Similar games

Games like Star Merchant

2017PC63 % positive5.19 €

You play a space trader, buying and selling goods across the stars, fending off pirates and upgrading your ship. You need to plan carefully to reach your goal without going bankrupt.

Economy and management
Sci-fi setting
Deep systems to master

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In short: games like Star Merchant

Best alternative overall: Master of Orion 92% match – Economy and management
Newest alternative: Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova 88% match – released 2023

Best match

Master of Orion

92 %Match

1993PCSteam Deck playable89 % positive5.99 €

A founding classic of the 4X genre: as an immortal emperor you guide an alien race, explore the galaxy, research technologies and manage planets. Diplomacy, fleet battles and expansion decide who rules the stars.

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Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords

Economy and management

A turn-based space 4X game where you colonize planets, research technologies, and conquer the galaxy through diplomacy, culture, or force. It is especially praised for its strong AI, which challenges you without cheating.

Master of Orion II: Battle at Antares

Economy and management

A classic turn-based 4X space strategy game where you explore the galaxy, colonize planets, research technology and fight tactical starship battles against rival races. Deep empire management and custom ship design have made it a cult favourite.

Distant Worlds: Universe

Economy and management

A vast 4X space strategy game in pausable real time where you build an empire across a whole galaxy. Extensive automation lets you manage enormous realms, and the simulation runs remarkably deep.

Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis

Economy and management

A park-management sim where you build your own Jurassic Park filled with dinosaurs and visitors. The fun comes from earning stars, keeping enclosures secure and handling the chaos when dinosaurs break loose.

Haegemonia: Legions of Iron

Economy and management

A space-opera real-time strategy game from the makers of Imperium Galactica, blending 4X elements: you manage planets, research technology and command fleets in battles across star systems.

Star Ruler 2

Economy and management

A real-time space 4X strategy game where you manage hundreds of planets, research technologies, play galactic politics and command huge fleets. Its massive scale and empire-management depth define the experience.

Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova

Economy and management

A classic 4X space strategy game where you lead a civilization through exploration, expansion, diplomacy, research and conquest to galactic dominance. The Supernova edition offers many paths to victory and deep customization of your own species.

Surviving Mars

Economy and management

A city builder where you found a Mars colony and keep it alive with domes, drones and careful resource management. The appeal lies in planning supply chains and surviving hostile conditions.

Star Ruler

Economy and management

A large-scale real-time 4X strategy game set in space, where you design your own ships, command thousands of units and build a galaxy-spanning empire. Extensive mod support and multiplayer add plenty of freedom.