Games Like Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection

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

Why You'll Like It: It captures the classic, vibrant 4X feel of the original Sword of the Stars with its distinct alien races and turn-based strategic focus.

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 61.3% ★, Space 16.6%, Strategy 14.4%, Sci-fi 7.1%, Singleplayer 0.6%

Why You'll Like It: For players who love the deep, complex management aspects of Sword of the Stars, this offers unparalleled scale and simulation depth.

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 45.6% ★, Turn-Based 17.4%, Space 12.5%, Strategy 10.8%, Sci-fi 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: This title offers a refined, modern take on the classic 4X formula, emphasizing exploration and tactical combat similar to the seed game.

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 52.1% ★, Space 20.5%, Strategy 14.4%, Sci-fi 8.2%, Multiplayer 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: It excels at the real-time tactical space combat that made the seed game's battles so memorable.

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 44.6% ★, Strategy 18.2%, Space 13%, Turn-Based 12.5%, Sci-fi 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: It features highly asymmetric factions and a unique strategic flow that mirrors the diversity found in Sword of the Stars.

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 53.2% ★, Space 20.6%, Strategy 13.1%, Sci-fi 10%, Multiplayer 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: As the modern standard for space 4X, it provides the deep research trees and empire-building mechanics that fans of the genre crave.

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 53.4% ★, Turn-Based 22.7%, Strategy 11.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 6.7%, Space 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: A quintessential 4X experience that offers the robust ship design and empire management depth found in the seed game.

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 43.3% ★, Turn-Based 15.5%, Strategy 14.2%, Space 8.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 8%

Why You'll Like It: This game bridges the gap between 4X strategy and tactical combat with its deep unit customization and turn-based battles.

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

Why similar: 4X 63% ★, Strategy 15%, Space 12.5%, Multiplayer 4.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: A legendary sci-fi 4X game that shares the deep, thematic research and faction-based storytelling of the seed game.

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 49.9% ★, Strategy 17.3%, Turn-Based 13.7%, Space 10.7%, Sci-fi 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: This title provides a massive, complex sandbox experience for players who want to manage every detail of their interstellar civilization.

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 58.2% ★, Turn-Based 19.7%, Strategy 13.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 7.2%, Singleplayer 1.3%

Why You'll Like It: For those who enjoy the high-stakes, complex geopolitical and scientific research of space strategy, this offers a modern, challenging alternative.

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 45.4% ★, Strategy 22.5%, Space 15.5%, Sci-fi 9%, Turn-Based 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses heavily on ship design and tactical combat, making it a strong mechanical cousin to the Sword of the Stars series.

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 43.8%, Strategy 27.7%, Sci-fi 17.1%, 4X 6.5% ★, Multiplayer 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: If the tactical ship combat was your favorite part of Sword of the Stars, this series is the gold standard for 3D space warfare.

The Enhanced Edition contains Sword of the Stars II: The Lords of Winter and the first expansion, the End of Flesh. The new expansion introduces the new playable race, the Loa. All previous DLCs containing new avatars, new combat music, alternate voices, skins, and new badges for the warships are also included.

Why similar: 4X 53.4% ★, Strategy 16.9%, Space 12.7%, Sci-fi 6.3%, Turn-Based 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: As the direct sequel, it expands upon the original's mechanics, though it requires patience for its increased complexity.

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 49.4% ★, Turn-Based 17.4%, Strategy 14.8%, Space 10.1%, Sci-fi 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the blueprint for the genre, it remains essential for anyone who enjoys the classic 4X experience.

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 56.2% ★, Space 17.7%, Strategy 16.9%, Sci-fi 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a massive scale and unique economic systems that allow for deep, experimental gameplay in a space 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 51.7% ★, Space 16.3%, Strategy 11.5%, Sci-fi 9%, Turn-Based Strategy 6%

Why You'll Like It: The latest in the series, offering refined 4X mechanics and a modern take on managing a sprawling galactic empire.

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 67.1% ★, Space 12.4%, Strategy 8.6%, Sci-fi 7.5%, Multiplayer 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: It offers an asymmetric, high-difficulty tactical challenge that rewards clever fleet management and strategic planning.

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 43.3% ★, Turn-Based 17.8%, Space 11.7%, Strategy 10.1%, Sci-fi 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a deep, gritty, and complex turn-based experience that rewards strategic mastery and careful resource management.

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

Why similar: Space 41.7%, Strategy 34.3%, Sci-fi 19.5%, Multiplayer 2.9%, Singleplayer 1.6%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses exclusively on the tactical ship combat aspect, providing a cinematic and challenging experience for space warfare enthusiasts.

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 37.3% ★, Strategy 15.4%, Turn-Based 15.4%, Space 11.7%, Sci-fi 9%

Why You'll Like It: It brings the classic Civilization formula into a sci-fi setting, focusing on technology trees and planetary expansion.

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 45.9% ★, Turn-Based 16.6%, Space 11.7%, Strategy 11.6%, Sci-fi 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi 4X game that blends planetary exploration with space-based empire management in a clean, modern interface.

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 60% ★, Strategy 17.1%, Space 15.9%, Sci-fi 6.6%, Singleplayer 0.3%

Why You'll Like It: An indie 4X title that emphasizes ship design and real-time combat, serving as a spiritual successor to many classic space strategy games.

The first ever auto-battler game, from way back in 2009Who needs backstory? Who needs resource-gathering? Diplomacy is so last year. Gratuitous Space Battles cuts right to the chase of sci-fi strategy games, and deals with large, completely unjustified space battles between huge opposing space fleets.

Why similar: Space 37.1%, Strategy 35.4%, Sci-fi 21.4%, Multiplayer 4.4%, Singleplayer 1.6%

Why You'll Like It: This game allows you to focus entirely on the ship design and fleet composition aspects that are central to the Sword of the Stars experience.

From the makers of the award-winning Imperium Galactica 1 and 2 games, discover a powerful space-opera like RTS game.

Why similar: Strategy 46.7%, Space 42.8%, Sci-fi 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: A classic tactical space strategy game that emphasizes fleet movement and combat in a way that feels very familiar to the seed game.

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 44.5% ★, Strategy 17.5%, Turn-Based 16.4%, Space 13.1%, Sci-fi 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: This turn-based space 4X game focuses on exploration and fleet combat, providing a solid experience for genre fans.

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 51.4% ★, Strategy 29.4%, Space 13.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward, turn-based 4X game that captures the classic feel of early 2000s space strategy titles.

Sid Meier's Civilization IV®: Beyond the Sword is the second expansion pack for Civilization IV - the 2005 PC Game of the Year that has become a worldwide hit.

Why similar: 4X 48.8% ★, Turn-Based 20.6%, Strategy 19.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 8%, Multiplayer 2.3%

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% ★, Strategy 16.9%, Turn-Based 12.8%, Space 10.7%, Sci-fi 4.3%

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

Why similar: 4X 58.3% ★, Strategy 18.1%, Space 14.2%, Sci-fi 8.7%, Singleplayer 0.8%

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 57.4% ★, Strategy 20.9%, Space 14.7%, Sci-fi 7%

Why You'll Like It: A real-time 4X game that simplifies the management side to focus on the immediate strategic decisions of space exploration.

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 54.1% ★, Strategy 17.2%, Turn-Based 9.8%, Space 9.2%, Sci-fi 6.4%

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 75%, 4X 11.4% ★, Space 6.8%, Turn-Based 2.8%, Sci-fi 2.2%

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

Why You'll Like It: It offers a traditional 4X experience with a focus on diplomacy and research that mirrors the classic space strategy era.

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 55.6% ★, Strategy 20.9%, Space 17.4%, Sci-fi 5.8%, Singleplayer 0.3%

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 55.3% ★, Space 16.3%, Strategy 12.4%, Sci-fi 9.8%, Multiplayer 4.9%

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

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

Why similar: 4X 57.7% ★, Strategy 13.3%, Sci-fi 9.6%, Space 9.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 7.2%

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 46.2% ★, Turn-Based 16.8%, Space 11.4%, Strategy 9.6%, Sci-fi 8.3%

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 27.2%, Strategy 23.3%, 4X 22.5% ★, Sci-fi 11.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 9.1%

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 58.7% ★, Strategy 15%, Turn-Based 13.6%, Space 6.9%, Sci-fi 3.3%

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 51.9%, Strategy 18.1%, Sci-fi 14.9%, 4X 13.6% ★, Singleplayer 1.5%

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 39.1% ★, Strategy 18%, Turn-Based 17.5%, Space 17%, Sci-fi 5.7%

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 45.5% ★, Turn-Based 16.2%, Space 13.8%, Strategy 11.1%, Sci-fi 7.8%

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 52.9% ★, Space 21.5%, Strategy 14%, Sci-fi 10.4%, Singleplayer 1.3%

Star wolves is a 3D space RPG with deep strategy and tactical elements. The game thrusts players into a world of freelance space hunters in the XXI-XXII century A.D. during a time of political crisis for the all-powerful Empire and the three mega-corporations that control all the known worlds.

Why similar: Space 48%, Strategy 41.1%, Sci-fi 10.9%

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 60.8% ★, Space 16.4%, Strategy 13.1%, Sci-fi 9.7%

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

Why similar: 4X 60% ★, Strategy 19.2%, Turn-Based 9.8%, Space 7.6%, Sci-fi 3.4%

Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete, the latest offering in the Sid Meier's Civilization III franchise, provides gaming fans with Sid Meier's Civilization III, the highly-addictive journey of discovery.

Why similar: 4X 42.4% ★, Strategy 24.1%, Turn-Based 20.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 9.6%, Multiplayer 2.3%

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 46.7% ★, Turn-Based 22.5%, Strategy 20.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 7%, Multiplayer 2.3%

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: Space 59.3%, Sci-fi 36.5%, Singleplayer 4.2%

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: Strategy 32.8%, Space 26.3%, 4X 18.7% ★, Sci-fi 14.2%, Multiplayer 6.2%

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

Why similar: Space 52.5%, Strategy 27.4%, Sci-fi 17.9%, Singleplayer 2.1%

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 48.9% ★, Turn-Based 20.1%, Space 10.7%, Strategy 9%, Turn-Based Strategy 5.8%

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

Why similar: 4X 51.9% ★, Space 24%, Strategy 12.7%, Sci-fi 10.1%, Singleplayer 1.3%

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 66.4% ★, Strategy 13.7%, Sci-fi 10.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.1%, Singleplayer 1.3%

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

Why similar: 4X 48.2% ★, Turn-Based 19.6%, Space 10.2%, Strategy 10%, Sci-fi 6.2%

An exceptional sci-fi strategy game based on space adventure as its core.

Why similar: 4X 62.7% ★, Strategy 15%, Space 11.5%, Sci-fi 10.8%