Military Sci-fi | Galactic Empires | Space Fleet | Alien Contact | New Worlds
These are some well-established sub-genres of science fiction, though they can, and often are, combined, modified, and abused by many authors.
Military Science Fiction
Military science fiction is a sub-genre of science fiction that focuses on futuristic warfare, technology, and the military’s role in shaping interstellar or planetary conflicts. It often explores the strategies, equipment, and political dynamics of armed forces in space or alien environments. Characters in military sci-fi are typically soldiers, commanders, or tactical experts, and the plots revolve around battles, military campaigns, and the consequences of war. Themes such as duty, honor, sacrifice, and camaraderie are central, often set against a backdrop of advanced weaponry and alien species. The genre blends speculative technology with the structure and discipline of the military, offering a gritty perspective on war and its impact on individuals and societies.
Galactic Empire
The galactic empire sub-genre of science fiction centers around large, interstellar civilizations governed by powerful, often authoritarian regimes that control vast regions of space. These stories frequently explore themes of political intrigue, rebellion, and the rise and fall of empires, often with advanced technology and space travel at their core. Power struggles, the fate of entire planets or species, and the clash between order and freedom are common elements in this expansive and imaginative sub-genre.
Space Fleet
The Space Fleet sub-genre of science fiction focuses on the adventures, battles, and exploration conducted by large, organized fleets of starships in space. Often set within military or exploratory organizations, these stories emphasize naval-style operations, command hierarchies, and ship-to-ship combat, with futuristic technologies and interstellar travel playing key roles. The genre often explores themes of duty, leadership, and teamwork as crews navigate hostile environments, alien species, and cosmic threats, blending space exploration with the structure of naval warfare.
Alien Contact
The alien contact sub-genre of science fiction revolves around the first encounters between humanity and extraterrestrial life forms. These stories explore the cultural, scientific, and often psychological impact of meeting alien species, delving into themes of communication, coexistence, conflict, and the unknown. Alien contact narratives can range from peaceful exchanges and attempts to understand alien civilizations to hostile confrontations, with a focus on how these interactions challenge or reshape humanity’s perception of itself and its place in the universe.
New Worlds
Science fiction that focuses on new worlds centers around the exploration, colonization, or discovery of previously unknown planets or environments. These stories often highlight the challenges and wonders of adapting to alien ecosystems, dealing with unfamiliar life forms, and confronting the social, ethical, or political issues that arise from establishing a presence in uncharted territories. Themes of survival, discovery, and humanity’s relationship with nature are common, as characters navigate both the physical dangers and moral complexities of life on a new world. This sub-genre blends imaginative world-building with a sense of adventure and exploration.