10 Best Sci-Fi Games in 2025 for Futuristic Fun

If you’ve ever wanted to jump into outer space, cross paths with mysterious aliens, and maybe save the human race while you’re at it, you’re in the right place: the best sci-fi games pull you into strange worlds where politics, war, and personal relationships collide.

Some drop you into massive open-world sandboxes like No Man’s Sky, others hit you with tense first-person shooter missions where a single wrong move can cost your crew their lives.

Sci-fi as a genre is wild because it blends everything – horror tension in derelict ships, RPG-style dialogue trees that shape your story, even tactical squad combat that feels ripped from a blockbuster sci-fi series. You can go from battling evil empires in Mass Effect to surviving a nightmarish future in Deus Ex: Human Revolution without skipping a beat.

This list is a curated set of top games I’ve played or had recommended by fellow sci-fi nerds: a mix of classics like Half-Life and Fallout games, and those who are excited for upcoming games like Metal Eden and Cronos: The New Dawn. So suit up, friends. It’s time to explore strange planets, fight for survival, and maybe change the fate of the universe itself.

Our Top Picks for Sci-Fi Games

When it comes to sci-fi games, I want the full package: epic stories, wild technology, and choices that make my head spin. These titles don’t just throw lasers and aliens at you – they create entire universes that suck you in and refuse to let go.

1. Mass Effect (2007) – A galaxy-spanning RPG where your choices shape the fate of civilizations and your crew.
2. Outer Wilds (2019) – A mind-bending outer space mystery where you unravel the secrets of a time loop before the universe resets.
3. Cyberpunk 2077 (2020) – A gritty open-world RPG set in a neon-drenched future where power, implants, and choices rule Night City.

As great as these are, they’re just a taste. Tons of other games are waiting out there with even more epic sci-fi experiences.

Strap in and keep scrolling – the full list of the best sci-fi titles is coming up, and you won’t want to miss a single one.

10 Top Games in Sci-Fi That You Must Play

What makes the best game in sci-fi? Is it alien politics? Rogue AIs? Entire galaxies to get lost in? Trick question – it’s all of these.

This list is your launchpad to unforgettable worlds and, yes, more games than your backlog is ready for. 

1. Mass Effect [Best Sci-Fi RPG with Immersive Storytelling]

Our score	10 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Platforms	PC, Xbox 360, PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Year of release	2007
Developer	BioWare
Average playtime	17-30 hours
Unique features	Branching narrative, morality system, squad-based combat

Mass Effect grabbed me from the start with its mix of innovative TPS game mechanics and a branching narrative where every choice matters.

I dove into a universe filled with politics between alien species, ancient AI threats, and mysteries that challenge what it means to be human. The characters like Garrus, Tali, and Liara felt real to me, not just sidekicks. The Paragon/Renegade system? It turns morality into an active part of the gameplay, where every decision carries weight.

Playing Mass Effect feels like piloting your own sci-fi saga. The game adapts to how you choose to engage: no matter if you’re all about combat or prefer dialogue and relationships. 

Customizing your squad, exploring the galaxy, and facing moral dilemmas created moments I won’t forget. Sure, the Mako handling was clunky at times, and some combat parts felt a bit dated compared to modern shooters, but the depth of the story kept me hooked.

Visually, Mass Effect is that kind of sleek sci-fi aesthetic with detailed environments, with the Citadel feeling like a futuristic city straight out of a classic space opera. The soundtrack and sound design drew me deeper into this universe, while the mix of realistic tech and alien aesthetics balanced style and immersion. 

My verdict: Mass Effect stands tall among the best sci-fi games; it blends rich storytelling with engaging gameplay that puts you at the heart of an epic universe. If you want a game where your actions genuinely affect the world and characters, this one’s for you.

What players say

2. Outer Wilds

Our score	9.8 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Platforms	PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Year of release	2019
Developer	Mobius Digital
Average playtime	15-20 hours
Unique features	Time loop mechanics, open exploration, mystery-driven gameplay

Outer Wilds threw me into a quiet, strange solar system that kept pulling me back with a 22-minute time loop wrapped in cosmic mystery.

Unlike many sci-fi, this one skips battles and leveling in favor of pure curiosity and discovery. What sticks to me is the knowledge I gather about the ancient Nomai race and the bizarre physics shaping each planet. This low-tech yet deeply scientific approach made me rethink what science fiction can be, relying on ideas instead of flashy tech.

Playing Outer Wilds felt like piecing together a grand puzzle, with each orbit revealing more secrets about a system on the brink of destruction. This fantastic RPG rewards patience and attention: there’s no combat pressure, just exploration and learning. 

The time loop mechanic creates tension and urgency, but I appreciated how the game trusts me to figure things out on my own. However, this game might not be ideal for everyone. It’s an experience that suits explorers and thinkers rather than action junkies.Visually, Outer Wilds balances style and realism, with unique planetary effects like black holes inside brittle worlds and a sun hurtling toward a supernova. The minimalist soundtrack perfectly complements the mysterious vibe that deepens my immersion in this fragile universe. It’s not about graphic power but about crafting a beautiful, open world that feels alive with secrets.

My verdict: If you want a fresh take on space exploration and puzzles, then Outer Wilds is for you. It’s a quiet, thoughtful journey that will change how you see the universe.

What players say

3. Cyberpunk 2077 [Best Ambitious Open-World Sci-Fi Experience]

Our score	9.7 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Platforms	PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Year of release	2020
Developer	CD Projekt Red
Average playtime	25-50 hours
Unique features	Open-world RPG, futuristic setting, deep character customization

Cyberpunk 2077 surprised me with its sprawling vision of a neon-lit future where technology blurs the line between human and machine.

The gameplay gave me options to play my way; I could be a stealthy hacker or a street brawler with cybernetic upgrades. The story focuses on identity and freedom in a world ruled by mega-corporations, featuring V’s emotional journey and the unforgettable Johnny Silverhand.

This game has one of the most ambitious narratives in sci-fi series today, mixing deep cybernetic customization with the braindance mechanic, a twisted dive into others’ memories that reminded me of CSI meets Black Mirror. That’s why I love games like Cyberpunk.

From hacking through enemies stealthily or blasting my way through, the city of Night City was a brutal yet beautiful playground. Sure, this game had a rocky launch, and while some bugs lingered even after patches, the world-building and narrative depth made me overlook the rough edges.

Graphics and sound design leave that mark with vivid neon lighting and detailed environments. The soundtrack, mixing synthwave and industrial, perfectly fits the dystopian vibe. Night City’s atmosphere felt alive and oppressive, from Pacifica’s back alleys to Corpo Plaza’s skyscrapers. It’s a notable open-world game that feels packed with stories and surprises.

My verdict: Cyberpunk 2077 stands as a bold, complex entry in the best games lineup for anyone craving a mature, layered sci-fi RPG that challenges how we see technology and humanity.

What players say

4. Horizon: Forbidden West [Post-Apocalyptic Sci-Fi Adventure]

Our score	9.5 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Platforms	PS4, PS5
Year of release	2022
Developer	Guerrilla Games
Average playtime	25-60 hours
Unique features	Post-apocalyptic world, robot dinosaurs, deep crafting system

I didn’t expect a robot kangaroo to scare me, but Horizon: Forbidden West made that happen.

This sequel ups the ante with new gadgets like a sleek glider and Pullcaster, which made traversing its beautiful open world a blast. The core gameplay mixes combat, exploration, and tech hacking, which puts me in the shoes of Aloy, a smart and curious heroine facing a future where nature and machines collide.

The game shines in world-building: a post-apocalyptic Earth rebuilt by tribal societies surviving among AI-driven war machines. Themes of climate collapse and AI ethics run deep, especially with HEPHAESTUS, a villainous AI pumping out war bots. 

Aloy’s journey feels personal, yet it tackles big questions about the human race and technology’s role in our future. Combat is fluid and rewarding, but honestly, some side quests felt repetitive compared to the main story.

Visually, Forbidden West is a spectacle with cozy environments, dynamic weather, and detailed machine designs. The soundtrack complements the epic tone, and the vibrant mix of nature and tech creates a unique atmosphere. It’s an outstanding RPG that balances realism and fantasy perfectly, which successfully keeps me hooked every time I explore a new area.

My verdict: If you love open-world games that mix adventure, tech, and a deep story, Forbidden West delivers one of the best journeys in recent sci-fi games

What players say

5. Half-Life 2 [Best Classic FPS with Revolutionary Physics]

Our score	9.4 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Platforms	PC, Xbox, Xbox 360, PS3
Year of release	2004
Developer	Valve
Average playtime	10-15 hours
Unique features	Physics-based puzzles, immersive storytelling, gravity gun

Half-Life 2 blew me away with its groundbreaking physics and immersive world back in 2004.

The gravity gun alone still ranks as one of the coolest tools I’ve ever used in a first-person shooter. It turned combat into creative problem-solving, like tossing saw blades at zombies or flinging crates as weapons. 

The Combine’s alien tech and suppression fields made Earth feel invaded but disturbingly familiar. The game trusts you to figure out how to survive with minimal hand-holding, which made the combat and exploration feel satisfying.

City 17’s atmosphere stuck with me – a blend of eerie Eastern European architecture and oppressive alien rule. The story unfolded without Gordon Freeman saying a word, yet characters like Alyx and Dog gave the world heart and charm. Graphically, the game was ahead of its time, and even now, the art style holds up. Sound design added tension with creepy environments and well-timed audio cues. Though the visuals aren’t hyper-realistic by today’s standards, the cohesive style supports immersion perfectly.

My verdict: Half-Life 2 remains one of the top games in this genre, combining gameplay, story, and world-building into an unforgettable experience. It’s a must-play for anyone who loves a smart and immersive game.

What players say

6. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain [Best Sandbox Stealth Meets Sci-Fi Warfare]

Our score	9.3 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Platforms	PC, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Year of release	2015
Developer	Kojima Productions / Konami
Average playtime	~30–40 hours (main story), 50+ with side ops
Unique features	Open-world stealth, base-building mechanics, dynamic mission approach

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain threw me into an open world playground where stealth meets high-tech sci fi horrors.

As Big Boss, you led a mercenary army and infiltrated Soviet bases across Afghanistan and Africa. The game let you approach missions your way – tranquilizer darts, cardboard boxes, or occasionally, a rocket launcher when things got messy.

It’s a sandbox that rewards creativity and experimentation, all while threading in biotech threats like parasitic viruses and experimental AI that gives the world a tense, believable edge.

Playing Phantom Pain felt like living in a post-human war zone. I could customize my approach to every mission, upgrade my base, and interact with soldiers and equipment in ways that mattered. Yeah, some moments got repetitive, and AI teammates could be a bit dumb at times, but the freedom to play and plan felt satisfying.

Visually, the environments are stunning. Think rugged mountains and flooded bases. These were paired with a hauntingly subtle soundtrack that pulls me into the tension. The mix of realism with sci-fi elements, like high-tech prosthetics and experimental weapons, makes the world feel alive and dangerous. The cinematic touch in key moments reinforces the story without slowing down the action.

My verdict: Phantom Pain is one of the best games for fans of stealth. Its combination of freedom and world-building makes it a must-play for tactical thinkers.

What players say

7. Halo: The Master Chief Collection [Best Sci-Fi FPS Saga]

Our score	9 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Platforms	PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Year of release	2014
Developer	343 Industries
Average playtime	50-100+ hours (entire collection)
Unique features	Compilation of Halo titles, remastered visuals, online multiplayer

Jumping into Halo: The Master Chief Collection felt like a time warp filled with epic battles across space.

This series packs six legendary titles into one first-person shooter that lets me experience the evolution of combat, dual-wielding chaos, and massive galactic conflicts. From the terrifying horror game vibes of Combat Evolved to the sprawling epic of Reach, the gameplay changes but keeps the adrenaline high.

Playing the collection felt like commanding a Spartan across multiple eras. I could switch between campaigns seamlessly, relive iconic moments, and dive into multiplayer that still has me coming back. 

The lore hooked me; the Covenant, the Flood, and the Forerunners form a deep sci-fi tapestry, and Master Chief himself is a hero I can both admire and empathize with. While older levels show their age, the remaster keeps them playable and gorgeous, so the exploration in outer space is still genuinely exciting.

Graphically, the collection shines with remastered visuals and smoother frame rates that give each Halo ring and alien city a fresh feel. Sound design and epic music make every firefight tense and cinematic. 

My verdict: Halo: MCC is a cornerstone of top games for anyone craving a rich first-person shooter experience set in an unforgettable sci fi universe.

What players say

8. No Man’s Sky [Best Endless Universe of Exploration]

Our score	8.8 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Platforms	PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Year of release	2016
Developer	Hello Games
Average playtime	30-100+ hours
Unique features	Procedural universe, base building, space, and planetary exploration

No Man’s Sky turned me from a skeptic into a full-on space explorer.

The procedurally generated universe offers 18 quintillion planets, each with surprises, dangers, and alien lifeforms. Every planet feels alive, from rich paradises to hostile wastelands. Exploration is the core of the gameplay, it blends survival and cataloging aliens across the galaxy.

Playing this immersive indie game is a joy for anyone who wants freedom. I could warp between star systems and terraform planets, and even learn alien languages one word at a time. 

Survival and resource management add tension, but the game never pressures you to rush. Some planets are frustratingly harsh, but the sense of adventure keeps me returning. It’s a universe I can truly make my own.

While early bugs haunted the game, updates have refined everything into a polished, beautiful open world adventure. The visuals are stunning, think vibrant planets, diverse biomes, and dynamic skies. The soundtrack complements the sense of endless outer space which gives me a feeling of wonder and isolation.

My verdict: No Man’s Sky is undoubtedly one of the best games for anyone wanting to discover and survive in a limitless universe.

What players say

9. Deus Ex: Human Revolution [Best Cyberpunk Stealth Meets Philosophy]

Our score	9.5 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Platforms	PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, Mac
Year of release	2011
Developer	Eidos-Montréal
Average playtime	20-30 hours
Unique features	Cyberpunk setting, choice-driven gameplay, stealth/action hybrid

In Deus Ex: Human Revolution, I didn’t just sneak through vents, I questioned the future of humanity while doing it.

Playing as Adam Jensen – a cybernetically enhanced operative – I navigated a dystopian world dominated by corporate power and human augmentation. Upgrading my arm-blades and hacking systems made every encounter feel personal and consequential, which blends sci-fi series themes seamlessly into gameplay.

The game lets me tackle missions my way – loud, quiet, or cunningly deceptive. Social manipulation and combat all feel like extensions of Jensen’s enhanced body.

Sure, some AI can be predictable and easy to beat, but the freedom and choice in tackling every mission made every run fresh. It’s a game that rewards thinking and adapting, challenging what it means to be human in a technologically advanced world.

Visually, the neon-soaked cities and sleek cyberpunk aesthetics are stunning. Soundtrack and lighting set the mood, so the corporate labs and shadowy alleys feel alive. It balances style and realism, successfully keeping me immersed in both action and story.

My verdict: Deus Ex: Human Revolution stands out as a must-play game for anyone craving stealth and high-tech action.

What players say

10. Portal 2 [Best Sci-Fi Puzzle Comedy]

Our score	9.2 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Platforms	PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Year of release	2011
Developer	Valve
Average playtime	8-12 hours
Unique features	Innovative puzzle mechanics, co-op mode, witty narrative

Portal 2 made me laugh, scratch my head, and think in portals.

The game lets me step into one portal and exit another with perfect momentum. Gels, cubes, and clever physics puzzles kept me on my toes, while GLaDOS’s sarcastic commentary added humor to every session. It’s a first person shooter of a very different kind, where brains beat brawn.

Playing co-op added another layer of challenge and fun. My friend and I had to communicate, experiment, and sometimes fail spectacularly before solving a puzzle. 

Single-player also shines, with the story exploring autonomy, AI ethics, and identity while wrapped in clever, hilarious dialogue. Some puzzles can stump you multiple times, but the satisfaction of solving them is immense.Graphically, Aperture Science looks decayed but full of character, with sound and color enhancing each room. The world feels lived-in and quirky, perfectly matching the sarcastic, dark humor of the narrative. But to me, GLaDOS remains one of gaming’s most memorable characters.

My verdict: Portal 2 is one of the top games that combines humor, puzzles, and science fiction that creates a clever, unforgettable experience.

What players say

Exciting Sci-Fi Games on the Horizon

The sci-fi genre keeps expanding, and the next wave of releases is looking seriously promising. Here are three upcoming titles already sparking hype in early previews:

1. Metal Eden – Cyberpunk-speed FPS from Reikon Games. You play ASKA, an android with a digitized human mind, tearing through the orbital city of Moebius to rescue human COREs: chain dashes, grapples, and wall-runs between brutal firefights. Launches September 2, 2025 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, demo buzz is strong even if performance still needs a polish.
2. Cronos: The New Dawn – Third-person sci-fi survival horror by Bloober Team. You are a Traveler jumping between a ruined future and war-torn 1980s Poland, burning enemies before they fuse into nastier abominations while you harvest souls. Releases September 5, 2025 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows, Switch 2, and macOS.
3. Hell Is Us – A bold blend of action and mystery set in a semi-open world scarred by supernatural forces. You play as Rémi, unraveling cryptic clues as you uncover what’s really haunting this strange land. Releases September 4, 2025, on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

No matter if you’re chasing lightning-fast FPS chaos, braving soul-harvesting horror, or diving into the eerie mystery, these sci-fi games are shaping up to define the next chapter of the genre.

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FAQs

What is the best sci-fi game?

That really depends on what you’re into – Mass Effect is beloved for its great story and choices, Half-Life 2 is a world-building legend, and No Man’s Sky nails endless exploration.

What is sci-fi in games?

Sci-fi in games blends futuristic tech, space travel, AI, and alien worlds into gameplay and narrative, letting players explore speculative, often thought-provoking settings.

What space games are still in development?

The space games that are still in development are Dune: Awakening, Starfield, and Hell Is Us. Each one is shaping up to bring something fresh to the sci-fi scene: Dune’s massive open-world survival, Starfield’s galaxy of exploration, or Hell Is Us’s blend of post-apocalyptic mystery and alien tech. 

What is the new space game in 2026?

The new space game in 2026 is Dune: Awakening. Built around survival and political intrigue in the Dune universe, it promises a sprawling open world filled with shifting alliances and the constant threat of sandworms. It’s one of the most anticipated releases in the genre.

Is science fiction better than fantasy?

It all comes down to personal taste – sci-fi dives into tech and future possibilities, while fantasy explores magic and myth. Both offer rich, interesting storytelling in their own ways.