The Layer Cake of Science Fiction: A Sub-Genre Primer
Science Fiction, general
works of fiction that defy the common laws of reality, generally using scientific fact and theory as basis for plot and worldbuilding
Hard Sci-Fi
- science and technology take center stage; usually heavy in concept and technicalities
- has its own subgenres, such as robot sci-fi, biopunk, nanopunk
Soft Sci-Fi
- sci-fi that is less inclined (than hard sci-fi) to explain the technicalities of science, and is more focused on the effects of things on characters and their choices
Military Sci-Fi
- focuses on military and war
- may focus on lingering issues regarding military and the consequences of war, or may focus on glory and heroism
Space Opera
- epic in scope, often involving galactic empires, interstellar wars, and large-scale conflicts
Space Western
- blends science fiction elements with themes and tropes of the Western genre
Steampunk
- features advanced technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery
Apocalyptic/Dystopic
- explores the aftermath of a catastrophic event or depicts oppressive and controlled societies
Sci-Fi Horror
- combines elements of science fiction with horror, often involving scientific or technological threats
Silkpunk
- a subgenre that draws inspiration from ancient East Asian cultures, technology, and aesthetics, often using materials like silk and bamboo in innovative ways
Slipstream
- a type of speculative fiction that crosses conventional genre boundaries, often blending science fiction, fantasy, and literary fiction in surreal or unsettling ways