18 NEW Science Fiction Video Games of 2021

2020 was a bit of an unusual year. With the coronavirus health pandemic, several games were delayed and pushed back into 2021. As a result, we’re going to see a ton of great games launch and if you’re in the market to either find some games for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, or the latest console generations, then let us help you out by showcasing some of our most anticipated games. In this particular list, we’re going over the most anticipated science fiction video games coming in 2021. With that said, you will want to bookmark this page as we’ll continue to monitor this post and update it with new and exciting video game titles as they are announced.

Disclaimer Update: Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, Stalker 2, Starfield, Horizon Forbidden West, Atomic Heart, and Scorn were removed due to being delayed.

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#18 Solar Ash

• Developer: Heart Machine
• Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
• Platforms: PS4, PC, PS5
• Release: 2021
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

Solar Ash is a brand new IP coming from the development team that made Hyper Light Drifter, Heart Machine. The game doesn’t have a ton of information out for it quite yet, but it is set to launch this year still so we may be waiting a bit before more details emerge online. From what we know, the game has players going through a journey into a world filled with mystery as players will be able to explore this open world and unlock the secrets from past ruins. Again the details are a bit scarce here but coming from the team behind Hyper Light Drifter, and fans are eager to dive into this upcoming indie title.

#17 Everspace 2

• Developer: Rockfish Games
• Publisher: Rockfish Games
• Platforms: PS4, XBO, PC, 
• Release: January 18, 2021 Early Access
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

A sequel to Everspace is out, which is fast-paced spaceship combat RPG. Players can tweak their ship, explore different planets, and, most importantly, partake in some big massive dogfights. We know that in this game, you’ll be on a hunt to expand your private ship collection by gathering new loot or seeking out hidden treasures. However, each journey will prove to be a high-risk with high-reward encounters. Currently, the game is in Early Access on Steam, and it’s uncertain just how long players will have to wait before the full game takes before releasing online. However, the developers hope to see Everspace 2 exit Steam’s Early Access program within 2022.

#16 Crysis Remastered

• Developer: Crytek
• Publisher: Cryek
• Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO, NS
• Release Date: September 17, 2021
• Co-op: NA
• Competitive Multiplayer: NA

For years Crysis was the game PC players used as a benchmark. If your PC could play Crysis, then it was a powerful rig. However, that game came out back in 2007, so it’s not necessarily the big graphical hitter today, which is a shame because it was a rather fun FPS title. Now there’s a remastered edition, so if you wanted to replay the game with some enhancements or try the title for the first time, this is a viable option. There’s plenty of improvements made to the visuals, but overall this is still an action-packed title where players are battling against aliens that have landed on a small chain of islands.

#15 Encased: A Sci-Fi Post-Apocalytpic RPG

• Developer: Dark Crystal Games
• Publisher: Prime Matter
• Platforms: PC
• Release Date: September 7, 2021
• Co-op: NA
• Competitive Multiplayer: NA

If you’re a fan of classic RPG video games like the old Fallout installments, then you might enjoy Encased: A Sci-Fi Post-Apocalyptic RPG. It’s an isometric game set in an alternative 1970s. A strange dome had appeared, and through this dome, humanity was able to make several technological advancements. You’re taking the role of an employee overseeing the exploration and research within the dome. Like other classic RPG titles out there, players will customize their character, adjust their attributes and set off into the game. Of course, depending on the choices you made during the character creation will determine how well your character will do in certain situations or even speaking with different faction members. Meanwhile, when combat arises, you’ll find that this is a turn-based RPG so plotting your attacks and strategizing with the gear you have is pretty crucial here.

#14 Chernobylite

• Developer: The Farm 51
• Publisher: All in! Games SA
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release Date: July 28, 2021
• Co-op: NA
• Competitive Multiplayer: NA

Chernobylite is a single-player game where players take the role of a former Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant employee. Years after the meltdown, our protagonist decides to venture back to Pripyat to figure out what happened to his missing wife. Although, this is not an easy journey to take on as players will be dealing with other stalkers, military forces, and mutated creatures. Players will have to gather resources to manage their equipment when they’re not actively venturing around the area and fighting off enemies. It’s a bit of a horror experience with survival elements throughout, but it’s a game worth checking into this year if you haven’t already tried it out.

#13 Aliens: Fireteam Elite

• Developer: Cold Iron Studios
• Publisher: Cold Iron Studios
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release Date: August 24, 2021
• Co-op: Online
• Competitive Multiplayer: NA

Set years after the events of the Aliens film, we have Aliens: Fireteam Elite. This is a game where players take the role of specialized Colonial Marines sent out to different distress signals. Overall, the game is more of a third-person shooter as you attempt to complete objectives while trying to clear out areas full of Xenomorphs. It’s a game best played with friends online as you can work together in a team. You’ll have five different classes to choose from, each with its own attributes, including Gunner, Doc, Recon, Technician, and Demolisher. However, if you can’t play with some friends online, the other teammates will be controlled as AI. You don’t have to be a fan of the Alien trilogy either to enjoy this game, as it’s just a fun shootout battling waves of enemies.

#12 Dyson Sphere Program

• Developer: Youthcat Studio
• Publisher: Gamera Game
• Platforms: PC
• Release Date: January 21, 2021 Early Access
• Co-op: NA
• Competitive Multiplayer: NA

If you don’t mind early access games, then check into Dyson Sphere Program. Overall, the game is all about obtaining energy to sustain life on Earth. When resources prove to be in dire need, a corporation builds up a means to collect energy from other planets. You’re in control of this operation, so it’s a bit of a strategy game as you set up the different stations on the alien planet to collect its energy resources. From there, you’ll have to transfer back to Earth. Of course, several obstacles will pop up, which will require players to think of how to progress forward. Likewise, you’ll find that this game does offer procedurally generated worlds and conditions to deal with.

#11 Scarlet Nexus 

• Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
• Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release Date: June 25, 2021
• Co-op: NA
• Competitive Multiplayer: NA

Scarlet Nexus is a bit of an unusual game. This is a title that looks a bit like an anime both visually and with the narrative. Overall, the game is set in a fictional alternative world where mutated creatures can invade and attack innocent civilians. Fortunately, there is a military outfit that is specialized in taking out these creatures. However, what makes this military a bit different is that each member is equipped with supernatural power. For instance, our protagonist has the ability of telekinesis, so you’re able to pick things up with your mind and chuck at the enemy target. Although, there’s the ability to add more party members into your group, which will come with unique powers of their own to aid in battle. So it’s a bit of a strategy to see how to use the different powers to take out enemies or to deliver a more powerful combination attack.

#10 Returnal

• Developer: Housemarque
• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Platforms: PS5
• Release: April 30, 2021
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

Returnal is a game developed under Housemarque, which you might be familiar with from Nex Machina and Matterfall. In this game, players will take control of a space pilot named Selene, who has been trapped on an alien planet full of hostile creatures. Unfortunately, not only is she trapped on this planet but she’s stuck in a time loop. Therefore, with every attempt and failure to escape, the game will change up thanks to also being rogue-like. Ultimately, this means that there is a ton of replay value and quite the challenge to those of you wishing to fight your way through a bullet-hell action-packed adventure. Speaking of being a bullet hell, you’ll constantly have to keep your head on a swivel as you keep an eye out of where enemies are firing from to avoid being killed off.

#9 Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy

• Developer: Eidos-Montreal
• Publisher: Square Enix
• Platforms: PC, NS, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release Date: October 26, 2021
• Co-op: NA
• Competitive Multiplayer: NA

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy will toss players into the thrilling single-player narrative. This game is not out quite yet at the time of writing this description, but we’re taking the role of Star-Lord. With our gang of heroes looking for a quick payday, the Guardians of the Galaxy ends up creating a series of catastrophic events. Now our heroes are forced into saving the day once again. So far, we know that the game will only allow players to take the role of Star-Lord, although it will allow players to send out commands to characters like Rocket Raccoon and Groot during combat. Developers have also said that players can expect multiple choices throughout the campaign, which will unlock certain scenes or content. However, it’s noted that there is only one ending.

#8 Lemnis Gate

• Developer: Ratloop Games Canada
• Publisher: Ratloop Games Canada, Frontier Developments PLC
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release Date: September 28, 2021
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: Online

Lemnis Gate is a unique 1V1 game that’s a bit tough to explain. It’s an FPS game set within a time loop. However, it’s also a turn-based game. Players are either an attacker or a defender. The game starts with the attacker completing the objective. You’ll have just 25 seconds to do this before the attacker is forced to sit out and watch a replay of their character. However, during this period, the defender is now active, and it’s their job to take out the attacker, preventing the objective and closing off the initial loop. This goes on for five turns which will determine the winner. It’s certainly a different game, but one that’s quite a bit of fun as players will constantly have to anticipate just what the opposing side will plan to do during their turn.

#7 Biomutant

• Developer: Experiment 101
• Publisher: THQ Nordic
• Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
• Release: May 25, 2021
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

Biomutant is an open-world action RPG that throws players into the role of a mutated animal that’s forced to fight off a natural disaster. The world has been infected by a poisonous oil that has begun to destroy The Tree of Life. The game is set up as a third-person action RPG in which players can adjust their character up to either be a force to reckon with from gunplay, melee, to mutated powers. That essentially allows combat to be played a bit more freely whether you want to go more of a melee route, use different abilities you’ve unlocked, or if you prefer guns. With that said, players can also expect plenty of areas to explore and side quests to pop up.

#6 Mass Effect Legendary Edition

• Developer: BioWare
• Publisher: Electronic Arts
• Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
• Release: May 14, 2021
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

The Mass Effect franchise is massive, and fans still look fondly back at the original trilogy release. This action RPG threw players into a narrative that forced players into fighting for the universe’s survival. We got to visit new planets during the journey, bring on new crew members, along with a few twists and turns to the narrative that ultimately kept players sitting on the edge of their seats. While the trilogy wrapped up back in 2012, players are still being recommended these titles today. Fortunately, BioWare went back to deliver a remastered collection that enhances the game for modern platforms without changing anything to the game narrative. The base games are here and all of the DLC, which means you can go through the full storyline from start to finish.

#5 Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis

• Developer: Sega
• Publisher: Sega
• Platforms: PC, XBO, XSX/S
• Release: June 9, 2021
• Co-op: Online
• Competitive Multiplayer: Online

It took markets outside of Japan a long time before they could get their hands on Phantasy Star Online 2. Last year the game reached western markets, and players have been going through the game’s narrative storylines. Now the focus is on Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis. This is a new game release that will continue the storyline of Phantasy Star Online 2, which should also feature a few enhancements to the game, such as the mechanics and visuals. Fortunately, if you were getting into Phantasy Star Online 2, then you don’t have to worry about the game being taken down as these two titles are set to coexist. Likewise, all of the gear and progress you made on your account from Phantasy Star Online 2 can be brought over into the New Genesis release.

#4 Metroid Dread

• Developer: MercurySteam
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Platforms: NS
• Release Date: October 8, 2021
• Co-op: NA
• Competitive Multiplayer: NA

Metroid Dread is the latest installment to the Metroid franchise. Overall, this game is the last of Metroid’s video game chronology. This title is set after the events of Metroid Fusion. The Galactic Federation learns of potential X parasites being alive on a distant planet. After sending out EMMI robots to deal with them. However, upon arrival, the robots have gone offline. So now Samus is forced to visit the planet herself and deal with the problem. This is a classic-style Metroidvania game; there’s plenty of exploration, gather power-ups, and exploring the map.

#3 Deathloop

• Developer: Arkane Studios
• Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
• Platforms: PS5, PC
• Release: September 14, 2021
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: Online

Deathloop is an action-adventure game where players take the role of an assassin named Colt. In this game, players are supposed to track down and take out eight particular targets scattered around the island. However, there is a time loop, and after time runs out, players are yanked back into the start of the game all over again. Likewise, if your protagonist happens to die three times during the game, you’ll once again get tossed back to the starting point all over again. While players are planning out their attacks and taking out targets, it’s worth noting that there is one assassin on the island that only has to take out a single target, and that’s you. Named Julianna, players are forced into avoiding her as she attempts to gun you down. An interesting point about Julianna is that a secondary player can join your game as Julianna, which should bring more of a challenge than AI.

#2 Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

• Developer: Insomniac Games
• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Platforms: PS5
• Release: TBA
• Co-op: N/A
• Competitive Multiplayer: N/A

Ratchet & Clank has been around for quite a few years now. After first starting in 2002, there’s been mainline installment and spin-offs for players to enjoy. Now the latest installment is Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Much like the series is known for, a new threat on the universe pops up, forcing our protagonists Ratchet and Clank, to save the day. However, the big gimmick in this game is the Rift Tether, which players can use to teleport to different areas of the map quickly. So, for example, if a pathway is destroyed, players could tether over to the other side using the new tool. This was a mechanic that the developers had credited the power of the PlayStation 5 for being able to pull off.

#1 Halo Infinite

• Developer: 343 Industries
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Platforms: PC, XBO, X/S
• Release: December 8, 2021
• Co-op: Coming Soon
• Competitive Multiplayer: Online

There was a ton of hype and anticipation for 343 Industries Halo Infinite. After some mixed reception of Halo 5: Guardians, there was some hope that Halo Infinite could recapture some of the joy that Bungie initially offered with the Halo franchise. But, of course, when the developers finally did showcase the gameplay footage is was met with disappointment. That prompted the studio to delay the game, which meant that Halo Infinite wouldn’t release alongside the Xbox Series X/S. Fortunately, this was the right call as the flights that came for this game since then have received quite a bit of positive reception. Although, we haven’t seen the campaign since then as the developers continue to push the game’s multiplayer aspect. Speaking of which, the multiplayer component of Halo Infinite has been confirmed to be free-to-play. But, with that said, it looks like we’re back on a new Halo ring with a fight against a Covenant force that split off known as The Banished.