How to Choose a Sci-Fi Subgenre

Science fiction is a genre brimming with imagination and ideas. It spans numerous subgenres, each with its own distinct flavor and focus. Whether you're a writer, a gamer, or worldbuilder, diving into these subgenres offers exciting possibilities for exploration and storytelling. Let's delve into some of the most popular sci-fi subgenres, highlighting their unique characteristics, common tropes, and notable examples.

Alternate History

Description: Alternate history explores worlds where historical events occurred differently, leading to unique timelines and societies.    

Common Tropes and Elements	Examples
Divergence point in history Technological advancements or regressions Political upheavals Reimagined historical figures Paradoxes and parallel universes	Books: The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick Movies: Inglourious Basterds, Back to the Future TV Shows: For All Mankind Video Games: Wolfenstein, Bioshock TTRPG: Tales from the Loop

Military Science Fiction

Description: This subgenre focuses on futuristic warfare, advanced military technology, and the lives of soldiers.  

Common Tropes and Elements	Examples
Space battles Advanced weaponry and armor Tactical and strategic warfare Political and ethical dilemmas Military hierarchy and camaraderie	Movies: Starship Troopers Books: Old Man's War by John Scalzi TV Shows: Stargate SG-1 Video Games: Halo TTRPG: Warhammer 40k

Superhero Science Fiction

Description: Combining science fiction with superhero elements, this subgenre features individuals with extraordinary abilities.  

Common Tropes and Elements	Examples
Superhuman powers Secret identities High-tech gadgets and costumes Moral dilemmas and justice Villainous counterparts	Movies: Megamind, The Incredibles Books: Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson TV Shows: The Boys Video Games: City of Heroes TTRPG: Mutants & Masterminds

Alien Invasion

Description: Alien invasion stories center around extraterrestrial beings arriving on Earth, often with hostile intentions.  

Common Tropes & Elements	Examples
First encounters with aliens Massive destruction and chaos Human resistance and survival Advanced alien technology Inter-species communication	Books: War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells, The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey Movies: Independence Day (film) TV Shows: Colony, Falling Skies, Resident Alien, Invader Zim Video Games: Destroy All Humans, Space Invaders, Duke Nukem

 

Colonization

Description: This subgenre explores the colonization of other planets and the challenges faced by settlers... in space.  

Common Tropes & Elements	Examples
Terraforming and ecological challenges Cultural clashes and integration Survival and self-sufficiency Exploration and discovery Ethical considerations of colonization	Books: Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson Movies: The Martian TV Shows: Firefly, Lost in Space Video Games: The Outer Worlds, Surviving Mars TTRPG: Traveller, The Expanse RPG

 

Post-Apocalyptic

Description: Post-apocalyptic sci-fi examines life after a catastrophic event that has decimated civilization.  

Common Tropes & Elements	Examples
Ruined cities and landscapes Scavenging and survival Mutants or other altered life forms Societal collapse and rebuilding Themes of hope and despair	Movies: Mad Max series Books: The Road by Cormac McCarthy TV Shows: The Walking Dead Video Games: Fallout series, Horizon Zero Dawn, The Last of Us TTRPG: Apocalypse World

First Contact

Description: First contact stories revolve around humanity's initial encounters with extraterrestrial life.  

Common Tropes & Elements	Examples
Communication challenges Cultural exchange and misunderstandings Diplomatic and ethical dilemmas Exploration and discovery Scientific breakthroughs	Movies: Arrival, Close Encounters of the Third Kind Books: Contact by Carl Sagan TV Shows: The 3 Body Problem Video Games: Mass Effect: Andromeda

Galactic Empire

Description: This subgenre features vast interstellar empires, often with complex political and social structures.  

Common Tropes & Elements	Examples
Space travel and exploration Political intrigue and power struggles Advanced technology and civilizations Rebellions and wars Themes of freedom and tyranny	Movies: Star Wars Books: Dune by Frank Herbert, A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine TV Show: Foundation Video Games: Eve Online TTRPG: Scum & Villainy

Genetic Engineering

Description: Focusing on the manipulation of DNA, this subgenre explores the ethical and societal implications of genetic advancements.  

Common Tropes & Elements	Examples
Designer babies Cloning and hybrid species Genetic modification and enhancement Ethical and moral dilemmas Unintended consequences	Movies: Gattaca (film) Books: Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton TV Shows: Orphan Black Video Games: Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil

Hard Science Fiction

Description: Hard sci-fi emphasizes scientific accuracy and technical detail, often grounded in real-world science.  

Common Tropes & Elements	Examples
Detailed scientific explanations Realistic space travel and technology Focus on physics, chemistry, and biology Problem-solving and ingenuity Speculative yet plausible scenarios	Movies: The Martian Books: 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke TV Shows: The Expanse Video Games: Kerbal Space Program

Space Exploration

Description: This subgenre celebrates the spirit of adventure and discovery in exploring the cosmos.  

Common Tropes & Elements	Examples
Interstellar travel Discovering new planets and species Spacecraft and space stations Scientific and cultural missions Themes of curiosity and exploration	Movies: Interstellar  TV Shows: Star Trek Books: The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells Video Games: Starfield TTRPG: Ironsworn Starforged, Starfinder, Stars Without Number

Afrofuturism

Description: Afrofuturism blends African culture and history with futuristic elements and science fiction.  

Common Tropes & Elements	Examples
African mythology and aesthetics Advanced technology in African settings Exploration of identity and heritage Futuristic societies and landscapes Themes of empowerment and resilience	Movies: Black Panther Books: Kindred by Octavia Butler, The Fifth Season by NK Jemison, Binti by Nnedi Okorafor TV Shows: Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire Video Games: We Are the Caretakers TTRPG: Into the Motherlands

Clockpunk

Description: Clockpunk features a blend of clockwork technology and Renaissance aesthetics.  

Common Tropes & Elements	Examples
Clockwork mechanisms and automatons Renaissance-era settings and fashion Inventors and alchemists Intricate and ornate designs Themes of innovation and artistry	Movies: Hugo  Books: Mainspring by Jay Lake Video Games: Clockwork Revolution

Steampunk

Description: Steampunk merges Victorian aesthetics with steam-powered technology and retro-futuristic inventions.  

Common Tropes & Elements	Examples
Steam-powered machinery Victorian-era settings and fashion Inventors and airships Alternate histories and timelines Themes of industrialization and rebellion	Movies: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Books: Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve TV Shows: The Wild Wild West Video Games: Frostpunk TTRPG: Deadlands

Dieselpunk

Description: Dieselpunk combines the aesthetics of the interwar period with advanced technology and alternate histories.  

Common Tropes & Elements	Examples
Diesel engines and machinery Art Deco and Noir influences World War II-era settings Pulp adventure and espionage Themes of dystopia and resilience	Movies: Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, The Rocketeer Video Games: Bioshock Books: Leviathan by Scott Westerfield

Atompunk

Description: Atompunk reflects the optimism and fears of the Atomic Age, blending 1950s and 1960s aesthetics with futuristic technology.  

Common Tropes & Elements	Examples
Atomic power and radiation Retro-futuristic designs Space race and Cold War themes Robots and flying cars Themes of utopia and paranoia	Movies: Tomorrowland, Meet the Robinsons, Iron Giant TV Shows: The Jetsons Video Games: Fallout Books: The Age Atomic by Adam Christopher, All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai

Solarpunk

Description: Solarpunk envisions a future where society embraces sustainable living and renewable energy.  

Common Tropes & Elements	Examples
Eco-friendly technology Green cities and landscapes Community and cooperation Solar power and renewable energy Themes of hope and harmony	Movies: Strange World Books: A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers TTRPG: Numenera, Solarpunk 2050 Video Games: Terra Nil, Cloud Gardens

Conclusion

Building a rich and immersive sci-fi setting requires a deep understanding of the subgenre you're working with. World Anvil offers a powerful platform to support world-building for any sci-fi subgenre, providing tools to create detailed maps, timelines, character profiles, and much more. Whether you're crafting a novel or designing a game, World Anvil helps you bring your vision to life with precision and creativity. Ready to start building your sci-fi world? https://www.worldanvil.com on World Anvil today and unleash your imagination across the cosmos!