Stellaris Alternatives and Similar Games

If you’re looking for another 4X game that lets you manage an empire in space, then the Endless Space games are a great alternative. Unlike Stellaris, these games are played in turn-based fashion, but, just like Stellaris, these games also let you create your own unique civilization. You can design a nation with traits you prefer the most. Overall, if you don’t mind the fact that these games are turn-based, then you can’t go wrong by picking them up. They’re a great take on the space setting and offer enough challenge to keep your tactical mind engaged for many hours.

This space game blends the 4X and RTS genres amazingly. Despite releasing in 2012, this game is still one of the best space titles out there. If you enjoy playing RTS games, then you’ll love this game that is certainly more focused on that genre, as it puts more emphasis on combat with a lot more control over the diverse array of ships you can build. Play as one of 3 Loyalist or Rebel factions, each of which is suited to a different playstyle as you attempt to achieve one of the available victory conditions. Certainly not as big as Stellaris, but if you’re into RTS games then you’ll love this blend of simple 4X mechanics and top-notch strategic gameplay.

Just like Stellaris, Distant Worlds: Universe is a real-time with pause 4X game set in space. While not quite pleasing on the eye as Stellaris, don’t let that put you off from this equally massive 2D game. The amount of depth present here is impressive, and if you find learning all the mechanics at once to be too overwhelming, then the customizable automation feature can help immensely. If you want more of Stellaris, but possibly even better than Stellaris, then Distant Worlds: Universe is an excellent alternative.

Grow your human empire as you attempt to fight the dominant AI in this great 2D RTS. It may look confusing at first glance, but that’s not the case. Don’t expect the complexity of Stellaris to be here; there’s no allying, just fighting and defending. That doesn’t make it a bad game at all, though. Conquer AI-controlled star systems and build defenses to stop many waves that will come at you. Beware, taking down the AI won’t be so easy, thanks to the game’s smart ‘emergent’ AI. If you already played this RTS and are looking for more, then you may want to take a look at its 3D sequel.

Not as graphically great as Stellaris, the Star Ruler games let you conquer enormous procedurally-generated galaxies while creating your own race, ships, researching various technologies and more. Destroy planets and entire solar systems. Use politics in Star Ruler 2 to your advantage as you help allies, spy on enemies and more. Star Ruler 2 has actually been made open-source, meaning that the game is available for everyone to play, that is if you follow the instructions to build the game using Visual Studio. This is a great chance to jump in the series if you haven’t already.

Lead a nation before, during and after World War II in these challenging and immersive grand strategy titles. If you’re a history buff then these real-time with pause games certainly don’t disappoint. Join the Allies, Axis or the Comintern, or make your own alliance. Diplomacy, economy, military – all of this is superbly done, especially in Hearts of Iron IV, which you should definitely get if you’re looking for a complex WW2 title with great mod support.

Victoria II takes place during the 19th century and features over 200 different countries you can choose from. Research plenty of new technologies as you manage an economy with tons of different produce. From the same developers of Stellaris, Victoria II is worth checking out if you’re interested in grand strategic gameplay set in the colonial era.

These games take a different approach to the space setting. Instead of being played in real-time, this series goes for a Total War style of gameplay, with epic battles in real-time, and everything else turn-based. Featuring 6 wildly-different factions in the 1st, and 7 in the 2nd game, you’re in for a whole lot of space fun. If you’re a veteran of the 4X genre, then the 2nd in-depth title is worth checking out, otherwise, the 1st entry is fantastic for everyone, with technology randomized, great space fights, a fantastic ship-building system and more.

If you’re looking for something quite similar to Stellaris then the first single-player only StarDrive, which has a better system for ship designing, is for you. The sequel, however, takes a different approach, offering turn-based space empire management and real-time space combat. Unlike most space games, StarDrive 2 not only includes space combat, but also turn-based ground combat. If you don’t mind the fact that StarDrive 2 puts focus on a militaristic style of play, then you might really enjoy playing it.

If the fact that these are turn-based games doesn’t put you off then you’ll absolutely enjoy these games as much as Stellaris, if not even more. The 2nd entry improves upon the first one in every way, while the 3rd is better graphically and, with a few DLC, is a blast to play. Create your own civilization, tinker with the amazing ship designer, and much more. Don’t miss out on these exceptional, tactical 4X space games.

Not in space, but greater grand strategy is to be expected in this renowned series. Choose a nation and turn it into an economic and military powerhouse as you progress through the years. If you’re into historical games, then these games are perfect for you, especially the 4th entry.

Made by the same developers, Crusader Kings II is Paradox’s most complicated grand strategy game, and certainly the most complex grand strategy game out there. With hours’ worth of tutorials to ease you into the mechanics, Crusader Kings II has you try and make a dynasty last as long as possible in medieval Europe. Expect to see many characters with unique characteristics in this unique title, playable alone or online with 32 players.

Homeworld Remastered is a full-blown RTS title that modernizes the original classic for old space veterans and newcomers alike. It stands out from other sci-fi RTS titles in that Homeworld is actually set in space and thus features space combat, rather than the typical ground combat. If you happen to be a fan of Homeworld and are hoping to see new entries come out, then good news; there’s still a chance that something could happen.