The best sci-fi games

The greatest examples of one of our favorite gaming genres

Here are seven of the greatest sci-fi games of all time. Did your favorites make the cut?

7. THE OUTER WORLDS

Like Fallout, The Outer Wilds combines satire, quirky companions, and RPG elements. Unlike Fallout, its 15-hour campaign can be enjoyed without sacrificing an ungodly amount of free time to finish it. 

Available on: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch

6. PREY (2017)

Turns out, researching deadly aliens on a space station all on your lonesome is a bad idea. This sinister slice of sci-fi is one of the most atmospheric single-player games in years. 

Available on: PC, PS4, Xbox One

5. THE BIOSHOCK COLLECTION

A thrilling package that combines three superior sci-fi shooters. In Rapture and Columbia, you're dealing with two of the most richly realized game worlds ever. Thought-provoking sci-fi at its best. 

Available on: PC, PS4, Xbox One

4. MASS EFFECT 2

The saga of Shephard and crew is one of the best, most engrossing sci-fi RPGs out there. We can't think of a more gripping final act than this sequel's riveting 'Suicide Mission'. 

Available on: PC, Xbox One (via back compat)

3. DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION 

This prequel paints a fascinating vision of our future, in which human augmentations have become the norm. How you choose to unlock new paths and skills gives this classy adventure a welcome Metroidvania quality. 

Available on: PC, PS4, Xbox One

2. PORTAL 2

An ingenious puzzler that will both challange your grey matter and tickle your funny bone. Thanks to a rapier-sharp script, Portal 2 will make you laugh even as it bamboozles you. 

Available on: PC, Xbox One (via back compat)

1. HALF-LIFE 2

17 years on, Valve's masterful first-person shooter is still the greatest sci-fi game ever made. Both the pacing and sense of time and place are impeccable, as Gordon Freeman battles all matters of nasties throughout the bewitching City 17.

Available on: PC, Xbox One (via back compat with The Orange Box Collection)

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