5 Best Sci-fi Games on Xbox Series X & PlayStation 5

While we wait for the sci-fi genre's newest and biggest blockbuster, Starfield, we'd like to take a look at what next-gen consoles have to offer in the genre right now. And we won't lie, it's a rather impressive lineup, with a lot of games to consider. That's because sci-fi is usually a great hit in gaming, and there have been a lot of prominent games that have done well with the theme. However, not all of them are available on both next-gen platforms, which is a defining criterion for our selections of the best sci-fi games on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.

So, unfortunately, some past memorable sci-fi games don't make up this list. But that's because, in sci-fi fashion, we are looking towards the future, which is next-gen. The potential for what sci-fi games will have to offer will only expand in tandem with the consoles. That's why you don't want to miss out on the best sci-fi games on next-gen consoles. So if you're on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, we got you covered with the best sci-fi games to play right now.

5. Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt RED's most recent and significant release, is about as sci-fi as you can get. The main drawback was that the game had a lot of glitches and wasn't as polished as players had hoped it would be when it first came out. Well, thankfully that changed back in February of 2022 with the game's next-gen update. It delivered a far more refined experience, which was complemented by next-generation consoles' 60 FPS capability.

Thanks to its next-gen upgrade, Cyberpunk 2077 is now a must-play for anybody interested in the sci-fi genre. Its sci-fi setting is sought after from head to toe, even down to the commercials and propaganda that help bring the fantastic Night City to life. In practically every way imaginable, you'll come across and interact with genetically modified humans. That also means you. With a huge skill tree and attribute system, character customization goes far beyond what we can even begin to describe. The best part is it's all up to you, want swords or a missile launcher for an arm? Go for it.

4. Doom Eternal

Doom's sci-fi roots really boil down to demons, space, and alternate dimensions. It's the three fundamental ideas that drive the Doom series' sci-fi premise, and it's unquestionably best exemplified in the most recent entry. However, you can't knock Doom Eternal for its simplicity since it's exactly what works. The entire series has been a success due to its clear approach to the game, which is fast-paced and jam-packed with action.

Doom Eternal also manages to keep its simplistic gameplay while immersing us in the game's environment and narrative. The plot may be a touch cheesy, as in standard saving-the-universe routine, but it's done well. Doom Eternal, being the series' last installment, has every narrative sci-fi element featured in the previous games. Whether you're taking down demons and monsters in different dimensions in hell, on spacecrafts, and even on Earth where they've taken control, the plot is overflowing with sci-fi aspects.

3. Destiny 2

When it comes to the best FPS sci-fi MMO, Destiny 2 is the clear winner. You'll also want to bring some friends along because the game's questline is also meant for squad play, although you can do solo. You first pick your class, of either Titan, Warlock, or Hunter. However, there are subclasses under this that allow you to modify your class's playstyle, thus you may choose between being a Striker Titan, Sunbreaker Titan, Nightstalker Hunter, or Gunslinger Hunter. And that's just to name a few.

So you can bet your bottom dollar that each class and subclass combines science and fantasy to create some fairly unique and fascinating characters. That also goes for the enemies you face and the places you explore. Everything is set on the intergalactic plane, so you really never know what you might run into. The game supports both PvE and PvP in several game types, allowing for plenty of exploration and refreshing moments. Destiny 2 is one of the best games to play if you want full-fledged mythic sci-fi immersion on your next-gen platform.

2. Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy

Whether you're one for the Marvel Universe or not, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is a must-play for any sci-fi fan. The game grabs Star-Lord and his iconic team of space vigilantes' and reinvents their story. The game play's pretty straightforward in terms of shooting, exploring, and looting, however people can't stop raving about the story. Understandably so, as it won Best Narrative at the 2021 Game Awards last year.

That's why you can count on being immersed into the story, that you bet ways heavy on sci-fi. After all, you're a ragtag group of misfits attempting to stop evil and save people across the universe. As a result, their journey takes you in a lot of directions, dealing with a lot of different environments and enemies, across the cosmos. If you're looking for a good sci-fi story to sink into, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is an easy first choice.

1. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Star Wars is about as sci-fi as you can get. The entire franchise has been praised for how far it has taken this premise, developing it in practically every manner and including every possible fantasy element into its plot. And that's no different for Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. You play as an abandoned Padawan, who must complete his training, master the force, and you guessed it stop the Empire. It's a classic Star Wars tale and that's why we love it.

There will be some familiar faces, but also some new ones as this takes place five years after the Revenge of the Sith. That's right it didn't take long for the empire to bounce back, and it's now your turn to stop it. It's a long voyage, with numerous planets, enemies, Jedi, and even a few cantinas along the way. Star Wars has a little bit of everything sci-fi, and it's on full display throughout Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other sci-fi games on next-gen that you think are the best? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!