Games Like UFO: Afterlight

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: Tactical 22.1%, Aliens 21.3%, Strategy 19.4%, Turn-Based 14.4%, Sci-fi 12.5%

Why You'll Like It: This is the definitive modern successor to the original X-COM formula, mirroring the intense tactical combat and strategic base management found in the UFO series.

Wage a global war of resistance against an alien invasion. Command turn-based tactical battles, build a network of covert bases, directly control your fighter wings, and achieve strategic victory in a simulation of asymmetric warfare against a technologically superior foe.

Why similar: Tactical 27%, Strategy 22.9%, Turn-Based 21.6%, Sci-fi 17.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A polished, modern iteration that refines the classic tactical combat and global strategy elements of its predecessor.

UFO: Aftermath is a 3D isometric, tactical strategy game with a rich and compelling sci fi story.

Why similar: Strategy 32.6%, Real-Time with Pause 29.5% ★, Tactical 16.7%, Aliens 12.5%, Sci-fi 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: As the first game in the trilogy, it establishes the core real-time-with-pause mechanics and the overarching narrative of the series.

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

Why similar: Strategy 38.4%, Real-Time with Pause 24.5% ★, Aliens 13.7%, Tactical 12.7%, Sci-fi 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: The direct middle entry in the trilogy that expands on the base-building and squad management systems of the series.

You are in control of X-COM: an organization formed by the world's governments to fight the ever-increasing alien menace.

Why similar: Strategy 27.5%, Aliens 19.7%, Tactical 18.1%, Turn-Based 15.6%, Sci-fi 12.8%

Why You'll Like It: The foundational classic that defined the genre of tactical squad combat against alien invaders.

The country of Grand Chien is thrown into chaos when the elected president goes missing and the paramilitary force known as “the Legion” seizes control. Hire mercs, meet interesting characters, and fight in tactically deep turn-based combat in this true successor to a beloved franchise.

Why similar: Strategy 39.7%, Tactical 38.2%, Turn-Based 10.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 6.5%, RPG 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: Offers exceptional squad-based tactical combat with deep character management and a focus on strategic map control.

The war continues... X-COM: UFO Defense brought you to a galactic battlefield. X-COM: Terror from the Deep brings the alien terror into a totally new dimension.Seeking to take advantage of a weakened Earth, X-COM's deep space foes unexpectedly change strategy and launch a powerful second front against planet Earth.

Why similar: Strategy 27.8%, Tactical 18.3%, Turn-Based 17.9%, Aliens 17.9%, Sci-fi 13%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging, atmospheric sequel to the original that maintains the high-stakes tactical gameplay fans of the UFO series expect.

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: Real-Time with Pause 46.7% ★, Tactical 18.7%, Strategy 16.8%, Turn-Based 12.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: A grand strategy game that focuses on the geopolitical and scientific response to an alien invasion, perfect for fans of the UFO series' lore.

Lead humanity’s greatest weapon, the Grey Knights, in this fast-paced turn-based tactical RPG. Root out and purge a galaxy-spanning plague in a cinematic, story-driven campaign, using the tactics and talents of your own personalised squad of Daemonhunters.

Why similar: Tactical 41.1%, Strategy 31%, Sci-fi 15.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 9.2%, RPG 2.8%

Why You'll Like It: Features intense, high-quality tactical squad combat against overwhelming odds with significant strategic layers.

Silent Storm from leading Russian developer Nival is a true 3D tactical turn-based Role-Playing-Game set against the backdrop of WWII. As the conflict rages on the frontlines, you’ll be leading a small multinational squad behind enemy lines to gather information and wreak havoc on your enemies while trying to thwart a mysterious new...

Why similar: Strategy 30.7%, Tactical 27.8%, Turn-Based 27.6%, Sci-fi 4.9%, RPG 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: A classic tactical squad game known for its highly destructible environments and deep turn-based combat mechanics.

2280 A.D. The last few survivors of a ruined Earth seek a new home: Mars, a planet whose inhabitants didn't take too kindly to outsiders. The Red Solstice is a tense, tactical, squad-based action game. Fight to survive with up to 8 players in co-op, or lead your own squad in single-player mode.

Why similar: Real-Time with Pause 39.8% ★, Tactical 17.4%, Aliens 15.6%, Strategy 14.4%, Sci-fi 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: A real-time tactical game that focuses on squad survival against waves of alien enemies in a sci-fi environment.

A tactical game combining the turn-based combat of XCOM with story, exploration, stealth, and strategy. Take control of a team of Mutants navigating a post-human Earth. Created by a team including former HITMAN leads and the designer of PAYDAY.

Why similar: Strategy 41.3%, Tactical 29.5%, Turn-Based 19.8%, RPG 5.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: Combines tactical turn-based combat with real-time stealth exploration in a post-apocalyptic sci-fi setting.

An American geological expedition, under a UN mandate, assesses the natural resources in a distant part of Siberia, deep in the trackless steppes of Eastern Russia. But instead of oil, they discover a deposit of a hitherto unknown mineral.

Why similar: Real-Time with Pause 59.9% ★, Strategy 20.1%, Sci-fi 13.4%, Indie 2.4%, RPG 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: A unique real-time strategy game with strong sci-fi themes and a focus on individual unit management.

There's something evil in the city tonight... Earth has been ravaged by human excess, petty conflict and alien invasion. The world's population has been herded into huge cities, the first of which was Mega Primus. 2084: A Utopia shattered, social collapse and civil unrest reigns in Mega Primus. Fiendish aliens terrorize the city.

Why similar: Real-Time with Pause 29.7% ★, Strategy 20.3%, Tactical 14.4%, Aliens 12.7%, Turn-Based 11.6%

Why You'll Like It: A classic entry in the series that introduced urban tactical combat and complex faction 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: Strategy 38.4%, Sci-fi 21.6%, Real-Time with Pause 20.1% ★, Tactical 16.2%, Singleplayer 1.9%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical space combat game that focuses on ship-to-ship maneuvers and strategic fleet management.

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 31.4%, Turn-Based 23.8%, Tactical 21.1%, Sci-fi 16.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: Provides deep tactical combat and squad management with heavy customization options for your units.

The year is 1983. The world teeters on the verge of destruction as the Cold War tightens its icy grip. East or West: trust no one, question everything. The fate of humanity rests in your hands as you pit spy versus spy in tactical Phantom Doctrine.

Why similar: Strategy 37.5%, Tactical 25.7%, Turn-Based 18.9%, Violent 7%, Turn-Based Strategy 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical game that features base management, research, and squad-based combat with a strong emphasis on intelligence and stealth.

After the destruction of the EARTH in 2150, the leaders of the Eurasian Dynasty escaped on board an evacuation fleet. Now they are fighting for the survival of the human species. Their base is one large building comprising of smaller variable parts.

Why similar: Strategy 81.5%, Aliens 10.4%, Sci-fi 7.6%, Singleplayer 0.6%

Why You'll Like It: A classic real-time strategy game featuring base building and sci-fi warfare that captures the aesthetic of the era.

Take control of Invisible's agents in the field and infiltrate the world's most dangerous corporations. Stealth, precision, and teamwork are essential in high-stakes, high-profit missions, where every move may cost an agent their life.

Why similar: Strategy 26.8%, Tactical 26.5%, Turn-Based 20.8%, Sci-fi 20.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: A high-stakes tactical game where every move counts, emphasizing sci-fi technology and squad coordination.

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: Strategy 52.4%, Sci-fi 23%, Turn-Based 14.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 7.9%, Singleplayer 2%

Why You'll Like It: A 4X strategy game that focuses on planetary colonization and defending against hostile alien life.

Hard West 2 is a journey to the heart of darkness in the American West. Take control of a supernatural posse and catch the mysterious Ghost Train. Outsmart, outcheat and outgun your enemies in this turn-based tactics game set in a Wild West world where nothing is as it seems.

Why similar: Tactical 31%, Strategy 28.6%, Turn-Based 26%, Turn-Based Strategy 7.9%, RPG 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features unique tactical combat mechanics that reward aggressive play and strategic positioning.

Gears Tactics is the fast-paced, turn-based strategy game from one of the most-acclaimed video game franchises – Gears of War. Outnumbered and fighting for survival, recruit and command your squad to hunt down an evil mastermind who makes monsters.

Why similar: Strategy 50%, Tactical 18.7%, Turn-Based 18.6%, Violent 5.3%, Sci-fi 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, aggressive tactical game that focuses on squad positioning and ability synergy.

Halfway is a turn-based strategy RPG taking place a few hundred years into the future. Humanity has started colonising new worlds. Until now, they were alone ...

Why similar: Strategy 35.5%, Turn-Based 22.9%, Sci-fi 14%, Tactical 12.3%, RPG 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: A turn-based tactical RPG set on a spaceship that emphasizes squad survival and resource management.

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: Strategy 48.9%, Sci-fi 18.4%, Turn-Based 17.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.3%, Indie 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: A 4X space strategy game with tactical combat that emphasizes sci-fi exploration and alien diplomacy.

Sol 0 is a real time strategy game where you establish the first Martian colony. From the first human footprints on Martian soil to a thriving and self-sustaining colony, Sol 0 imagines a near future using technology that could be available within the next few decades.

Why similar: Strategy 48.7%, Mars 45% ★, Indie 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A focused simulation game about establishing a self-sustaining colony on Mars.

The Pegasus Expedition is a story-driven sci-fi grand strategy game set in a key moment for humankind’s survival. Facing an overwhelming threat at home, humanity sends expeditions to the Pegasus Galaxy in a desperate attempt to find a refuge for the population of Earth.

Why similar: Aliens 34.4%, Strategy 31.8%, Sci-fi 24.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 6.6%, Singleplayer 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: A grand strategy game that deals with the survival of humanity in a hostile galaxy.

Build your defense base to fight back the undead hordes of Mars and secure the future of the red planet. MarZ is a game of strategy and tactical defense where you must carefully manage your crew and resources as you try to uncover the terrible secrets of the undead.

Why similar: Strategy 31.6%, Tactical 29.3%, Mars 22.9% ★, Sci-fi 11.4%, Indie 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: Combines base building with tower defense mechanics on a Martian landscape.

XCOM 2 is the sequel to XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the 2012 award-winning strategy game of the year. Earth has changed and is now under alien rule. Facing impossible odds you must rebuild XCOM, and ignite a global resistance to reclaim our world and save humanity.

Why similar: Tactical 28.2%, Strategy 22.8%, Turn-Based 20.9%, Sci-fi 17.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 5.1%

Future War Tactics: SOF vs Alien Invasion - a turn-based strategy where you command SOF forces against an alien threat. Investigate disappearances, fight the invaders, and uncover the mystery. Every decision affects the fate of humanity.

Why similar: Strategy 30.8%, Turn-Based 27.6%, Aliens 21.3%, Tactical 12.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 5.6%

Turn the battlefield into your ally in this tactical rogue-like with indirect controls. Assemble a unique squad, destroy the alien invaders with precise planning, and uncover the truth about the Event and the mysterious disappearance of humans.

Why similar: Real-Time with Pause 53.2% ★, Tactical 17.9%, Strategy 14.2%, Sci-fi 11.3%, RPG 2%

Terraform, strategize, and construct a Martian colony in this retro-inspired turn-based city builder. Create a comfortable living for your citizens, research alien artifacts, and uncover the secrets of the Red Planet.

Why similar: Mars 36.4% ★, Strategy 20.5%, Tactical 15.7%, Sci-fi 14%, Turn-Based 8.2%

Earth has been destroyed. Mankind is fractured. The galaxy is at war. But one hope remains: a new home for mankind. Probes detected a habitable planet in the Orion sector. You must fight your way to it, but nothing is as it seems. A more devious plan is underway that threatens the entire galaxy.

Why similar: Strategy 86.6%, Indie 13.4%

Dead in Antares is a turn-based survival management game with RPG elements, set on an alien planet. Lead a crew of survivors sent on a mission to save humanity. Manage their needs, strengthen their teamwork, and explore this mysterious world to find a way back home.

Why similar: Strategy 38.4%, Tactical 20.1%, Sci-fi 18.2%, Aliens 12.1%, RPG 6.1%

Retro sci-fi tactical turn-based strategy with an exciting storyline. The Albatross space liner is overrun by lizard-like monsters that can infect humans and turn them into their own kind. Save the passengers and defeat the hostile creatures.

Why similar: Strategy 84%, Tactical 6.1%, Sci-fi 4%, Turn-Based 3.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 1.1%

They're back...only this time the heinous aliens are out to destroy Earth and rule the new frontier. As X-COM commander, it's your sole duty to protect humanity and the prized mining operations in outer space.

Why similar: Strategy 68.8%, Sci-fi 29.3%, Singleplayer 1.9%

X-COM: Earth's top-secret eXtraterrestrial COMbat unit The Place: America - early 21st century The Mission: Eradicate the extraterrestrials Alien forces have invaded Earth and are terrorizing the population.

Why similar: Strategy 54.7%, Sci-fi 24.6%, Aliens 20.8%

Faced with a terrifying Martian invasion, you must lead Earth’s forces in a battle for our planet’s future. Create powerful human-creature super soldiers to fight an alien menace in this turn-based strategy game.

Why similar: Mars 28.5% ★, Aliens 26.2%, Tactical 20.8%, Strategy 15.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 6.1%

Incredibly dynamic turn-based strategy, reviving the traditions of the old school tactics. Lead a team of the most desperate fighters, destroy alien monsters and uncover the secrets of the lost planet.

Why similar: Tactical 26.7%, Aliens 25.1%, Strategy 21.2%, Sci-fi 16.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 5.3%

This is the story about the beginning of the conquest of outer space by earthlings. It began as a global idea of saving mankind from hunger and lack of resources, and ended as a brutal and merciless war in space far from Earth.

Why similar: Strategy 46.2%, Aliens 35.2%, Sci-fi 12.1%, Indie 6.5%

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: Real-Time with Pause 48.7% ★, Strategy 22.4%, Aliens 15.1%, Tactical 9%, Sci-fi 3.4%

Beat the Humans is the turn-based tactical strategy game. Here you lead an army of aliens against invaders from the human race. Collect your squad, protect planets, strengthen your army with equipment and look for allies if you want to survive and win.

Why similar: Tactical 33.6%, Strategy 29.9%, Turn-Based 22.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 6.8%, RPG 4.5%

XCOM: Chimera Squad delivers an all-new story and turn-based tactical combat experience in the XCOM universe.

Why similar: Strategy 36.3%, Aliens 20%, Turn-Based 17.6%, Sci-fi 10.3%, Tactical 9%

The year is 2033. You, an ex-Marine with little opportunities left, have signed up with Utopia Arura, a large mining corporation on Mars. They have sent you to a location they have proposed but you have chosen for mining. Everything else is up to you.

Why similar: Mars 54.3% ★, Strategy 22.3%, Sci-fi 21.1%, Indie 2.4%

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: Strategy 31.3%, Sci-fi 18%, Turn-Based 16.2%, Aliens 14.1%, Tactical 12.3%

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

Why similar: Mars 45.8% ★, Turn-Based 24.9%, Sci-fi 20.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 5.9%, Singleplayer 2.9%

Terraformers: First Steps on Mars is a free prologue of Terraformers, featuring an exclusive challenge to lead humanity's first attempt at settling the Red Planet.

Why similar: Mars 41.4% ★, Strategy 31.1%, Sci-fi 19.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 5.4%, Singleplayer 2.5%

Lead your Space Commandos in a revival of turn-based squad tactics inspired by UFO/XCOM and Aliens. Utilize in-depth skill & combat systems in multiple game modes, including a full campaign. Discover the truth behind the demise of colony MC83-A and join the USC in defending humanity!

Why similar: Tactical 26.3%, Turn-Based 23.5%, Strategy 21.9%, Sci-fi 16.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 5.4%

Command a team of 5 elite soldiers against an alien horde of 100,000. Surrounded on all sides, you must outmaneuver and outsmart the enemy.

Why similar: Strategy 39.7%, Aliens 14.2%, Real-Time with Pause 13.8% ★, Tactical 13.6%, Sci-fi 12.6%

“Alien Marauder” is a real-time strategy game with survival and confrontation theme. In this game, you will be the leader to a treacherous alien planet, build and defend base to survive against the vexan waves. Make the right decision!

Why similar: Strategy 36.6%, Aliens 32.2%, Sci-fi 27.5%, Singleplayer 3.7%

A refugee capsule lands on an uninhabited planet. You have to survive, rebuild civilization and, if possible, regain control over the Earth. One big universe, one endless pvp session for all players.

Why similar: Strategy 53.9%, Sci-fi 44.8%, Indie 1.3%

A classic single-player RTS set in a Solar System ruled by megacorporations. Journey from Mars all the way to Planet 9 and uncover the secrets of the BlackChain.

Why similar: Mars 44.1% ★, Strategy 28.3%, Sci-fi 22.7%, Singleplayer 3.1%, Indie 1.7%

Six years have passed after the events of 2226 A.D. The balance in the galaxy has been restored as transgalactic corporations have been deported to the outskirts of the galaxy and deprived of their power. The Empire, just as before, continues to fight against the Aliens. As a rule armadas of battleships aren't used in such conflicts.

Why similar: Strategy 88.2%, RPG 11.8%

Earth Space Colonies is a strategy-simulation game where you build space colonies around the Solar system. Establish a first self-sustaining colony on the Red planet with ultimate goal of terraforming Mars. Play three story campaigns all at once: terraform Mars, fight on Ceres and explore Ganymede.

Why similar: Strategy 86.9%, Indie 13.1%

「Reshaping Mars」is a colony simulation game on Mars, you will start by gathering resources, storing food, accepting immigrants, and building a better colony together. Develop powerful technologies for Mars Reshaping, make Mars great agai..sorry, just great. Don't forget to make the residents happy.

Why similar: Mars 48.2% ★, Strategy 36.3%, Sci-fi 10%, Indie 3%, Singleplayer 2.6%

Embark on a space voyage with your ragtag crew of civilians in search of a new home. Build spaceships tile by tile, create optimal gas conditions, manage the needs and moods of their crew, encounter other space-faring groups, and explore the universe in this spaceship colony simulation.

Why similar: Strategy 52.2%, Sci-fi 36.7%, Indie 6.4%, Singleplayer 4.7%