Available!

Why similar: Tactical 37.5%, Aliens 23.2%, Strategy 18.4%, Sci-fi 17.9%, Singleplayer 1.7%