5 Best Underrated Sci-Fi RPGs

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If you enjoy science fiction role-playing games, you’ve probably played Mass Effect. It’s the go-to choice for anyone wanting to explore a vast and unknown universe. While other popular sci-fi RPGs like Cyberpunk 2077, The Outer Worlds, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic are also great – and many fans have played them repeatedly – I can understand if you’re starting to feel burnt out on these worlds and stories, especially if you’re a dedicated fan who loves exploring colorful planets.

If you’re looking for something different in sci-fi RPGs, there are several hidden gems that are just as good—or even better—than the popular ones. These underrated games range from those inspired by Mass Effect to truly obscure titles, and they all offer a fantastic and enjoyable experience for anyone seeking a new adventure.

5. Precursors

I hadn’t come across Precursors before this, and you probably haven’t either. I discovered this unusual open-world sci-fi RPG while researching and ended up playing it much longer than necessary – but as a reviewer, I felt I had to! Despite some noticeable flaws and technical issues, Precursors is unlike any RPG I’ve experienced. It’s incredibly ambitious, especially considering it’s from a small, relatively unknown team and hasn’t gotten much attention. While it shares elements with games like Mass Effect, No Man’s Sky, Far Cry, and even Elder Scrolls, that comparison doesn’t quite do it justice. Precursors is actually far more unique and original than those influences might suggest.

Precursors is a surprisingly good open-world sci-fi game that deserves more attention. You’ll find yourself in real-time space combat, exploring diverse planets, visiting lively towns, and completing quests from interesting characters. You can battle aliens and enemy soldiers with strange weapons, and even race across beautiful landscapes in a buggy. It reminded me a lot of S.T.A.L.K.E.R., another ambitious game with a unique atmosphere – both have a bit of roughness around the edges, but it doesn’t detract too much from the experience. If you enjoyed S.T.A.L.K.E.R. or similar games, I definitely recommend checking out Precursors, especially since it’s available at a great price on Steam.

4. Star Ocean: The Divine Force

While many Japanese role-playing games have sci-fi elements, the Star Ocean series truly stands out. It’s set in a huge universe filled with planets that blend fantasy and science fiction in a surprisingly effective way. Though not always a massive hit, Star Ocean has been a fan favorite for years. The characters are known for their over-the-top designs – like Raymond’s questionable hairstyle in The Divine Force – but they’re also incredibly well-written and engaging. Star Ocean consistently introduces fresh ideas that you won’t often find in Western sci-fi RPGs.

The Divine Force is the newest Star Ocean game, and it’s designed to be accessible even if you haven’t played any of the previous titles. You’ll choose between two main characters—including Raymond, with his iconic mullet—and experience the story from their unique perspectives. The game takes place in a large, beautiful world that blends medieval settings with science fiction elements. You can travel quickly across stunning landscapes, battle massive alien monsters, and enjoy surprisingly good side quests that will make you care about the memorable characters. Be patient through the slow start – it’s typical for Japanese role-playing games – and you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic story.

3. Torment: Tides Of Numenera

If you enjoy games with rich, detailed worlds, extensive backstory, and memorable characters, then you should definitely check out the computer RPG, Torment: Tides of Numenera. Unlike most RPGs, Tides of Numenera focuses much more on story and characters than combat – though combat is present, you can often skip it entirely. What truly sets this game apart is its exceptional writing, fascinating characters, and incredibly unique setting, all wrapped in a wonderfully strange atmosphere. It’s full of thought-provoking philosophical discussions and boasts a compelling main story. This isn’t your typical RPG – even if you’re familiar with sci-fi RPGs like Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, Tides of Numenera feels completely different. This unique approach is likely why it remains a hidden gem.

Even though I think Torment: Tides of Numenera is one of the best computer RPGs ever made, it requires a lot of reading. If you love reading in RPGs as much as I do, you’ll really enjoy this hidden sci-fi gem. However, if you prefer complex stats and combat, you might want to go in with moderate expectations. The game does have those elements, and handles them well when needed, but they aren’t the main focus. Tides of Numenera truly shines because of its beautiful world, compelling story, and memorable characters, and that’s what makes it a special sci-fi RPG.

2. Elex

Elex is a prime example of what I call ‘Eurojank‘ – games made by incredibly skilled European developers who don’t quite have the resources to fully realize their ideas. These games are often great, but can be rough around the edges with noticeable bugs, simple graphics, or gameplay that feels unfinished. Elex definitely has some of these issues, but they’re easily overshadowed by its amazing open world, interesting factions, well-designed quests, and captivating story.

Even though the fighting isn’t always perfectly smooth, you’ll probably forget about it quickly thanks to the game’s beautiful world. It’s divided between lush forests filled with tribes and vast, bandit-ridden deserts. I was constantly impressed by the different groups I encountered and the variety of landscapes, from high-tech fortresses to simple wooden structures built among ancient ruins. This game reminds me a lot of the Horizon series, and I think that’s a great reason to check it out. Plus, it features a morality system similar to BioWare games, complex factions you can choose to betray or ally with, companions to team up with, and tons of awesome armor to find.

1. The Technomancer

If you’re into RPGs like those made by BioWare, you seriously need to check out The Technomancer. It’s a sci-fi gem that somehow flew under the radar. It’s made by Spiders, a studio that sadly isn’t around anymore, and it’s a sequel to Mars: War Logs – though you don’t need to play that one first. Honestly, this game is way better! The world is really well-developed, the story has a ton of unexpected turns, and there are some great characters you can team up with. It feels like Spiders tried to make their own Mass Effect, and in a lot of ways, I think they actually succeeded – I even think it’s better!

Like its predecessor, Elex, The Technomancer is a bit rough around the edges with some mechanics that could use refinement. It has quirks and isn’t perfectly polished, likely due to budget constraints. But if you can look past these flaws, you’ll find a fantastic sci-fi RPG that captures the spirit of classic BioWare games – the kind BioWare doesn’t even create anymore. The Technomancer is packed with detail, boasts excellent writing, offers engaging combat, and provides plenty of RPG elements for hardcore fans. And at around $10 for a 30-hour experience, it’s a great value. Honestly, the unique setting, appealing visuals, and memorable characters make it worth playing all on their own.

Looking for some hidden sci-fi RPG gems? Share your recommendations in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-05-03 05:12