Games Like Pandora: First Contact

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 38.5% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 18.9%, Strategy 12.1%, Hex Grid 9.8% ★, Turn-Based 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: It excels at blending 4X empire management with intricate, hex-based tactical combat on diverse planetary surfaces.

Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri™ Planetary Pack includes the original Alpha Centauri and the expansion, Alien Crossfire.

Why similar: 4X 63.4% ★, Strategy 14.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 11.1%, Multiplayer 5%, Space 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: This is the definitive spiritual ancestor to Pandora, offering deep planetary colonization and ideological faction conflict.

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 34.2% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 18.8%, Strategy 13.6%, Sci-fi 9%, Turn-Based 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the same core premise of humanity colonizing a hostile alien world with a focus on technological progression.

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 37.7% ★, Hex Grid 14.2% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 12.6%, Turn-Based 8.6%, Strategy 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game provides an incredibly deep and gritty simulation of planetary colonization and post-apocalyptic empire building.

ENDLESS™ Legend is a 4X turn-based fantasy strategy game by the creators of ENDLESS™ Space and Dungeon of the ENDLESS™. Control every aspect of your civilization as you struggle to save your homeworld Auriga. Create your own Legend!

Why similar: 4X 45.4% ★, Strategy 15.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 14%, Turn-Based 10%, Hex Grid 9.5% ★

Why You'll Like It: While fantasy-themed, its hex-based exploration and planetary management mechanics are widely considered the gold standard for the genre.

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 48.9% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 14.4%, Strategy 11.1%, Turn-Based 10.4%, Sci-fi 9%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the classic turn-based 4X flow with a strong emphasis on research and empire expansion.

Set in a post-apoc version of Earth, Revival is a 4x strategy game where the world and its rules can change at key moments, creating a deep and highly replayable experience.

Why similar: 4X 41.5% ★, Hex Grid 15.8% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 13.9%, Turn-Based 9.1%, Strategy 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: It mirrors Pandora's focus on planetary exploration and environmental manipulation in a post-catastrophe setting.

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 43.4% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 13.4%, Hex Grid 11.3% ★, Strategy 9.3%, Sci-fi 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A modern, robust 4X title that offers extensive customization and deep political systems.

Distant Worlds is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game. Experience the full depth and detail of turn-based strategy, but with the simplicity and ease of real-time, and on the scale of a massively-multiplayer online game.

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

Why You'll Like It: It provides a massive, complex simulation of space-faring empires that appeals to players who enjoy deep strategic layers.

Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War brings you to a world of terror and violence. Four factions will engage in a brutal war for dominance over the planet’s resources. In the first turn-based 4X strategy game set in Warhammer 40,000 you will lead one of four unique factions.

Why similar: 4X 44.4% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 15%, Strategy 12.9%, Hex Grid 11.6% ★, Turn-Based 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A pure 4X experience that strips away diplomacy to focus entirely on tactical combat and planetary expansion.

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 56% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 15.1%, Strategy 13.4%, Sci-fi 5.8%, Turn-Based 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers a vibrant, stylized take on the classic 4X formula with accessible yet deep turn-based mechanics.

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 47.6% ★, Strategy 18.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 11.5%, Turn-Based 7.5%, Sci-fi 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: Features a polished sci-fi aesthetic and unique faction mechanics that reward strategic planning.

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 54.8% ★, Strategy 15.8%, Turn-Based 10.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 7%, Sci-fi 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: The quintessential classic of the space 4X genre that set the standard for turn-based empire management.

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 47.2% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 12.7%, Strategy 11.1%, Turn-Based 9.4%, Sci-fi 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on the exploration and expansion phases of the 4X genre with a classic turn-based feel.

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 48% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 16.2%, Strategy 11.7%, Turn-Based 9.7%, Sci-fi 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: It successfully blends planetary exploration with space-faring elements in a way that feels familiar to Pandora fans.

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 40.9% ★, Hex Grid 15% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 13.8%, Turn-Based 8.3%, Strategy 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A highly customizable 4X game that offers a deep sandbox experience for empire builders.

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 56.8% ★, Strategy 17.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.6%, Sci-fi 7.3%, Turn-Based 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: A deep, classic 4X experience that rewards players for meticulous fleet design and strategic planning.

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 54.9% ★, Strategy 16.2%, Turn-Based 8.7%, Sci-fi 7.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: Features unique combat mechanics and a distinct sci-fi atmosphere that differentiates it from standard 4X titles.

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 62.9% ★, Strategy 18.1%, Sci-fi 11.3%, Space 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a more complex, systems-heavy approach to 4X strategy with a focus on logistics and economy.

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 59.7% ★, Strategy 18.3%, Turn-Based 8.1%, Sci-fi 5.3%, Space 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: The 2016 reboot provides a modern, accessible entry point into the classic 4X series.

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 63.2% ★, Strategy 22.1%, Sci-fi 8.4%, Space 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: A streamlined 4X experience that emphasizes accessibility and fast-paced turn-based gameplay.

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 51.2% ★, Strategy 28.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 15.5%, Space 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: A classic turn-based strategy game that emphasizes fleet management and tactical positioning.

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 43.4% ★, Strategy 19.2%, Turn-Based 10.9%, Space 7.4%, Sci-fi 7%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a deep, simulation-heavy approach to galactic politics and diplomatic maneuvering.

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 53.9% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 17.8%, Strategy 12.1%, Turn-Based 10.2%, Simulation 4.9%

Final Theory is a 4X-lite turn-based strategy game where you command fleets of battleships engaged in a galactic civil war. It presents an exciting experience for both veteran players and those new to the genre. It features innovative combat mechanics but also hearkens back to some of the classics.

Why similar: 4X 39.6% ★, Hex Grid 16.1% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 11.8%, Turn-Based 10.6%, Strategy 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on tactical ship combat within a 4X framework, emphasizing hex-based positioning and weapon systems.

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 49.4% ★, Strategy 18.7%, Turn-Based 10.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 9.7%, Sci-fi 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: Features a unique planetary colonization system that complements its traditional space-faring 4X elements.

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

Why similar: 4X 59.5% ★, Strategy 17.8%, Sci-fi 9.7%, Simulation 6.6%, Space 5.6%

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: Turn-Based Strategy 25.2%, 4X 23.3% ★, Strategy 23.2%, Sci-fi 13.3%, Space 11%

Why You'll Like It: A lighter, more tactical take on the 4X formula that focuses on ship-to-ship combat and mission-based objectives.

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 54.8% ★, Strategy 18.2%, Turn-Based 8.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 6.8%, Sci-fi 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: The 3D successor to the classic Space Empires series, offering immense depth for dedicated strategy fans.

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 76.9%, 4X 12.1% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 3%, Space 2.8%, Sci-fi 2.6%

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 57.5% ★, Strategy 13.6%, Sci-fi 11.8%, Space 8.6%, Simulation 4.7%

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 59.1% ★, Strategy 15.7%, Sci-fi 10.1%, Space 9.1%, Multiplayer 4.8%

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: Turn-Based Strategy 38.5%, Strategy 20.5%, Turn-Based 17%, Sci-fi 15.2%, Simulation 6.4%

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 63.1% ★, Strategy 15.5%, Turn-Based 8.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 6%, Sci-fi 3.9%

Create your own nation in Millennia, a historical turn-based 4X game that challenges your strategic prowess across 10,000 years of history, from the dawn of humanity to our possible futures.

Why similar: 4X 46.5% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 16%, Hex Grid 10.6% ★, Strategy 10.4%, Turn-Based 9.6%

Take command of one race to join the struggle for supremacy in the galaxy. As the leader of your empire you are tasked with exploring the stars, colonizing new worlds, managing your empire and conquering whoever dares to oppose you.

Why similar: 4X 55.5% ★, Strategy 18.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.3%, Turn-Based 6.4%, Space 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: A traditional 4X game that captures the nostalgic feel of 90s strategy classics.

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

Why similar: 4X 51.2% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 14.9%, Turn-Based 11.6%, Strategy 10.2%, Sci-fi 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: The foundation of the modern Galactic Civilizations series, offering a pure 4X experience.

Build a new home for humanity in Aven Colony. Discover Aven Prime - an alien planet of deserts, tundras, and wetlands light years from earth. Build your colonies into massive, sprawling cities whilst dealing with the challenges faced when settling on a new world.

Why similar: Strategy 43%, Sci-fi 31.3%, Simulation 14.4%, Space 9.6%, Singleplayer 1.7%

In this turn-based strategic artillery game, players wage interplanetary wars by developing their home planets and firing massive barrages through the unpredictable gravity fields of the solar system.

Why similar: Strategy 30%, Turn-Based Strategy 23.3%, Turn-Based 15.7%, Simulation 9.8%, Space 9.6%

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 62.4% ★, Strategy 22.5%, Space 7.6%, Sci-fi 7.1%, Singleplayer 0.3%

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 53.9% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 17.9%, Strategy 11.9%, Sci-fi 9.8%, Space 3.4%

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 66.5% ★, Strategy 18.2%, Sci-fi 8%, Space 6.8%, Singleplayer 0.4%

Guide a group of space settlers trying to establish a base on a remote planet. Grow food, collect energy, mine resources, survive disasters and build a self-sufficient colony in a harsh and unforgiving environment.

Why similar: Strategy 42%, Space 24.5%, Sci-fi 20.8%, Simulation 10.4%, Singleplayer 2.3%

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: Strategy 39.9%, Sci-fi 25.9%, Space 19.7%, Simulation 8.6%, Multiplayer 4%

In Anno 2205™, you join humankind‘s next step into the future with the promise to build a better tomorrow. You conquer Earth, establishing rich, bustling cities and grand industrial complexes, but to secure the prosperity of your people, you must travel into space.

Why similar: 4X 54.5% ★, Strategy 20.2%, Sci-fi 10.7%, Simulation 5.9%, Space 5.2%

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 52.4% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 15.4%, Strategy 11.3%, Sci-fi 9.9%, Space 6%

It is the year 2938. The long wished-for encounter of the X Universe and the Earth holds both joy and sorrow for the people. Despite flourishing trade, the clash of the diverse races, cultures and life forms creates new tensions, mistrust and open conflict that need to be overcome!

Why similar: Space 25.2%, Strategy 21.7%, Sci-fi 20.4%, 4X 16.9% ★, Simulation 13.9%

Mars has been colonized, and Earth's corporate titans fight to dominate this new market. Competition is fierce in this fast-paced economic RTS from Civilization IV Lead Designer, Soren Johnson.

Why similar: Strategy 31.7%, Sci-fi 28.3%, Simulation 12.7%, Multiplayer 12.3%, Space 12.1%

Manage interstellar pioneers and their descendants in this detailed sci-fi colony sim. Centuries after planetfall, colonists are still struggling to gain foothold on their lush and alien planet. You settle on the frontier by carefully managing resources, production and different personalities.

Why similar: Strategy 56.9%, Simulation 25.7%, Sci-fi 17.4%

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization is the third offering in the award winning Civilization IV series. A re-imagining of the classic Colonization game Sid Meier created in 1994, Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization is a total conversion of the Civilization IV engine into a game experience in which players will lead a European...

Why similar: 4X 45.8% ★, Strategy 19.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 18.4%, Turn-Based 12.3%, Multiplayer 2.6%

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 52.1% ★, Strategy 24.7%, Sci-fi 11.3%, Space 6.9%, Turn-Based 4.7%

The New World lies before you with all its peril, promise and infinite possibility. Your colonists anxiously follow you to shore. The treasures of an entire continent await you.

Why similar: 4X 41.6% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 30.8%, Strategy 17.4%, Simulation 9.6%, Singleplayer 0.7%

Expand your empire, advance your culture and go head-to-head against history’s greatest leaders. Will your civilization stand the test of time?

Why similar: 4X 32.7% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 24.3%, Strategy 21.2%, Turn-Based 8.9%, Multiplayer 4.8%

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: 4X 59.4% ★, Sci-fi 15.2%, Strategy 12.9%, Multiplayer 5.4%, Simulation 5.1%

In this hex-based, turn-based strategy game, players will lead the Imperial forces of the Armageddon Steel Legion and Space Marines from a variety of Chapters against the Ork invasion through over 30 scenarios, on the hostile terrain of the planet and its gigantic Hive Cities.

Why similar: Strategy 29.8%, Hex Grid 23.5% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 18.7%, Turn-Based 16.1%, Sci-fi 6.2%

Terraform Mars in this turn-based colony builder and resource management game with roguelike elements. Explore the planet, develop spectacular cities, spread life and turn the Red Planet into a green one!

Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 32.4%, Turn-Based 23.1%, Sci-fi 19.5%, Space 11.4%, Simulation 11.2%

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 63.8% ★, Strategy 17.7%, Space 7.3%, Simulation 7%, Sci-fi 3.1%

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 66.2% ★, Strategy 20.4%, Turn-Based 6%, Sci-fi 4.2%, Space 3.3%