Games Like Stars in Shadow

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 41.4% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 11.7%, Space 10.1%, Turn-Based 9.7%, Strategy 8%

Why You'll Like It: This game is widely considered the spiritual successor to the classic 4X titles that inspired Stars in Shadow.

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 72.1%, 4X 13.4% ★, Space 7.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 3.2%, Sci-fi 2.1%

Why You'll Like It: Features highly distinct alien factions and a polished, modern interface that builds on the 4X formula.

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 48.2% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 15.6%, Turn-Based 10.7%, Space 10.5%, Strategy 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a massive scale for empire management and complex ship customization options.

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 44.1% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 20.7%, Strategy 11.8%, Turn-Based 9.7%, Space 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Offers the best turn-based tactical combat in a sci-fi 4X setting, mirroring the tactical depth of the seed game.

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 42.4% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 13.6%, Turn-Based 10.6%, Space 10.1%, Turn-Based Combat 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: A deep, gritty, and complex wargame-style 4X that appeals to players who enjoy the strategic management aspects of the genre.

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 59.1% ★, Space 20.2%, Strategy 11.9%, Sci-fi 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: While real-time, it is the definitive modern space 4X experience with unparalleled depth in exploration and diplomacy.

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 42.1% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 13.6%, Turn-Based Combat 9.5%, Space 9.5%, Turn-Based 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: Shares a similar scope and turn-based structure, allowing for both planetary and space-based exploration.

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 52.8% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 16.1%, Space 14.2%, Strategy 9.7%, Sci-fi 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A modern take on the classic 4X formula that emphasizes diplomacy and tactical ship combat.

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 40.7% ★, Turn-Based 11.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 11.6%, Turn-Based Combat 8.8%, Strategy 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses almost exclusively on the tactical combat aspect of space strategy with a hex-grid system.

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 47.2% ★, Strategy 22%, Turn-Based Strategy 13.8%, Space 10.9%, Indie 6.1%

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

Astra Exodus is a single player turn based Sci-fi 4X strategy game inspired by the classics, with a multiple choice narrative driven epic campaign, top down real time tactical battles and an extensive semi-randomized research grid.

Why similar: 4X 32.5% ★, Strategy 30.8%, Indie 10.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 7.3%, Turn-Based 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on tactical combat and classic 4X mechanics with a retro-inspired aesthetic.

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 58.9% ★, Space 20.5%, Strategy 13.3%, Sci-fi 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a grand-scale space strategy experience with a focus on real-time fleet combat and logistics.

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 14.7%, Space 8.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.3%, Turn-Based 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: A classic title that offers immense depth in ship design and empire customization.

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 59.2% ★, Strategy 17.5%, Space 13.5%, Sci-fi 5.7%, Indie 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: An accessible space 4X game that uses a real-time-pause system to keep the pace brisk.

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 40.5% ★, Space 15.6%, Strategy 15.2%, Turn-Based 11%, Turn-Based Strategy 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a unique diplomacy-focused space strategy experience where you influence the galaxy's political landscape.

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 52.7% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 15.7%, Space 14.7%, Strategy 9.6%, Sci-fi 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: The latest in the series, offering refined mechanics for empire expansion and political maneuvering.

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 48.9% ★, Strategy 19.7%, Space 14.8%, Sci-fi 7.7%, Turn-Based 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: Combines 4X empire management with turn-based tactical ship combat in a way that feels very familiar.

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 45.7% ★, Strategy 14.7%, Space 11.9%, Turn-Based 10.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on planetary colonization and turn-based combat with a strong emphasis on research and development.

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 52.4% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 16.7%, Strategy 9.8%, Space 7.4%, Sci-fi 7%

Why You'll Like It: A deep, lore-heavy 4X game that captures the complexity of classic space strategy 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 58.7% ★, Space 16.4%, Strategy 14.4%, Sci-fi 7.7%, Indie 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: Features unique logistics and real-time combat mechanics that provide a fresh take on the 4X genre.

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 41.9% ★, Space 11.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 10.8%, Turn-Based 9.1%, Strategy 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style 4X game that focuses on exploration and the discovery of new star systems.

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

Why You'll Like It: Classic 4X gameplay on a planetary scale that emphasizes research and military expansion.

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 50.1% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 15.6%, Turn-Based Combat 11.4%, Space 10%, Sci-fi 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: A turn-based empire management game with a unique aesthetic and deep faction-based gameplay.

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 58.4% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 18.4%, Turn-Based 12.1%, Strategy 11.1%

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

Why You'll Like It: A traditional 4X game with a strong focus on diplomacy and managing multiple alien races.

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 58% ★, Space 19.2%, Strategy 13.4%, Sci-fi 5.9%, Indie 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the classic 4X loop of empire growth and technological advancement.

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 54.1% ★, Strategy 15.3%, Space 10.2%, Turn-Based 9%, Turn-Based Strategy 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: The 3D successor to the classic series, offering massive customization for players who love deep systems.

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 39.1% ★, Space 22.4%, Strategy 18.5%, Turn-Based 13%, Indie 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: A space strategy game that incorporates RPG elements and a focus on individual ship management.

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 47.2% ★, Strategy 15.7%, Space 12.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 11%, Turn-Based 8.1%

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 54.4% ★, Strategy 13.3%, Turn-Based 11.7%, Space 9.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 6.7%

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 23.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 23%, 4X 22.2% ★, Strategy 18.8%, Sci-fi 9.2%

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 62.2% ★, Space 14.5%, Strategy 14.4%, Sci-fi 5.5%, Indie 3.4%

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 57.5% ★, Strategy 17.6%, Space 16%, Sci-fi 4.8%, Indie 4.2%

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 62.9% ★, Strategy 13.1%, Turn-Based 8.9%, Space 6.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 5.8%

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 Strategy 17.4%, Turn-Based 14%, Strategy 9.6%, Space 3.1%

Halcyon 6: Starbase Commander is a retro space strategy RPG with base building, deep tactical combat, crew management and emergent storytelling.

Why similar: Space 23.9%, Strategy 21.1%, Turn-Based Combat 19.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 18%, Turn-Based 12.1%

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 65.2% ★, Space 15.6%, Strategy 12.5%, Sci-fi 6%, Indie 0.7%

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

Why similar: 4X 63% ★, Strategy 16%, Space 13.6%, Sci-fi 7.5%

A retro space strategy RPG with base building, deep tactical combat, crew management and emergent storytelling. Halcyon 6: Lightspeed Edition is a massively enhanced version of the Award Winning indie strategy RPG, Halcyon 6.

Why similar: 4X 45.7% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 13.9%, Turn-Based 11.5%, Turn-Based Combat 9.2%, Space 8.9%

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 28.6%, Turn-Based Combat 22.1%, Turn-Based 14.4%, Strategy 13.5%, Turn-Based Tactics 9.2%

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 64.9% ★, Space 15.5%, Strategy 11.4%, Sci-fi 8.2%

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 56% ★, Space 20.1%, Strategy 12.1%, Sci-fi 8.7%, Indie 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 65.9% ★, Strategy 17.2%, Space 7.4%, Turn-Based 6.5%, Sci-fi 3%

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 64.3% ★, Strategy 19.1%, Sci-fi 6.7%, Turn-Based Combat 6.2%, Turn-Based Tactics 3.7%

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 38.7% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 20.4%, Strategy 13%, Space 10.8%, Turn-Based 9.7%

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 59.4% ★, Strategy 15.5%, Space 10.7%, Turn-Based 8.8%, Sci-fi 3.9%

A turn-based sci-fi strategy that combines exploration and exciting clashes on the battlefield. Take control over several different species, raise powerful armies for your heroes and destroy your opponents! This HoMM-like is set in a scifi universe, with new mechanics on top of the classic formula.

Why similar: 4X 49.5% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 15.5%, Turn-Based Combat 12.7%, Strategy 8.3%, Sci-fi 6.2%

A Sci-Fi role-playing game featuring turn-based ground combat, space exploration, deep character customization and a massive living universe with thousands of star systems. Equip your ships with the best equipment you can find, gather a powerful crew of mercenaries and set out into the void!

Why similar: Turn-Based Combat 32.8%, Space 30.4%, Turn-Based Tactics 20.1%, Sci-fi 16.8%

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 53% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 15.7%, Strategy 15.7%, Turn-Based 12.7%, Sci-fi 2.1%

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 48.9%, Strategy 34.9%, Sci-fi 9%, Indie 7.1%

Pixel Starships is an FTL-style online sci-fi strategy builder and management game with a competitive PVP tournament. Set in the retro galaxy, your role is to explore space, meet aliens, and develop your ship, crew and AI. The game contains deep strategic and 4x elements. PSS is community-driven.

Why similar: 4X 56.2% ★, Space 17.3%, Strategy 12%, Sci-fi 9.6%, Turn-Based Tactics 4.9%

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 63.1% ★, Space 16.5%, Strategy 11.5%, Sci-fi 8.9%

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 24.9%, Space 23%, Turn-Based 18.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 10.3%, Turn-Based Combat 10.2%

Galaxy squad is a hardcore turn-based tactical roguelike, inspired by FTL and XCOM.

Why similar: Strategy 21.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 21.3%, Space 18.5%, Turn-Based Combat 17.7%, Sci-fi 9.1%

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 55.2% ★, Strategy 13.8%, Space 10.6%, Turn-Based 9.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 5.6%

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 57.1% ★, Space 15.6%, Strategy 12.1%, Sci-fi 8.6%, Turn-Based Combat 3.6%

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

Why similar: 4X 50.4% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 14.1%, Turn-Based 12.5%, Space 9.5%, Strategy 8.5%

You are the captain of a starship venturing through a massive open universe. Customize your crew and take command at the helm of your very own ship as you explore a galaxy torn apart by internal strife, alien threats, and political intrigue.

Why similar: Turn-Based Combat 31.8%, Space 25.1%, Sci-fi 22.4%, Strategy 20.7%