Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Xenonauts (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Xenonauts 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: X-COM: UFO Defense, which both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy.
- Xenonauts is tagged Turn-Based Strategy, Turn-Based Tactics, Turn-Based Combat, Base-Building, Grand Strategy, Management, Singleplayer, Strategy 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.
- 1 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
X-COM: UFO Defense
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 11 player tags including Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy and Sci-fi.
You are in control of X-COM: an organization formed by the world's governments to fight the ever-increasing alien menace.
X-COM: UFO Defense at a glance Released 2008 Studio MicroProse Software, Inc Player sentiment 95% positive of 3,992 Price $4.99 StrategyTurn-Based StrategySci-fiAliensTurn-BasedTacticalTurn-Based TacticsIsometric
- 2
Into the Breach
Why it matched: both science fiction and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy and Indie; released around the same time (2018).
Control powerful mechs from the future to defeat an alien threat. Each attempt to save the world presents a new randomly generated challenge in this turn-based strategy game.
Into the Breach at a glance Released 2018 Studio Subset Games Player sentiment 94% positive of 22,246 Price $14.99 StrategyTurn-Based StrategyIndieTurn-Based TacticsTurn-BasedSci-fiTurn-Based CombatTactical
- 3
Shadowrun: Dragonfall - Director's Cut
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Turn-Based, Isometric and Strategy; released around the same time (2014).
Harebrained Schemes' biggest Shadowrun game to date, and the definitive Shadowrun RPG experience available on PC. Now a standalone title with tons of new content & improvements!
Shadowrun: Dragonfall - Director's Cut at a glance Released 2014 Studio Harebrained Schemes Player sentiment 89% positive of 6,570 Price $14.99 Turn-BasedIsometricStrategySci-fiTacticalIndieTurn-Based TacticsTurn-Based Strategy
- 4
Shadowrun: Hong Kong - Extended Edition
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Turn-Based, Isometric and Strategy; released around the same time (2015).
Shadowrun: Hong Kong - Extended Edition is the capstone title in Harebrained Schemes' Shadowrun series - and now includes the all-new, 6+ hr Shadows of Hong Kong Bonus Campaign. Experience the most impressive Shadowrun RPG yet, hailed as one of the best cRPG / strategy games of 2015!
Shadowrun: Hong Kong - Extended Edition at a glance Released 2015 Studio Harebrained Schemes Player sentiment 87% positive of 4,839 Price $19.99 Turn-BasedIsometricStrategyIndieTurn-Based TacticsTurn-Based CombatSci-fiKickstarter
- 5
ENDLESS Space - Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Strategy, Sci-fi and Turn-Based Strategy; 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 StrategySci-fiTurn-Based StrategyTurn-BasedIndieGrand StrategyAliensSimulation
- 6
XCOM: Enemy Unknown
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Turn-Based Strategy, Tactical and Strategy; released around the same time (2012).
The XCOM: Enemy Unknown - Slingshot Pack is Now Available!
XCOM: Enemy Unknown at a glance Released 2012 Studio Firaxis Games Player sentiment 93% positive of 58,594 Price $14.99 Turn-Based StrategyTacticalStrategySci-fiTurn-BasedAliensBase-BuildingTurn-Based Tactics
- 7
Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Strategy, Turn-Based Tactics and Turn-Based Combat; released around the same time (2018).
MECHANICUS II ANNOUNCED! Take control of one of the most technologically advanced factions in the Imperium: the Adeptus Mechanicus. In this turn-based tactical game, your every decision will weigh heavily on the outcome of the conflict. Will you be blessed by the Omnissiah?
Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus at a glance Released 2018 Studio Bulwark Studios Player sentiment 91% positive of 14,603 Price $29.99 StrategyTurn-Based TacticsTurn-Based CombatSci-fiTurn-BasedTacticalTurn-Based StrategyIndie
- 8
Wasteland 2: Director's Cut
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Turn-Based, Strategy and Tactical; released around the same time (2014).
From the producer of the original Fallout comes Wasteland 2. With over 80 hours of gameplay, deck out your Ranger squad with devastating weaponry, test the limits of your strategy skills, and bring justice to the Wasteland! The choices are yours…but so are the consequences.
Wasteland 2: Director's Cut at a glance Released 2014 Studio inXile Entertainment Player sentiment 83% positive of 8,104 Price $29.99 Turn-BasedStrategyTacticalIsometricKickstarterIndieTurn-Based StrategySci-fi
- 9
Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy and Sci-fi; 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 StrategyTurn-Based StrategySci-fiTurn-BasedAliensTacticalGrand StrategySimulation
- 10
Invisible, Inc.
Why it matched: both science fiction and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Turn-Based Tactics, Isometric and Strategy; released around the same time (2015).
Take control of Invisible's agents in the field and infiltrate the world's most dangerous corporations. Stealth, precision, and teamwork are essential in high-stakes, high-profit missions, where every move may cost an agent their life.
Invisible, Inc. at a glance Released 2015 Studio Klei Entertainment Player sentiment 91% positive of 5,778 Price $19.99 Turn-Based TacticsIsometricStrategySci-fiTacticalTurn-BasedTurn-Based StrategyTurn-Based Combat
- 11
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War
Why it matched: both science fiction and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy and Turn-Based; released around the same time (2018).
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War brings you to a world of terror and violence. Four factions will engage in a brutal war for dominance over the planet’s resources. In the first turn-based 4X strategy game set in Warhammer 40,000 you will lead one of four unique factions.
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War at a glance Released 2018 Studio Proxy Studios Player sentiment 82% positive of 18,647 Price $39.99 StrategyTurn-Based StrategyTurn-BasedSci-fiTurn-Based TacticsTacticalGrand StrategyTurn-Based Combat
- 12
Planetbase
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Base-Building, Strategy and Simulation; released around the same time (2015).
Guide a group of space settlers trying to establish a base on a remote planet. Grow food, collect energy, mine resources, survive disasters and build a self-sufficient colony in a harsh and unforgiving environment.
Planetbase at a glance Released 2015 Studio Madruga Works Player sentiment 80% positive of 10,438 Price $7.49 Base-BuildingStrategySimulationSci-fiManagementIndie
- 13
ENDLESS Space 2
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, Sci-fi and Turn-Based Strategy; released around the same time (2017).
ENDLESS Space™ 2 is a Strategic Space Opera, featuring the compelling “just one more turn” gameplay, set in the mysterious ENDLESS Universe™. As the leader of your civilization, will you impose your vision and build the greatest stellar empire?
ENDLESS Space 2 at a glance Released 2017 Studio AMPLITUDE Studios Player sentiment 83% positive of 23,056 Price $7.99 StrategySci-fiTurn-Based StrategyTurn-BasedGrand StrategyIndie
- 14
Prismata
Why it matched: both science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, Indie and Simulation; released around the same time (2018).
A perfect-information strategy game inspired by RTS, deckbuilders, and board games. Choose from three distinct technology classes and outwit your foes by snowballing your starting resources into a powerful cybernetic army. ABSOLUTELY NO PAY-TO-WIN.
Prismata at a glance Released 2018 Studio Lunarch Studios Player sentiment 81% positive of 1,224 Price Free StrategyIndieSimulationTurn-BasedSci-fiTurn-Based TacticsTurn-Based Strategy
- 15
Satellite Reign
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, Sci-fi and Indie; released around the same time (2015).
Satellite Reign is a real-time, class-based strategy game, set in an open-world cyberpunk city. You command a group of 4 agents through rain-soaked, neon-lit streets, where the law is the will of mega-corporations.
Satellite Reign at a glance Released 2015 Studio 5 Lives Studios Player sentiment 71% positive of 5,369 Price $29.99 StrategySci-fiIndieTacticalIsometricKickstarter
- 16
Dune: Spice Wars
Why it matched: both science fiction and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Management, Sci-fi and Strategy.
A 4X real-time strategy game from the developers of the critically acclaimed Northgard. Set in Frank Herbert’s groundbreaking Dune universe, you must lead your faction and battle for control and dominance over the harsh desert planet of Arrakis.
Dune: Spice Wars at a glance Released 2023 Studio Shiro Games Player sentiment 79% positive of 13,549 Price $34.99 ManagementSci-fiStrategyGrand StrategySimulationTacticalBase-BuildingIndie
- 17
XCOM: Chimera Squad
Why it matched: both science fiction and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Strategy, Turn-Based Tactics and Turn-Based Strategy.
XCOM: Chimera Squad delivers an all-new story and turn-based tactical combat experience in the XCOM universe.
XCOM: Chimera Squad at a glance Released 2020 Studio Firaxis Games Player sentiment 71% positive of 23,443 Price $9.99 StrategyTurn-Based TacticsTurn-Based StrategyTurn-BasedAliensSci-fiTacticalTurn-Based Combat
- 18
Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Isometric, Turn-Based and Turn-Based Combat; released around the same time (2015).
You've just unearthed the classic post-apocalyptic role-playing game that revitalized the entire CRPG genre. The Fallout® SPECIAL system allows drastically different types of characters, meaningful decisions and development that puts you in complete control. Explore the devastated ruins of a golden age civilization.
Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game at a glance Released 2015 Studio Interplay Inc. Player sentiment 94% positive of 25,164 Price $9.99 IsometricTurn-BasedTurn-Based CombatSci-fi2DTactical
- 19
The Banner Saga
Why it matched: both atmospheric and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Turn-Based, Strategy and Indie; released around the same time (2014).
Live through an epic role-playing Viking saga where your strategic choices directly affect your personal journey. Make allies as you travel with your caravan across this stunning yet harsh landscape. Carefully choose those who will help fight a new threat that jeopardizes an entire civilization.
The Banner Saga at a glance Released 2014 Studio Stoic Player sentiment 89% positive of 15,950 Price $24.99 Turn-BasedStrategyIndieTacticalTurn-Based StrategyKickstarter2D
- 20
Total War: ROME II - Emperor Edition
Why it matched: both atmospheric and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy and Grand Strategy; released around the same time (2013).
Emperor Edition is the definitive edition of ROME II, featuring an improved politics system, overhauled building chains, rebalanced battles and improved visuals in both campaign and battleEmperor Edition contains all free feature updates since its release in 2013, which includes bug fixes, balancing, Twitch.
Total War: ROME II - Emperor Edition at a glance Released 2013 Studio CREATIVE ASSEMBLY Player sentiment 88% positive of 88,148 Price $59.99 StrategyTurn-Based StrategyGrand StrategyTacticalTurn-BasedSimulationTurn-Based Tactics
- 21
Homeworld Remastered Collection
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 5 player tags including Strategy, Sci-fi and Remake; 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 StrategySci-fiRemakeSimulationTactical
- 22
BATTLETECH
Why it matched: both science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, Turn-Based Tactics and Turn-Based; released around the same time (2018).
Take command of your own mercenary outfit of 'Mechs and the MechWarriors that pilot them, struggling to stay afloat as you find yourself drawn into a brutal interstellar civil war.
BATTLETECH at a glance Released 2018 Studio Harebrained Schemes Player sentiment 84% positive of 33,142 Price $39.99 StrategyTurn-Based TacticsTurn-BasedSci-fiTurn-Based StrategyTacticalManagement
- 23
Atlas Reactor
Why it matched: both science fiction and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, Turn-Based Tactics and Turn-Based; released around the same time (2016).
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 StrategyTurn-Based TacticsTurn-BasedTacticalTurn-Based CombatSci-fiTurn-Based Strategy
- 24
Halo Wars
Why it matched: both science fiction, atmospheric and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, Base-Building and Sci-fi.
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 StrategyBase-BuildingSci-fiSimulationAliensTactical
Common questions
What game is most like Xenonauts?
X-COM: UFO Defense, 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 Xenonauts" 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 Xenonauts. 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.