10 Greatest Sci-Fi Video Games of All Time, Ranked

Space has always been one of the most interesting settings for art to explore, and because of the grandeur and mystery around it, the sci-fi genre was born to satisfy everyone’s curiosity. Whether it be space exploration, wars against aliens, time travel, or any other science plot, this genre is a staple and, therefore, also contains some of the greatest video games of all time, joining the ranks of iconic titles such as The Legend of Zelda and Elden Ring.

There are endless possibilities with sci-fi, and video games prove that; from horror to adventure to action to whatever fans want, this versatile genre is home to some legendary experiences. That is why this list will rank the ten greatest sci-fi video games of all time based on gameplay, narrative, design, art, originality, fan opinion, critical acclaim, overall quality, influence, and how much they innovate the sci-fi genre.

10

‘Prey’ (2017)

Image via Arkane Studios

Some of the greatest sci-fi games mix and match their genres, as proven by Prey, which delivered an immersive horror simulator in space. Humanity has been experimenting on a hostile alien life form that has the ability to transform into anything, but when it breaks loose from its containment, the players must run, hide, and do whatever it takes to survive the creature and save the space station.

For pure sci-fi horror, games like Alien: Isolation are better, but in terms of overall experience, Prey is the complete package. This is one of the best immersive sims out there because of its sandbox qualities and systemic gameplay that gives players unparalleled freedom to play how they please. Prey is an underrated game that highlights the possibilities of the sci-fi genre in video games.

9

‘Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic’ (2003)

Image via LucasArts

Star Wars is one of the biggest media franchises in the world, and therefore, they have produced some of the greatest video games ever, including Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. An amnesiac Republic soldier awakens to a war against a Sith armada, leading them to search for the maps that will guide them to the Sith super weapon. However, is this character just a soldier?

A remake is confirmed, but with no release date in sight, fans question if it is even real, meaning the original still reigns supreme on this list. Before Knights of the Old Republic, game stories were never as complex and intriguing, but by boasting a masterful narrative and one of the best twists in gaming history, this title became an instant sci-fi classic. Knights of the Old Republic is the greatest Star Wars game ever, and it became so by questioning the Jedi code and exploring the franchise’s themes.

8

‘Cyberpunk 2077’ (2020)

Image via CD Projekt

Sci-fi games are some of the most ambitious, and that often leads to disappointing opening releases, as was the case with Cyberpunk 2077, which was a buggy mess at launch. V is a typical mercenary, but when they get a job to deliver a chip containing the soul of a dead terrorist, it accidentally gets implanted in their head, now needing to race to find a cure or be replaced.

Despite its slow start, Cyberpunk 2077 continued to improve with more work put in, and today, it is one of the greatest sci-fi games ever. It is an absolutely stunning effort, from photo-realistic characters to its in-depth city that provides a haunting look into the future. Cyberpunk 2077 is an architectural feat with immersive gameplay and an emotional narrative. Also, Keanu Reeves plays the character of Johnny Silverhand, and who doesn’t love Keanu?

7

‘Halo 3’ (2007)

Image via Microsoft Game Studios

Each decade is defined by a few specific games, and the 2000s in particular were highlighted by one of the most popular sci-fi franchises, Halo, with Halo 3 specifically making this list. Master Chief returns to a war-torn Earth where he hopes to push back the Covenant. However, the alien race plans to activate a planet-destroying weapon, giving Earth a limited time to survive.

Any of the original Halo games were worthy of this list, but the third is arguably the best for being the complete package. The gameplay was improved, the narrative and campaign were larger than life, the progression was fluid, and it polished the Halo formula. The franchise hasn’t been the same since, but Halo 3 alone is enough for fans to endlessly replay, as it redefined the console multiplayer experience.

6

‘Mass Effect Legendary Edition’ (2021)

Image via BioWare

This may be a cop out, but all the original Mass Effect games are pure masterpieces, which is why it is only fitting that all of them be featured in one entry, and the Mass Effect Legendary Edition does that perfectly. Shepard and their squadron take to the galaxy to defeat a machine race known as the Reapers, needing to unite multiple planets and species to aid in the fight.

This list could have included the Master Chief Collection for the previous entry, but one collection of games is more than enough, and Mass Effect Legendary Edition is more substantial, as it puts the greatest video game trilogy onto one disc. Full of political intrigue and game-altering decisions, this series is known for its complex branching narrative with real consequences and rich lore with emotional weight. Every choice leads to an iconic, albeit flawed, ending that we’re still discussing over a decade later.

5

‘BioShock’ (2007)

If Mass Effect isn’t the greatest video game trilogy, then it is definitely BioShock, and none of the other games can compare to the original masterpiece that took the world by storm. After a plane crash, Jack finds safety on a lone lighthouse, only to realize that there is a failed utopia beneath it, full of political mayhem and spliced people straight out of a nightmare.

Known for its incredible atmosphere and renowned narrative that ends with one of the best plot twists in video game history, BioShock is a rich storytelling experience. The political subtext is fascinating, and the layered worldbuilding further immerses the player. That isn’t to mention its borderline horror gameplay that blends first-person shooting with plasmid puzzle solving and perfect progression, making BioShock one of the best video games of the century.

4

‘Outer Wilds’ (2019)

Image via Mobius Digital

This list mostly includes AAA blockbusters, but some indie titles have proven to be sci-fi juggernauts, such as Outer Wilds. With only a worn-down ship and a translator tool, players control an astronaut caught in a 22-minute time loop. Sent to explore ruins and learn about a mysterious race, players only have a certain amount of time to explore before it resets.

Outer Wilds gives players agency, unlike any other game, where progression is based on what the audience learns. Curiosity is the name of the game, encouraging players to do and try whatever, all with the goal of learning more. This intrinsically motivated sci-fi exploration masterpiece is based around mystery and discovery, aspects that make this genre so good.

3

‘Metroid Prime’ (2002)

Image via Nintendo

Nintendo has a handful of sci-fi franchises, but its best is undoubtedly Metroid, and while it has many classics, nothing is as good as Metroid Prime. After tracking a group of pirates to an unknown planet, Samus must investigate their plans and stop them at the source or risk their corruption spreading even further.

Bringing the franchise into the 3D realm, this title redefined the genre and highlighted the potential of a 3D metroidvania. Every bit of gameplay is interconnected, even if it doesn’t serve an explicit purpose other than to keep the gameplay and movement flowing. Metroid Prime is a master of worldbuilding and shooter gameplay, allowing players to scan and learn about everything, proving it is one of the best adventure video games.

2

‘Half-Life 2’ (2004)

Image via Valve

Despite waiting years, some fans never get the sequel they were hoping for, and Half-Life 2 fans have been waiting decades for a third entry that will likely never come. Years after aliens took over the Earth, a scientist shows up in City 17, spurring the revolution and becoming a figure of hope as he tries to overthrow the aliens’ oppressive regime.

Half-Life 2 is one of the most engaging sci-fi games that pioneered physics-based gameplay and environmental storytelling. This genre is highlighted by its agency and immersion, and this iconic game offers that unlike any other. Without any cutscenes, Half-Life 2 doesn’t take away from the gameplay, but still manages to deliver a narrative worthy of one of the best sci-fi games.

1

‘Portal 2’ (2011)

Image via Valve

Right off the heels of one Valve game is another, proving the company understands how to make sci-fi masterpieces. Portal 2 takes place in the rundown testing facility, this time following a subject who wakes up years later. Guided by a rogue robot, the player is forced to comply with the testing until they can find a way to escape.

The sci-fi genre is rich with imaginative games that push the boundaries of what is possible, and Portal 2 is one such pioneer that delivers a physics-based puzzle-solving experience. Its imaginative mechanics create a plethora of platforming situations, and paired with its quirky narrative and witty writing, Portal 2 establishes itself as one of the greatest video games of all time.