Science Fiction games invite players to explore fantastic worlds full of unique inventions and creatures. While games like Halo, Apex Legends, and Horizon Forbidden West may dominate the Science Fiction genre, however, they typically cover themes that some audiences may prefer to avoid. Thankfully, the Science Fiction genre is vast, and, while combat and more intense topics are popular, the genre also has a more wholesome side.
There are plenty of wholesome Sci-Fi games that take a more light-hearted approach than their AAA peers. With the more approachable subject matter, a large portion of wholesome Sci-Fi games will also appeal to kids. Games with cute animal protagonists, bright and colorful worlds, and even occasional combat are a great introduction to the genre for the next generation of gamers.
7 Slime Rancher
- Release Date: January 14th, 2016
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
Slime Rancher is a first-person sandbox simulation game in which players will find themselves collecting colorful slimes. In Slime Rancher, players will be tasked with exploring a mysterious world and discovering hidden secrets and treasures.
In addition to collecting slims, players will also need to grow crops and raise animals to feed the hungry slimes. Happy slimes will provide them with resources that can then be used to purchase upgrades and equipment.
The game features three game modes: adventure, casual, and rush. Slimes can also be combined into more than 150 unique hybrid slimes.
6 Astroneer
- Release Date: February 5th, 2019
- Platforms: Playstation 4, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
In Astroneer, players will set out to explore and reshape alien worlds. They'll brave beautiful and sometimes harsh new planets to unlock the mysteries of the universe.
Players can build custom bases above or below ground in Astroneer, as well as create various vehicles to further explore the universe. What's more, every planet can be completely reformed using tools to better suit players' needs.
Astroneer can be enjoyed with up to four players online. Together, they can even create fun games in the game's sandbox mode.
5 Grounded
- Release Date: July 28th, 2020
- Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
In Grounded, players will shrink down to the size of ants and must team up with their friends to return to their normal size. The world of Grounded is massive and full to the brim with hidden secrets.
However, plenty of dangers are also lurking in the grass. Various insects will react to the players, some more aggressively than others. The elements will also pose a threat to players as they navigate the giant world.
Players can build their dream base to protect themselves and their belongings from threats. In addition, players can also work together to complete the main campaign of the game.
4 Cosmo's Quickstop
- Release Date: August 18th, 2021
- Platforms: PC
Players will become the newest employees of an interstellar gas station in Cosmo’s Quickstop. In Cosmo’s Quickstop, players will have to keep a variety of strange creatures satisfied during their visit.
Players can either work with a friend and divide tasks in the game's cooperative mode or simply see who can complete each job the fastest. Each amenity in the station has its own perks and challenges, and players can swap out and upgrade each one as they see fit.
Amenities will require maintenance, which can be completed through various minigames. Players can also unlock new abilities as they gain experience with each amenity.
3 Cosmonious High
- Release Date: March 31st, 2022
- Platforms: SteamVR and MetaQuest 2
In Cosmonious High, players will crash-land at an alien high school. They will then have to discover the cause behind all of the unusual malfunctions at Cosmonious High.
The entire school will become players’ virtual playground as they learn to use their alien powers. There are also a variety of characters and cliques to interact with around the school.
Cosmonious High features plenty of large areas to explore, from a grand hall to science labs. Players can even perform experiments and create their own works of art.
2 Goodboy Galaxy
- Release Date: Estimated March 2023
- Platforms: Game Boy Advance, PC, and Nintendo Switch
In Goodboy Galaxy, players will help Maxwell to navigate a hostile galaxy. Maxwell’s home is on the brink of ecological collapse, and the little dog will need help finding a solution.
Goodboy Galaxy features multiple levels, each with several routes for players to explore and discover. There are also fifty characters to meet and collect friendship cards from.
In addition to all of this, there are also plenty of creatures to fight against, using Maxwell’s trusty blaster.
1 Star Stuff
- Release Date: 2023
- Platforms: PC
Star Stuff is a puzzle adventure game that takes place in the cosmos. Players will take on the role of a young alien on their first day at the star factory.
In order to succeed, players will have to fabricate stars and send them off into the galaxy, while also saving their crew. There are plenty of mishaps causing chaos around the factory, and players will need to find the calm in the storm.
In Star Stuff, players will also be able to code bots to help them solve puzzles. There are over seventy puzzles to master across the factory, so the game should provide plenty of entertainment for those who pick it up.