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Is there a genre that combines elements of fantasy and science fiction, such as magic and advanced technology?

Last Updated: 21.06.2025 06:11

Is there a genre that combines elements of fantasy and science fiction, such as magic and advanced technology?

Fiction that includes elements of both fantasy and sci-fi are common but there is no term in common use for the combination. That is because the division of fiction into various genre is not for the purpose of description but for marketing. The same book might be labeled fantasy, sci-fi, or neither depending on a decision about which will result in the most sales - within limits.

In the past, sci-fi stories in high tech settings with people having psi powers were common. Those psi powers were often similar to some magical ones in fantasy, low tech settings. Currently, there are many sci-fi stories with alternate universes in which magic is present. An argument can be made that a variety of common sci-fi elements such as Faster Than Light drives, force fields, artificial gravity, etc. are, effectively, magic because those technologies would contradict known science. For example, many if not most sci-fi fans would describe Star Wars as being space fantasy. A strict definition of sci-fi would describe Trek as having elements of fantasy as well.

Finally, fantasy and sci-fi are always about “how” but may or may not be about “what”. Romance and horror are always about “what” and are open to “how”. It was therefore natural (pun intended) for romantasy to be a genre - there’s always been a strong demand for romances and readers are more open to fantasy now than in the past.

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A story set in the real world (or close to it) with limited fantasy elements might be labeled fantasy or not, depending on a decision about how to market the book. (And if not, described as magical realist by third parties after the fact) Likewise stories set in the near future with technologies that don’t exist yet (if ever) might or might not be labeled sci-fi.