Choose SynthwaveZ
Choose SynthwaveZ if you want the Color Alternatives, Playable without Timed Input, and Save Anytime side of the pairing. SynthwaveZ launched in 2024.
SynthwaveZ vs Z-Sector
SynthwaveZ and Z-Sector both land in Action on Steam, which is why they keep getting compared. The comparison below is built from each game's Steam metadata — release year, genres, categories, Steam Deck status, price, and review score — refreshed daily by imho.run's scraper. Headline differences: Both are Action games on Steam. SynthwaveZ (2024) is 2 years older than Z-Sector (2026). Both support cooperative play. No login or purchase needed — scroll for the full table, the verdict FAQ, and links to ranked similar games for both titles.
Which should you pick?
Choose Z-Sector
Choose Z-Sector if you want an Indie, Casual, and Early Access game with Steam Leaderboards, DualShock Controller Support, and Camera Comfort. Z-Sector launched in 2026.
Both SynthwaveZ and Z-Sector sit in Action on Steam and both list Multi-player, Online Co-op, and Custom Volume Controls, so either pick lands in the same broad neighborhood. Use the side-by-side table for the feature view, or follow the "Games like" links below to see ranked alternatives for either title.
Side-by-side comparison
 SynthwaveZ |  Z-Sector | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2024 | 2026 |
| Genres | Action | Action, Indie, Casual, Early Access |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows |
| Steam Deck | Unrated | Unrated |
| Price | 9.99 USD | Price unknown |
| Steam reviews | 81.8% positive (11 reviews) | — |
| Multiplayer | Multi-player, Online Co-op, Co-op | Multi-player, Online Co-op, Co-op |
| Developers | Shadow Games | YamaStudio |
Side by side
- Both are Action games on Steam.
- SynthwaveZ (2024) is 2 years older than Z-Sector (2026).
- Both support cooperative play.
SynthwaveZ vs Z-Sector — FAQ
- Should I play SynthwaveZ or Z-Sector first?
- If you want chronology, SynthwaveZ (2024) came out before Z-Sector (2026). If neither is a sequel to the other, order doesn't really matter — start with whichever fits your current mood, since both share enough on Steam to make either a reasonable opener.
- Are SynthwaveZ and Z-Sector similar?
- They overlap on Action on Steam, so the catalogue groups them together — but "similar" depends on the specific mechanics. Use the genre + category rows above to decide whether the overlap matches what drew you to the one you've already played.
- Do both SynthwaveZ and Z-Sector have co-op?
- Yes — both list a co-op category on Steam. Specifics differ: SynthwaveZ ships Online Co-op, Co-op; Z-Sector ships Online Co-op, Co-op.