The Best 4X Games

Update 29 August 2024: Fallen added at rank #2.

Here are our 10 Best 4X Games, position 11 to 20: 11

Stellaris (2016)

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Review score

PC Windows IOS iPhone Android Playstation 4 Xbox One Linux Mac OS

Explore a galaxy full of wonders in this sci-fi grand strategy game from Paradox Development Studios. Interact with diverse alien races, discover strange new worlds with unexpected events and expand the reach of your empire. Each new adventure holds almost limitless possibilities.

grand-strategy
empire
4x
strategy
sci-fi
resource
space
exploration
war
real-time
politics
construction
military
economy
political

Good match + 8 Bad match - 11

Airships: Conquer the Skies (2018)

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Review score

Screenshot of Airships: Conquer the Skies

Linux PC Windows Mac OS

Construct mighty steampunk airships and fly them into battle, waging war and conquering the skies!

grand-strategy
real-time
naval
steampunk
strategy
i
wargame
4x
authentic
pvp
data-driven
cooperative
mech
combat
tanks

Good match + 15 Bad match - 11

Shadow Empire (2020)

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Review score

PC Windows

Shadow Empire is a sci-fi 4X game with a huge scope where players rule as an absolute leader of a nation on a far-future planet. Discover new technology, invent industrial-scale warfare, and become the most powerful ruler on the planet. The game has a complex, detail-oriented simulation of politics, governance, and economics that complements the focus on technology and warfare. With a diverse and complex universe, Shadow Empire offers a unique 4X wargame experience that is worth playing.

What we like:

Deep strategy game with lots of attention to detail
Unique planet generator ensures every game feels different
Excellent balancing of game mechanics
Combines wargame, city builder, empire management, and RPG elements
Hours of gameplay without any dull moments

What could be improved:

Steep learning curve and complex mechanics
Archaic graphics
Lengthy end turn times
AI doesn't always play by the same rules as the player
Requires time and dedication to master

4x
turn-based
wargame
grand-strategy
hex
strategy
sci-fi
multiplayer
asynchronous
war
economy
management
aliens
space
empire

Good match + 5 Bad match - 6

Cataclismo (2024)

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Review score

early access PC Windows

Design and build fortresses brick by brick to stand against endless hordes of Horrors in this real-time strategy game with resource management, siege defense, and exploration. Lead from the ramparts, push back the darkness, and hold fast against the creatures of the Mist.

real-time
city-building
colony
strategy
grand-strategy
moddable
4x
resource-management
base-building
tower-defense
economy
building
simulation
sandbox
historical

Good match Bad match

Nexus 5X (2024)

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Review score

PC Windows

eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate, EXPRESS. All of the depth, diplomacy, conflict and conquest of a turn-based 4X epic but played in fast-paced 60-minute competitive sessions. Play Solo or Multiplayer for 2-8 players.

turn-based
4x
board-game
diplomacy
science
tabletop
strategy
pvp
team
space
multiplayer
cooperative
sci-fi
management

Good match Bad match

Kingdom Rush Vengeance TD Game (2023)

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Review score

IOS iPhone Android

New stages, battles, amazing unknown enemies and more to conquer!

diplomacy
grand-strategy
turn-based
strategy
wargame
immersive
4x
tower-defense
military
rpg
character
real-time
medieval
tactical
cooperative

Good match Bad match

Old World (2020)

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Review score

PC Windows Linux Mac OS

Old World is a revolutionary new historical strategy game where you lead your dynasty over generations of rule against rival kings and queens. Wage massive wars, manage your court, and build a dynasty — or watch your empire crumble to dust. What legacy will you leave behind?

4x
historical
strategy
grand-strategy
turn-based
management
military
moddable
war
diplomacy

Good match + 9 Bad match - 10

Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War (2018)

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Screenshot of Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War

Linux PC Windows

Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War brings you to a world of terror and violence. Four factions will engage in a brutal war for dominance over the planet’s resources. In the first turn-based 4X strategy game set in Warhammer 40,000 you will lead one of four unique factions.

4x
turn-based
strategy
warhammer-40k
war

Good match + 11 Bad match - 11

Interstellar Space: Genesis (2019)

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Review score

Screenshot of Interstellar Space: Genesis

PC Windows

Interstellar Space: Genesis is a turn-based space 4X strategy game in which you attempt to build a thriving galactic empire. Discover mysteries among the stars, colonize worlds, and engage enemies in tactical turn-based combat on your journey to becoming the ruler of the galaxy!