The best Alien games you can play right now

Ever since the first Alien film released in 1979, we’ve been utterly obsessed with its compelling world and, of course, its acid-blooded xenomorphs. In 2024, the latest film in the series, Alien: Romulus, directed by Fede Alvarez (Evil Dead, Don’t Breathe), has perhaps drawn even more fans in. And the good news is that there are more films on the way. One of the best games based on the franchise, Alien Isolation, is also getting a sequel. But what if you’re looking for something to scratch that Alien itch right now? What are the best Alien games you can currently play?

Below we’ve assembled a list of the best Alien games that are available right now on a varied range of platforms. Some are brand new, featuring cutting-edge visuals that will draw you in and get you truly immersed. Others are getting on a few years now, but are very much still worth playing thanks to their engrossing gameplay or unique features. We’ve also highlighted one Alien game that you should simply avoid because it’s utter guff.

In any case, if you’re an Alien fan looking for a game to play that will allow you to step into its world, you’ve come to the right place. There’ll surely be a game on this list that will keep you entertained for hours on end. Though be warned: you might also find yourself terrorised to some degree.

This list was originally published in April 2024. It’s since been updated to add new titles and information.

1. Alien: Isolation

Available on PS4, Xbox One, Switch and PC

In this first-person survival horror game, you’ll take on the role of Amanda Ripley, Ellen’s daughter. You must navigate a space station that’s steadily unravelling as you try to uncover the truth behind your mother’s disappearance, whilst being stalked by a Xenomorph.

Alien: Isolation is as close to the original film you’ll ever get, as the unkillable Xeno follows you around the station relentlessly, forcing you to hide wherever you can when that motion tracker starts to pulse. It’s tense. It’s terrifying. It forever keeps you on your toes. And while the story is perhaps a touch too long, for the most part, it’s one of the best Alien games ever. More importantly, it will keep your nerves shredded throughout.

2. Alien: Rogue Incursion

Alien Rogue Incursion 2 — Image: Survios

Available on: PC VR, PS VR2

Made for VR, Alien: Rogue Incursion is perhaps the most immersive and terrifying Alien game yet, and that’s saying something when Alien Isolation exists.

Taking control of ex-Colonial Marine Zula Hendricks, in Aliens: Rogue Incursion you’ll need to keep your wits about you if you want to survive after crash-landing on the uncharted planet of Purdan. As you leave your ship and start to explore what appears to be a research facility, you’ll soon realise that something is very wrong. Coming face to face with xenomorphs aplenty, you’ll need to manage your resources effectively and aim true if you want to escape unharmed, and it’s not easy.

Providing you have the hardware required to play it, Alien: Rogue Incursion is a treat for Alien fans, truly putting them in the middle of the action. Though it really is quite scary, so perhaps only jump in if you have the guts for it.

3. Aliens: Dark Descent

Aliens Dark Descent screenshot — Image: Tindalos Interactive/Focus Entertainment

Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC

In this tense RTS, you take command of a squad of marines through a series of missions as you seek to find a way off a Xeno-infested planet. With Weyland Yutani up to no good behind the scenes and a weird cult in play on the planet, you’ll get caught up in a web of intrigue throughout the entirety of Aliens: Dark Descent’s story.

With the perma-death of your characters to contend with and limited resources, every choice matters. Part way through the game the tension ramps up further when the Doomsday Clock starts, giving you a time limit to complete the game or face game over. While the visuals aren’t the best, this is still one of the best Aliens games on the market right now.

Read our Aliens: Dark Descent review

4. Aliens: Fireteam Elite

Aliens Fireteam Elite screenshot — Image: Cold Iron Studios

Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch and PC

This is one for you and your friends. Things take a turn for the frantic in Aliens: Fireteam Elite, a third-person co-op shooter where hordes of Xenos will descend upon you ad infinitum. Luckily, you have a whole host of weapons (including the absolutely amazing Smart Gun) and player classes to choose from to keep the hordes at bay as you progress through its relatively linear missions.

Fireteam Elite may be light on story, but that’s not what you’re here for. You and two friends can team up and live the dream as marines gunning down the Xenos. But there’s much more to it, with tactical options available such as drones, traps and the ever-reliable sentry gun. It even has a DLC campaign, Pathogen, which adds more enemy types, escalating difficulty, and ultimately more variety and fun for you and your pals.

Read our review of Aliens: Fireteam Elite

5. Aliens vs Predator

Aliens vs Predator 2010 — Image: Rebellion/Sega

Available on PC and Xbox (via backwards compatibility)

Whether it’s the 2000 original or the 2010 pseudo-remake, you can’t go wrong with your choice here. Centred around three campaigns, you’re put in the role of either a Colonial Marine, a Xeno or a Predator.

Aliens vs Predator nails the look and atmosphere of both franchises, bringing them together in a frantic and frightful story. The added caveat of taking on the role of the Alien is great too, even if the hyper-fast speed and orientation may cause you some slight motion sickness.

In the 2000 original, there’s even a great horde mode, pitting you against wave after wave of Xenos, Predaliens and Praetorians. While the 2010 version lacks this, it does have a multiplayer mode where you can pit the three against each other.

6. Starfield

Starfield Xbox Series X Enhanced — Image: Bethesda

Available on Xbox Series X/S and PC

Okay, hear us out on this one. While it’s not an out-and-out Aliens game, Starfield does pay homage to it in an endearing (and terrifying) way. Head out to the Schrodinger system and find the Colander, an abandoned spaceship floating aimlessly in the system.

Without going into spoilers, it will soon become apparent as to why Starfield is getting a mention in our list of best Alien games. But be warned, make sure you’re packing some heavy-duty firepower. Low-level players enter at your peril.

And the one to avoid: Aliens: Colonial Marines

Available on PC

No matter how cheap you see Aliens: Colonial Marines, we strongly, strongly advise you to avoid it. Released back in 2013, there was a lot of hype leading up to its launch. It promised to be an FPS that would bring the spirit of the colonial marines and the tension of the Aliens franchise to create the authentic gaming experience that fans had craved for almost thirty years. But… it hugely missed the mark.

Pitched as a direct sequel to Aliens, players would return to the Sulaco and LV-426 as the the ultimate badasses to wipe out the Xeno infestation once and for all. What was delivered was a terrible-looking game full of bugs — and not the alien kind. Even a decade later, despite many updates and even some fan mods, it still remains a terribly bland experience.