36 Best Science Fiction Games of 2023

Sci-Fi titles are actually a bit more far-reaching than many think. Mainly because it’s a low bar to cross when you think about it. Regardless, video game developers love to make titles of this type, and 2023 will be packed with them.

#36 Risk of Rain Returns

Platform: PC Switch
Release Date: November 08, 2023

Steam | Nintendo

What’s more sci-fi than being on a spaceship that is damaged and has to take refuge on a planet full of monsters and now has to survive what’s down there? That’s what we thought.

Risk of Rain Returns is the remaster of the classic title that aims to give players more than they could’ve ever wanted! For example, there are over a dozen survivors to pick from to take on the planet’s creatures. Each of these survivors has skills and weapons that are different from one another, so choose the one you think you can use the best!

Then, head to the planet and loot it to get even stronger!

#35 Everspace 2

Platform: PC April 06, 2023
Release Date: PS5 XSX|S August 15, 2023

Steam | PlayStation | Xbox

If you enjoyed Everspace, then check out the sequel. Instead of the roguelike gameplay from the first game, the sequel follows a defined storyline. You’ll step back into the role of a cloned pilot, and off you go on a detailed journey between battling mercenaries, pirates, and aliens. The game also strongly focuses on piloting around the universe in your ship. Whether fighting in open space, navigating through asteroids, or other debris and structures, you can expect plenty of action-packed moments. But it’s not all mindless shooting in this game. When you’re not battling away enemies, there are some environmental puzzles to solve and new loot to uncover.

#34 Starship Troopers: Extermination

Platform: PC
Release Date: May 17, 2023

Steam

Are you ready to do your part?

Starship Troopers: Extermination puts you back in the universe where humanity is constantly fighting against the vile species known as Arachnids.

You yourself are part of the Mobile Infantry and are sent to the planet Valaka to take out the swarm that lives there. You’ll be in constant combat once you arrive and must use your weapons and building tools to the fullest to survive!

But the good news is that the game is co-op, so you can squash these bugs with friends! It’s a big world out there, so go see if you can take it back for humanity!

#33 Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp

Platform: Switch
Release Date: April 21, 2023

Nintendo

At first glance, Advance Wars: 1+2: Re-Boot Camp might not seem like a sci-fi title. After all, the people you play as are humans. The world they live in is very Earth-like outside of certain things. And just as important, the units you use are all based on the real world.

However, there are some sci-fi elements to the title that help make it stand out. For example, every commander has a special ability that they can use to bolster their forces in the heat of battle. Some of them can heal all their units, while others can extend their units’ range or improve their firepower.

Plus, there’s an evil organization named Black Hole. If that’s not sci-fi, we don’t know what is.

#32 Pikmin 4

Platform: Switch
Release Date: July 21, 2023

Nintendo

It’s sometimes easy to forget that the worlds that Captain Olimar and the rest of the Rescue Corps go to can be counted as “sci-fi planets,” and yet, it’s true! In Pikmin 4, you’ll head to an equally sci-fi planet and attempt to rescue Olimar and the others from the predicaments they’ve found themselves in.

But the sci-fi elements go beyond the basics of collecting Pikmin and battling aliens! This time, you’ll have a dog-like alien named Oatchi to help you around.

Furthermore, underground sections will push the gameplay and setting to new depths. Plus, there are night-time missions where you’ll use ghost-like Pikmin to fight rage-filled beasts!

So yeah, a classic sci-fi adventure.

#31 Metroid Prime Remastered

Platform: Switch
Release Date: February 08, 2023

Nintendo

Many games deserve the “remastered” treatment for one reason or another. But when it comes to Metroid Prime Remastered, it’s another story. This title was hailed as one of the best games of its generation when it came out on the Nintendo GameCube and the trilogy that it was a part of brought Samus Aran back into the limelight.

But now, with this remastered version of the game, you’ll get to see it at its peak on the Nintendo Switch and witness why this game still holds up to this day.

From the first-person combat to the exploration and story, you’ll feel everything Samus Aran does and fight to keep her alive.

#30 Hi-Fi Rush

Platform: PC XSX|S
Release Date: January 25, 2023

Steam | Xbox

Does a game get any more sci-fi than a kid having his heart fused with a music player and it now being the source of his combat style? If it isn’t, we need to seriously rewrite the rulebook.

Anyway, in Hi-Fi Rush, you’ll be thrown into a dystopian future where corporations are more than willing to toss out people they screwed up, including you. But you’re not alone in your fight to take them down. Find unique allies and use their abilities alongside your own to climb the “corporate ladder” and get the payback you deserve!

Plus, with the unique combat system, you’ll have a blast fighting foes.

#29 The Talos Principle 2

Platform: PC PS4 PS5 Xbox One XSX|S
Release Date: November 09, 2023

Steam | PlayStation | Xbox

Science fiction games are at their best when they give players memorable gameplay to enjoy and a thought-provoking story that they can take on in various ways. The Talos Principle 2 does that and more.

You’ll be put into a place in space and time when humanity is gone, but they are not forgotten. Everything seems perfect, but it’s not, and you know it. You’ll wander through various areas, attempting to learn the truth, and deal with deep questions that will lead to numerous endings.

What is the truth behind it all? What will change when it’s revealed? You’ll have to play to find out.

#28 Fort Solis

Developer: Fallen Leaf / Black Drakkar Games
Publisher: Plug in Digital / Dear Villagers / Playdius
Platforms: PC
Release: August 22, 2023

When you’re on Mars, the only people that can help you are those who are with you on the planet. In Fort Solis, you play Jack, an astronaut who receives a distress call from the titular base. But when he arrives there, something is wrong. The crew is nowhere to be found, and the base isn’t fully operational.

Trapped in the base due to a storm outside, Jack must wander through the base and figure out what happened. When the truth reveals itself, Jack must do all he can to survive until the morning to escape!

Can you survive long enough to make it out?

#27 Miasma Chronicles

Developer: The Bearded Ladies
Publisher: 505 Games
Platforms: PC PS5 XSX|S
Release: May 23, 2023

Miasma Chronicles comes from the developers that brought out Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden. Players can get into a new tactical adventure game today. In this title, America was demolished by force, only known as the Miasma. It’s here that players are taking the role of a young man named Elvis, who wields a mysterious glove that gives him control of the Miasma. With this power, players will embark on a journey across the country in search of answers and potentially change humanity’s current course.

#26 Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun

Developer: Auroch Digital
Publisher: Focus Entertainment / Focus Home Interactive
Platforms: PC PS4 XBOX ONE PS5 XSX|S SWITCH
Release: May 23, 2023

If you’re familiar with this franchise, you’ll know that its universe is deep and that its gameplay can be very dark and brutal. In Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, they continue that trend in some ways but also change up the feel to resemble some of the classic games of generations gone by.

For example, the title has you playing a Space Marine who is tasked with wiping out evil across the galaxy. But as you look at the game, it embraces the “boomer shooter” visual style and desire to just shoot everything in sight.

So load up your weapon and prepare to watch the blood fly!

#25 Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon

Platform: PC PS4 PS5 Xbox One XSX|S
Release Date: August 25, 2023

Steam | PlayStation | Xbox

What is more sci-fi than having massive mechs do battle? Well, if that’s not sci-fi, we don’t want to know what is. FromSoftware had brought back their long-dormant franchises in Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, and they’ve taken all they’ve learned from the past decade and put it into this new title.

You’ll be flung into a mech-filled war and must do everything possible to come out on top. That won’t be easy, considering you will face threats in potentially every direction. Not to mention, there are massive boss fights featuring mechs that you’ll need to bring down to size.

So mech up! It’s time to go to war.

#24 Forever Skies

Developer: Far From Home S.A.
Publisher: Far From Home S.A.
Platforms: PC PS4 PS5
Release: June 22, 2023

Forever Skies is a survival game that’s currently under early access. This game is set well after an apocalyptic event forced humanity to flee Earth. Players here take the role of a protagonist seeking to find a way back to Earth. A new mysterious illness has emerged, and a cure could be found back on the surface. Armed with your scientific knowledge, you’ll take an airship and explore the world and the ruins left behind. Upgrade your airship and craft up a base that will keep you safe from ecological disasters and a lab that can aid your efforts in uncovering a cure.

#23 Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge Enhanced Edition

Developer: ILMxLAB
Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios
Platforms: PS5
Release: February 22, 2023

Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge is not necessarily a new game. This title launched for the Oculus Rift previously, but this year Star Wars fans were treated with an enhanced edition of the game made for Sony’s latest virtual reality headset, the PlayStation VR2. If you’re unfamiliar with this game, the narrative is set after the events of Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, where players are on the run from the Guavian Death Gang. Laying low on Batuu, our protagonist meets a barkeep named Seezelslak. Here we’ll get some different stories from the barkeep, which tosses players into the roles of each hero as you play out these shorter campaign snippets. 

#22 Aliens: Dark Descent

Developer: Tindalos Interactive
Publisher: Focus Entertainment / Focus Home Interactive
Release date: June 20, 2023
Platform: PC PS4 PS5 Xbox One XSX|S

Aliens: Dark Descent puts you in the role of leader as you command a group of Colonial Marines on a mission of utmost importance. On the moon known as Lethe, there has been an outbreak of Xenomorphs, the most feared creatures in the galaxy.

It’s your job to go to the moon and wipe out the Xenomorphs before they can cause more harm to the galaxy!

But be warned, the Xenomorphs in their various forms aren’t the only dangers you face. A corrupt corporation is there, too; you’ll have to fight them off when they show up. So choose your team wisely and use the environment to ensure your success in each mission!

#21 Terminator: Dark Fate – Defiance

• Developer: Cats Who Play / Matrix Games/Slitherine
• Publisher: Matrix Games/Slitherine
• Platform: Microsoft Windows
• Release date: 2023

The Terminator universe has spawned many things over the years, but Terminator: Dark Fate – Defiance might be one of the more intriguing video games from the series.

In the title, you play as a resistance commander who is trying to fight back against the Legion. The Legion is bent on wiping out humanity, but you can’t let that happen! As humanity is on its back foot, you won’t be able to mindlessly churn out things to fight Terminators and other machines. You must be mindful of what you do at all times. If you make a mistake, the machines will make you pay.

#20 Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

• Developer: CD Projekt RED
• Publisher: CD Projekt RED
• Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
• Release date: September 26, 2023

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is the first and only story DLC coming to the main game. Considering the long road we’re taking to get this DLC, we should be a little grateful we got it.

Anyway, the DLC is setup a bit like a “spy-thriller story.” We have a brand new area to explore, characters to meet, quests to take one, and not to mention loads of new gear. CD Projekt Red even overhauled the base game for the release of the expansion. However, since this expansion is set in the middle of the base game campaign, you might be keen on just restarting your game with a brand new V.

#19 Stranded Alien Dawn

• Release date: October 2022 Early Access, Full Launch April 25, 2023
• Developer: Haemimont Games
• Publisher: Frontier Developments plc
• Platform: Microsoft Windows

Could you lead a team to survive on a world that isn’t your own? Stranded Alien Dawn will test that question for you. You will play as the leader of a small group of people who have been marooned on an alien planet. Now, in order to survive, you must forge, craft, defend, and manage with your fellow survivors on all major things.

You’ll have to build a shelter to get through the nights and defend against some of the creatures that might see you as a threat. You’ll have to look after the physical and mental health of your crew to make sure they’re all doing alright.

Learn the ways of the planet, learn more about your people, but above all else, make sure you all survive.

#18 Scars Above

• Release date: February 28, 2023
• Developer: Mad Head Games
• Platform: Microsoft Windows
• Publishers: Prime Matter, Plaion

When Dr. Kate Ward and her team were sent to observe an alien artifact that was suddenly above the Earth, they could never have known what was going to happen next. No sooner do they arrive on the craft than they were beamed elsewhere into space.

When Kate awakens, she has no idea where she is, what happened, or where the rest of her crew is. Now, it’s up to you to guide her so you can find out the truth!

While you aren’t a fighter, you are very intelligent, use that to find items that can help you on your journey, as well as research the planet you’re on to learn more about it. You need to survive to find the rest of your team But will you be able to do it?

#17 Atlas Fallen

• Developer: Deck13 Interactive
• Publisher: Focus Entertainment
• Platforms: PC
• Release: August 10, 2023

The world of Atlas Fallen is corrupted, but ironically, not by man. It’s the gods above that have ruined the land, and now it’s your job to help bring humanity back from the brink so that it can stand on its own two feet again.

The sands of your world are one of your greatest assets, use it to make new abilities and strengthen yourself against the foes to come. Including legendary monsters that you’ll have to hunt using very powerful weapons!

As you fell foes you’ll get to take their essence to grow stronger. Be the warrior that YOU want to be in order to defeat all that stands before you.

#16 Destiny 2 Lightfall

• Developer: Bungie
• Publisher: Bungie
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
• Release date: February 28, 2023

Destiny 2 has had some major expansions and DLC since its launch, but Destiny 2 Lightfall aimed to be one of the best and most important of the bunch.

You’ll head to the Cyberpunk city on Neptune and have to clash forces with The Witness and his new Disciple. That doesn’t sound too bad, right?

You will also be able to use new abilities via the Darkness, as Strand will allow you to warp the minds of enemies to your will. Clearly there’s a lot going on in this game, that’ll make it all the more important that you play it.

#15 Atomic Heart

• Developer: Mundfish
• Publisher: Mundfish
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release: February 21, 2023

Atomic Heart is an action RPG that’s set between 1930s and 1960s in the still established Soviet Union. The world has become incredibly advanced in ways never thought possible.

Its here in this alternate history where the Russians built a utopia. But things fell apart when their robots went haywire, and their mutant experiments broke loose.

You play the man trying to survive the madness while learning what happened in the “utopia.” Then, prepare to use a vast arsenal of weapons and abilities to take out foes and experience what this “wonderland” offers.

#14 The Expanse: A Telltale Series

• Release date: July 27–September 21, 2023
• Publisher: Telltale Games
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
• Developers: Deck Nine, Telltale Games

Camina Drummer is a ruthless, hardcore, space cowgirl, who occupies the Expanse as a scavenger. This dark and haunting story sees Drummer fill many roles, bearing the mantles of: captain, ruthless killer, fierce fighter and total badass. This is a game that is made up of massive engaging world with an intricate story and immense interactive environment. Chilling eerie and sinister secrets wait to be unearthed. But is that your role? Or are you only there to scavenge what you can and profiteer off of the misfortune of others. Being that this is a Telltale Game, expect a very narrative-driven adventure when you start the campaign.

#13 Marauders

• Release date: October 3, 2023 Early Access
• Developer: Small Impact Games
• Publisher: Team17
• Platform: Microsoft Windows

Marauders is a first-person looter shooter based in space and rendered in an epic world war 2 style. Set in a Diesel Punk alternative reality, the great war never ceased and instead continued well into the 1990s. Players will be tasked with dashing across environments, eliminating foes and looting supplies to help them survive the apocalyptic age in which they find themselves. Gear is upgradeable on the fly with materials gathered on raids. Overall, Marauders is a fast-paced action shooter that will push players to the max and calls for high levels of focus if you wish to survive and thrive. Currently, the game is now available to try out through early access.

#12 Warhammer 40000: Rogue Trader

• Developer: Owlcat Games
• Publisher: Owlcat Games
• Release date: December 07, 2023
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows

Explore an array of different worlds in a large conquest for the ages. Conquests require resourcefulness so ensure that you seek out allies of the Imperium and be ever weary of potential enemies lurking in the shadows. From voyaging humans to Alien Xenos and Chaos cults, this game promises a varied treacherous and deadly experience. Make your decisions wisely as they may play out across entire worlds. Use strategic and tactial knowledged in this intense turn based battle against those who would see a Rouge Trader fall. Fortunately you never have to go it alone, as sophisticated and faithful companions await you on you journey across this vast unknown.

#11 Roboquest

Platform: PC Xbox One XSX|S
Release Date: November 07, 2023

Steam | Xbox

Roboquest is set in the distant future of the year 2700. This game is all about survival for humanity as they are on their last legs. Scattered throughout the desert in search of ways to turn the tide, one little girl named Max uncovers an old guardian robot. With evil bots everywhere, this might be the sign of hope humanity has been seeking. Players will reactive the guardian bot and once again take the fight against these evil bots that roam the area. Setup as an FPS experience, players will run and run through this roguelite as they attempt to clear out the evil bots and find a way to bring humanity back in control once again. 

#10 Kerbal Space Program 2

• Developer: Intercept Games
• Publisher: Private Division
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
• Release date: February 24, 2023

The original Kerbal Space Program went from an “odd title” to one of the most popular around for reasons only known to gamers. So naturally, Kerbal Space Program 2 will need to do its best to top the original, wouldn’t you say?

Thankfully, the team is trying to do just that, as they’ve rebuilt the game from the ground up to make use of modern gaming technology, and expand what the game can do.

Don’t get us wrong, the core is still there. You’ll need to help the Kerbals make a successful space program, then colonize planets for resources and so on.

#9 System Shock

• Release date: May 30, 2023
• Developer: Nightdive Studios
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, Microsoft Windows, MORE
• Publishers: Nightdive Studios, Prime Matter, Plaion

After quite a lengthy absence, Nightdive have brought System Shock’s remake into the marketplace, and we’d be lying if we said anything other than “It’s the coolest thing ever!” Combining modern visual styles with a low-res look in areas that respects the original in all the right ways, and shooting systems that again respect the past and embrace the present, and you’ve got a System Shock remake that is bound to capture the imagination of legions of new fans.

#8 Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

Platform: PC PS5 XSX|S
Release Date: December 7, 2023

Epic | PlayStation | Xbox

The world of Pandora from the James Cameron films is sci-fi in all sorts of ways. Not just because of the Na’vi or the creatures that inhabit the world but because of the world itself. The planet is alive, and there’s so much wonder within it that fans of the films haven’t been able to see.

But in Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, you’ll get to see the world of Pandora with your own eyes! You’ll become a natural Na’vi and learn what being amongst your people is like! You’ll explore far and wide and ride some of the creatures from the films! You’ll also be a warrior and help defend your new tribe from the returning humans!

#7 The Invincible

• Developer: Starward Industries, Stardward Industries
• Publisher: Starward Industries, 11 Bit Studios
• Platforms: PC, X/S, PS5
• Release: November 6, 2023

The Invincible is a very unique title in the sci-fi genre. Because it’s a mix of adventure, mystery, and arguably, ethics. You see, in the title, you are a famous astrobiologist, who is sent to the planet known as Regis III in order to help research things for Earth.

But soon after you arrive, your crewmates go missing. Now, you must find them, and as you search for them, you realize that Regis III is so much different than you realized, and every choice you make might be the different between life and death, as well as ignorance and discovery.

There are a lot of layers to The Invincible, how you play it will determine all the levels you see.

#6 Exoprimal

• Developer: Capcom
• Publisher: Capcom
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
• Release date: July 14, 2023

If that last title was “a bit too much” for you, we understand, so how about a game where you will get to shoot dinosaurs with sci-fi weaponry? Does that sound more your speed?

Good! Because in Exoprimal, that’s exactly what you’ll get to do! The world is being hit by random and seemingly unending waves of dinosaurs from the past. Your only hope is to don a special mech suit and make sure that they go extinct for real this time.

You can play Exoprimal with friends or take on the dinosaurs on your own. Either way, you have a job to do, and you really don’t want to fail at this one.

#5 Dead Space

• Developer: Motive Studios
• Publisher: Electronic Arts
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
• Release date: January 27, 2023

“Wait, isn’t that game one that’s been out for a while now?” Correct, if we were talking about the OG Dead Space, it would’ve been out for years now, but we’re talking about the remake of the original game that was released earlier this year.

In it, you’ll once again play as the engineer named Isaac as he travels into space to find his partner, but instead finds himself taking on all sorts of dangers that no one could’ve predicted.

The original game was a horror genre masterpiece in the minds of many, so now imagine getting to play it on next-gen consoles. You can pick up a copy of this title right now and either experience the thrilling campaign all over again.

#4 Robocop: Rogue City

• Developer: Teyon
• Publisher: Nacon
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5m Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
• Release date: November 2, 2023

Robocop has been in more games than you likely think, including being in the recent Mortal Kombat title (where he could square off with the Terminator!)

But he hasn’t been in his own unique title for some time, which makes Robocop: Rogue City so special. This game will indeed let you play as Alex Murphy during his time in Detroit, and your prime directives are as clear as day: protect the innocent and uphold the law.

Doing so won’t be easy as a menagerie of enemies will be coming after you. So you’ll need to use your weaponry as best you can in order to fight crime, and to not become as corrupt as those seeking to undo you.

#3 Horizon Call of the Mountain

• Developer: Firesprite, Guerrilla Games
• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Platforms: PlayStation 5
• Release date: February 22, 2023

Without a doubt, the Horizon franchise is one of the best new franchises of the last several years, and now, it’s on VR via Horizon Call of the Mountain. In this game you won’t be playing as Aloy though, you’ll be an entirely new character in a new area to explore. Though Aloy and other faces will show up from time to time.

This game was built for the PS VR, and that means you’ll have beautiful graphics to truly make you feel like you’re there, and increase the tension when it comes to the battles you’ll have to face.

So in other words, make sure you have a wide area to move in wherever you play this.

#2 Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

• Developer: Respawn Entertainment
• Publisher: Electronic Arts
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
• Release date: April 28, 2023

The gaming space is slowly becoming flooded with video games that are more about the add-ons, season passes, and other updated “experiences” versus just being about the games themselves. So if you’re looking for a title that’s solely a single-player experience while also being really awesome, Star Wars Jedi Survivor is for you.

The game follows the continued journey of Cal Kestis as he attempts to bring down the Empire and secure the safety of those around him.

Wield your lightsabers in various ways to defeat various enemies and unlock new powers to help give you the edge! A deep experience awaits, so trust in the Force and take your first steps.

#1 Starfield

• Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
• Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
• Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
• Release date: September 6, 2023

In truth, Starfield just oozes the fact that “it’s a sci-fi game”, mainly because you’re literally going into space to go and explore the universe in certain ways, you have robot companions, and so on.

You play as someone who is part of a team that is set to explore the stars farther than humanity has reached in its many years of space. Trying to find special artifacts that might just advance humanity even more.

Being a Bethesda game, there’s plenty of quests to take on, areas to explore, and gear to equip. How will your story play out? Pick up a copy of this game today if you haven’t already started your Starfield adventure.

Disclaimer: This article was updated on 12/12/23 as we continue to adjust this list with new entries or remove games due to delays or failure to captivate audiences.