Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like The Cycle: Frontier (2026)
Every game below overlaps with The Cycle: Frontier 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: Apex Legends, which both survival, science fiction and strategy.
- The Cycle: Frontier is tagged Extraction Shooter, Survival, Loot, Free to Play, Multiplayer, Crafting, Looter Shooter, Shooter 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.
- 10 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
Apex Legends
Why it matched: both survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Free to Play, Battle Royale and FPS; released around the same time (2019).
Apex Legends is the award-winning, free-to-play Hero Shooter from Respawn Entertainment. Master an ever-growing roster of legendary characters with powerful abilities, and experience strategic squad play and innovative gameplay in the next evolution of Hero Shooter and Battle Royale.
Apex Legends at a glance Released 2019 Studio Iron Galaxy Studios Player sentiment 68% positive of 1,066,464 Price Free Free to PlayBattle RoyaleFPSShooterFirst-PersonPvPTacticalSci-fi
- 2
Gray Zone Warfare
Why it matched: both survival and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Online Co-Op, Tactical and FPS; released around the same time (2024).
Enter a high-stakes PvE-first open-world tactical shooter set on a quarantined Southeast Asian island torn apart by faction warfare. Deploy as an elite operator, fight solo or with your squad to carry out missions, earn reputation, and explore the truth behind the Event igniting the conflict.
Gray Zone Warfare at a glance Released 2024 Studio MADFINGER Games, a.s. Player sentiment 72% positive of 78,632 Price $39.99 Online Co-OpTacticalFPSShooterExtraction ShooterFirst-PersonCompetitivePvP
- 3
MechWarrior Online Solaris 7
Why it matched: both survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 8 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-fiFPSPvPFirst-PersonTacticalSurvival
- 4
Deep Rock Galactic
Why it matched: both survival and science fiction; shares 9 player tags including PvE, FPS and Shooter; released around the same time (2020).
Deep Rock Galactic is a 1-4 player co-op FPS featuring dwarven space miners, procedurally-generated destructible environments, and endless hordes of alien monsters. Explore cave systems, mine for minerals, and work together to survive!
Deep Rock Galactic at a glance Released 2020 Studio Ghost Ship Games Player sentiment 97% positive of 379,460 Price $29.99 PvEFPSShooterExplorationFirst-PersonLootSci-fiLooter Shooter
- 5
Abiotic Factor
Why it matched: both survival and science fiction; shares 9 player tags including Survival, Online Co-Op and Crafting; released around the same time (2025).
Abiotic Factor is a survival crafting experience for 1-6 players set in the depths of an underground research facility. Caught between paranormal containment failure, a military crusade, and chaos from a dozen realms, the world’s greatest minds must survive against the universe’s biggest threats.
Abiotic Factor at a glance Released 2025 Studio Deep Field Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 58,569 Price $34.99 SurvivalOnline Co-OpCraftingSci-fiExplorationFPSFirst-PersonPvE
- 6
Splitgate: Arena Warfare
Why it matched: both science fiction and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Free to Play, FPS and Shooter; released around the same time (2019).
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 Free to PlayFPSShooterFirst-PersonPvPCompetitiveSci-fiTactical
- 7
Atlas Reactor
Why it matched: both survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Free to Play, PvP and Tactical.
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 PlayPvPTacticalOnline Co-OpCompetitiveSci-fiShooterSurvival
- 8
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
Why it matched: both survival and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Survival, Shooter and Battle Royale.
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 SurvivalShooterBattle RoyaleFPSPvPOnline Co-OpTacticalFirst-Person
- 9
Empyrion - Galactic Survival
Why it matched: both survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Survival, Exploration and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2020).
Build and explore in a true space sandbox survival adventure. Construct mighty capital vessels, sprawling planetary settlements, and vast space stations in your galactic journey to discover the mysteries of Empyrion!
Empyrion - Galactic Survival at a glance Released 2020 Studio Eleon Game Studios Player sentiment 78% positive of 34,399 Price $19.99 SurvivalExplorationSci-fiPvEPvPCraftingFPS
- 10
Crysis Remastered
Why it matched: both survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including FPS, Shooter and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2021).
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-fiAliensTacticalFirst-PersonSurvival
- 11
Ring of Elysium
Why it matched: both survival and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Free to Play, Battle Royale and Shooter; released around the same time (2019).
Escape an astonishing disaster in Ring of Elysium, a battle royale shooter developed by Aurora Studio.
Ring of Elysium at a glance Released 2019 Studio Aurora Studio Player sentiment 75% positive of 99,011 Price Not listed Free to PlayBattle RoyaleShooterSurvivalFPSPvPTacticalFirst-Person
- 12
Predecessor
Why it matched: both science fiction and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Free to Play, Shooter and PvP; released around the same time (2024).
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 PlayShooterPvPCompetitiveSci-fiOnline Co-OpTacticalPvE
- 13
XERA: Survival
Why it matched: both survival and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Free to Play, Survival and Crafting; released around the same time (2021).
Action-focused, open world survival shooter, PvPvE against fellow mercenaries and lethal XOIDS. Raid for resources alone or with team-mates, build and defend your base, stash your gear and survive against the odds. You are the hunters. You are the hunted. And the robots never sleep…
XERA: Survival at a glance Released 2021 Studio Spotted Kiwi Interactive Player sentiment 66% positive of 7,941 Price Free Free to PlaySurvivalCraftingShooterFPSLooter ShooterPvPPvE
- 14
Alien Swarm
Why it matched: both survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Free to Play, Online Co-Op and Aliens.
Co-operative multiplayer game and complete code base available for free.
Alien Swarm at a glance Released 2010 Studio Valve Player sentiment 95% positive of 21,612 Price Free Free to PlayOnline Co-OpAliensShooterSci-fiSurvivalPvE
- 15
Aliens vs. Predator
Why it matched: both survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including FPS, Aliens and Sci-fi.
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-PersonSurvivalOnline Co-Op
- 16
SCP: Secret Laboratory
Why it matched: both survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Free to Play, First-Person and Shooter.
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 PlayFirst-PersonShooterOnline Co-OpFPSSurvivalSci-fi
- 17
Sanctum 2
Why it matched: both survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including FPS, Sci-fi and Online Co-Op.
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 FPSSci-fiOnline Co-OpFirst-PersonShooterSurvivalAliens
- 18
Sanctum
Why it matched: both survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including FPS, Sci-fi and First-Person.
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 FPSSci-fiFirst-PersonOnline Co-OpShooterTacticalSurvival
- 19
Anarchy: Wolf's law
Why it matched: both survival and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Survival, Crafting and Shooter; released around the same time (2023).
Action. Chaos. Power. Anarchy: Wolf Laws is a dynamic first-person shooter with elements of RPG, survival, and strategic management. Capture territories, upgrade your production, and run your business in a world of total lawlessness.
Anarchy: Wolf's law at a glance Released 2023 Studio Anarchy Games Player sentiment 77% positive of 825 Price $9.99 SurvivalCraftingShooterPvEFPSPvPFirst-PersonLooter Shooter
- 20
Call of Duty: Black Ops II
Why it matched: both survival, science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including FPS, Shooter and First-Person.
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-OpSurvivalTacticalSci-fi
- 21
PlanetSide 2
Why it matched: both science fiction and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Free to Play, FPS and Shooter.
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 Free to PlayFPSShooterSci-fiTacticalFirst-PersonPvPOnline Co-Op
- 22
Destiny 2
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 10 player tags including Free to Play, Looter Shooter and FPS.
Explore the mysteries of Sol and experience exhilirating first-person shooter combat in Destiny 2. Unlock powerful abilities and collect unique gear across story missions, co-op, and PvP modes.
Destiny 2 at a glance Released 2017 Studio Bungie Player sentiment 79% positive of 661,549 Price Free Free to PlayLooter ShooterFPSPvEPvPShooterLootFirst-Person
- 23
Crysis
Why it matched: both survival, science fiction 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-fiAliensTacticalFirst-PersonSurvival
- 24
Defiance
Why it matched: both survival and science fiction; shares 8 player tags including Free to Play, Looter Shooter and Shooter.
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 PlayLooter ShooterShooterSci-fiSurvivalFPSOnline Co-OpFirst-Person
Common questions
What game is most like The Cycle: Frontier?
Apex Legends, on the evidence we have. It both survival, 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 The Cycle: Frontier" 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 The Cycle: Frontier. 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.