Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Natural Selection 2 (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Natural Selection 2 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: STAR WARS Republic Commando, which both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy.
- Natural Selection 2 is tagged Multiplayer, Strategy, FPS, Team-Based, Action, Sci-fi, RTS, Aliens 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.
- 4 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
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
STAR WARS Republic Commando
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 9 player tags including FPS, Tactical and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2009).
You are the leader of an elite squad of Republic Commandos, your mission is to infiltrate, dominate, and ultimately, annihilate the enemy. Your squad will follow your orders and your lead, working together as a team - instinctively, intelligently, instantly. You are their leader. They are your weapon.
STAR WARS Republic Commando at a glance Released 2009 Studio LucasArts Player sentiment 96% positive of 17,143 Price $9.99 FPSTacticalSci-fiShooterFirst-PersonSpaceTeam-BasedStrategy
- 2
PlanetSide 2
Why it matched: both science fiction and strategy; shares 10 player tags including FPS, Shooter and Team-Based; released around the same time (2012).
PlanetSide 2 is an all-out planetary war, where thousands of players battle as one across enormous continents. Utilize infantry, ground and air vehicles, and teamwork to destroy your enemies in this revolutionary first-person shooter on a massive scale.
PlanetSide 2 at a glance Released 2012 Studio Rogue Planet Games Player sentiment 80% positive of 74,813 Price Free FPSShooterTeam-BasedSci-fiTacticalFirst-PersonFuturisticOnline Co-Op
- 3
Insurgency
Why it matched: both atmospheric and strategy; shares 9 player tags including FPS, Tactical and Shooter; released around the same time (2014).
Take to the streets for intense close quarters combat, where a team's survival depends upon securing crucial strongholds and destroying enemy supply in this multiplayer and cooperative Source Engine based experience.
Insurgency at a glance Released 2014 Studio New World Interactive Player sentiment 92% positive of 124,644 Price $14.99 FPSTacticalShooterTeam-BasedFirst-PersonStrategyOnline Co-OpCompetitive
- 4
Sanctum 2
Why it matched: both science fiction and strategy; shares 9 player tags including FPS, Strategy and Sci-fi; 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 FPSStrategySci-fiIndieOnline Co-OpFirst-PersonShooterAliens
- 5
Sanctum
Why it matched: both science fiction and strategy; shares 9 player tags including FPS, Strategy and Indie; 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 FPSStrategyIndieSci-fiFirst-PersonOnline Co-OpShooterFuturistic
- 6
Call of Duty: Black Ops II
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 8 player tags including FPS, Shooter and First-Person; 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 FPSShooterFirst-PersonOnline Co-OpTeam-BasedFuturisticTacticalSci-fi
- 7
Splitgate: Arena Warfare
Why it matched: both science fiction and strategy; shares 10 player tags including FPS, Shooter and First-Person.
Splitgate is a free-to-play, fast-paced multiplayer shooter that features player-controlled portals. This sci-fi shooter takes the FPS genre to a new dimension with its portal mechanics, delivering high-flying, multi-dimensional combat.
Splitgate: Arena Warfare at a glance Released 2019 Studio 1047 Games Player sentiment 91% positive of 110,493 Price Free FPSShooterFirst-PersonCompetitiveSci-fiIndieTeam-BasedTactical
- 8
STAR WARS Battlefront
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Shooter, Sci-fi and Space.
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-fiSpaceStrategyOnline Co-OpFirst-PersonAliensFPS
- 9
Halo Wars
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, RTS and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2009).
Halo Wars: Definitive Edition is an enhanced version of the real-time strategy classic, Halo Wars, updated to run natively on PC. Halo Wars: Definitive Edition includes improved graphics, new achievements and all of the DLC created for the landmark real-time strategy game.
Halo Wars at a glance Released 2009 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 91% positive of 9,517 Price $19.99 StrategyRTSSci-fiAliensTacticalOnline Co-OpShooter
- 10
Homeworld Remastered Collection
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Space, Strategy and RTS; released around the same time (2015).
Experience the epic space strategy games that redefined the RTS genre. Control your fleet and build an armada across more than 30 single-player missions. Choose unit types, fleet formations and flight tactics for each strategic situation.
Homeworld Remastered Collection at a glance Released 2015 Studio Gearbox Software Player sentiment 88% positive of 14,159 Price $3.49 SpaceStrategyRTSSci-fiTacticalModdableFuturistic
- 11
Polarity
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 7 player tags including First-Person, Indie and Strategy; released around the same time (2016).
Polarity takes it to the next level, demanding all of your wits and reflexes. Full-featured local co-op campaign.
Polarity at a glance Released 2016 Studio Bluebutton Games Player sentiment 79% positive of 4,668 Price $12.99 First-PersonIndieStrategySci-fiFPSSpaceShooter
- 12
Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, Sci-fi and Space; released around the same time (2014).
Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth is a new science-fiction-themed entry into the award winning Civilization series. As part of an expedition sent to find a home beyond Earth, lead your people into a new frontier, explore and colonize an alien planet and create a new civilization in space.
Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth at a glance Released 2014 Studio Firaxis Games Player sentiment 61% positive of 23,140 Price $39.99 StrategySci-fiSpaceFuturisticAliensTacticalModdable
- 13
Aliens vs. Predator
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 7 player tags including FPS, Aliens and Sci-fi; 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 FPSAliensSci-fiShooterFirst-PersonOnline Co-OpStrategy
- 14
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Tactical, Shooter and FPS; released around the same time (2012).
In Ghost Recon Future Soldier join an elite team of highly trained, cut-throat special-ops soldiers. Armed to the teeth with unrivalled combat technology, Ghost Recon takes you to the globe’s most deadly warzones to hunt down the highest value targets.
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier at a glance Released 2012 Studio Ubisoft Paris Player sentiment 71% positive of 6,170 Price $19.99 TacticalShooterFPSFuturisticOnline Co-OpStrategyFirst-Person
- 15
BRINK
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 7 player tags including FPS, Shooter and First-Person; released around the same time (2011).
You decide the combat role you want to assume in the world of Brink as you fight to save yourself and mankind’s last refuge!
BRINK at a glance Released 2011 Studio Splash Damage Player sentiment 63% positive of 8,159 Price Free FPSShooterFirst-PersonTeam-BasedOnline Co-OpSci-fiTactical
- 16
Left 4 Dead
Why it matched: both atmospheric and strategy; shares 8 player tags including FPS, Shooter and Online Co-Op; 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 FPSShooterOnline Co-OpTeam-BasedFirst-PersonModdableTacticalCompetitive
- 17
STAR WARS Battlefront II (Classic, 2005)
Why it matched: both science fiction and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Shooter, Sci-fi and Space; released around the same time (2009).
Join the rise of Darth Vader’s elite 501st Legion of Stormtroopers as you fight through an all new story-based saga where every action you take impacts the battlefront and, ultimately, the fate of the Star Wars galaxy.
STAR WARS Battlefront II (Classic, 2005) at a glance Released 2009 Studio Pandemic Studios Player sentiment 95% positive of 54,262 Price $9.99 ShooterSci-fiSpaceFPSFirst-PersonModdableTacticalStrategy
- 18
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition (Classic)
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, RTS and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2009).
All of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II in one package. Play the award-winning real-time strategy game in all its glory, including three full campaigns, six multiplayer factions, and a full co-op Last Stand mode with eight unique heroes.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition (Classic) at a glance Released 2009 Studio Relic Entertainment Player sentiment 88% positive of 13,932 Price $49.99 StrategyRTSSci-fiTacticalFuturisticOnline Co-Op
- 19
ENDLESS Space - Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, Space and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2012).
ENDLESS Space™ is a turn-based 4X strategy game, covering the space colonization age in the ENDLESS Universe™, where you can control every aspect of your civilization as you strive for galactic domination.
ENDLESS Space - Definitive Edition at a glance Released 2012 Studio AMPLITUDE Studios Player sentiment 81% positive of 9,598 Price $2.49 StrategySpaceSci-fiIndieFuturisticAliens
- 20
SCP: Secret Laboratory
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 7 player tags including First-Person, 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 First-PersonShooterOnline Co-OpFPSSci-fiStrategyIndie
- 21
ORION: Prelude
Why it matched: both science fiction and strategy; shares 8 player tags including FPS, Online Co-Op and Shooter; 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 FPSOnline Co-OpShooterIndieSci-fiFirst-PersonTeam-BasedStrategy
- 22
Due Process
Why it matched: both science fiction and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Futuristic, Tactical and FPS.
A PVP tactical FPS about PLANNING & EXECUTION. Sound strategy and good teamwork are essential for victory because new PROCEDURALLY-GENERATED MAPS are delivered every week. You'll face a new tactical challenge every round.
Due Process at a glance Released 2020 Studio Giant Enemy Crab Player sentiment 81% positive of 8,556 Price $9.99 FuturisticTacticalFPSTeam-BasedOnline Co-OpShooterCompetitiveStrategy
- 23
Crysis
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 7 player tags including FPS, Shooter and Sci-fi.
The classic first person shooter from Crytek is back with the action-packed gameplay, sandbox world, and thrilling epic battles you loved the first time around – now with remastered graphics optimized for a new generation of hardware.
Crysis at a glance Released 2007 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 77% positive of 17,705 Price $10.49 FPSShooterSci-fiAliensFuturisticTacticalFirst-Person
- 24
Crysis Remastered
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 7 player tags including FPS, Shooter and Sci-fi.
The classic first person shooter from Crytek is back with the action-packed gameplay, sandbox world, and thrilling epic battles you loved the first time around – now with remastered graphics optimized for a new generation of hardware.
Crysis Remastered at a glance Released 2021 Studio Crytek Player sentiment 77% positive of 17,722 Price $10.49 FPSShooterSci-fiAliensFuturisticTacticalFirst-Person
Common questions
What game is most like Natural Selection 2?
STAR WARS Republic Commando, on the evidence we have. It both science fiction, atmospheric 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 Natural Selection 2" 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 Natural Selection 2. 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.
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.