The new year is almost here, which means it’s time to celebrate National Science Fiction Day on January 2. And while there are tons of things you could be doing, we have an excellent idea. Just hear us out. Grab some comfy clothes, your favorite snacks, and a warm blanket and dive into a sci-fi video game and spend the day exploring new worlds, taking on missions in apocalyptic worlds or uncovering the truth behind corrupt worlds and the secrets to AI. Not sure where to start? We’ve got ten of our favorite sci-fi video games that are great jumping-off points.

RELATED: GGA’s 10 Most Anticipated Video Games 2023

The Callisto Protocol

We are kicking off this list with a recent addition to the sci-fi video game world, Striking Distance Studios’ The Callisto Protocol. This checks off two of our favorite boxes, sci-fi and survival horror. It’s also narrative-driven as players slip into the space shoes of Jacob Lee while he tries to escape the terrifying horrors of the Black Iron Prison. Be prepared to be scared out of your shorts on one of Jupiter’s darkest moons.

The Callisto Protocol is available on PC through Steam, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.

Death Stranding

Did you think we would forget about Kojima Studio’s Death Stranding? Fear not, friends; we would never forget this epic mail delivery sim. All jokes aside, this story takes us well into the future and mixes together an epic adventure with monsters and mystery. This is a work of art that needs to be appreciated. If you haven’t had the chance to explore this world, we highly suggest jumping on it.

Death Stranding is available on PC through Steam, PS4 and PS5.

RELATED: January’s Most Anticipated Video Games

Detroit: Become Human

Quantic Dream’s Detroit: Become Human might be one of your favorite sci-fi video games on this list. It’s narrative-driven, with choices that impact the overall storyline. Set in the future, this story looks at the relationship between humans and AI as the world changes. The visuals are stunning, and playing through it feels like diving into a sci-fi film. It’s a perfect addition to your National Science Fiction Day video game binge.

Detroit: Become Human is available on PC through Steam and PS4.

Horizon Zero Dawn

Guerrilla Games’ Horizon Zero Dawn is a must-play game. Not just for fans of sci-fi or fans of action-adventure. But for fans of every person who loves video games. It’s an exploration that takes us into the future after the fall of man. It’s an incredible feeling to explore this world and uncover the secrets left behind and watch as people form societies and come together.

Horizon Zero Dawn is available on PC through Steam and PS4.

RELATED: GGA’s Top 10 Best Video Games of 2022

Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Of course, we were going to include Bioware’s Mass Effect Legendary Edition. This includes Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3, along with over 40 DLCs. If you haven’t had the chance to explore this epic sci-fi adventure, now is a perfect time. You can create your own character, customize them and make decisions that affect the story. Really, it might just be the perfect game to play for National Science Fiction Day.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition is available on PC through Steam, PS4, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.

Destiny 2

Bungie’s Destiny 2 takes sci-fi and makes it an MMO experience. Players take on the role of Guardians that serve as defenders of the Last City. Players can decide which giant armored Titan they are going to control and get to fighting. The real charm is all of the DLCs that continue to tell this epic sci-fi adventure.

Destiny 2 is available on PC through Steam, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.

RELATED: Gift Guide To Excite the Tech Nerd on Your List

Returnal

One sci-fi video game that took us by surprise is Housemarque’s Returnal. It blends in the third-person shooter genre to give us a terrifying tale. Players will explore the barren world Selene lands on, and every time she dies, the story restarts. But, instead of playing the same levels over and over, every run brings new items, terrors and changes to the world around you. It’s a must-play for those with a PS5.

Returnal is available on PC through Steam soon and PS5.

Control

Remedy Entertainment’s Control is a sci-fi video game everyone should enjoy on National Science Fiction Day. It’s an immersive action-adventure game that has you uncovering secrets and mysteries surrounding what is happening at the Federal Bureau of Control. This is a stunning masterpiece that will make you feel like you are playing an interactive movie.

Control is available on PC through Steam, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and the Nintendo Switch.

RELATED: Love video games? Check out F2P Friday!

Bioshock: The Collection

2K Games Bioshock is one of our favorite franchises in the video game world. It’s the perfect blend of sci-fi and steampunk that makes exploring this world so enjoyable. We highly suggest checking out the collection which includes Bioshock, Bioshock 2 and Bioshock Infinite. Plus, with the franchise making the jump to the screen, it’s the best time to uncover the secrets in Rapture.

Bioshock: The Collection is available on PC through Steam, PS4, Xbox One and the Nintendo Switch.

The Outer Worlds

Our final sci-fi video game for National Science Fiction Day is Obsidian Entertainment’s The Outer Worlds. Take off for the stars as you shoot across the galaxy uncovering the secrets of the colony, and decide just where this story is going to go. The vast amount of choices you can make in creating your character, exploring the world and NPC relationships makes each playthrough more enjoyable than the last.

The Outer Worlds is available on PC through Steam, PS4, Xbox One and the Nintendo Switch.

MASS EFFECT: The 7 Best Moments of the Landmark Series

Julia Roth
Catch Me
Latest posts by Julia Roth (see all)