The Mass Effect series is often considered one of the best role-playing game franchises of all time. Though the ending wasn’t satisfying for many, BioWare created a truly immersive and detailed science fiction universe that captivated players worldwide.
Whether you prefer the original Mass Effect games or the remastered Legendary Edition, Shepard’s journey is always a great experience. While Andromeda also has its strengths, a brand new Mass Effect game might be a long way off. So, here are some games similar to Mass Effect that fans can enjoy in the meantime, while they wait for this beloved sci-fi series to return.
The original Mass Effect trilogy is truly unique – there aren’t any games quite like it. Because of this, we’re going to break down what makes these games special by looking at four key areas that define the Mass Effect experience:
- Squad
- Impactful choices
- Hard Sci-Fi
- Combat.
Here’s what’s new as of March 2026: We’ve added a ‘Quick Picks’ section, organized games into four categories, and included the games Deliver Us to Mars and The Invincible.
Quick Picks: Find Your Mass Effect-Like Game
Not sure what to play? Then go with the game that fills that Shepard-sized hole in your heart.
| If you miss… | Play this for the same fix | Primary Category |
|---|---|---|
| The Normandy Crew | KOTOR or Dragon Age Origins | Squad |
| The Suicide Mission | Helldivers 2 or Binary Domain | Squad or Combat |
| The Council Politics | The Expanse: A Telltale Series | Choices |
| The Planet Exploration | Deliver Us Mars | Hard Sci-Fi |
| The Biotic Powers | Outriders | Combat |
| The Moral Grey Decisions | Alpha Protocol | Choices |
The Squad-Junkie Games
If you play Mass Effect for the Elevator Conversations and the Citadel DLC
Helldivers 2
Maybe The Best Co-Op Third-Person Shooter Game
While Helldivers 2 and Mass Effect are quite different games, they share some similarities. Both are third-person shooters where you travel to various planets as part of a campaign. In Helldivers 2, you’ll team up with up to three other players, battling many enemies with a variety of weapons – and cooperative play is a central feature, more so than in Mass Effect.
These games don’t have much in common story-wise, though they both feature well-written content. BioWare’s games emphasize character growth and complex, impactful storylines, while Arrowhead’s game is a funny, over-the-top satire filled with propaganda. Although story isn’t its main focus, Helldivers 2 still creates a very immersive and detailed world.
The 2024 release of Helldivers 2 is designed for players on PlayStation 5 and PC who are looking for a highly replayable and addictive co-op shooter. It’s a really fun game to play, with exciting action and plenty of things to unlock.
Marvel’s Guardians Of The Galaxy
Comedic But Still Epic Galaxy-Trotting Adventure Game With Some Player Choices
Following the lukewarm reception of Marvel’s Avengers, hopes weren’t high for Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Thankfully, Eidos-Montréal delivered a surprisingly great game. This single-player adventure starts with the Guardians stumbling into a huge problem while tracking down a rare creature. They quickly find themselves facing a dangerous cult with a plan to control the entire galaxy – a threat as massive as the Reapers from Mass Effect.
In Guardians of the Galaxy, players embark on an expansive adventure across various planets, meeting a memorable cast of characters along the way. The game, released in 2021, truly shines thanks to its compelling story and well-developed characters. Each Guardian feels unique and their interactions are fantastic, with every member having their chance to take center stage. The voice acting is also exceptionally well done.
The combat system is often the main point of criticism. In Guardians of the Galaxy, you only directly control Star-Lord and his blasters, but you can also direct the other Guardians to use their unique abilities. This feels similar to the squad-based combat in Mass Effect.
Binary Domain
A Fantastic Squad-Based Sci-Fi Action Game That Has Arguably Better Gunplay Than Mass Effect
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the team behind the popular Like a Dragon series, has also created other games. One example is Binary Domain, a third-person shooter set in a future where global warming has changed the world and robots are commonplace. The game’s story centers around an elite team tasked with enforcing a law that keeps humans and robots apart.
In Binary Domain, working together is key, as you’ll direct your AI teammates. How well you play affects how your squad reacts to you, creating a unique and engaging gameplay experience.
Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
BioWare’s Other Space Opera
BioWare’s Knights of the Old Republic deserves its place on this list. This groundbreaking sci-fi game let players explore multiple planets and significantly expanded the Star Wars universe with a story that remains beloved by fans.
While many things about Knights of the Old Republic are excellent, the story is what truly makes it special. Filled with surprising twists and turns – including a famously shocking plot twist – the game has earned its place as a role-playing classic.
Star Wars: KOTOR 2 and The Old Republic are also must-plays for Mass Effect fans.
The Bureau: XCOM Declassified
One of the Few Genuine Mass Effect Copycat Games
Normally, The Bureau: XCOM Declassified doesn’t get much attention compared to the main XCOM games, but this is a special case. It’s a spin-off that plays like a standard third-person shooter, but it’s set in a really interesting 1960s world and includes some strategic gameplay. The story takes place when aliens are attacking America, and it’s up to the Bureau to defend the country.
Like Mass Effect, The Bureau: XCOM Declassified features team-based combat where you direct two squadmates during battles. The game combines straightforward levels with breaks spent at the Bureau’s headquarters, which serves as a central hub. In the hub, you can interact with other characters and engage in conversations with choices that matter.
While The Bureau: XCOM Declassified isn’t quite as polished in these areas as Mass Effect Andromeda, or the original Mass Effect games, it’s still a perfectly enjoyable experience.
The Choice-Driven Diplomat Games (Story & Politics)
If you would like to decide the fate of an entire species and see the consequences 30 hours later
The Outer Worlds 2
Obsidian’s World-Hopping Sci-Fi Adventure With Dialogue As Good As Mass Effect
Obsidian’s The Outer Worlds games borrow a lot from the Fallout formula, and that’s a good thing because they do it well. If you’re a fan of Mass Effect, you should definitely check these out, especially if you enjoy sci-fi adventures where you travel to different planets. While The Outer Worlds isn’t as dramatic as the Mass Effect trilogy, Obsidian still excels at writing compelling conversations and witty banter, making the storytelling unique and enjoyable.
While the original Outer Worlds was good, The Outer Worlds 2 is a significant improvement, making for a much more fun game overall. The shooting isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s perfectly serviceable, and you can even switch to a third-person perspective if you’d like.
Cyberpunk 2077
A Brilliant FPS Open-World Game With Great Storytelling
The initial release of Cyberpunk 2077 was troubled and damaged the game’s image. While it had significant issues on older PlayStation and Xbox consoles, it ran much smoother on PCs and newer gaming systems. The game has improved dramatically since launch. Despite its early technical problems, Cyberpunk 2077 is a strong RPG and first-person shooter, set in the richly detailed and dangerous futuristic city of Night City, which is controlled by powerful corporations and rife with violence.
Similar to Mass Effect, the best parts of Cyberpunk 2077 are its story and the detailed world it creates. Night City is full of interesting characters, engaging side quests, and a rich environment that tells its own story. It’s a world that’s easy to become completely absorbed in, thanks to its lively atmosphere, complex social themes, and unique strangeness.
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2026-03-25 02:37