Summary
- Fans of both sci-fi and fantasy will find unique and engaging experiences in games that blend the two genres creatively.
- Titles like ELEX, Hyper Light Drifter, and Shadowrun Returns offer players immersive worlds with intriguing narratives and gameplay.
- From tense post-apocalyptic RPGs to tactical turn-based combat encounters, the sci-fi fantasy genre continues to offer diverse and rewarding gaming experiences.
Science fiction and fantasy are some of the most used settings in fiction, and video games are no exception. From the fantasy worlds of The Elder Scrolls and Dark Souls to the sci-fi universes of StarCraft 2 and Destiny 2, fans of science fiction and fantasy alike are far from short on high-quality experiences.
10 Best Soulslike Games That Incorporate Fantasy & Sci-Fi
There are, quite literally, hundreds of Soulslikes at this point. However, not all of them blend both fantasy & sci-fi, so here are the ones that do.
The genre of sci-fi fantasy is somewhat less common. However, there are a variety of games that blend elements of science fiction and fantasy, offering unique worlds to explore and experiences to have. From the dark-fantasy tone of the sci-fi shooter, Quake, all the way to the mutated world of Caves Of Qud, sci-fi fantasy is a playground for creative world-building.
6 ELEX
A Third-Person RPG In A Post-Apocalyptic World
- Platform(s): PC, PlayStation, Xbox
- Released: 2017
- Developer(s): Piranha Bytes
- Genre: RPG
This third-person action RPG, developed by Piranha Bytes (the same studio behind the Gothic games), takes place in a science fiction fantasy world, set during the post-apocalypse. ELEX features guns, monsters, magic, and ruined environments that make for a creative combination of sci-fi and fantasy elements.
The Best Post-Apocalyptic Games of All Time
A post-apocalyptic setting adds a certain uniqueness to a game. These titles left an everlasting impression on gamers.
Despite being somewhat rough around the edges, ELEX remains a worthwhile experience thanks to its intriguing world and rewarding exploration. For fans of third-person RPGs, dangerous open worlds, and post-apocalyptic settings, Piranha Bytes' ELEX is worth playing. Furthermore, for players that enjoyed the first game, a sequel, released in 2022, is currently available.
5 Hyper Light Drifter
A Zelda-Inspired Adventure With Excellent Presentation
Hyper Light Drifter
Featuring beautiful pixel art graphics, Hyper Light Drifter is a consistent joy to look at, frequently giving players impressive vistas to enjoy along their journey. As a result of its well-crafted art style, sound design, and music, Hyper Light Drifter offers an atmospheric experience that takes full advantage of its science fiction fantasy setting.
Taking clear inspiration from games such as The Legend of Zelda, Hyper Light Drifter is an action-adventure game that centers around thoughtful exploration and hack-and-slash combat. Its intriguing, colorful world is likely to pique the curiosity of many players, managing a careful balance of engaging combat and rewarding exploration.
4 Shadowrun Returns
A Combination Of Cyberpunk And Fantasy Tropes
Shadowrun Returns
- Released
- July 25, 2013
- Developer(s)
- Harebrained Schemes
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Tactical
Based on the tabletop RPG of the same name, Shadowrun Returns is a combination of cyberpunk, science fiction, and fantasy tropes that offers a one-of-a-kind setting. Developed by the talented Harebrained Schemes, Shadowrun Returns is the first in a trilogy of turn-based RPGs. Furthermore, Shadowrun Returns is relatively friendly to newcomers, making it a great RPG for beginners.
The world of Shadowrun features classic cyberpunk tropes such as evil corporations and hacking but blends this with fantasy races such as elves and orcs. Shadowrun also features magical abilities, furthering its fantasy elements and deepening its tactical combat. For fans of both fantasy and the cyberpunk sub-genre, Shadowrun Returns is a great place to start.
3 Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
An Old-School RPG In The Iconic Universe Of Warhammer 40,000
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
- Released
- December 7, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Owlcat Games
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, RPG
Set in the titular sci-fi fantasy world of Warhammer 40,000, Rogue Trader is a classic RPG that takes its name from the Warhammer 40,000 tabletop RPG of the same name. The universe of Warhammer 40,000 is bleak and frequently horrifying, often credited as a pioneer of the grim-dark genre. Despite an evocative setting, games set in the iconic universe are a mixed bag, but Rogue Trader - developed by Owlcat Games (the team behind Pathfinder: Wrath Of The Righteous) - is a tactical and immersive experience throughout.
The Best Warhammer 40,000 Games, Ranked
Whether they ooze the game's grimdark setting or replicate the visceral gameplay the books portray, here are the best Warhammer 40K games.
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader features tactical turn-based combat encounters, centered around party-based RPG mechanics. However, Rogue Trader is also a narrative experience that focuses on player choice, offering a meaningful adventure to players who stay with its multiple acts.
2 Quake
A Sci-Fi Shooter With A Dark Fantasy Tone
Quake
- Released
- May 22, 1996
- Developer(s)
- id Software
- Platform(s)
- PC, Switch, Nintendo 64, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Sega Saturn
- Genre(s)
- First-Person Shooter
Arguably one of the most innovative first-person shooters (in terms of technology), Quake has stood the test of time thanks to its intuitive and expressive movement controls, an iconic combination of dark fantasy and science fiction, and dedicated mapping scene.
From battling against horrific interdimensional creatures in Gothic castles to engaging soldiers in hectic gunfights, Quake constantly treads the line between science fiction and fantasy. Narratively, Quake loosely explains this with "slipgates," a form of teleporter in the game's universe. The Lovecraft-inspired monsters, combined with the military sci-fi theme of certain levels, keep Quake's environments interesting despite the often dull tones of its color palette.
1 Caves Of Qud
A Roguelike RPG In A Unique Sci-Fi Fantasy Setting
Caves Of Qud
Sporting old-school graphics and the classic turn-based gameplay of traditional roguelikes, Caves Of Qud can be fairly inaccessible to newcomers. However, it makes up for this with its deep, expansive open world that perfectly blends procedural and hand-crafted content. The world of Caves Of Qud, both above and below, is a consistent joy to explore, and players are frequently rewarded for exploring with memorable NPC interactions and powerful loot.
Caves Of Qud may play similarly to a traditional roguelike, but its developers have made the game more accessible by allowing players to switch off permanent death and play the game like an RPG. This allows players to enjoy the game's rich sci-fi fantasy setting without the fear of losing all their progress. For fans of science-fiction fantasy settings and tactical turn-based combat that can look past (or even enjoy) the old-school graphics, Caves Of Qud is one of the best.
Best RPGs That Are Science Fantasy
Merging both sci-fi and fantasy into a seamless story, these RPGs are some of the best examples of the science-fantasy genre.