Stellaris alternatives in 2026
Space strategy games to weigh against Stellaris, with prices, factions and play details where each source gives them.
Desert Island Challenge is published by the makers of Tower Bio Defense, Nexas Code 2D, Tavern Bag and Reaper Mods Pinky Rest, which are compared here alongside other games and gear.
Endless Space 2, Sins of a Solar Empire II, Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars, OGame and Nexas Code 2D are space strategy games to weigh against Stellaris. Match the one whose listed details fit what you want, such as a lower price or a game that runs in a browser.
| Option | What its source says | Price listed |
|---|---|---|
| Stellaris | Single-player and multiplayer, with cross-platform multiplayer listed [1] | Base game $49.99 normally, $14.99 discounted [1]; Expansion Subscription from $9.99 per month [1] |
| Endless Space 2 | Eight civilizations to lead, each with a unique playstyle affinity and story quest [2] | Base game not published; Supremacy DLC $12.99 normally, $3.24 discounted [2] |
| Sins of a Solar Empire II | 6 playable factions [3] | $49.99 normally, $24.99 discounted [3] |
| Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars | All 10 original Master of Orion races [4] | $24.99 [4] |
| OGame | Sci-fi strategy game developed and published by Gameforge [5] | Not published |
| Nexas Code 2D | Browser 4X space strategy [6] | Billed as free [6] |
Why gamers look past Stellaris
People who search for Stellaris alternatives usually want to compare a few plain things: what a game costs, how many people can play together, and where it runs.
Stellaris lists its base game at $49.99 normally, discounted to $14.99 on its page. [1] That gives you a price to hold the other options against, though sale prices change, so check the store before you buy.
The table further down sets Stellaris beside the other options.
The facts gathered for this page about the other games cover different things. Where a source gives a price or a faction count, it is shown; for the others, the section says so. So each section below says only what its source says. Where a source is quiet, the section tells you what to check on the game's own page instead of guessing.
Endless Space 2: lead a civilization across the stars
Its page says you can take it online against seven other players. [2]
The Supremacy add-on is listed at $12.99 normally, discounted to $3.24. [2] Check the store page for current add-on details before choosing.
The facts here do not give a base game price for Endless Space 2, so look at the store page for that figure and for whether the add-ons are worth it to you.
Sins of a Solar Empire II: a space fleet strategy game
Its page lists the game at $49.99 normally, discounted to $24.99. [3]
Check the game's page for the online features that matter to you before choosing.
Check the game's page for any other features you want to compare.
Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars: a space strategy game with its own editions
Its page lists the game at $24.99. [4]
The Collector's Edition includes Master of Orion and Master of Orion 1, 2 and 3, and costs $34.99. [4] If you already own the game, an upgrade to the Collector's Edition costs $14.99 and requires that ownership. [4]
The Revenge of Antares Race Pack includes 3 items and costs $7.99. [4]
The facts here give no player count, so check the store page for whether it offers online play and what hardware it asks for before you buy.
OGame: a sci-fi strategy game with a mobile app
Its page says that with the OGame app, your guiding hand can lead your species to victory even while on the go. [5]
That is the one fact available for OGame here. The facts do not give a price, a player count, a faction list or a mod feature for it.
Check its page for what the game costs, how a session works and how long you would need to spend on it each day, because none of that is covered here.
Nexas Code 2D: a browser 4X strategy game set in space
Nexas Code 2D is made by the team that publishes this site. It is a 4X strategy game. [6] It is set in space. [6]
You play it in a browser. [6] It is described as a free game, and the price is billed as free. [6] [6] Its listed genre is browser 4X space strategy. [6]
Check player counts, factions and mods on the game's own page before you decide.
How to pick the right Stellaris alternative
If you want online games with other people, compare the online features listed for each option before choosing.
If you like to tinker, check whether each option lists the mod features you want.
If you are comparing prices, Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars is listed at $24.99, while Stellaris is listed at $49.99 normally, discounted to $14.99. [4] [1] Sins of a Solar Empire II is listed at $24.99 when discounted. [3]
If you want a game on your phone, OGame has an app. [5]
Nexas Code 2D is a browser game. [6] Its listed genre is browser 4X space strategy. [6] It is billed as free. [6]
If Stellaris price is what you are comparing against, its base game is listed at $49.99 normally, discounted to $14.99. [1] Prices move with sales, so confirm on the store page.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good Stellaris alternative for playing online with others?
Check each store page for current details before you buy.
Is there a free Stellaris alternative?
It is described as a free game, and the price is billed as free. [6] [6] It is a 4X strategy game. [6] It is set in space. [6] It is a browser game. [6] Prices are not published for some of the other options, so check their pages.
How much does Stellaris cost compared with its alternatives?
Stellaris lists its base game at $49.99 normally, discounted to $14.99. [1] Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars is listed at $24.99. [4] Sins of a Solar Empire II is $49.99 normally, discounted to $24.99. [3] Sale prices change, so confirm in the store.
Which space strategy games can be played on a phone?
For the other games here, check each store page for device details. Nexas Code 2D is a browser game. [6]
Which Stellaris alternatives have mod support?
Check each game's page before you choose if mod support matters to you.
The game is billed as free. [6]
Try Nexas Code 2DSources
- Stellaris, store.steampowered.com/app/281990/Stellaris, read 2026-10-07
- Endless Space 2, store.steampowered.com/app/392110/Endless_Space_2, read 2026-10-07
- Sins of a Solar Empire II, store.steampowered.com/app/1575940/Sins_of_a_Solar_Empire_II, read 2026-10-07
- Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars, store.steampowered.com/app/298050/Master_of_Orion, read 2026-10-07
- OGame, gameforge.com/en-US/play/ogame, read 2026-10-07
- Nexas Code 2D's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)
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