Science fiction is one of the most popular types of fiction out there right now. The genre is defined as anything that includes speculative, science-based concepts that go beyond our current knowledge. This can be shown by exploring future technological advancements or "What-if" scenarios that explore alternate universes similar to our own. Sci-fi as a genre can often be mixed up with fantasy, but the key distinction between the two is whether or not there's a scientific explanation for things or if the plot is driven by magic alone.
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is often credited as the first science fiction book, which was written all the way back in 1818. Since then the genre has evolved quite a bit, with many popular subgenres taking root in modern literature.
Sci-Fi Subgenres at a Glance
| Subgenre | Overview | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Sci-Fi | Focuses on the details of science and technology, trying to be as accurate as possible. | Project Hail Mary |
| Soft Sci-Fi | Focuses more on the sociological impact of science and technology, doesn't try to be accurate. | Frank Herbert's Dune |
| Space Western | Focuses on people living in the outskirts or "Wild West" of an intergalactic community. | Star Wars |
| Space Opera | Focuses on large scale stories and warfare told across galaxies and universes usually far in the future. | Red Rising |
| Military Sci-Fi | Focuses on futuristic war and advanced technology. | Ender's Game |
| Cyberpunk | Focuses on low-life high-tech stories. Often includes AI or cybernetic enhancements. | Ready Player One |
| Biopunk | Focuses on technology relating to biology, like changing DNA. | Mistborn (Cosmere) |
| Dystopian | Focuses on dysfunctional societies as they relate to science or technology. | Hunger Games |
| Time Travel | Focuses on characters or societies who can move through time using technology. | The Time Machine |
| Sci-fi Horror | Focuses on things like scientific abominations, deadly aliens, or zombie outbreaks. | Frankenstein |
| Sci-fi LitRPG | Focuses on science-based entry into the video game-like setting LitRPG is known for. | Dungeon Crawler Carl |
| Apocolyptic/Post-Apocalyptic | Focuses on the collapse of modern civilization and the survival after. | Dies the Fire |
| Sci-Fi Comedy | Focuses on blending science fiction with satire, parody, or other forms of humor. | Murderbot Diaries |
