Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Alien Swarm (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Alien Swarm on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The short version
- Closest match: Predecessor, which both science fiction and strategy.
- Alien Swarm is tagged Free to Play, Co-op, Action, Multiplayer, Online Co-Op, Aliens, Shooter, Sci-fi by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 6 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
- 3 are from the same studio: Left 4 Dead, Counter-Strike: Source, Counter-Strike: Condition Zero.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
Predecessor
Why it matched: both science fiction and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Free to Play, Shooter and Third Person.
The tactical depth and iconic heroes of a hardcore MOBA meets the explosive verticality of a 5v5 3D shooter.
Predecessor at a glance Released 2024 Studio Omeda Studios Player sentiment 71% positive of 17,619 Price Free Free to PlayShooterThird PersonStrategyTeam-BasedThird-Person ShooterSci-fiOnline Co-Op
- 2
HELLDIVERS Dive Harder Edition
Why it matched: both survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Online Co-Op, Top-Down Shooter and Sci-fi.
HELLDIVERS™ is a hardcore, cooperative, twin stick shooter. As part of the elite unit called the HELLDIVERS, players must work together to protect SUPER EARTH and defeat the enemies of mankind in an intense intergalactic war.
HELLDIVERS Dive Harder Edition at a glance Released 2015 Studio Arrowhead Game Studios Player sentiment 90% positive of 33,376 Price $19.99 Online Co-OpTop-Down ShooterSci-fiTop-DownShooterStrategySurvival
- 3
The Cycle: Frontier
Why it matched: both survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Survival, Free to Play and Shooter.
The Cycle: Frontier is a free-to-play PvPvE Extraction Shooter driven by suspense and danger. Prospect for resources and other riches on an abandoned alien world ravaged by a deadly storm, inhabited by monsters and other ambitious Prospectors.
The Cycle: Frontier at a glance Released 2022 Studio YAGER Player sentiment 64% positive of 45,267 Price Not listed SurvivalFree to PlayShooterPvESci-fiAliensOnline Co-Op
- 4
Aliens vs. Predator
Why it matched: both survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Aliens, Sci-fi and Shooter; released around the same time (2010).
Survive, hunt and prey in the deadly jungles and swamps in distinctly new and thrilling first person gameplay.
Aliens vs. Predator at a glance Released 2010 Studio Rebellion Player sentiment 91% positive of 21,551 Price $1.49 AliensSci-fiShooterSurvivalOnline Co-OpStrategy
- 5
Sanctum 2
Why it matched: both survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, Sci-fi and Online Co-Op; released around the same time (2013).
Sanctum 2 is the sequel to the world’s first Tower Defense/FPS hybrid game. Pick from four unique character classes and embark on a mission to protect the oxygen-producing Cores from hordes of deadly aliens who are threatened by their existence.
Sanctum 2 at a glance Released 2013 Studio Coffee Stain Studios Player sentiment 90% positive of 14,389 Price $14.99 StrategySci-fiOnline Co-OpShooterSurvivalAliens
- 6
Aliens: Fireteam Elite
Why it matched: both survival and science fiction; shares 8 player tags including Shooter, Aliens and Third-Person Shooter.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite is a cooperative third-person survival game set in the iconic Alien Universe. Battle through hordes of different types of Xenomorph, customize your character and gear, and level-up as you try to contain this ever-growing threat.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite at a glance Released 2021 Studio Cold Iron Studios Player sentiment 80% positive of 27,048 Price $29.99 ShooterAliensThird-Person ShooterOnline Co-OpSci-fiSurvivalThird PersonPvE
- 7
Marvel Rivals
Why it matched: both science fiction and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Free to Play, Third-Person Shooter and Team-Based.
Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter! Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe!
Marvel Rivals at a glance Released 2024 Studio NetEase Games Player sentiment 76% positive of 412,470 Price Free Free to PlayThird-Person ShooterTeam-BasedShooterStrategyOnline Co-OpSci-fiThird Person
- 8
Left 4 Dead
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Valve; both survival and strategy; shares 5 player tags including Shooter, Online Co-Op and Survival; released around the same time (2008).
From Valve (the creators of Counter-Strike, Half-Life and more) comes Left 4 Dead, a co-op action horror game for the PC and Xbox 360 that casts up to four players in an epic struggle for survival against swarming zombie hordes and terrifying mutant monsters.
Left 4 Dead at a glance Released 2008 Studio Valve Player sentiment 96% positive of 68,013 Price $9.99 ShooterOnline Co-OpSurvivalTeam-BasedModdable
- 9
Dungeon Defenders
Why it matched: both survival and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Online Co-Op, Strategy and Survival; released around the same time (2011).
Create a hero from one of four classes to save Etheria in this 4-player coop Tower Defense Action-RPG. Includes Steam exclusive Portal gun & TF2 familiars!
Dungeon Defenders at a glance Released 2011 Studio Chromatic Games Player sentiment 93% positive of 18,981 Price $14.99 Online Co-OpStrategySurvivalPvEModdableThird PersonTeam-Based
- 10
Natural Selection 2
Why it matched: both science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, Team-Based and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2012).
A fast paced multiplayer shooter that pits aliens against humans in a strategic and action-packed struggle for survival!
Natural Selection 2 at a glance Released 2012 Studio Unknown Worlds Entertainment Player sentiment 85% positive of 13,363 Price $4.99 StrategyTeam-BasedSci-fiAliensShooterModdableOnline Co-Op
- 11
SCP: Secret Laboratory
Why it matched: both survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, Shooter and Online Co-Op.
Deep within a secure underground facility, a sudden containment breach allows many of the secured anomalies to escape from their chambers. Assist the Foundation in re-securing the facility, help the Insurgency in their goal to capture it, or wreak havoc as an SCP in a frantic bid to escape.
SCP: Secret Laboratory at a glance Released 2017 Studio Northwood Studios Player sentiment 91% positive of 234,020 Price Free Free to PlayShooterOnline Co-OpSurvivalSci-fiStrategy
- 12
Defiance
Why it matched: both survival and science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Free to Play, Third-Person Shooter and Shooter; released around the same time (2014).
Join the futuristic online open-world shooter where thousands of players scour a transformed Earth competing for alien technology.
Defiance at a glance Released 2014 Studio Trion Worlds Player sentiment 77% positive of 12,617 Price Not listed Free to PlayThird-Person ShooterShooterSci-fiSurvivalOnline Co-OpThird Person
- 13
ORION: Prelude
Why it matched: both science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Online Co-Op, Shooter and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2013).
Work together to survive the devastating Dinosaur horde in huge, endless environments.
ORION: Prelude at a glance Released 2013 Studio DANKIE Player sentiment 75% positive of 28,338 Price $0.99 Online Co-OpShooterSci-fiTeam-BasedThird-Person ShooterThird PersonStrategy
- 14
Atlas Reactor
Why it matched: both survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, Strategy and Online Co-Op.
SEASON 6 NOW LIVE! The battle for Atlas continues as a hot (some might even say fiery) new freelancer enters the scene.
Atlas Reactor at a glance Released 2016 Studio Trion Worlds Player sentiment 84% positive of 5,291 Price Not listed Free to PlayStrategyOnline Co-OpSci-fiShooterSurvival
- 15
MechWarrior Online Solaris 7
Why it matched: both survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, Shooter and Sci-fi.
MechWarrior Online™ Legends is a tactical, 'Mech-based online shooter set in the vast BattleTech Universe. Assume the role of an elite MechWarrior, piloting powerful BattleMechs, fighting for supremacy over the Inner Sphere.
MechWarrior Online Solaris 7 at a glance Released 2015 Studio Piranha Games Inc. Player sentiment 80% positive of 12,817 Price Free Free to PlayShooterSci-fiStrategyTeam-BasedSurvival
- 16
VEGA Conflict
Why it matched: both survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Free to Play, Strategy and Top-Down Shooter.
Stake your claim, command your fleets, and wage epic war in space.
VEGA Conflict at a glance Released 2015 Studio KIXEYE Player sentiment 59% positive of 5,029 Price Not listed Free to PlayStrategyTop-Down ShooterPvESci-fiSurvival
- 17
Sanctum
Why it matched: both survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 5 player tags including Strategy, Sci-fi and Online Co-Op; released around the same time (2011).
You think Tower Defense games are all about building? You thought wrong. Sanctum is not your average Tower Defense title. When the havoc starts, you get to join the fray! As one of the world’s first First Person Shooter - Tower Defense games, Sanctum has taken the best of both worlds to deliver an epic, one-of-a-kind experience.
Sanctum at a glance Released 2011 Studio Coffee Stain Studios Player sentiment 89% positive of 3,359 Price $1.99 StrategySci-fiOnline Co-OpShooterSurvival
- 18
Counter-Strike: Source
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Valve; both survival and strategy; shares 5 player tags including Shooter, Team-Based and Strategy.
Counter-Strike: Source blends Counter-Strike's award-winning teamplay action with the advanced technology of Source™ technology.
Counter-Strike: Source at a glance Released 2004 Studio Valve Player sentiment 96% positive of 193,040 Price $9.99 ShooterTeam-BasedStrategyModdableSurvival
- 19
Call of Duty: Black Ops II
Why it matched: both survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 5 player tags including Shooter, Online Co-Op and Team-Based; released around the same time (2012).
Pushing the boundaries of what fans have come to expect from the record-setting entertainment franchise, Call of Duty®: Black Ops II propels players into a near future Cold War
Call of Duty: Black Ops II at a glance Released 2012 Studio Treyarch Player sentiment 86% positive of 49,344 Price $39.99 ShooterOnline Co-OpTeam-BasedSurvivalSci-fi
- 20
Counter-Strike: Condition Zero
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Valve; both survival and strategy; shares 5 player tags including Shooter, Team-Based and Online Co-Op.
With its extensive Tour of Duty campaign, a near-limitless number of skirmish modes, updates and new content for Counter-Strike's award-winning multiplayer game play, plus over 12 bonus single player missions, Counter-Strike: Condition Zero is a tremendous offering of single and multiplayer content.
Counter-Strike: Condition Zero at a glance Released 2004 Studio Valve Player sentiment 91% positive of 28,347 Price $9.99 ShooterTeam-BasedOnline Co-OpStrategySurvival
- 21
SAS: Zombie Assault 4
Why it matched: both survival and science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Free to Play, Top-Down Shooter and Shooter.
Purge the undead! Intense action-shooter with deep rpg elements, including upgradeable guns and armor, unique class skills, and class special abilities. Entire game can be played single player or as a 4-player online co-op game, including PvP events like Last Man Standing.
SAS: Zombie Assault 4 at a glance Released 2017 Studio Ninja Kiwi Player sentiment 86% positive of 9,668 Price Free Free to PlayTop-Down ShooterShooterTop-DownSurvivalOnline Co-OpSci-fi
- 22
STAR WARS Battlefront
Why it matched: both science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Shooter, Sci-fi and Strategy.
The STAR WARS™ Battlefront™ Ultimate Edition includes the STAR WARS™ Battlefront™ Deluxe Edition as well as the STAR WARS™ Battlefront™ Season Pass.
STAR WARS Battlefront at a glance Released 2020 Studio DICE Player sentiment 79% positive of 5,869 Price $19.99 ShooterSci-fiStrategyThird-Person ShooterOnline Co-OpThird PersonAliens
- 23
Fortified
Why it matched: both science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, Third-Person Shooter and Aliens.
Fortified is an explosive strategy shooter where players will defend the Earth against a menacing Martian invasion in the 1950s. Play as one-of-four pulp inspired heroes as they fight swarms of terrifying robots with an arsenal of Cold War era weapons and experimental technology.
Fortified at a glance Released 2016 Studio Siege Camp Player sentiment 75% positive of 1,738 Price $14.99 StrategyThird-Person ShooterAliensSci-fiShooterOnline Co-OpThird Person
- 24
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
Why it matched: both survival and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Survival, Shooter and Third-Person Shooter.
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, the high-stakes winner-take-all shooter that started the Battle Royale craze, is free-to-play! Drop into diverse maps, loot unique weapons and supplies, and survive in an ever-shrinking zone where every turn could be your last.
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS at a glance Released 2017 Studio PUBG Corporation Player sentiment 61% positive of 2,748,446 Price Free SurvivalShooterThird-Person ShooterOnline Co-OpStrategyThird PersonTeam-Based
Common questions
What game is most like Alien Swarm?
Predecessor, on the evidence we have. It both science fiction and strategy. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to Alien Swarm" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Alien Swarm. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
What else did the makers of Alien Swarm do?
Left 4 Dead, Counter-Strike: Source, Counter-Strike: Condition Zero are also from Valve, and appear in the list below for that reason as well as on tag overlap.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.