Games Like Stellaris

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 26.7% ★, Grand Strategy 24.2% ★, Space 13.6%, Diplomacy 10.7% ★, Sandbox 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: It is mechanically the closest thing to Stellaris on Steam, using a very similar real-time grand-strategy framework for exploration, diplomacy, expansion, and space warfare.

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

Why similar: 4X 32.2% ★, Grand Strategy 24.7% ★, Space 14%, Strategy 8%, Sci-fi 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: This is one of the best alternatives if you want a huge real-time-with-pause space sandbox with deep empire simulation, civilian economies, and automated management options.

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 63.4%, Space 12.9%, 4X 12% ★, Grand Strategy 4.4% ★, Sci-fi 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the same fantasy of guiding a distinctive sci-fi empire through exploration, faction politics, expansion, and galactic diplomacy, just in turn-based form.

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 36.3% ★, Space 17.6%, Grand Strategy 17.1% ★, Strategy 6.8%, Sci-fi 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: Like Stellaris, it offers a vast living galaxy full of exploration, diplomacy, colonization, and emergent stories, but with even denser simulation systems.

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 26.9% ★, Grand Strategy 22.6% ★, Space 11.9%, Moddable 9.9% ★, Sandbox 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers a similar empire-building loop of colonizing worlds, managing diplomacy, researching technology, and shaping a galactic power over a long campaign.

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 20.8% ★, Grand Strategy 19.2% ★, Space 11.7%, Diplomacy 8.9% ★, Sandbox 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: Its custom empire building, galactic expansion, diplomacy, and event-driven 4X structure make it a strong match for Stellaris players who want another civilization-scale space sandbox.

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 43.3% ★, Space 30.7%, Sci-fi 10.6%, Strategy 9.7%, Multiplayer 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: This blends 4X empire growth with real-time space warfare, making it a great fit if your favorite part of Stellaris is building an interstellar power and fighting over star systems.

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 21.4% ★, Grand Strategy 19.2% ★, Real-Time with Pause 10.9% ★, Diplomacy 10.1% ★, Space 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: It scratches a similar itch for sprawling strategic decision-making, faction politics, space expansion, and long-form sci-fi campaigns with heavy systemic depth.

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 21.6% ★, Grand Strategy 18.9% ★, Diplomacy 11.5% ★, Space 11.4%, Sandbox 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: If you like Stellaris for its real-time galactic conquest and fleet-building, this remains one of the best space strategy games focused on expansion and war.

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: Grand Strategy 23.5% ★, 4X 21.5% ★, Real-Time with Pause 12.6% ★, Diplomacy 10.6% ★, Moddable 7.6% ★

Why You'll Like It: Although historical rather than sci-fi, it shares Stellaris's appeal of guiding a state through expansion, diplomacy, internal management, and emergent alternate history.

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 30.5% ★, Space 17.2%, Grand Strategy 14.9% ★, Sci-fi 11.6%, Strategy 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: It translates the 4X loop into a sci-fi setting with colonization, ideological development, and planetary expansion that will feel familiar to Stellaris players.

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 48.5% ★, Space 27.3%, Sci-fi 12.5%, Strategy 11.7%

Why You'll Like It: Its galaxy-scale empire management, diplomacy, custom ship design, and unconventional strategic depth make it feel like a more experimental cousin to Stellaris.

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 51.3% ★, Space 18.6%, Strategy 13.1%, Grand Strategy 8% ★, Sci-fi 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: This modernized take on the classic formula offers the same core pleasures of exploring a galaxy, developing colonies, and competing with alien civilizations.

Your journey to building a vast space empire begins behind the controls of a single ship. Explore, trade, fight, and build as you rise to command fleets, stations, and entire economies in a living, fully simulated universe that reacts to every decision.

Why similar: 4X 30% ★, Space 17.5%, Moddable 11.5% ★, Sandbox 10.4%, Sci-fi 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: It matches Stellaris's sandbox spirit by letting you build a spacefaring economic and military power in a dynamic universe full of trade, exploration, and conflict.

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 29.1% ★, Grand Strategy 18.6% ★, Space 14.3%, Sci-fi 7.7%, Diplomacy 6.1% ★

Why You'll Like It: It is a classic-feeling space 4X with colony management, alien empires, exploration, and tech progression that hits many of the same strategic beats as Stellaris.

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 44.5% ★, Space 15.9%, Sci-fi 11.8%, Strategy 11.7%, Management 6%

Why You'll Like It: Its faction asymmetry, sci-fi setting, empire development, diplomacy, and strategic expansion make it a good pick if you want Stellaris-like empire fantasy with more tactical combat.

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 33.9% ★, Diplomacy 13.8% ★, Real-Time with Pause 13.6% ★, Moddable 8.7% ★, Sandbox 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: This is a good fit for players who love Stellaris's empire management, population systems, economic planning, and political simulation more than its space combat.

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 39.6% ★, Space 20.7%, Strategy 12.9%, Sci-fi 8.2%, Grand Strategy 5.8% ★

Why You'll Like It: It is a more traditional and streamlined version of the same galactic 4X fantasy of exploration, empire building, and competing alien civilizations.

Love, fight, scheme, and claim greatness. Determine your noble house’s legacy in the sprawling grand strategy of Crusader Kings III. Death is only the beginning as you guide your dynasty’s bloodline in the rich and larger-than-life simulation of the Middle Ages.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 32.1% ★, 4X 19.4% ★, Real-Time with Pause 10.6% ★, Strategy 8.9%, Sandbox 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: Even without the sci-fi setting, its character-driven grand strategy and emergent storytelling appeal strongly to players who love Stellaris's sandbox narratives.

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 57.1% ★, Space 17.4%, Strategy 14.6%, Sci-fi 10.6%, Singleplayer 0.3%

Why You'll Like It: This older but very deep space 4X offers the same core fantasy of designing and leading an interstellar empire across research, warfare, colonization, and diplomacy.

Explore one of the defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 66.8% ★, Strategy 6.7%, Real-Time with Pause 5.8% ★, Sandbox 5.7%, Diplomacy 5.4% ★

Why You'll Like It: It remains a strong recommendation for Stellaris fans who want another Paradox sandbox built around emergent stories, long-term strategy, and unpredictable political drama.

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 42.6% ★, Real-Time with Pause 12.9% ★, Strategy 11.6%, Diplomacy 9.9% ★, Military 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: It shares Paradox's signature focus on large-scale strategic planning, diplomacy, production, and warfare, even if it is much more military-focused than Stellaris.

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 53.2% ★, Space 20.6%, Strategy 13%, Sci-fi 10%, Multiplayer 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: It mixes strategic empire management with distinct alien factions and large-scale space conflict, giving a more war-focused spin on the same galactic conquest fantasy.

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 39.4% ★, Grand Strategy 31% ★, Space 13.4%, Strategy 8.5%, Sci-fi 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: It leans into ruling a sprawling star empire through politics, vassals, and high-level decisions, which echoes Stellaris's grand-strategy side especially well.

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 31.3% ★, Grand Strategy 21.3% ★, Space 16.5%, Real-Time with Pause 15.2% ★, Strategy 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: This is a strong match if you want a real-time pausable space 4X with colony management, ship design, and a heavier focus on military expansion.

Use war, trade or diplomacy to satisfy your grandest ambitions and dominate five centuries of history in the newest version of Europa Universalis, Paradox Interactive's flagship historical grand strategy game.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 34% ★, 4X 32.3% ★, Diplomacy 17.5% ★, Strategy 6.8%, Simulation 5.3%

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 59% ★, Space 20.3%, Strategy 11.8%, Sci-fi 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: Its streamlined but satisfying space 4X structure captures the explore-expand-exploit-exterminate rhythm that underpins Stellaris.

Dominate the classical Mediterranean in Imperator: Rome, a grand strategy game from Paradox Interactive. Navigate the dangerous waters of politics and diplomacy as you build up your provinces and conquer foreign lands. Now available with special content and the digital artbook.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 60.2% ★, Strategy 15.9%, Simulation 8.1%, Management 4%, Real-Time with Pause 3.6% ★

Why You'll Like It: Its blend of state management, expansion, pops, culture, and diplomacy gives off a similar grand-strategy rhythm despite the classical historical setting.

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: Grand Strategy 33.2% ★, Diplomacy 18% ★, Space 16.1%, Sci-fi 11%, Strategy 6%

Why You'll Like It: It feels like Crusader Kings in space, making it ideal for Stellaris players who enjoy the roleplaying, diplomacy, and emergent narrative side of managing an empire.

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: Grand Strategy 31.9% ★, 4X 30.2% ★, Strategy 16.3%, Multiplayer 5.9%, Moddable 4.9% ★

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 30.6% ★, Grand Strategy 24.5% ★, Space 10.1%, Moddable 6.4% ★, Sandbox 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: Its galaxy map strategy, asymmetric faction warfare, and large-scale space conflict appeal to Stellaris players who most enjoy the macro-level strategic challenge.

A sci-fi colony sim driven by an intelligent AI storyteller. Generates stories by simulating psychology, ecology, gunplay, melee combat, climate, biomes, diplomacy, interpersonal relationships, art, medicine, trade, and more.

Why similar: Moddable 22.8% ★, Sandbox 20.5%, Sci-fi 16.3%, Strategy 10.9%, Management 9.9%

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 41.6% ★, Space 25.4%, Strategy 16.5%, Sci-fi 13%, Management 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: It offers familiar space-empire basics like colonization, diplomacy, ship design, and conquest, making it a reasonable pick for more traditional 4X fans.

Rewrite history by shaping a civilization as unique as you are. Combine 60 cultures from the Ancient Era to the Modern Age to lead your empire to victory. Build thriving cities, outsmart rivals in epic battles, spread your influence and leave your mark on HUMANKIND™.

Why similar: 4X 42.7% ★, Grand Strategy 29.8% ★, Strategy 13.4%, Multiplayer 5.3%, Management 4.2%

Carefully guide your nation from the era of absolute monarchies in the early 19th century, through expansion and colonization, to finally become a truly great power by the dawn of the 20th century. Victoria II is a grand strategy game played during the colonial era of the 19th century, where the player takes control of a country, guiding...

Why similar: Grand Strategy 47.7% ★, Real-Time with Pause 13.9% ★, Strategy 8%, Diplomacy 5.9% ★, Sandbox 5.3%

Build the most efficient intergalactic factory in space simulation strategy game Dyson Sphere Program! Harness the power of stars, collect resources, plan and design production lines and develop your interstellar factory from a small space workshop to a galaxy-wide industrial empire.

Why similar: Space 42.9%, Sandbox 17.3%, Sci-fi 14.8%, Management 8.4%, Simulation 8.1%

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 44.4%, Sci-fi 15.2%, Strategy 12.6%, Great Soundtrack 8.5%, Moddable 5.5% ★

Take control of your own starship and blaze your trail in an ever-changing galaxy. Master the arts of combat, mining and trade or venture out into the unknown across a 1:1 scale universe.

Why similar: Space 44.3%, Sci-fi 16.8%, Sandbox 10.7%, Exploration 10.5%, Simulation 7.9%

Command or corrupt an entire galaxy in the definitive Star Wars strategy collection. It is a time of galactic civil war. Will you take up the reins of the Rebellion, assume control of the Empire, or rule the Star Wars Underworld?

Why similar: Space 25.1%, Grand Strategy 14.1% ★, Strategy 13.9%, Moddable 13.5% ★, Sci-fi 11.8%

Rule a fantasy realm of your own design! Explore new magical realms in Age of Wonders’ signature blend of 4X strategy and turn-based tactical combat. Control a faction that grows and changes as you expand your empire with each turn!

Why similar: 4X 37.7% ★, Grand Strategy 29.8% ★, Moddable 10.6% ★, Strategy 7.4%, Exploration 5.1%

This "spaceship simulation roguelike-like" allows you to take your ship and crew on an adventure through a randomly generated galaxy filled with glory and bitter defeat.

Why similar: Space 40.6%, Real-Time with Pause 20.5% ★, Sci-fi 16.9%, Strategy 11.5%, Procedural Generation 5%

Create, discover, and download new player-created maps, scenarios, interfaces, and more!

Why similar: 4X 37.6% ★, Grand Strategy 20.4% ★, Strategy 17%, Diplomacy 7.7% ★, Multiplayer 6.9%

No Man's Sky is a game about exploration and survival in an infinite procedurally generated universe.

Why similar: Space 38.9%, Sci-fi 15.7%, Sandbox 14.6%, Exploration 11.7%, Procedural Generation 7.4%

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 44.4%, 4X 20.6% ★, Strategy 17.1%, Sci-fi 16.9%, Singleplayer 1%

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 34.4% ★, Grand Strategy 29% ★, Diplomacy 13.2% ★, Strategy 6.4%, Military 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 39.7% ★, Space 22.3%, Grand Strategy 16.7% ★, Strategy 12%, Sci-fi 6.5%

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 30.2% ★, Real-Time with Pause 19.4% ★, Diplomacy 15.2% ★, Sandbox 10.3%, Military 8.5%

In this Grand Strategy game, you take control of the Solar System's Great Powers in 2092 and weather the storm of change as you navigate the uncertain waters of the future. Control the greatest military forces in the world and wage wars on an epic scale: outer space is yours to conquer!

Why similar: Grand Strategy 24.2% ★, 4X 23.3% ★, Space 13.6%, Real-Time with Pause 10.5% ★, Sci-fi 7.1%

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 38.7% ★, Grand Strategy 33.8% ★, Strategy 6.7%, Diplomacy 4.6% ★, Space 4.5%

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 53.1% ★, Space 25.1%, Strategy 12.1%, Sci-fi 9.3%, Singleplayer 0.3%

In Kerbal Space Program, take charge of the space program for the alien race known as the Kerbals. You have access to an array of parts to assemble fully-functional spacecraft that flies (or doesn’t) based on realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics.

Why similar: Space 42.6%, Sandbox 21.4%, Moddable 13.7% ★, Simulation 10%, Sci-fi 4.7%

Lead empires that evolve or endure through the Ages. Build something you believe in with Sid Meier's Civilization® VII.

Why similar: 4X 31.2% ★, Grand Strategy 30.6% ★, Diplomacy 15.6% ★, Military 7.8%, Strategy 5.6%

Rebel Galaxy is a swashbuckling space adventure, with action-packed combat, exploration, discovery, trade, and “negotiation” with the outlandish denizens at the edge of the known universe.

Why similar: Space 54.6%, Sci-fi 16.5%, Great Soundtrack 9.7%, Sandbox 8.1%, Simulation 4.1%

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 29.3% ★, Grand Strategy 25.1% ★, Diplomacy 13.7% ★, Sci-fi 10.8%, Management 7%

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 57.5% ★, Strategy 13.5%, Sci-fi 11.9%, Space 8.7%, Simulation 4.7%

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 27.4% ★, Grand Strategy 22% ★, Space 12.5%, Diplomacy 9.4% ★, Sci-fi 7.2%

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 26.2% ★, Space 19%, Grand Strategy 18.4% ★, Moddable 9.1% ★, Sandbox 8.7%

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 46% ★, Space 13.2%, Moddable 12.1% ★, Sci-fi 12.1%, Strategy 8.5%

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 19.3% ★, Grand Strategy 17.2% ★, Real-Time with Pause 10.9% ★, Space 10.5%, Diplomacy 8.3% ★