Science fiction and role-playing go together like peanut butter and jelly. After all, it's difficult for fans not to want to fantasize about becoming a character like Han Solo or Sarah Connor. But when gamers get lucky, a video game comes along that lets them do that and much, much more.
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PostsThe following list takes nearly 30 years of sci-fi RPG games into consideration to celebrate the games that allowed you to step into the shoes of epic heroes. If you're new to the genre, you'll find tons of games to add to your wishlist. For the veterans, prepare for a pleasant trip down memory lane and a few surprises.
Updated on May 14, 2025, by Mohamed El Ouardighi: If you enjoy Sci-fi games, we've updated this list with a couple more entries and added additional information to help you explore the genre even further.
25 The Outer Worlds
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RPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 83/100 Critics Rec: 83% Released October 25, 2019 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language Developer(s) Obsidian Entertainment Publisher(s) Private DivisionWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONComing from the minds behind Fallout New Vegas, The Outer Worlds is a very entertaining action RPG. It is set in a future where humans have colonized a new star system. However, not everybody made it to their new home. And it just so happens that you were a part of that unlucky group.
But at the beginning of the game, a strange scientist wakes you up and gives you the task of acquiring the resources necessary to awaken the rest. That's just the basic setup for what turns out to be a compelling tale filled with witty dialogue. The quality of the story is matched by the quality of the gameplay, as it's a whole lot of fun whether you're playing stealthy or trying to kill everyone in sight.
24 Nier: Automata
Very Complex And Emotional Experience
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DIGITALWhile Nier: Automata is technically an RPG, it could easily be seen as a hack-and-slash too. The combination of these genres works perfectly, offering satisfying and dynamic combat that never gets repetitive. The game consistently introduces unique set pieces to keep the action fresh.
However, Nier: Automata isn't solely focused on combat. It also offers a deep narrative centered around a war between androids and machines. As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly complex, possibly even too intricate at times, but it remains deeply captivating throughout.
23 Horizon Zero Dawn
Bow Vs Robots
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Like Follow FollowedHorizon Zero Dawn
Adventure RPG Systems 5.0/10 Released February 28, 2017 ESRB T for Teen - Blood, Drug Reference, Language, Mild Sexual Themes, Violence Developer(s) Guerrilla Games Publisher(s) SonyWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALIn Horizon Zero Dawn, you play a woman named Aloy, who lives in a beautiful world overrun by machines. The story revolves around the protagonist as she attempts to learn more about herself and the world she inhabits. It serves as a compelling mystery throughout.
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PostsEqually interesting is the combat. You continually have to face and bring down machines of all different types. There is plenty of strategy involved as the creatures all have their own distinct weaknesses you have to exploit and use against them. The same tactics won't work for every foe, so you must be adaptable.
22 Stellar Blade
Short But Good
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Like Follow FollowedStellar Blade
Action RPG Systems 3.5/5 9.3/10 Released April 26, 2024 ESRB M for Mature Developer(s) Shift Up Publisher(s) Sony Interactive EntertainmentWHERE TO PLAY
PHYSICALStellar Blade takes cues from Nier and Soulslike games, putting you in the shoes of Eve, a warrior using advanced technology through her combat suit. As she battles the Naytiba to save what's left of humanity, you’ll rely on a mix of powerful combat and futuristic tech. With the support of characters like Adam and Eve, the journey focuses heavily on combat, where the game truly shines.
Though it’s not the longest title, it offers a unique experience. If you're seeking a mix of Nier-like gameplay with Soulslike mechanics, memorable characters, and a sci-fi twist, Stellar Blade is worth checking out.
21 Borderlands 3
Bring Chaos
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Like Follow FollowedBorderlands 3
First-Person Shooter Action RPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 81/100 Critics Rec: 78% Released September 13, 2019 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language Developer(s) Gearbox Software Publisher(s) 2K GamesWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONBorderlands games are beloved for their quirky characters, witty dialogue, and, of course, the signature gunplay. Borderlands 3 continues this tradition, refining the experience while still delivering the humor and chaos fans expect. Though the story might not be the game's strongest suit, the overall journey is both fun and memorable.
With four unique classes to choose from, each offering distinct abilities, you set off across various planets, encountering a wild assortment of characters. Your goal? Stop the Calypso twins, Troy and Tyreen, from exploiting the power of the Vaults scattered throughout the galaxy. Borderlands 3 blends sci-fi and fantasy seamlessly, creating a universe that feels like a thrilling Space Western.
20 Shadowrun Returns
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Action RPG Tactical Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 74/100 Released July 25, 2013 ESRB M For Mature 17+ Due To Violence, Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language Developer(s) Harebrained Schemes Publisher(s) Harebrained SchemesWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONShadowrun can represent an excellent go-to for fans when they're not in the mood for D&D or pen-and-paper RPGs. Fortunately for the entire gaming community, this tactical role-playing game delivers the goods in Shadowrun Returns.
Admittedly, this title is one of the shorter games to make this list. Depending on how much you're into reading the dialogue, you can finish it in around 12 hours. But finding out what happens next in the cyberpunk Seattle of the future is well worth the price of admission.
19 Starfield
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Like Follow FollowedStarfield
Action RPG Systems 4.0/5 7.0/10 Released September 6, 2023 ESRB M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs, Strong Language, Violence Developer(s) Bethesda Publisher(s) BethesdaWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONAn incredibly ambitious RPG, Starfield takes the Bethesda mold across 120 different star systems across the galaxy. You'll find the trademark Bethesda quality quests here, but the customization and player choice are off the charts. There are so many different playstyles and stuff to toy around with.
You can make some truly awesome ships in the shipbuilder if you just take the time to play with it. The story is also mindblowing, especially towards the end. Never before in a Bethesda game will you be just dumbfounded by the events unfolding. It's a total blast of a game as long you engage with the parts you enjoy. There's so much in this game that not every bit of it will be to your liking.
18 Fallout: New Vegas
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RPG Systems 9.0/10 Released October 19, 2010 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs Developer(s) Obsidian Entertainment Publisher(s) BethesdaWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONHave you grown tired of games that promise to have a meaningfully different story based on your choices? Do you laugh when a developer claims that you could play the entire game with dialogue choices? Fallout: New Vegas will make you believe that both are possible.
This game accomplishes having on-point gameplay while delivering well-written stories with deep and meaningful lore (which is one of the reasons why its storyline is considered among the best in RPG history). Bethesda proved with Fallout 3 that the series could work as a first-person shooter. But Fallout: New Vegas allowed you to revel in that success. For this reason, and many others, you will struggle to find fans that don't consider it the best of the FPS games.
17 The Technomancer
While The Technomancer may not be the top-tier Sci-Fi RPG out there, it still deserves a spot on this list. Set in a post-apocalyptic Mars, you assume the role of a technomancer, a wielder of powerful electrical powers, navigating through a society teeming with political intrigue and societal turmoil.
The game flawlessly blends action-packed combat with deep RPG elements, enabling you to tailor your character's abilities, weapons, and gear to your liking. The complex faction system adds layers of depth, requiring you to navigate alliances and betrayals, ultimately shaping the destiny of the Red Planet.
16 EVE Online
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Like Follow FollowedEVE Online
MMORPG Systems Released May 6, 2003 ESRB T for Teen: Violence Developer(s) CCP Games Publisher(s) CCP Games, Atari, Simon and Schuster Interactive Engine unityWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALImagine the biggest science-fiction sandbox you can, triple that number, and you might get close to the scale of EVE Online. In the truest sense of the term, you get to role-play as absolutely anything you want. You can become a captain of industry, a smuggler, and a pirate rolled into one if you like.
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PostsThe game does focus on several different professional paths: business, industry, military, or exploration. While you get caught up in quests and building your wealth, your interactions with players are typically paramount to success. And if you stick around long enough, you may find yourself involved in some of the most epic scale battles (or online tournaments) for supremacy anywhere in the gaming world.
