Games Like Lords of the Black Sun

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 51.7% ★, Strategy 14.7%, Space 13.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 7.4%, Turn-Based 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game captures the vibrant, classic feel of 90s space 4X titles with a focus on streamlined empire management and tactical combat.

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 44.5% ★, Space 16.2%, Turn-Based 12.3%, Strategy 12%, Turn-Based Strategy 7%

Why You'll Like It: It is widely considered a spiritual successor to the classics, offering a polished turn-based experience with deep exploration and ship design.

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 47% ★, Space 15.3%, Turn-Based 12.3%, Strategy 11.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: This iteration expands on its predecessor with modern graphics and deep customization options for both ships and civilizations.

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 55.3% ★, Space 19.4%, Strategy 18%, Sci-fi 4.1%, Indie 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: It blends 4X empire management with real-time ship combat, offering a more action-oriented take on the space strategy genre.

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 54.1% ★, Turn-Based 16.6%, Strategy 13.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 9.7%, Space 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: A cornerstone of the genre, it offers massive scale and complex diplomacy that defined the modern era of space 4X games.

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 43.6% ★, Strategy 20.3%, Space 16.9%, Turn-Based 8.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game stands out for its unique art style, faction diversity, and sophisticated economic management systems.

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 52.4% ★, Strategy 21.7%, Space 17.8%, Sci-fi 4.3%, Indie 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: This title focuses on a more accessible, real-time-paused 4X experience that keeps the player engaged with constant strategic decisions.

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 50.5% ★, Strategy 17.7%, Space 14.5%, Turn-Based 10.4%, Sci-fi 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: Known for its unique research system and intense tactical combat, it provides a distinct flavor of space warfare that complements the 4X experience.

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 44% ★, Strategy 16.5%, Space 11.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 11.5%, Turn-Based 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: While it features ground-based tactical combat, its sci-fi setting and deep empire-building mechanics make it a top-tier choice for 4X fans.

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 45% ★, Space 15.2%, Strategy 13%, Turn-Based 11.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a modern take on the genre with a focus on planet-side exploration and a modular approach to empire expansion.

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 53.2% ★, Strategy 19.4%, Space 14.3%, Turn-Based 9.3%, Sci-fi 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: The 2016 reboot modernizes the classic formula, making it highly accessible while retaining the core pillars of exploration and conquest.

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 51.1% ★, Space 21.4%, Strategy 13%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.4%, Sci-fi 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: The latest entry in the series introduces new mechanics for managing galactic sectors and leaders, deepening the strategic layer.

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 42.5% ★, Strategy 24%, Space 19.2%, Sci-fi 5.7%, Turn-Based 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: This sequel shifts to a turn-based strategic layer, better aligning it with the pacing and feel of traditional 4X 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 44.8% ★, Space 18%, Strategy 12.5%, Turn-Based 11.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on the classic 4X loop of exploration and research, providing a nostalgic experience for fans of early space strategy games.

Conquer the Galaxy In This ‘4x’ Strategy Game. Lead one of 18 different alien races to become a mighty pan-galactic empire. Manage your colonies, deploy your fleets and conduct research. Plot your strategy and turn your planets into mighty bastions.

Why similar: 4X 43.6% ★, Strategy 28.4%, Space 15.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 7%, Indie 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: A classic turn-based strategy game that emphasizes the struggle for galactic supremacy through military and economic expansion.

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 52.1% ★, Space 26.7%, Strategy 14.6%, Sci-fi 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: While it operates in real-time, its immense scale and focus on emergent storytelling make it an essential play for any space strategy enthusiast.

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 53.2% ★, Strategy 19.3%, Space 12%, Turn-Based 7%, Turn-Based Strategy 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: A deeply complex and highly customizable classic that rewards players who enjoy granular control over their empire and technology.

Build and command a fleet of starships and travel between planets as you explore, build, negotiate, and fight to preserve your vision for humanity.

Why similar: Space 32.8%, Strategy 24.3%, 4X 20.5% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 11.8%, Sci-fi 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: While more streamlined, it provides a focused turn-based tactical experience that captures the essence of fleet management and combat.

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 56.7% ★, Strategy 14.9%, Space 12%, Turn-Based Strategy 10%, Sci-fi 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A deep, lore-rich strategy game that provides a complex political and military landscape for players to conquer.

Take command of humanity’s last survivors and rebuild an empire in the stars. In this immersive turn-based strategy game, you will have to fight to protect your people, control rival factions, and unlock lost technology.

Why similar: 4X 56.9% ★, Space 16.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 9.9%, Strategy 9.7%, Sci-fi 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a unique perspective on the genre with a focus on trade, diplomacy, and the survival of your civilization in a hostile galaxy.

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 49.5% ★, Strategy 19.5%, Space 14%, Turn-Based 9.8%, Sci-fi 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: This title brings the depth of the Space Empires series into a 3D environment, maintaining the series' reputation for immense strategic complexity.

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 51.4% ★, Space 20.7%, Strategy 13.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.7%, Sci-fi 6%

Why You'll Like It: A modern homage to the golden age of 4X games, focusing on galactic councils, research, and turn-based tactical combat.

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 37.3% ★, Space 21.5%, Strategy 19.6%, Turn-Based 12.1%, Sci-fi 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a highly innovative approach to space strategy by focusing on diplomatic manipulation and political maneuvering across a galaxy.

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 45.9% ★, Space 15.7%, Turn-Based 14.2%, Strategy 11.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a unique take on the genre by focusing on the role of the emperor, where you manage the empire through subordinates rather than direct control.

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 48.9%, Strategy 41%, Sci-fi 8.8%, Indie 1.3%

Why You'll Like It: This game provides a narrative-driven experience with a focus on tactical fleet combat and mission-based objectives.

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 41.4% ★, Strategy 26.4%, Space 21.9%, Indie 6.4%, Sci-fi 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: A sandbox-style space strategy game that allows for massive scale and emergent gameplay in a procedurally generated universe.

Predestination is a turn-based sci-fi 4X game set in the distant past of our own galaxy. Ships from countless races are flung back in time by a powerful hostile race known as the Revenants, and must now work to rebuild their empires and somehow stop the Revenants in the past.

Why similar: 4X 41.7% ★, Strategy 18.8%, Space 16.2%, Turn-Based 11.1%, Indie 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: This turn-based 4X game features a unique focus on terraforming and tactical ship combat in a sci-fi setting.

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 52% ★, Space 21.7%, Strategy 17.8%, Sci-fi 5.8%, Indie 2.7%

Into the Void is a strategy RPG and exploration sci-fi game with an epic story and intense battles. Travel through space and discover the origin of a cosmic threat which destroyed Earth centuries ago. Fight or cooperate with the different factions; be a leader !

Why similar: 4X 33.2% ★, Space 28.4%, Strategy 22%, Turn-Based 13.1%, Indie 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: It blends 4X elements with RPG-like progression, offering a more personal and character-focused journey through the stars.

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 50.2% ★, Strategy 21.6%, Space 20.9%, Indie 3.8%, Sci-fi 3.6%

Take control of a fleet commander returned from exile, rise through the ranks of the United Space Federation forces and join an epic war across the stars.

Why similar: 4X 60.2% ★, Space 21.9%, Strategy 12.8%, Sci-fi 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: A space-based wargame that emphasizes fleet management and tactical positioning in a grand strategic context.

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 58.7% ★, Strategy 17.1%, Turn-Based 9.9%, Space 9.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 3%

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 50% ★, Strategy 17.1%, Space 13.5%, Turn-Based 12.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 3.4%

Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth is a new science-fiction-themed entry into the award winning Civilization series. As part of an expedition sent to find a home beyond Earth, lead your people into a new frontier, explore and colonize an alien planet and create a new civilization in space.

Why similar: 4X 37.8% ★, Strategy 17.9%, Space 15.8%, Turn-Based 11.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 11.1%

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 51.4% ★, Space 26.9%, Strategy 16.2%, Sci-fi 5.5%

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 59.1% ★, Strategy 21.6%, Space 10%, Turn-Based 7%, Sci-fi 2.3%

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 77%, 4X 10.2% ★, Space 8.2%, Turn-Based 1.8%, Sci-fi 1.4%

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 49.3% ★, Space 26.5%, Strategy 14.9%, Sci-fi 6.5%, Indie 2.8%

Discover a space strategy game filled with conquest, betrayal and subterfuge. Build alliances, make enemies and fight your way to victory and galactic domination. Will you conquer the galaxy?

Why similar: 4X 66.4% ★, Strategy 27.7%, Sci-fi 5.9%

Take command of Naval Strike Group 7 and lead your fleet to victory in full 3D tactical space combat. Star Hammer: The Vanguard Prophecy is a sci-fi strategy saga that will test your skills as both capital assault ship Captain and naval fleet Commander.

Why similar: Strategy 33.8%, Space 33.4%, Turn-Based 21.3%, Sci-fi 5.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 5.6%

Colonise solar systems and watch them grow. Explore the galaxy to find its strategic choke points. Build up your empire and your fleet and then use the power of the media to prepare your people for the inevitable war. At the same time watch your opponents, keep on an eye on their own media and watch for threats and opportunities.

Why similar: 4X 50.8% ★, Space 25.2%, Strategy 16.5%, Sci-fi 4.4%, Indie 3.2%

Take the role of Captain in this Space Survival Simulation as you explore a massive star system in search of a new home for humanity. Outfit your ship, hand pick your crew and set off on a journey through an open-world where you must scavenge resources, shelter civilians and outrun a hostile alien force.

Why similar: Space 54.1%, Strategy 37.6%, Indie 8.3%

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 52.9% ★, Space 21.7%, Strategy 15.7%, Sci-fi 6.7%, Indie 2.9%

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 56.6% ★, Space 22.1%, Strategy 14.5%, Sci-fi 6.8%

Explore. Strategize. Conquer.In the far future, Mankind has nearly exhausted all of earth’s natural resources. Fragile alliances between nations are tested to their limits as fierce wars ignite across land and space.MoonBase Commander puts you in charge of your own lunar territory in a quest to build the most powerful empire in space.

Why similar: Strategy 100%

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 58.4% ★, Space 20.9%, Strategy 14.4%, Sci-fi 6.3%

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

Why similar: 4X 48.7% ★, Turn-Based 14.3%, Space 13.7%, Strategy 11.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 7.6%

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 45.2% ★, Space 16.2%, Turn-Based 13.4%, Strategy 12%, Turn-Based Strategy 8%

This is a fun yet challenging RTS game. To survive in the vast galaxy, you need to build up your own fleet and customize your warships. You will also learn to control them efficiently in battle to defeat your enemies, conquer planets, and expand your galactic empire!

Why similar: Space 44.8%, Strategy 40.7%, Sci-fi 8.9%, Indie 5.6%

Become an all-powerful Sorcerer Lord and lead one of 8 different races to the ultimate victory. Explore multiple planes of existence, raid dungeons, and conquer cities. Expand your armies, cast mighty spells, and summon godly creatures to do your bidding. Fight the enemies in D20 OGL battles.

Why similar: 4X 48.5% ★, Strategy 22.1%, Turn-Based 15.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.8%, Indie 4.9%

The Pegasus Expedition is a story-driven sci-fi grand strategy game set in a key moment for humankind’s survival. Facing an overwhelming threat at home, humanity sends expeditions to the Pegasus Galaxy in a desperate attempt to find a refuge for the population of Earth.

Why similar: 4X 52.1% ★, Space 20.2%, Strategy 13.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.2%, Sci-fi 6.1%

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 53.3% ★, Strategy 16.4%, Space 13.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.9%, Sci-fi 4.5%

Last Days of Old Earth is a rich strategy game set in our far, far future where the sun is dying. Can you command the last noble tribes of humanity as they attempt to survive among the machines and marauding clans?

Why similar: 4X 41.4% ★, Strategy 25.9%, Turn-Based 19.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 11.7%, Sci-fi 1.4%

Imperium Galactica. The Universe is yours... if you can handle it. The fourth millennium. Mankind has colonised the galaxy. Created an Empire. Now, it is crumbling. The aliens are restless. The oppressed are building armies. And a strange invader is headed for the heart of the Empire.

Why similar: Strategy 100%

Take control of a squadron of ships in full 3D space combat. Explore, battle and trade your way through a pirate, machine and monster-infested solar system.

Why similar: Space 43.5%, Strategy 38.1%, Sci-fi 10.3%, Indie 8.1%

Galaxy Admirals is a multiplayer turn-based cosmic strategy with pretty innovative and challenging gameplay. Improve your command skills with AI and conquer the whole universe by fighting with real players.

Why similar: Strategy 57.8%, Space 16.7%, Turn-Based 13.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.2%, Sci-fi 3.8%

Project Tarvotan allows you to explore the depths of the Milky Way and local universe. Use your wit and resources at hand to plan out your path through each sector. Your demise lurks around every decision. Can you survive long enough and restore balance to the universe?

Why similar: Strategy 48.1%, Space 31.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 12.7%, Indie 7.7%

Take the reins of a feudal dynasty in a divided galaxy following the destruction of earth. Star Dynasties is a turn based, procedurally generated narrative of human drama and personal politics, mixed with a light empire management layer. Your choices. Your legacy.

Why similar: Space 28.7%, Turn-Based 22.5%, Strategy 20.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 16.7%, Sci-fi 11.4%