Games Like Sword of the Stars II: Enhanced Edition

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 53.4% ★, Strategy 16.9%, Space 12.7%, Sci-fi 6.3%, Turn-Based 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: As the direct predecessor, it offers the core gameplay loop and faction mechanics that define the series.

Explore a galaxy full of wonders in this sci-fi grand strategy game from Paradox Development Studios. Interact with diverse alien races, discover strange new worlds with unexpected events and expand the reach of your empire. Each new adventure holds almost limitless possibilities.

Why similar: 4X 52.1% ★, Space 22.1%, Strategy 13.3%, Sci-fi 9.6%, Multiplayer 2.4%

Why You'll Like It: It provides the most expansive modern 4X experience with deep empire customization and emergent sci-fi storytelling.

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 54.4% ★, Space 17.6%, Strategy 12.6%, Sci-fi 9.5%, Multiplayer 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: It masterfully blends 4X empire management with real-time tactical fleet combat on a massive scale.

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 60.1% ★, Space 17.9%, Strategy 14.6%, Sci-fi 6.9%, Singleplayer 0.5%

Why You'll Like It: It offers unparalleled depth in empire management and simulation for players who enjoy complex, long-form strategy.

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 76.3%, 4X 11.2% ★, Space 7.4%, Sci-fi 2.2%, Turn-Based 1.1%

Why You'll Like It: Features highly distinct factions and deep lore that mirror the unique identity of the races in Sword of the Stars.

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 49% ★, Space 21.2%, Strategy 14%, Sci-fi 7.6%, Tactical 4%

Why You'll Like It: Refines the real-time tactical space combat experience with modern visuals and deeper strategic systems.

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 49.8% ★, Space 15%, Strategy 12.2%, Sci-fi 8.3%, Turn-Based 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: This title captures the classic spirit of turn-based 4X games while offering engaging tactical combat and deep ship design.

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% ★, Strategy 16.8%, Space 12.1%, Turn-Based 7.9%, Sci-fi 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard of classic 4X space strategy that heavily influenced the mechanics of the genre.

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 45% ★, Strategy 15.3%, Space 9.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 9%, Sci-fi 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: Provides excellent turn-based tactical combat within a sci-fi 4X framework, perfect for fans of tactical depth.

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 55% ★, Space 19%, Strategy 17.1%, Sci-fi 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: Offers immense scale and complex ship design mechanics that allow for highly specialized fleet compositions.

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

Why similar: 4X 57.2% ★, Strategy 18.4%, Space 15.3%, Sci-fi 8.4%, Singleplayer 0.6%

Why You'll Like It: A modern iteration of deep, simulation-heavy space 4X that rewards careful management and long-term planning.

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

Why similar: 4X 61.9% ★, Strategy 15.2%, Space 13.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 4.4%, Multiplayer 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: Renowned for its deep lore, unique sci-fi narrative, and complex social engineering mechanics.

Build a civilization that will stand the test of time in the largest space-based strategy game ever! Choose from dozens of unique races and make a name for yourself across the galaxy through diplomacy, espionage, technological advances, and more.

Why similar: 4X 47.3% ★, Space 12.8%, Strategy 10.2%, Sci-fi 8.3%, Turn-Based 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: A robust 4X experience with deep ship customization and a focus on expansive galactic diplomacy.

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 53.3% ★, Strategy 19.1%, Space 12.5%, Turn-Based 6%, Sci-fi 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: A complex, grid-based 4X that rewards deep strategic planning and extensive research trees.

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 50.7% ★, Space 17.5%, Strategy 11.7%, Sci-fi 8.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: The latest entry in the franchise, offering expanded empire management and sophisticated AI opponents.

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 57.3% ★, Strategy 14.8%, Space 12.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 6.3%, Sci-fi 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A vibrant, turn-based 4X that captures the charm and strategic feel of classic space strategy games.

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 46.4% ★, Strategy 23.8%, Space 17.4%, Sci-fi 9%, Turn-Based 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on ship design and tactical combat, making it a great choice for those who enjoy the combat aspect of SotS.

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 44.2%, Strategy 26.4%, Sci-fi 15.5%, 4X 6% ★, Multiplayer 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the tactical fleet combat and cinematic space battles that fans of Sword of the Stars often enjoy.

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 41.6% ★, Space 19.8%, Strategy 19.8%, Turn-Based 7.7%, Sci-fi 6%

Why You'll Like It: Features unique diplomacy and tactical combat mechanics that force players to think about the galaxy as a living system.

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 60.7% ★, Strategy 13.7%, Turn-Based 10.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.2%, Space 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: A classic title known for its deep ship designer and challenging AI, which remains a staple of the genre.

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 52.5% ★, Strategy 12.5%, Space 9.2%, Sci-fi 8.6%, Lore-Rich 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: A cult-classic 4X with deep lore and complex political systems that cater to fans of narrative-driven strategy.

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 39.1% ★, Strategy 16.8%, Space 13.5%, Sci-fi 9.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi take on the classic 4X formula that emphasizes tech progression and planetary colonization.

Reintroducing a classic from the golden era of gaming, the original empire building space RTS, Imperium Galactica 2 is back and looking better than ever with new high-res textures and vivid colors.

Why similar: 4X 43.5% ★, Strategy 34.5%, Space 22%

Why You'll Like It: A classic hybrid of real-time strategy and 4X empire building that emphasizes both ground and space combat.

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 56.4% ★, Strategy 18.6%, Space 10.5%, Sci-fi 6.6%, Turn-Based 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: A deep, classic 4X experience for fans who appreciate complex systems and granular control over their empire.

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 56.4% ★, Strategy 18.6%, Space 12.5%, Turn-Based 5.6%, Sci-fi 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: The 2016 reboot offers a polished, accessible 4X experience with classic space strategy sensibilities.

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 63.8% ★, Space 12.9%, Strategy 8.4%, Sci-fi 7.1%, Multiplayer 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a unique, asymmetric strategic challenge where the player must outsmart a vastly superior AI.

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 49.8% ★, Space 13.9%, Strategy 13.1%, Sci-fi 8.2%, Turn-Based 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: A modern 4X with a focus on exploration and diverse sci-fi environments across multiple planets.

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 41.5%, Strategy 32.2%, Sci-fi 17.4%, Tactical 5.1%, Multiplayer 2.5%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical space combat game that emphasizes ship positioning, system management, and fleet-level tactics.

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 47.1% ★, Strategy 19.9%, Space 15%, Sci-fi 6.1%, Turn-Based 5.5%

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 61.1% ★, Strategy 14.8%, Turn-Based 8.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.2%, Tactical 6.2%

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 37.2%, Strategy 33.6%, Sci-fi 19.3%, Tactical 4.7%, Multiplayer 4%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses entirely on the tactical fleet design and combat aspect, allowing for massive, automated space engagements.

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 54.8% ★, Strategy 22.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 9.7%, Turn-Based 9.6%, Multiplayer 2.6%

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 52.6% ★, Strategy 19%, Space 16.6%, Turn-Based 4.5%, Sci-fi 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: A traditional 4X game that emphasizes research, diplomacy, and managing a growing interstellar empire.

Includes 47 Steam achievements, leaderboards, and stats!

Why similar: Strategy 60.9%, Sci-fi 21.6%, Multiplayer 9.9%, Tactical 4.2%, Space 1.8%

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 54.3% ★, Strategy 21.1%, Space 18.7%, Sci-fi 5.6%, Singleplayer 0.3%

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 51.7% ★, Space 23%, Strategy 14.2%, Sci-fi 10%, Singleplayer 1.1%

Shadow Empire is a deep turn-based 4X wargame with a unique blend of military focus, procedurally generated content and role-playing features. Players take the seat of the supreme ruler of a small nation, with the goal of reconquering a devastated planet.

Why similar: 4X 45.5% ★, Space 13.5%, Strategy 11%, Turn-Based 7.7%, Sci-fi 7.6%

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 58.9% ★, Strategy 17.4%, Space 17.1%, Sci-fi 6.4%, Singleplayer 0.3%

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 54.3% ★, Space 13.1%, Strategy 10.3%, Turn-Based 9.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 7%

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 56.4% ★, Space 16.6%, Strategy 12.6%, Sci-fi 8.9%, Tactical 5.5%

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Warlords is the first expansion pack for the award-winning game that has become an instant world-wide hit. Paying homage to some of history's greatest military leaders, the expansion delivers six unique and interesting scenarios, giving players the chance to change the course of history with the help of their...

Why similar: 4X 54.1% ★, Strategy 27%, Turn-Based 10.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 7.2%, Multiplayer 1.2%

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 28.3%, Strategy 23%, 4X 21.4% ★, Sci-fi 11%, Turn-Based Strategy 9.4%

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition is the ultimate Dawn of War experience, featuring the original Dawn of War and all its expansions, along with enhanced visuals, an improved camera, and 64-bit platform support.

Why similar: Strategy 46.7%, Sci-fi 24.4%, Multiplayer 13.9%, Tactical 11.4%, Singleplayer 3.6%

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 35.7%, Space 29.8%, Turn-Based 12.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 10.5%, Sci-fi 6%

Take command of your own mercenary outfit of 'Mechs and the MechWarriors that pilot them, struggling to stay afloat as you find yourself drawn into a brutal interstellar civil war.

Why similar: Strategy 31%, Turn-Based 17.7%, Sci-fi 15.5%, Space 13.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 10.7%

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 63.9% ★, Strategy 16%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.8%, Tactical 5.8%, Multiplayer 4.3%

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 62.7% ★, Strategy 20.8%, Space 8.7%, Turn-Based 4.2%, Sci-fi 3.5%

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 57.2% ★, Strategy 17.4%, Sci-fi 7.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 6.5%, Space 5.3%

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 60.4% ★, Strategy 12.8%, Sci-fi 9.4%, Lore-Rich 8.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 8%

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 54.6%, Strategy 26.9%, Sci-fi 16.7%, Singleplayer 1.7%

UFO: Aftershock is a combination of tactical squad combat and global strategy that enhances and expands upon its prequel, UFO: Aftermath.

Why similar: Strategy 57.7%, Space 20.4%, Sci-fi 15%, Tactical 6.8%

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 53.1% ★, Strategy 24.6%, Turn-Based 10.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.6%, Multiplayer 2.5%

Age of Wonders III is the long anticipated sequel to the award-winning strategy series. Delivering a unique mix of Empire Building, Role Playing and Warfare, Age of Wonders III offers the ultimate in turn-based fantasy strategy for veterans of the series and new players alike!

Why similar: 4X 47.5% ★, Strategy 29.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 10.4%, Turn-Based 7.3%, Multiplayer 2.3%

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 54.1%, Strategy 17.8%, Sci-fi 14%, 4X 12.9% ★, Singleplayer 1.3%

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 50% ★, Strategy 29.6%, Space 14.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 6.2%

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 53.1% ★, Space 17.7%, Strategy 12.3%, Sci-fi 9%, Turn-Based Strategy 6.8%

Company of Heroes®: Tales of Valor™ is the expansion to the Game of the Year winner and highest rated real time strategy franchise Company of Heroes®. Featuring new campaigns to overcome, units to command, and battlefields to conquer, Company of Heroes®: Tales of Valor™ delivers evolved gameplay mechanics and 3 episodic adventures...

Why similar: Strategy 82.2%, Multiplayer 10.1%, Tactical 5.4%, Singleplayer 2.3%