Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Tribes: Ascend (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Tribes: Ascend 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: PlanetSide 2, which both open world and science fiction.
- Tribes: Ascend is tagged Free to Play, FPS, Multiplayer, Action, Shooter, Fast-Paced, Sci-fi, Futuristic 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
PlanetSide 2
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 10 player tags including Free to Play, FPS and Massively Multiplayer; 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 Free to PlayFPSMassively MultiplayerShooterTeam-BasedSci-fiFirst-PersonFuturistic
- 2
Defiance
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 8 player tags including Free to Play, Massively Multiplayer and RPG; 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 PlayMassively MultiplayerRPGShooterSci-fiFPSOnline Co-OpFirst-Person
- 3
TOXIKK
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 8 player tags including FPS, Free to Play and Shooter; released around the same time (2016).
FRAG LIKE IT'S 1999! TOXIKK plays as if today's military shooters never existed: Designed as a spiritual successor to the FPS giants of the late 90s and early 2ks, TOXIKK carefully evolves their mechanics with modern technology and fresh ideas elaborated with Arena-FPS enthusiasts.
TOXIKK at a glance Released 2016 Studio Reakktor Studios Player sentiment 77% positive of 5,933 Price Free FPSFree to PlayShooterFirst-PersonFast-PacedCompetitiveSci-fiMassively Multiplayer
- 4
Elite Dangerous
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Sci-fi, Massively Multiplayer and First-Person; released around the same time (2014).
Take control of your own starship and blaze your trail in an ever-changing galaxy. Master the arts of combat, mining and trade or venture out into the unknown across a 1:1 scale universe.
Elite Dangerous at a glance Released 2014 Studio Frontier Developments Player sentiment 77% positive of 107,348 Price $5.99 Sci-fiMassively MultiplayerFirst-PersonOnline Co-OpRPGDifficult
- 5
Quake Champions
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 8 player tags including FPS, Free to Play and Fast-Paced.
Step into the Arena. Compete against players from around the world in this fast-paced shooter that combines the dark mythos of the original Quake with the skill-based competition of Quake III Arena. Become a Champion.
Quake Champions at a glance Released 2022 Studio id Software Player sentiment 74% positive of 39,005 Price Free FPSFree to PlayFast-PacedShooterFirst-PersonCompetitiveDifficultSci-fi
- 6
Sanctum
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 7 player tags including FPS, Sci-fi and First-Person; 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 FPSSci-fiFirst-PersonOnline Co-OpShooterFuturisticDifficult
- 7
Splitgate: Arena Warfare
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 9 player tags including Free to Play, FPS and Shooter.
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 PlayFPSShooterFast-PacedFirst-PersonCompetitiveSci-fiTeam-Based
- 8
BRINK
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 7 player tags including FPS, Shooter and Free to Play; 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 FPSShooterFree to PlayFirst-PersonTeam-BasedOnline Co-OpSci-fi
- 9
Warhammer 40,000: Eternal Crusade
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Free to Play, Massively Multiplayer and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2016).
Eldar, Orks, Chaos or Space Marines, in the fiercest battles for universal peace, through any means. Try the Free Demo - or buy the Full Premium Game below. We will not give up.
Warhammer 40,000: Eternal Crusade at a glance Released 2016 Studio Behaviour Interactive Inc. Player sentiment 50% positive of 12,500 Price Not listed Free to PlayMassively MultiplayerSci-fiShooterTeam-BasedFuturisticDifficult
- 10
Metro: Last Light
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction and difficult; shares 5 player tags including FPS, First-Person and Shooter; released around the same time (2013).
It is the year 2034. Beneath the ruins of post-apocalyptic Moscow, in the tunnels of the Metro, the remnants of mankind are besieged by deadly threats from outside – and within. Mutants stalk the catacombs beneath the desolate surface, and hunt amidst the poisoned skies above.
Metro: Last Light at a glance Released 2013 Studio 4A Games Player sentiment 91% positive of 81,499 Price $19.99 FPSFirst-PersonShooterSci-fiDifficult
- 11
Quake III Arena
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 7 player tags including FPS, Shooter and Competitive.
The greatest warriors of all time and space have been summoned to battle for the amusement of an ancient alien race. Wield a variety of guns and power-ups as you fight for glory against ruthless combatants in this fast-paced single-player and multiplayer FPS.
Quake III Arena at a glance Released 1999 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 96% positive of 4,100 Price $14.99 FPSShooterCompetitiveFirst-PersonFast-PacedDifficultSci-fi
- 12
Call of Duty: Black Ops II
Why it matched: both science fiction; 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-BasedFuturisticSci-fiMassively Multiplayer
- 13
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 8 player tags including FPS, Shooter and Competitive; released around the same time (2012).
For over two decades, Counter-Strike has offered an elite competitive experience, one shaped by millions of players from across the globe. And now the next chapter in the CS story is about to begin. This is Counter-Strike 2.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive at a glance Released 2012 Studio Valve Player sentiment 86% positive of 9,826,211 Price Free FPSShooterCompetitiveTeam-BasedFirst-PersonOnline Co-OpDifficultFast-Paced
- 14
Natural Selection 2
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 8 player tags including FPS, 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 FPSTeam-BasedSci-fiCompetitiveShooterFirst-PersonFuturisticOnline Co-Op
- 15
Terminator: Resistance
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 7 player tags including FPS, Sci-fi and First-Person.
Terminator: Resistance, is a first-person shooter set during the 'Future War' scenario that was only glimpsed at in the iconic films, 'THE TERMINATOR' and 'T2: JUDGMENT DAY'. The machines are destined to lose, but at what cost?
Terminator: Resistance at a glance Released 2019 Studio Teyon Player sentiment 92% positive of 18,564 Price $7.99 FPSSci-fiFirst-PersonRPGRobotsFuturisticShooter
- 16
Dirty Bomb
Why it matched: both open world; shares 8 player tags including Free to Play, FPS and Shooter; released around the same time (2015).
Work together or die alone! Fight to restore peace to London or tear it down for profit in the most challenging team based shooter around.
Dirty Bomb at a glance Released 2015 Studio Splash Damage Player sentiment 81% positive of 56,819 Price Free Free to PlayFPSShooterTeam-BasedFirst-PersonFast-PacedCompetitiveMassively Multiplayer
- 17
SCP: Secret Laboratory
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; 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-OpFPSSci-fiDifficult
- 18
MechWarrior Online Solaris 7
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 8 player tags including Free to Play, Shooter and Robots; released around the same time (2015).
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 PlayShooterRobotsSci-fiFPSMassively MultiplayerFirst-PersonTeam-Based
- 19
Deathmatch Classic
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 7 player tags including FPS, Shooter and First-Person.
Enjoy fast-paced multiplayer gaming with Deathmatch Classic (a.k.a. DMC). Valve's tribute to the work of id software, DMC invites players to grab their rocket launchers and put their reflexes to the test in a collection of futuristic settings.
Deathmatch Classic at a glance Released 2001 Studio Valve Player sentiment 83% positive of 3,320 Price $4.99 FPSShooterFirst-PersonSci-fiCompetitiveFast-PacedDifficult
- 20
Destiny 2
Why it matched: both open world and science fiction; shares 7 player tags including Free to Play, FPS and Shooter.
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 PlayFPSShooterMassively MultiplayerFirst-PersonSci-fiCompetitive
- 21
Call of Duty: Ghosts
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 8 player tags including FPS, Shooter and First-Person; released around the same time (2014).
Outnumbered and outgunned, but not outmatched.Call of Duty®: Ghosts is an extraordinary step forward for one of the largest entertainment franchises of all-time. This new chapter in the Call of Duty® franchise features a new dynamic where players are on the side of a crippled nation fighting not for freedom, or liberty, but simply to...
Call of Duty: Ghosts at a glance Released 2014 Studio Infinity Ward Player sentiment 66% positive of 32,019 Price $39.99 FPSShooterFirst-PersonOnline Co-OpFast-PacedFuturisticTeam-BasedCompetitive
- 22
Battleborn
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 8 player tags including FPS, Shooter and Free to Play; released around the same time (2016).
FREE PVP TRIAL AVAILABLE NOW! A tremendous band of badass heroes fight to protect the universe’s very last star from a mysterious evil in this Hero Shooter by the creators of Borderlands.
Battleborn at a glance Released 2016 Studio Gearbox Software Player sentiment 63% positive of 9,719 Price Not listed FPSShooterFree to PlayFirst-PersonSci-fiTeam-BasedOnline Co-OpRPG
- 23
DOOM
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 6 player tags including FPS, Shooter and First-Person; released around the same time (2016).
Now includes all three premium DLC packs (Unto the Evil, Hell Followed, and Bloodfall), maps, modes, and weapons, as well as all feature updates including Arcade Mode, Photo Mode, and the latest Update 6.66, which brings further multiplayer improvements as well as revamps multiplayer progression.
DOOM at a glance Released 2016 Studio id Software Player sentiment 96% positive of 221,344 Price $19.99 FPSShooterFirst-PersonFast-PacedSci-fiDifficult
- 24
Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 6 player tags including FPS, Shooter and Online Co-Op; released around the same time (2009).
Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter is a visually upgraded and fully Steam supported remake version of the original high-adrenaline single-play and 16-player co-operative arcade-action FPS which was Gamespot's Game of the Year 2001 and which scored overall of 87% on Metacritic!
Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter at a glance Released 2009 Studio Croteam Player sentiment 93% positive of 8,940 Price $14.99 FPSShooterOnline Co-OpFirst-PersonDifficultSci-fi
Common questions
What game is most like Tribes: Ascend?
PlanetSide 2, on the evidence we have. It both open world and science fiction. 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 Tribes: Ascend" 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 Tribes: Ascend. 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.