- #1 Star Valor
96% matchVery Positive89% of 3,325 reviews2022
Dev: Rafael Burgos
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 28.8 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Choose your own destiny as you explore an open-world procedurally generated galaxy where anything is possible. Become a miner, a trader, a bounty hunter, a pirate, or perhaps a jack of all trades. Start off small and build your way to the top but remember with every action, comes consequences.
Why similar: Space 40.1%, Action 27.7%, RPG 22.7%, Indie 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: An RPG-focused space simulator that features extensive ship building, trading, and arcade-style combat mechanics.
- #2 Nova Drift
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 14,407 reviews2024
Dev: ChimericPub: Pixeljam
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 19.6 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Nova Drift distills the mechanical depth and strategy of an ARPG into classic arcade space combat. Control an endlessly evolving bio-mechanical ship, face legions of strange and deadly foes, and ride the wake of a dying star across the void.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 41.4%, Bullet Hell 18.3%, Space 17.2%, Action 15.8%, Indie 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: A high-octane space combat game that offers deep build customization and upgrade paths similar to the progression in Zotrix.
- #3 Galaxy on Fire 2™ Full HD
97% matchMostly Positive77% of 2,219 reviews2012
Dev: Fishlabs Entertainment GmbHPub: bitComposer Games
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 8.9 hrs≥1hr: 46%
A hyperdrive malfunction sends Keith T. Maxwell tumbling through space and time to fight for his life against a mysterious alien armada that is wreaking havoc.
Why similar: Space 47.2%, Action 27.8%, Simulation 25%
Why You'll Like It: This is the definitive experience for players who want a balance of arcade space dogfighting, deep trading, and ship customization.
- #4 Cosmonator
95% matchVery Positive87% of 101 reviews2019
Dev: Bourbontank
Windows
Cosmonator is an 'RPG-em-up': a hybrid of classic fast-paced top-down shoot-em-up action infused with deep character building elements. Build up your own unique alien-killing machine to avenge the destruction of planet Earth!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 37.4%, Action 22.4%, RPG 14.9%, Indie 11.1%, Bullet Hell 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: Strong focus on arcade-style combat and ship progression within a top-down space environment.
- #5 Rebel Galaxy
94% matchVery Positive85% of 8,230 reviews2015
Dev: Double Damage Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 13.6 hrs≥1hr: 62%
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 48.4%, RPG 16.3%, Action 14.6%, Simulation 11.3%, Indie 5.4%
Why You'll Like It: Combines arcade-style capital ship combat with a robust economic system and constant ship upgrades.
- #6 EVERSPACE™
94% matchMostly Positive78% of 11,373 reviews2017
Dev: ROCKFISH Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 10.0 hrs≥1hr: 75%
EVERSPACE™ combines fast-paced combat with roguelike elements, great visuals and a captivating story. It takes you on a challenging journey through an ever-changing, beautifully crafted universe full of surprises. Shoot, craft and loot your way to victory while the odds are stacked against you.
Why similar: Space 46.8%, Action 35.6%, Indie 14.4%, Simulation 3.3%
Why You'll Like It: Features intense space combat with a heavy emphasis on resource gathering, crafting, and persistent ship upgrades.
- #7 Gunlocked
92% matchVery Positive87% of 502 reviews2022
Dev: FromLefcourt
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 81%
A twin stick shooter without the twin stick, Gunlocked is a sci-fi action roguelike about careful positioning and upgrade selection. Manage unique targeting systems across multiple weapons and upgrades, as you battle legions of alien ships, and then do it all over again!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.7%, Bullet Hell 18.2%, Action 16.9%, RPG 13.1%, Space 8%
Why You'll Like It: An action-roguelike that captures the intensity of bullet-hell shooters while offering upgrade-heavy progression.
- #8 Z-Exemplar
93% matchVery Positive89% of 55 reviews2016
Dev: Suminell Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Z-Exemplar is a side-scrolling shooter in the tradition of R-Type, Gradius, Nemesis and other classic arcade games from the past. Borrowing its aesthetic from the computers of yesteryear (specifically the Sinclair ZX Spectrum) Z-Exemplar combines bright, bold, 8-bit pixel art with frantic action and an epic mission to conquer a galaxy of...
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43%, Action 37.5%, Indie 19.5%
Why You'll Like It: Captures the retro aesthetic and arcade shooter feel of the seed game perfectly.
- #9 Space Rangers HD: A War Apart
91% matchVery Positive94% of 7,116 reviews2013
Dev: SNK GamesPub: Fulqrum Publishing
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 27.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Space adventure, open world RPG, strategy, arcade, quest and more!
Why similar: Space 35.7%, Strategy 23.2%, RPG 19.9%, Simulation 12.3%, Action 9%
Why You'll Like It: Blends arcade combat with complex trading, exploration, and RPG elements in a living galaxy.
- #10 Zenodyne R
91% matchVery Positive83% of 70 reviews2016
Dev: Team Grybanser Fox
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 26%
Zenodyne R is a new 90s-style shoot-'em-up game filled with YM2612 music and real Blast Processing action, where your reflexes and patience will be tested in their entirety! Packed with 6 crazy stages filled wtih bosses, 5 unique ships, unlockables, branching paths and more!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.3%, Action 37.9%, Indie 18.8%
Why You'll Like It: A pure bullet-hell experience that matches the arcade intensity found in the combat sections of Zotrix.
- #11 Solaroids
90% matchVery Positive96% of 50 reviews2017
Dev: Chad YatesPub: DynF/X Digital LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Classic Asteroids® updated with modern gameplay and perfected controls. Explore hazardous environments and sneak around asteroids to surprise attack giant bosses. Upgrade your ship to use additional power-ups. Single player or fight with up to 3 friends with intense local coop.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.6%, Bullet Hell 20.6%, Space 17.4%, Action 16.4%
Why You'll Like It: A classic arena-style arcade shooter that incorporates modern bullet-hell mechanics and high-speed action.
- #12 Subdivision Infinity DX
89% matchMostly Positive75% of 105 reviews2019
Dev: MistFly GamesPub: Crescent Moon Games
Windows
Subdivision Infinity is an immersive and pulse pounding sci-fi space shooter featuring stunning graphics and tight spaceship game play. Hunt down and destroy enemy spacecraft, crush capital ships, mine asteroids for rare minerals, and find blueprints to craft amazing new vessels!
Why similar: Action 40.9%, Space 30.1%, Indie 19.7%, Simulation 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on arcade-style space dogfighting with a clear progression system for ship parts and weaponry.
- #13 Power of Ten
88% matchVery Positive80% of 249 reviews2023
Dev: Pew Times Three
Windows · Mac
Median: 42 minMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 38%
Fly a star-fighter against a bloodthirsty armada. Gather weapons, resources, and upgrades to help you push back the relentless assault while protecting the galaxies' civilians!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47%, Space 31.3%, Action 21.7%
Why You'll Like It: A roguelite space combat game that focuses on gathering resources and upgrading your ship to survive increasingly difficult encounters.
- #14 Steel Rain
89% matchVery Positive84% of 106 reviews2015
Dev: PolarityFlow, Adrian ZinggPub: PolarityFlow
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 97%
It's the ultimate, strategic SHMUP ReMix! Control TWO combat wings, flick between THREE different formations, and BLAST your way through overwhelming enemy fleets! Liberate planets, build colonies, research tech and skills, craft items, or even play 2p co-op in this unique new indie game.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.4%, Action 13.6%, Strategy 13.3%, Bullet Hell 12.4%, RPG 10.4%
Why You'll Like It: A side-scrolling shooter that incorporates RPG-like upgrade systems to enhance your ship's capabilities.
- #15 Void Destroyer 2
87% matchVery Positive80% of 664 reviews2020
Dev: Iteration 11
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 14.5 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Start with nothing... End with everything! All you have is a basic ship, barely fit for combat, with it you'll start your journey and empire. A open world space sandbox, inspired by and expanding the classics.
Why similar: Strategy 23.8%, Space 23.2%, Action 22.4%, Simulation 20.1%, Indie 10.5%
Why You'll Like It: Mixes arcade space combat with elements of strategy and economic management for a more tactical experience.
- #16 Sector Space
84% matchVery Positive96% of 53 reviews2025
Dev: Robin M. FarrellPub: Outer Vision Games
Windows · Linux
Explore a procedurally generated galaxy, mine asteroids, refine minerals, colonize planets, build stations, deploy drones, salvage rare items, construct gear, level up, improve your ship, assemble a fleet, engage in combat, and take on the void.
Why similar: Simulation 36.9%, RPG 34.8%, Action 12.3%, Space 9.3%, Indie 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: A space RPG with simulation elements and exploration that rewards players for upgrading their vessel.
- #17 Transcendence
86% matchVery Positive88% of 221 reviews2015
Dev: Kronosaur Productions
Windows
Explore the farthest reaches of Human Space in this open-world space adventure. Compelled to journey to the Galactic Core by a mysterious hyperintelligence, you must fight your way through dozens of star systems teeming with clashing empires, expansionist AIs, and fearsome xenophobes.
Why similar: Space 41.3%, Action 24.6%, RPG 19.8%, Indie 14.3%
Why You'll Like It: A classic space exploration game that emphasizes ship customization, trading, and survival in a hostile galaxy.
- #18 Sophstar
85% matchVery Positive100% of 102 reviews2022
Dev: Banana Bytes
Windows
A vertical arcade shoot'em up with an inventive teleport system, lots of fast-blazing action and explosions, tons of boss fights, a risk/reward based score system and a proper challenge for both veteran and new players of the genre.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.3%, Action 20.2%, Bullet Hell 20%, Space 14.5%
Why You'll Like It: A top-down arcade shooter that emphasizes high-speed combat and precision scoring.
- #19 Grand Brix Shooter
86% matchVery Positive93% of 82 reviews2019
Dev: Intragames
Windows
Challenge yourself to a new kind of bullet-hell fusion shooter. Change your aircraft to get new skills just when you need them against advancing foes. Aim for the top spot!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 36.4%, Action 22.3%, Space 15.6%, Bullet Hell 15.6%, Indie 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: Fast-paced arcade shooter with a unique ship-swapping mechanic that keeps gameplay fresh.
- #20 Super Destronaut DX
84% matchVery Positive88% of 92 reviews2018
Dev: Petite GamesPub: Ratalaika Games S.L.
Windows
Inspired by an arcade classic, Super Destronaut DX is retro space shooter that pits you against an enemy more dreaded than a UFO, a scoreboard.
Why similar: Action 68.8%, Indie 31.2%
Why You'll Like It: A modern arcade shooter that pays homage to classic space-invader style gameplay with a clean, modern aesthetic.
- #21 Rogue Invader
83% matchVery Positive92% of 64 reviews2021
Dev: Squishy Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 91%
1-Bit Roguelite Action Shooter.
Why similar: Action 60%, Space 40%
Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi shooter with roguelite progression and exploration that feels like a modern take on classic arcade shooters.
- #22 Satellite Rush
82% matchVery Positive81% of 74 reviews2016
Dev: Kimeric LabsPub: Plug In Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Satellite Rush is a sci-fi top-down shooter with pixel art graphics and Roguelike elements. Take control of an abducted office worker and blast through Satellite Moebius, a space gladitorial arena where you'll have to please the audience to get new itens and survive!
Why similar: Action 67.6%, Indie 32.4%
Why You'll Like It: A top-down shooter that focuses on fast-paced arcade combat and survival mechanics.
- #23 Mining Survivors
78% matchMostly Positive75% of 127 reviews2025
Dev: Wonderbounce Games
Windows
Incremental Survivors-like in which you mine valuable resources whilst slaying hoards of enemies.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.2%, Bullet Hell 23.1%, Strategy 17.6%, Action 14.1%
Why You'll Like It: A bullet-hell roguelite that emphasizes resource gathering and survival while fighting off waves of enemies.
- #24 Hyper Simon X
81% matchMostly Positive70% of 64 reviews2018
Dev: NukGames
Windows
Hyper Simon X is an Arcade Shoot 'Em Up Puzzle game that ingeniously blends SHMUP mechanics with the classic nostalgia of 'Simon Says' memory games. Prepare for a challenge like no other as you destroy the enemies in the exact order displayed!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 33.9%, Action 29.4%, Indie 15.4%, Space 12%, Bullet Hell 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: A retro-styled arcade shooter with a focus on high-speed action and classic gameplay loops.
- #25 Inventorix
76% matchVery Positive100% of 124 reviews2025
Dev: Arcaludi
Windows
INVENTORIX is an inventory-management money-making roguelike deckbuilder. Creatively pack and synergize items and alien perks to create astronomical wealth and pay a mysterious space debt!
Why similar: Strategy 56.1%, Space 27.1%, Indie 16.8%
- #26 Star Vortex
77% matchVery Positive85% of 128 reviews2025
Dev: Zorg GamesPub: Hunted Cow Games
Windows
Star Vortex is a fast paced Action-RPG inspired by classics of the genre. Design your ship, fight your way through hostile alien sectors, upgrade as you salvage rare weapons and experiment with different builds until nothing can stand against you.
Why similar: Action 32.9%, RPG 26.2%, Space 17.4%, Indie 12.8%, Bullet Hell 10.7%
- #27 Solar Shifter EX
82% matchMixed47% of 114 reviews2015
Dev: Elder GamesPub: Headup
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Warp into action with Solar Shifter EX. Man your ship and dive into fierce combat situations in space and over beautiful and distant planet surfaces. Solar Shifter EX is a sci-fi shoot 'em up with the unique ability to 'shift'.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 53%, Action 30.9%, Indie 16%
Why You'll Like It: An arcade shooter with a unique shifting mechanic and bullet-hell intensity that challenges player reflexes.
- #28 Ultratron
79% matchVery Positive88% of 694 reviews2013
Dev: Puppygames
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Experience the addictive gameplay of old-school arcade favourites, updated and improved for the 21st century! Unique retro-futuristic sound and graphics, player responsive difficulty, and a subtle system of tactics combined with classic gameplay make Ultratron a fun and hypnotic arcade blast.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 38.2%, Action 35.8%, Indie 20.3%, Bullet Hell 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: A twin-stick arcade shooter with a focus on upgrades and retro aesthetics that mirror the feel of classic space shooters.
- #29 Project Root
81% matchMixed50% of 115 reviews2014
Dev: OPQAMPub: Reverb Triple XP
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 23%
Project Root the Shoot’em up Evolution.Project Root is a classic shoot’em up with open scenarioswhere the player's skill will be the key to survive.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47.9%, Action 28%, Indie 13.2%, Bullet Hell 10.9%
Why You'll Like It: A classic-style arcade shooter with a focus on mission-based combat and varied enemy types.
- #30 GALAXIUM
80% matchMostly Negative27% of 223 reviews2019
Dev: Tony MuñozPub: Wulum LTD
Windows · Mac
Arcade shoot game inspired on 80’s classics with extra features as you progress.
Why similar: Action 50.9%, Indie 26.7%, Space 22.3%
Why You'll Like It: A simple, arcade-focused space shooter with a classic feel that is easy to pick up and play.
- #31 Arcadium - Space Odyssey
73% matchVery Positive94% of 108 reviews2026
Dev: Luciano Bercini
Windows · Mac
Arcadium is a survival roguelite set in a dynamic, ever-changing universe. Journey across space, harvest planetary resources, and craft powerful builds to eradicate relentless waves of aliens. Each playthrough unveils a new and uncharted universe, ensuring endless challenges and discoveries.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 40.1%, Bullet Hell 22.7%, Action 19.7%, Space 17.5%
- #32 Razerwire:Nanowars
78% matchVery Positive86% of 109 reviews2018
Dev: Hammer & Ravens
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 1.8 hrs≥1hr: 32%
A modern revisitation of the 80s arcades. Use your Razerwire to cut through waves of nanobugs with a rogue-like inspired progression.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 49.3%, Bullet Hell 21.9%, Action 15%, Space 13.8%
Why You'll Like It: An arena-based shooter with roguelite elements and intense combat that requires quick decision-making.
- #33 Galactic Battles
79% matchMostly Negative37% of 125 reviews2018
Dev: IndieLipPub: Conglomerate 5
Windows
Median: 0 minMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 23%
Galactic Battles is a complex 2D top-down space shooter in which you have to fight with alien invaders.
Why similar: Action 66.9%, Indie 33.1%
Why You'll Like It: A space-themed arcade shooter with retro sensibilities and straightforward combat mechanics.
- #34 Pewt 'em Up!
75% matchVery Positive96% of 171 reviews2022
Dev: team tsoto
Windows · Linux
Pewt 'em Up! is a retro inspired arcade space shoot 'em up with lots of upgrades, achievements, extras and more.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 54.1%, Action 28.3%, Space 14.8%, Indie 2.8%
- #35 Zotrix - Solar Division
77% matchMixed70% of 53 reviews2016
Dev: ZeroBit GamesPub: Ocean Media LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 32.8 hrs≥1hr: 98%
The battle against Zotrix aliens is getting closer to your door step. Every space station in the network is in danger and Solar Division command needs your help to setup proper strategy for the defense. You are trusted this important task before whole network is taken to the edge of the unknown.
Why similar: Strategy 43.4%, Simulation 36.1%, Indie 20.5%
- #36 Stellarion
72% matchVery Positive97% of 76 reviews2025
Dev: Zana Domán
Windows
Upgrade your spaceship and conquer the stars in this thrilling space-mining adventure! Mine asteroids, battle enemies, and trade resources for powerful upgrades to customize your ship. Master the galaxy and embark on the ultimate journey!
Why similar: Action 40.2%, Bullet Hell 35.5%, Space 24.2%
- #37 Exodemic
74% matchVery Positive94% of 50 reviews2022
Dev: ganashaw
Windows
Destroy aliens, dash between planets, and buy powerful upgrades. Exodemic is a compact roguelike that combines frenetic shoot 'em up gameplay with a procedurally generated overworld filled with vendors, trading hubs, and combat encounters. Race against the clock to save the human race.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 56.4%, Action 25.8%, Space 11.9%, Indie 6%
- #38 Space Invaders Extreme
75% matchVery Positive88% of 261 reviews2018
Dev: TAITO CORP.Pub: KOMODO
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 3.0 hrs≥1hr: 64%
The critically acclaimed update to the Space Invaders franchise has arrived to invade Steam with greatly improved graphics and audio! Packed with pulsing, vibrant visuals enhanced further by interactive sound. The invaders have evolved, the question is: can you keep up?
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.9%, Bullet Hell 19.5%, Action 18.2%, Space 16.4%
- #39 BATTLE PIXELS
76% matchMixed55% of 67 reviews2016
Dev: AppyArt Games
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 99%
Battle Pixels is a frantic arcade action, point and click shoot 'em up with a 16 bit retro style.Take control of your tanks and eliminate the enemy's turret defences over 25 randomly generated levels.
Why similar: Strategy 41.8%, Action 36.5%, Indie 21.7%
- #40 Horizon Shift
74% matchMostly Positive77% of 330 reviews2015
Dev: Flump StudiosPub: Funbox Media Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Horizon Shift is an explosive wave based single screen shooter with a ton of new ideas and platformer elements. Do what it takes to protect your horizon from the ever encroaching enemy attack!
Why similar: Action 42.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 36.9%, Indie 20.2%
- #41 Galaxy Highways
69% matchVery Positive98% of 54 reviews2025
Dev: Nanopike
Windows · Mac
An indie story-driven space shooter with intense battles, escalating enemy waves, and massive boss fights. Choose and upgrade ships, unlock powerful weapons, and protect your allies. Upgrade your base and construct a battleship to take on even stronger enemies. All set to a rock & synth soundtrack.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 34.1%, Action 26.4%, RPG 21%, Space 18.5%
- #42 Spelp
71% matchVery Positive90% of 58 reviews2023
Dev: Yawee
Windows · Linux
The SPELP program needs YOU to annihilate thousands of aliens with a variety of weapons, members and unique capacities. Unlock characters and make up your own team to fit your playstyle.
Why similar: Bullet Hell 38.3%, Action 32.6%, Space 26.3%, Indie 2.8%
- #43 Power of Ten - Demo
71% matchVery Positive98% of 56 reviews2020
Dev: Pew Times Three
Windows
Demo for Power of Ten, a single star fighter trying to save as many civilians as possible before they are overrun by a marauder armada. You'll need to gather new weapons, upgrade your ship, find resources, trade with other ships and more to overcome the challenge before you.
Why similar: Action 52.1%, Space 47.9%
- #44 Project Starship
71% matchVery Positive81% of 466 reviews2016
Dev: Panda Indie Studio
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Project Starship is an arcade bullet-hell with random mechanics. No match will ever be the same. Who will you be? Garret or Gwen? Will you save the world from the mighty cthulhu?
Why similar: Indie 76.4%, Action 9.9%, Shoot 'Em Up 9.1%, Bullet Hell 4.7%
- #45 Gal-X-E
72% matchVery Positive86% of 91 reviews2016
Dev: Volens Nolens Games
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Gal-X-E aims to revive the old-school shoot em up genre, and adds modern elements to it! Fight your way through endless waves of randomly generated madness! Collect spaceships and show the enemy who's boss!
Why similar: Action 65.8%, Indie 34.2%
- #46 It's time to get out from the solar system
73% matchMostly Negative55% of 128 reviews2015
Dev: WTFOMGames
Windows · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
A game with a futuristic anti-utopian story — a hardcore space shooter with RPG elements.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35%, Bullet Hell 14.9%, Space 14.3%, Action 13.4%, Strategy 12.7%
- #47 2112TD: Tower Defense Survival
68% matchVery Positive88% of 428 reviews2023
Dev: Refinery Games
Windows
Get ready for the ULTIMATE tower defense onslaught. Build, deploy, research and upgrade your defenses in this epic, old school RTS inspired sci-fi adventure.
Why similar: Strategy 38.4%, Action 31.6%, Space 30%
- #48 Gunlocked 2
67% matchVery Positive88% of 64 reviews2025
Dev: FromLefcourt
Windows
Movement is your weapon. A sci-fi action roguelike and shmup combined, in Gunlocked 2 you'll pilot and upgrade a state-of-the-art warship against endless waves of deadly aliens. Deep customization, branching paths, and tons of unlockables offer endless replayability!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 48.1%, Action 19.1%, Bullet Hell 17.6%, RPG 15.3%
- #49 Deep Space Exploitation
66% matchVery Positive96% of 108 reviews2025
Dev: JuhrJuhr
Windows
Deep Space Exploitation is a space mining game featuring 2D physics, fully destructible asteroids, and a story of survival under an exploitative corporation. Use your equipment wisely, upgrade your ship, and make difficult decisions to secure your future!
Why similar: Action 50.2%, Space 49.8%
- #50 Grav Blazer Squared
73% matchMixed40% of 85 reviews2017
Dev: Ripknot Systems
Windows
Median: 0 minMean: 2.5 hrs≥1hr: 11%
Grav Blazer is an arcade space shooter with a focus on fast paced action. Skill based firing mechanics, rotational controlled power attacks, increasing level difficulty, and endless procedurally generated levels are some of the features players will experience.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 45.2%, Bullet Hell 20.6%, Action 15.3%, Space 14.9%, Indie 4%
- #51 ASTROLANCER
66% matchVery Positive98% of 135 reviews2024
Dev: Studio Hexeye
Windows
ASTROLANCER combines top-down shooter and shoot 'em up gameplay into one action-packed experience! Devise your own playstyle with a huge variety of weapons. Hardcore and casual players alike are welcome!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 72.6%, Action 27.4%
- #52 Star Command Galaxies
68% matchMixed43% of 508 reviews2024
Dev: Warballoon
Windows · Mac
Take command in the ultimate starship simulator: Star Command Galaxies. Become a Captain, recruit your crew, customize and upgrade your starship, battle alien vessels, teleport to away missions and repel boarding invaders in this real-time strategy simulation adventure from indie studio Warballoon.
Why similar: Strategy 27.5%, Space 21.3%, Simulation 19.9%, Action 17.3%, Indie 14%
- #53 Habroxia 2
69% matchVery Positive92% of 61 reviews2021
Dev: Lillymo Games
Windows
Blast off for a sequel that pushes every facet of 2D shoot'em ups to escape velocity!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 47%, Action 34.6%, Space 12.2%, Indie 6.1%
- #54 Astronomics
65% matchVery Positive90% of 645 reviews2025
Dev: Numizmatic
Windows
Median: 8.9 hrsMean: 14.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Top-down action and space exploration meet asteroid mining automation! Navigate to randomly generated asteroids passing by and start mining. Impress your employer, upgrade your equipment, fight off pirates and save up for that ticket to Earth so you can finally come home... for the very first time.
Why similar: Space 73.9%, Strategy 9%, Action 6.7%, Simulation 6.4%, Indie 4%
- #55 Let Them Come
68% matchVery Positive84% of 1,353 reviews2017
Dev: Tuatara GamesPub: Versus Evil
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Let Them Come is a fast paced pixel art shoot ‘em up. Twitchy trigger fingers and focused battle tactics are the order of the day as wave after wave of alien-like creatures try to take you down.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 35.7%, Action 25.4%, Strategy 14.9%, Indie 13.4%, Bullet Hell 10.5%
- #56 Pixel Star
70% matchVery Positive84% of 117 reviews2015
Dev: Soul Forge
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Endless arcade action takes a modern twist, creating a uniquely challenging open space shoot-em-up experience. From brutal bosses to black holes and beyond, countless hazards await discovery. How long can you survive?
Why similar: Action 42.4%, Space 33.8%, Indie 23.8%
- #57 Salvagers
65% matchVery Positive80% of 50 reviews2025
Dev: Tomasz Banaś
Windows · Linux
In Salvagers, you command a small crew of greedy explorers that land on abandoned space stations that litter the galaxy, and it's your job to loot them for anything worth a credit. Scrap tech, lost weapons, forgotten treasures - everything has a price.
Why similar: Strategy 29.5%, Action 29%, RPG 22.7%, Space 18.8%
- #58 Power-Up
70% matchMixed58% of 263 reviews2014
Dev: Psychotic Psoftware
Windows
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 97%
A fast-paced retro shoot-'em-up featuring evolving weapons, intense arcade combat and massive bosses — from one-man studio Psychotic Psoftware.
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 43.2%, Action 20.3%, Indie 12.4%, Space 12.2%, Bullet Hell 12%
- #59 VoidExpanse
69% matchMostly Positive71% of 760 reviews2015
Dev: AtomicTorch Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Explore the vast reaches of VoidExpanse -- mine asteroids, upgrade your ship, trade, complete missions, advance your character and survive fast-paced combat with hostile aliens and mercenaries in the rich and exciting Sci-Fi universe of VoidExpanse!
Why similar: Space 30.3%, RPG 16.7%, Action 16.7%, Strategy 15.9%, Simulation 12.1%
- #60 Xenoraid: The First Space War
67% matchVery Positive87% of 140 reviews2016
Dev: 10tons Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Xenoraid is a vertically scrolling shoot'em up with procedurally driven missions and detailed shooting mechanics. Modern features such as real time fighter switching and squadron management make Xenoraid a fresh and thrilling shooter!
Why similar: Shoot 'Em Up 42.5%, Action 20%, Space 15.7%, Bullet Hell 11.6%, Indie 10.1%