Science fiction has always thrived in video games, offering developers the freedom to build bizarre worlds and let players live inside them. But with thousands of sci-fi titles flooding the market, plenty of gems slip through the cracks. Some are obscure; others are hiding in plain sight. Here are five underrated sci-fi games you probably haven't played—but absolutely should.
Frontlines: Fuel of War (2008)
Set in a near-future where oil reserves are running dry, Frontlines: Fuel of War drops you into a Third World War fought over the Caspian region's last remaining oil deposits. You play as part of the Stray Dogs, a strike force that witnesses the Red Star Federation—Russia, China, and their allies—attack an oil refinery, sparking global conflict. The game plays like a futuristic Battlefield, with vehicle combat, class-based multiplayer, and a arsenal of drones that can turn the tide of battle. It comes from the same team behind Homefront, but it's arguably the better game—and far less remembered.
Bet on Soldier: Blood Sport (2006)
Imagine a world where war is a spectator sport and soldiers are gladiators. Bet on Soldier: Blood Sport is a first-person shooter set in a dystopian future where perpetual warfare has become a profitable spectacle. People watch soldiers fight via the internet and gamble on who will survive. It's a spiritual successor to the cult classic Iron Storm, sharing similar mechanics but with a grimier, more exploitative tone. The gameplay can feel clunky by modern standards, but the atmosphere and premise are unforgettable.
Battlefield 2142 (2006)
Yes, that Battlefield. Long before Battlefield 2042, DICE took the franchise into the far future with Battlefield 2142. This entry introduced mechs, laser weapons, and a chilling ice-age setting. Unfortunately, it was multiplayer-only, and official servers have long since shut down. But dedicated fans keep it alive through recovery servers, making it still playable today. It's a piece of shooter history that many Battlefield fans don't even know exists—and it was way ahead of its time.
Trepang2 (2023)
Despite the name, Trepang2 isn't a sequel. This indie first-person shooter is a high-octane thrill ride where you dual-wield almost everything and unleash superhuman abilities. You escape captivity as a test subject and join rebels fighting the sinister Horizon Corporation. What starts as a military shooter quickly shifts into sci-fi territory when aliens enter the fray. The gunsmithing and close-quarters combat are surprisingly deep, and the game has become a sleeper hit that deserves far more attention. If you're looking for something in the vein of recent must-play masterpieces, this one belongs on your radar.
Tom Clancy's EndWar (2008)
Tom Clancy's name is usually associated with tactical shooters, but EndWar took a different path: real-time strategy. Set in a near-future where the European Union has become a superstate, the game depicts a Third World War fought by three factions—the US, the EU, and Russia. Cyber warfare, drones, and laser weapons dominate the battlefield, and you secure uplinks to control territory. What makes it unique is the optional voice command system, even on consoles, which lets you issue orders verbally for a deeper sense of immersion. It's one of the most underrated games in the Clancy catalog.
These five games may not have topped the charts, but they each offer something special—whether it's a bold premise, innovative mechanics, or just pure fun. If you're tired of the same blockbuster releases, give one of these a shot. You might just find your new favorite sci-fi adventure. And if you're still hungry for more, check out our list of movies that truly get video games.
