9 Games with a sci-fi setting like X-COM: Terror From the Deep that you should try

Games like X-COM: Terror From the Deep · Find similar →

We filtered the 38 games similar to X-COM: Terror From the Deep down to the 9 that fit the “Sci-Fi” category. X-COM: UFO Defense, Plague Inc. and The Dig top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to X-COM: Terror From the Deep.

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GenreStrategySubgenreCity Builder

The best games with a sci-fi setting like X-COM: Terror From the Deep

9 similar games foundUpdated July 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to X-COM: Terror From the Deep. Each one has been evaluated across 15 real attributes — from combat style and progression mechanics to world structure and visual perspective — so every recommendation is based on how the game actually plays, not just its genre label.

#1X-COM: UFO Defense

iRank83

GenreStrategySubgenreTurn-Based Strategy

SoloTacticalDarkHardcoreSci-FiHorrorBase BuildingIsometricPixel Art

Steam👍 95%· 4.0KRAWG👍 64%· 275IGDB85· 2

Year 1993Dev MicroProse Software · MicroProsePlaytime ~1hOn PC · PS · Commodore / Amiga

✓ Like X-COM: Terror From the Deep, it's known for turn-based strategy, roguelike runs and dark, oppressive atmosphere

≠ Its own twist: procedural generation, while skipping horror tension

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloTacticalDarkHorrorSci-FiIsometric

IGDB80· 1

Year 2012Dev Ndemic CreationsOn PC · Android · iOS

✓ Like X-COM: Terror From the Deep, it's known for deep simulation, dark, oppressive atmosphere and combat tactical

≠ Where it differs: brings real-time strategy, while skipping turn-based strategy

Details →

#3The Dig

GenreStrategySubgenreTycoon / Management

SoloDarkHorrorSci-FiManagementIsometric

Year 2021Dev 1CreditOn Web

✓ If you enjoyed X-COM: Terror From the Deep, expect dark, oppressive atmosphere, horror setting and setting scifi

≠ Stands apart with puzzle design and adventure storytelling, while skipping turn-based strategy

Details →

itch.io

#4Dyson Sphere Program

iRank93

GenreStrategySubgenreCity Builder

SoloSci-FiBase BuildingManagementOpen World

Steam👍 98%· 91KRAWG👍 85%· 84

Year 2021Dev Youthcat Studio · Gamera GamePlaytime ~8hOn PC

✓ Same family of city builders: deep simulation, setting scifi and single-player focus

≠ Stands apart with sandbox freedom, open world exploration and sandbox world, while skipping turn-based strategy

GenreStrategySubgenreCity Builder

SoloSci-FiManagementBase BuildingPixel ArtIsometric

Steam👍 97%· 15K

Year 2024Dev Mister Morris GamesPlaytime ~18hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ Fits the city builders cluster, with deep simulation, setting scifi and single-player focus

≠ Stands apart with sandbox freedom, cozy, relaxing feel and vibe casual, while skipping turn-based strategy

Details →

Steam

#6Space Colony: Steam Edition

iRank78

GenreStrategySubgenreCity Builder

SoloSci-FiBase BuildingManagementIsometric

Steam👍 80%· 658MC74IGDB77· 3

Year 2015Dev FireFly StudiosPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ Same family of city builders: deep simulation, setting scifi and single-player focus

≠ Where it differs: brings sandbox freedom, strong narrative focus and cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping turn-based strategy

Details →

Steam GOG

#7Jurassic World Evolution

iRank80

GenreStrategySubgenreCity Builder

SoloMeleeDarkSci-FiManagementBase BuildingIsometric

Steam👍 87%· 55KIGDB74· 13OC71· 99

Year 2018Dev Frontier Developments · Universal PicturesOn PS4 · PC · Xbox

✓ Fits the city builders cluster, with deep simulation, dark, oppressive atmosphere and melee combat

≠ Where it differs: brings sandbox freedom, strong narrative focus and sandbox world, while skipping turn-based strategy

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloTacticalMeleeSci-FiIsometric

Steam👍 94%· 3.0KRAWG👍 59%· 44MC75OC77· 10

Year 2013Dev Rocket Bear GamesPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ If you enjoyed X-COM: Terror From the Deep, expect combat tactical, melee combat and setting scifi

≠ Stands apart with real-time strategy, tower defense planning and visual topdown, while skipping turn-based strategy

Details →

Steam GOG

#9Defense Grid: The Awakening

iRank82

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloTacticalSci-FiIsometric

Steam👍 96%· 5.3KRAWG👍 59%· 106MC81IGDB86· 2

Year 2008Dev Hidden Path EntertainmentPlaytime ~4hOn PC · Xbox · Apple Macintosh

✓ If you enjoyed X-COM: Terror From the Deep, expect deep simulation, combat tactical and setting scifi

≠ Stands apart with tower defense planning and real-time strategy, while skipping turn-based strategy

Details →

Steam Epic

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