Games Like Distant Worlds: Universe

Distant Worlds 2 is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game.

Why similar: 4X 44% ★, Grand Strategy 16.6% ★, Space 13.4%, Strategy 10.5%, Sci-fi 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: This is the direct sequel to the seed game, offering a modernized engine and refined mechanics while retaining the deep automation and massive scale.

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.

Why similar: 4X 36.4% ★, Space 17.6%, Grand Strategy 17.1% ★, Strategy 6.9%, Sci-fi 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the same 'living galaxy' feeling with real-time grand strategy, complex diplomacy, and emergent storytelling on a massive scale.

Battle for galactic dominance in this real-time 4X strategy game with unrivaled scale! You’ll explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate through military force, diplomacy, trade, culture, influence, and other underhanded tactics.

Why similar: 4X 44.4% ★, Space 21.9%, Strategy 9.4%, Real-Time 8.6% ★, RTS 8%

Why You'll Like It: It blends real-time strategy and 4X elements seamlessly, providing a large-scale space warfare experience that feels fluid and tactical.

An alien invasion has fractured humanity into seven ideological factions each with a unique vision for the future. Lead your chosen faction to take control of Earth’s nations, expand across the Solar System, and battle enemy fleets in tactical combat.

Why similar: 4X 41.9% ★, Grand Strategy 18.4% ★, Real-Time with Pause 11.3% ★, Strategy 7.5%, Moddable 6.7% ★

Why You'll Like It: It offers an incredibly deep, complex grand strategy simulation that requires managing global politics and space expansion with high-level detail.

Can anyone build an empire in a place like this? Other factions are naturally suspicious of newcomers and may wage war at the first sign of unidentified craft. Here, a natural death is an uncommon luxury.

Why similar: 4X 38.1% ★, Space 14%, Grand Strategy 12.7% ★, Real-Time 10.1% ★, Real-Time with Pause 9.9% ★

Why You'll Like It: This game features a very similar real-time-with-pause 4X structure with a heavy focus on research and ship design.

Shadow Empire is a deep turn-based 4X wargame with a unique blend of military focus, procedurally generated content and role-playing features. Players take the seat of the supreme ruler of a small nation, with the goal of reconquering a devastated planet.

Why similar: 4X 44.9% ★, Grand Strategy 18.4% ★, Space 15.2%, Strategy 8%, Sci-fi 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: This title provides a deep, procedural grand strategy experience that emphasizes logistics, management, and complex simulation over simple combat.

Take command of a civilization that has just achieved faster-than-light travel in Galactic Civilizations IV, the newest entry in the award-winning space 4X strategy game series. Explore the galaxy, colonize worlds, shape cultures, make alliances, fight wars and pioneer new technologies.

Why similar: 4X 39.3% ★, Grand Strategy 17.8% ★, Space 15.5%, Strategy 6.7%, Sci-fi 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A classic 4X experience that offers extensive customization and deep empire management within a sprawling space setting.

Space Empires V is the latest edition in the Space Empires series. This new chapter completely updates the UI and takes the player into a real-time rendered 3D universe. Watch space battles played out in glorious detail and realistic effects. Expand, Explore, Exploit, and Exterminate in a huge living breathing galaxy.

Why similar: 4X 60.6% ★, Space 16.2%, Strategy 16.1%, Sci-fi 6.6%, Singleplayer 0.6%

Why You'll Like It: A deeply complex 4X game that allows for immense customization of ships and empire policies, appealing to fans of high-detail strategy.

Your journey to building a vast space empire begins behind the controls of a single ship. Explore the stars, trade goods, fight battles, build stations, buy and equip ships, and command fleets in a living, fully simulated universe that reacts to your decisions.

Why similar: 4X 40.9% ★, Space 23.6%, Moddable 7.8% ★, Sci-fi 7.7%, Strategy 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: While more of a sandbox simulation, it shares the deep economic and fleet management systems that make the universe feel alive and interconnected.

Massive scale 4X-RTS set in space. Control hundreds of planets, manipulate galactic politics, research numerous advanced technologies, and command thousands of units and hundreds of planets in your quest for galactic dominance.

Why similar: 4X 51.4% ★, Space 20.3%, Strategy 11.8%, Sci-fi 8.2%, RTS 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: It features a unique economic and diplomatic system that supports massive, sprawling empires similar to the scale of the seed game.

Real-Time Strategy/Wargame. From World War II through the Cold War and into the future, re-live or re-imagine the tensions and crises of our recent history! Guide your nation through the era of your choice in Campaigns, Scenarios, and Sandboxes, as you make every effort to become Supreme Ruler!

Why similar: Grand Strategy 37.7% ★, Real-Time with Pause 24.4% ★, RTS 14.6%, Strategy 12.4%, Simulation 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A complex real-time-with-pause grand strategy game that focuses on the intricate management of a nation, mirroring the depth found in Distant Worlds.

ENDLESS™ Space is a turn-based 4X strategy game, covering the space colonization age in the ENDLESS™ Universe, where you can control every aspect of your civilization as you strive for galactic domination.

Why similar: 4X 52.7% ★, Space 19.2%, Strategy 16.5%, Sci-fi 6.7%, Grand Strategy 3.8% ★

Why You'll Like It: A highly polished 4X space strategy game that offers distinct faction mechanics and a strong focus on scientific and economic development.

Interstellar Space: Genesis is a turn-based space 4X strategy game in which you attempt to build a thriving galactic empire. Discover mysteries among the stars, colonize worlds, and engage enemies in tactical turn-based combat on your journey to becoming the ruler of the galaxy!

Why similar: 4X 48.5% ★, Space 16.7%, Grand Strategy 15.2% ★, Strategy 8.8%, Sci-fi 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on the core 4X experience with a classic feel, emphasizing exploration and tactical combat in a deep space setting.

Rule the Waves III is a simulation of naval ship design and construction, fleet management and naval warfare from 1890 to 1970.

Why similar: Strategy 53.1%, Simulation 31.9%, Singleplayer 6%, Management 5%, 2D 4%

Why You'll Like It: Though focused on naval warfare, it provides the same level of deep, spreadsheet-heavy management and long-term strategic planning found in the seed game.

The most devious and acclaimed artificial intelligence in strategy gaming is better than ever. A grand strategy/RTS hybrid that reverses many conventions of both genres. Take territory without attracting attention, build your empire with care, and adapt to an ever-evolving galactic battleground.

Why similar: 4X 41.9% ★, Grand Strategy 16.5% ★, Space 9.7%, Real-Time 9.3% ★, RTS 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: An asymmetric strategy game that challenges players to manage a small empire against an overwhelming, intelligent AI force, requiring deep strategic planning.

StarDrive 2 is an exciting and evolutionary step forward for the StarDrive franchise. In this eagerly anticipated sequel, the core mechanics have evolved to incorporate a turn-based strategic layer, featuring spectacular realtime battles.

Why similar: 4X 49.3% ★, Space 21%, Strategy 18.7%, Sci-fi 9.4%, Indie 0.7%

Why You'll Like It: It combines turn-based 4X exploration with real-time tactical combat and ship design, offering a familiar loop for fans of the genre.

Command a space-faring empire in Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, the new stand-alone expansion that combines 4X depth with real-time strategy gameplay.

Why similar: 4X 39.5% ★, Grand Strategy 17% ★, Space 14.6%, RTS 7.1%, Strategy 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: A staple of the space RTS/4X hybrid genre that provides large-scale fleet management and empire expansion in real-time.

The ascendant spacefaring 4X strategy game returns! A new chapter in the epic Master of Orion saga is poised to once again capture the imaginations of millions of gamers.

Why similar: 4X 60.1% ★, Space 15.2%, Strategy 14.7%, Sci-fi 4.7%, Grand Strategy 4.6% ★

Why You'll Like It: The 2016 reimagining provides a accessible yet deep 4X experience that honors the roots of the genre.

Stars in Shadow is a turn-based 4X strategy game and a vivid tribute to the genre classics. Compete with alien factions to explore and colonize nearby starsystems, build fleets to defend against rivals, negotiate or conquer them. Win by unifying the galaxy, through diplomacy or force.

Why similar: 4X 65.2% ★, Space 15.6%, Strategy 12.5%, Sci-fi 6%, Indie 0.7%

Why You'll Like It: A vibrant, turn-based 4X game that focuses on streamlined empire management without sacrificing the strategic depth of space exploration.

Build a civilization that will stand the test of time in the largest space-based strategy game ever! Choose from dozens of unique races and make a name for yourself across the galaxy through diplomacy, espionage, technological advances, and more.

Why similar: 4X 43.7% ★, Grand Strategy 18% ★, Space 13.4%, Moddable 7.7% ★, Sci-fi 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: A robust 4X strategy game that excels in empire customization and offers a wide variety of paths to galactic dominance.

Dawn of Andromeda is a pausable, real-time 4X space strategy game providing an accessible, fun and immersive experience, introducing fresh ideas to the genre. Build your empire, colonize new planets, interact with other factions and characters, research technologies and build great fleets.

Why similar: 4X 51.4% ★, Space 16.5%, Strategy 14.3%, Real-Time with Pause 11.1% ★, Sci-fi 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: A real-time 4X game that focuses on accessibility and fast-paced empire management within a sci-fi setting.

Unending Galaxy is a unique space-sim in which you can fill any role from pirate or trader to the leader of a large galactic empire.

Why similar: 4X 37.7% ★, Space 18.8%, Strategy 16.2%, Real-Time with Pause 8.9% ★, Simulation 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A sandbox space strategy game that emphasizes the simulation of trade, faction relations, and sector control.

From the creators of AI War: Fleet Command comes an all-new grand strategy title with turn-based tactical combat, set in a deep simulation of an entire solar system and its billions of inhabitants. You are the last of a murdered race, determined to unify or destroy the 8 others.

Why similar: 4X 37.8% ★, Space 20.5%, Strategy 13.3%, Grand Strategy 11% ★, Real-Time with Pause 6.2% ★

Why You'll Like It: A unique strategy-simulation hybrid that focuses on diplomacy and the complex interactions between different alien species.

Paradox Development Studio invites you to build your ideal society in the tumult of the exciting and transformative 19th century. Balance the competing interests in your society and earn your place in the sun in Victoria 3, one of the most anticipated games in Paradox’s history.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 43% ★, Real-Time with Pause 18.8% ★, Strategy 14.3%, Moddable 10.9% ★, Simulation 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: While not space-themed, it is the pinnacle of grand strategy simulation, offering the deep economic and political management that Distant Worlds fans crave.

Asymmetric space empire builder where you feel like the Emperor, not a logistics officer. No micromanagement, grand scale, fast paced, audiences, assassins, imperial court, disloyal admirals.

Why similar: 4X 45.2% ★, Grand Strategy 20.5% ★, Space 14.6%, Strategy 7.3%, Sci-fi 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses on the role of the Emperor, emphasizing grand strategy and delegation rather than micromanaging every single unit.

Victory is at your fingertips! Your ability to lead your nation is your supreme weapon, the strategy game Hearts of Iron IV lets you take command of any nation in World War II; the most engaging conflict in world history.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 45% ★, Strategy 23.9%, Real-Time with Pause 14.8% ★, RTS 8%, Simulation 5%

Why You'll Like It: A complex real-time grand strategy game that requires meticulous management of logistics, production, and military fronts.

A sci-fi turn-based 4X strategy game where you lead the fate of one of several factions divided between three races. Explore new worlds and new star systems filled with exciting secrets as well as dangers. Build cities, expand your influence and fight great battles on land and in space.

Why similar: 4X 47.4% ★, Grand Strategy 18.7% ★, Space 15.1%, Strategy 9.2%, Sci-fi 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A 4X strategy game that allows for exploration across multiple planets and systems, featuring a blend of turn-based and real-time mechanics.

Pandora: First Contact is a science fiction 4X turn-based strategy game on a planetary scale. Our Earth has been exhausted and colonial attempts on other planetary bodies have been in vain. Finally, after decades of exploration, an interstellar probe has brought promise of a new world.

Why similar: 4X 65.8% ★, Strategy 14.8%, Sci-fi 8.3%, Space 6.9%, Simulation 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: A turn-based 4X game that focuses on planetary colonization and survival, sharing the thematic intensity of early-game expansion.

Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection is the original Sword of the Stars games and the three expansions Born of Blood, A Murder of Crows and Argos Naval Yard. It is the year 2405, and human scientists have discovered a new technology that allows travel from star to star at speeds faster than light.

Why similar: 4X 61.3% ★, Space 16.6%, Strategy 14.4%, Sci-fi 7.1%, Singleplayer 0.6%

Why You'll Like It: A classic 4X title that introduced innovative combat and research mechanics that influenced many modern space strategy games.

Horizon is a turn-based space strategy game of galactic exploration and conquest in which you are in control of humanity’s destiny. You will explore deep space, find new frontiers and discover alien artifacts hidden on long-abandoned planets.

Why similar: 4X 42.1% ★, Grand Strategy 19.5% ★, Space 15.9%, Strategy 7.9%, Sci-fi 7%

Why You'll Like It: A traditional 4X space strategy game that focuses on exploration and technological advancement in a large, procedurally generated galaxy.

Take command of a vast interstellar empire and safeguard your species from total extinction in a procedurally generated 3D galaxy (with the option to flatten it) from 1 System to 10,000+! Prove your species' ingenuity through a deep and intricate combat system where anything (from individual components on ships to the stars themselves)...

Why similar: 4X 47% ★, Space 18.4%, Strategy 13.6%, Grand Strategy 9.7% ★, RTS 5.7%

Strategy from the front lines! Starpoint Gemini Warlords combines 3rd person capital spaceship combat with 4X strategy and RPG gameplay elements. Build mighty war fleets and send them into battle or lead them into combat yourself. Become the Warlord and conquer the Gemini system!

Why similar: 4X 38.3% ★, Space 19.4%, Grand Strategy 13.2% ★, Strategy 7.8%, Sci-fi 7.3%

The award-winning Space Empires IV Deluxe is the latest edition in the Space Empires series. A grand strategy title in the space 4X (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate) genre, Space Empires has already found a place in the heart of strategy gamers everywhere.

Why similar: 4X 63.5% ★, Strategy 15.5%, Space 13.5%, Sci-fi 7.3%, Singleplayer 0.3%

As a space bear, human or any other race, venture forth into the galaxy, create custom ships, conquer new worlds, build new colonies and defend your very existence against those who would take what is yours.

Why similar: 4X 56.3% ★, Space 18.6%, Strategy 12.3%, Sci-fi 6%, RTS 5.9%

Build and design your own fleets and stand opposed to the Particulate in this physics/strategy/RTS/fleet hybrid. Build partially destructible and self repairing ships that interact with enemies less controlled by some scripted logic and more driven by a real time massive physics particle simulation.

Why similar: Space 27.5%, Strategy 24.1%, Real-Time with Pause 16% ★, RTS 12.1%, Simulation 10.4%

Get the complete GalCiv II saga including Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords, the expansion pack Dark Avatar, and the newest expansion pack Twilight of the Arnor!

Why similar: 4X 56.2% ★, Grand Strategy 24% ★, Strategy 9.4%, Space 4.5%, Moddable 2.4% ★

Battlevoid: Harbinger is a hard sci-fi space exploration game blending roguelike, turn-based, star map strategy, and real-time space battles. You are a young commander venturing out into enemy territories, to unknown galaxies, never knowing what you will face as you jump out from hyperspace.

Why similar: Space 47%, Strategy 22.4%, Real-Time with Pause 11.2% ★, Simulation 9.4%, Sci-fi 7.5%

Combining the best of space combat and real time strategy. Victory can be tactical, a dogfight or capital ship slugging match - depending on how you decide to achieve it. Space combat on a RTS scale with space sim savagery.

Why similar: Space 39.3%, Strategy 23.3%, Simulation 12.5%, Sci-fi 12.2%, RTS 10.8%

Forge an empire in a universe where population growth is stripping away planetary resources. Colonize unknown planets and trade with other races for their knowledge.

Why similar: 4X 63.3% ★, Space 16.2%, Strategy 14.5%, Sci-fi 5.8%, Singleplayer 0.2%

In Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity, you are the leader of a civilization embroiled in a galactic war, fighting for the survival of your entire race against relentless foes.

Why similar: 4X 42.8% ★, Real-Time 15.2% ★, Space 14.4%, RTS 7.3%, Strategy 7.1%

Assume command of a battle fleet and deploy immediately to the Dust Zone, commander. Our main food supply station has gone dark and the United Earth Nations (UEN) needs to know why in this 4X RTS space sim. Manage your ships, control space stations, and watch your back.

Why similar: 4X 44% ★, Space 17%, Real-Time 14.9% ★, Strategy 8.8%, Sci-fi 8%

Start with nothing... End with everything! All you have is a basic ship, barely fit for combat, with it you'll start your journey and empire. A open world space sandbox, inspired by and expanding the classics.

Why similar: 4X 45% ★, Space 16.4%, Strategy 8.1%, Moddable 7.4% ★, Sci-fi 7.3%

Ambitious megacorporations monopolize the conquest of space and the colonization of the solar system. At the very edge of the solar system, the companies make a discovery that will shift the technological advantage and upset the balance. And so a new conflict is born: "The Jupiter Incident."

Why similar: Space 39%, Strategy 19.7%, Sci-fi 14.2%, RTS 10.5%, Simulation 5.7%

Experience first-hand the challenges of leading one of 16 different races into unequalled galactic supremacy and face a universe of decisions. Set policies, explore, build, declare war, negotiate - put all these elements into motion to guarantee your place in the annals of space and time.

Why similar: 4X 68.5% ★, Strategy 16.8%, Space 10.9%, Sci-fi 3.8%

Command interstellar forces in this epic return of the 4X strategy classic. From planetary politics to galactic warfare, the stakes couldn’t be higher as you lead your Royal House through battles on land, sea, air, and the vast reaches of space.

Why similar: 4X 59.4% ★, Space 11.9%, Strategy 10.5%, Sci-fi 9.6%, Moddable 7.5% ★

Star Trek: Infinite is a grand strategy experience that lets you play your own Star Trek story as the leader of one of four major factions in the galaxy. Follow the specially crafted story or blaze your own trail in the first Star Trek grand strategy game.

Why similar: 4X 45.9% ★, Grand Strategy 20.4% ★, Space 16.3%, RTS 6.7%, Strategy 5.1%

Battlevoid: Sector Siege is an epic straight into action real-time space strategy game, in which the world has been built to deliver a lively battle field; and the action is never more than just seconds away at the start of every game.

Why similar: Space 28.3%, Strategy 17.9%, Real-Time 14.2% ★, Real-Time with Pause 11.8% ★, RTS 9.4%

Forge an empire in a universe where population growth is stripping away planetary resources. Colonize unknown planets and trade with other races for their knowledge.

Why similar: 4X 71.3% ★, Strategy 13.9%, Space 10.5%, Sci-fi 3.9%, Singleplayer 0.4%

Stellar Monarch 2 is a feudal space empire builder where you feel like the Emperor, not a logistics officer. Great noble houses, usurpers to the throne, rebels, assassins, court intrigues, disloyal admirals, incompetent governors and ever-present alien threat.

Why similar: 4X 51.2% ★, Grand Strategy 19.8% ★, Space 12.1%, Strategy 10.6%, Sci-fi 6.2%

Experience the epic space strategy games that redefined the RTS genre. Control your fleet and build an armada across more than 30 single-player missions. Choose unit types, fleet formations and flight tactics for each strategic situation.

Why similar: Space 41.9%, Strategy 16.2%, RTS 15.7%, Sci-fi 12.7%, 4X 5% ★

Ancient Space is a story driven single player real time strategy game where you take command of a fleet embarking on a scientific mission to chart undiscovered reaches of space called ‘The Black Zone’. Overcome overwhelming odds and fight for your life and the survival of your ship and its crew.

Why similar: Space 43.6%, Strategy 26%, RTS 16.8%, Sci-fi 11.9%, Singleplayer 1.3%

Galactic Ruler offers real time strategy game play at both planetary level and in space! Lead your faction in diplomacy or conquest across a procedurally generated galactic map where any system might hold hostile enemies or resource riches. Develop advanced technologies to rule the galaxy!

Why similar: 4X 36.6% ★, Grand Strategy 15.2% ★, Space 14.3%, Real-Time with Pause 11.3% ★, Sci-fi 5.7%

In the distant future, the X universe faces a period of profound and irrevocable change. While the universe stumbles towards an uncertain future, countless adventures await as new enemies rise in search of power.

Why similar: Space 57.5%, Sci-fi 17.7%, Simulation 15.2%, Sandbox 3.7%, Strategy 2.5%

Age of Wonders: Planetfall is the new strategy game from Triumph Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Age of Wonders series, bringing all the exciting tactical turn-based combat and in-depth empire building of its predecessors to space in an all-new, sci-fi setting.

Why similar: 4X 58.9% ★, Strategy 14.8%, Space 14.7%, Sci-fi 9.6%, Management 1.2%

Galactic Civilizations is a space based strategy game in which you are in control of humanity's destiny.

Why similar: 4X 49.2% ★, Grand Strategy 20.3% ★, Space 13%, Strategy 7.8%, Sci-fi 6.1%

ENDLESS™ Space 2 is a Strategic Space Opera, featuring the compelling “just one more turn” gameplay, set in the mysterious ENDLESS™ Universe. As the leader of your civilization, will you impose your vision and build the greatest stellar empire?

Why similar: Strategy 69.8%, 4X 13.8% ★, Space 10.4%, Sci-fi 2.6%, Grand Strategy 2.5% ★

Rule your land and dominate the world with unparalleled freedom, depth and historical accuracy. Write a new history of the world and build an empire for the ages.

Why similar: 4X 41.3% ★, Grand Strategy 22.1% ★, Real-Time with Pause 12.9% ★, Strategy 8.6%, Moddable 7% ★

Take command of your hand-tailored fleet of space warships and use realistic radar, electronic warfare, advanced movement controls in 3D space, and precision targeting to outmaneuver and outwit your opponents in a simulation-heavy tactical space game like no other.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 34.9% ★, Real-Time with Pause 24.5% ★, Strategy 14.1%, RTS 13%, Simulation 7.4%

Lord of Rigel is a turn-based 4X space strategy game inspired by the classics. In a galaxy divided by two elder races, will you unite with other species or forge your own path? Navigate galactic politics and defeat threats using espionage, research, and military force. How will you shape the galaxy?

Why similar: 4X 37.8% ★, Grand Strategy 16.5% ★, Space 14.3%, Real-Time with Pause 11.4% ★, Strategy 6.5%

X3: Reunion continues the epic space saga, blending deep space trading and intense real-time combat. Explore a vast universe, establish your empire, and shape the new frontier. With enhanced graphics and intricate economies, it's a journey of strategy, simulation, and interstellar intrigue.

Why similar: Space 52.5%, Strategy 16.8%, Sci-fi 13.9%, Simulation 10.4%, Sandbox 4.9%