In the vast cosmos of gaming, 4X strategy games have long been an irresistibly engaging source of interstellar exploration, intricate diplomacy, and grand-scale empire building. As the night sky brims with uncharted galaxies and historical timelines lie waiting to be rewritten, the allure of these games lies in their promise of endless discovery. Conquer, expand, exploit, and exterminate; the mantra of the 4X genre beckons both newcomers and seasoned strategists alike into its immersive worlds.
Our epic quest has led us to unearth the 15 best 4X strategy games of this generation. Each holds the potential to etch its mark onto your memory, transporting you on unforgettable journeys through the annals of history or casting you into sprawling, alien landscapes. From hardcore odysseys filled with intricate complexity to refreshing twists on familiar formulas, these games take us on cosmic adventures that cross the borders of reality and imagination.
Prepare to explore vast universes, chart brave new worlds, and redefine the course of history as we delve into the most tantalizing realms of the best 4X strategy games. Let’s set our navigation systems and chart a course into the heart of these epic interstellar and historical odysseys. Buckle up, as this journey is going to be a ride of galactic proportions!
15- Stellaris – Conquering the Cosmic Expanse
For those who consider terrestrial dominance a bit mundane and yearn for the thrill of cosmic conquest, Stellaris, a gem from Paradox, is worth considering. Its captivating allure persists, whether it’s your seventh or fifteenth endeavor to seize control of the galaxy. The game maintains its freshness through the implementation of procedurally generated maps.
Stellaris also boasts a vast assortment of playable races, each offering a unique gameplay experience. There’s also the enticing option to craft your own civilization from scratch. As you expand your galactic empire, you’ll encounter various alien civilizations that pose threats to your imperial aspirations. You can choose either to obliterate these alien civilizations or subjugate them through trade, diplomacy, scientific dominance, or more. Should you opt for annihilation, Stellaris provides the thrilling option to combat foes using your uniquely designed spaceships.
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14- Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri – A Classic Journey into the Cosmos
Alpha Centauri, though ageing, remains an engaging play. Developed by Sid Meier and Brian Reynolds, legends of the Civilization franchise, after their departure from MicroProse, it could be simply described as ‘Civilization in Space.’ Still, this would overlook the game’s intricate narrative.
As you work alongside and against various futuristic Earth factions aiming to colonize the enigmatic planet Chiron, you’re charged with typical Civilization duties. These include managing your faction, developing new units, securing resources, and navigating alien technologies. As you delve deeper, it becomes evident that humans were not the first advanced species to explore the planet, thanks to clues in monoliths and alien technologies. The plot thickens even more in the Alien Crossfire expansion, where you can assume the role of the enigmatic alien Progenitor race.
Alpha Centauri, with its thought-provoking narrative and innovative gameplay, stands as an important milestone for the 4X genre. Its intelligent design and features continue to inspire contemporary games in the genre. Despite its age, it’s still worth revisiting for its compelling story, which poses profound questions about humanity’s competitive instinct versus its survival instinct.
13- Dune: Spice Wars – Desert Battles for Galactic Supremacy
The realm of Early Access games adheres to its unique norms and often presents a limited content range. However, Dune: Spice Wars by Shiro Games breaks away from the stereotype, displaying the developers’ adept understanding of Frank Herbert’s created universe, evident from their stellar works in Wartales and Northgard.
Set on the arid planet Arrakis, the game’s goal is to establish control over the planet and tap into the mysterious powers of Melange, the titular spice known for its mind-enhancing properties, life extension, and space-travel capabilities.
Dune: Spice Wars revolves primarily around combat, the dynamics of which vary with your chosen faction. Currently, five factions are available for selection – Houses Atreides, Harkonnen and Corrina, alongside the Fremen and Smugglers. The full game version should incorporate more factions and a story campaign. At present, players can dive into the multiplayer mode and test their strategic prowess.
12- Terra Invicta – An Intricate Extraterrestrial Odyssey
In the context of Early Access games, another noteworthy mention is Terra Invicta, the inaugural commercial project by Pavonis Interactive, renowned for their contributions to the Long War and Long War 2 mods for the XCOM series by Firaxis Games. This title is a real treat for hardcore gamers.
Terra Invicta’s depth and complexity can be daunting. An array of mechanics, intense micromanagement, and an interface filled with intricate charts and tables might not appeal to everyone. But under this veil of complexity lies a cosmic journey offering hundreds of hours of adventure. Often described as a fusion of Stellaris and Hearts of Iron Paradox, Terra Invicta introduces fresh gameplay elements while not overly replicating typical genre features.
One such innovation lies in the realistic portrayal of humanity’s first encounter with an alien civilization as their probe approaches Earth. As different factions intend to react differently to this event, players have to navigate through a complex economic and political system. The game’s formal release is slated for June 2023 at the latest, although there might be a slight delay. Warhammer 40k Gladius – Relics of War – An Otherworldly Take on Civilization
11- Humankind – Navigating the Path of History
If you appreciate the approach of Amplitude Studios but your interests lean towards historical epochs rather than fantastical realms, the developers have something special for you. Humankind, released about eighteen months ago, is a remarkable addition to the genre that, while not supplanting Civilization as the genre’s monarch, brings some innovative and exciting dynamics to the familiar 4X formula.
A standout feature in Humankind is that the game doesn’t begin with the selection of a nation, but rather the creation of a leader. Initially, this leader helms a tribe of nomads, roaming the world map in pursuit of food resources necessary for survival. While the typical 4X routine of city establishment begins after a few turns, this atypical introduction brings a refreshing change to the genre’s conventions.
Another unique facet of Humankind is the evolving cultural patterns. As the eras progress towards modernity, players can switch cultural affiliations. There’s the freedom to oversee the progress of Huns, Celts, Vikings, Poles, and eventually, Americans, all within a single playthrough. The game actively promotes this cultural fluidity through various bonuses. Yet, if nostalgia strikes, there’s nothing stopping you from ushering ancient civilizations like the Babylonians or Phoenicians into the 21st century.
10- The Battle of Polytopia – A Blend of Simplicity and Strategy
Imagine if Minecraft and Civilization combined to produce a unique gaming offspring. The result would bear a striking resemblance to The Battle of Polytopia. This game harmoniously blends the laid-back simplicity of its parent games, set in the adorable polygonal and 2D universe of Square. Players can choose from 12 unique civilizations to embark on their 4X exploits.
As The Battle of Polytopia is also available on mobile platforms, its gameplay is streamlined and approachable enough for those looking to dip their toes into the 4X genre. Long-time 4X fans often refer to it as a ‘mini-4X’ given that matches can typically be concluded within an hour, a stark contrast to the marathon sessions that can stretch into days that are standard for other games in the genre.
9- Age of Wonders: Planetfall – Strategic Sci-Fi Extravaganza
For many years, Triumph Studios has been a more subtle alternative to Civilization, with its Age of Wonders series blending rigorous wargame principles with more accessible 4X strategy elements. Now, under the stewardship of Paradox Interactive, the studio has shifted its focus to the cosmos with Age of Wonders: Planetfall, the interstellar 4X adventure you didn’t realize you were craving.
One of the standout features of the game is its rapid and smooth turn-based strategy battles, which have a vibe reminiscent of the XCOM series. The strategic layer of the game is equally engaging, presenting planets segmented into regions that require exploration, colonization, and conquest. Each randomly generated world tells a unique narrative, although it’s entirely up to the players whether they delve into the story or focus on territorial expansion.
Planetfall has surpassed its predecessor, Age of Wonders III, as the highlight of the series, as you can gather from our Age of Wonders: Planetfall review. However, comparing a science fiction setting to a fantasy-based one isn’t entirely fair. Age of Wonders III bore a closer resemblance to Civilization V, integrating fantasy elements quite seamlessly into the gameplay.
8- Endless Legend – Fantastical Exploration
Endless Legend offers a novel take on the 4X strategy genre by setting the stage in a fantasy world. Developed by Amplitude Studios, Endless Legend shares many common features with Civilization VI and Stellaris. The game begins with a small group of soldiers and workers, with the ultimate aim of evolving into a massive empire. As the leader, you’ll have to manage city expansion, economics, and technological advancements – the standard fare for the genre.
However, Endless Legend distinguishes itself from its peers through the incorporation of turn-based combat and role-playing game (RPG) elements. In the combat sequences, you get to strategically direct your troops on hexagonal-grid maps. Skillful management of your forces and effective utilization of the terrain can turn the tide of battle in your favor, even against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Adding another layer of depth, Endless Legend integrates RPG elements, which enhance gameplay by sending your heroes on adventures. These quests often result in rewarding loot and invaluable information. Simultaneously, your heroes gain experience and skills, becoming more powerful over time. This growth makes them increasingly versatile and valuable as the game progresses, adding an enriching dimension to your gaming experience.
7- Europa Universalis 4 – A Journey through Earth’s Rich History
If your preferences lean towards terrestrial settings with complex strategic elements, your attention should gravitate towards Europa Universalis IV. This game is considered by many gamers to be the crowning glory among Paradox strategies, even outshining other acclaimed titles like Victoria II, III, and the Crusader Kings series. From its launch, Europa Universalis IV managed to inch incredibly close to the perfect strategy gaming experience.
However, the expansions launched post-release received mixed feedback. “Leviathan,” the fourteenth out of the sixteen downloadable content (DLCs) was heavily criticized. This add-on was perceived as unfinished, with the introduction of less intuitive mechanics that upset the game’s balance. Despite this hiccup, subsequent DLCs, particularly “Origins” and “Lions of the North,” restored the players’ faith in Paradox.
Whether or not you choose to invest in the DLCs, the base game of Europa Universalis IV offers an engaging experience that can last dozens of hours. With more than 250 nations to choose from and campaigns spanning 400 in-game years (translating to numerous real-world hours), you will be engrossed in managing foreign policy, trade, economy, colonization, and a plethora of other significant matters.
6- SpellForce: Conquest of Eo – An Enthralling Expedition
If you are on the hunt for a straightforward, relaxing experience, SpellForce: Conquest of Eo is a commendable choice. This creation by Owned by Gravity turned out to be a surprisingly captivating game, absorbing me for over sixty hours. However, not a moment of that time felt wasted.
SpellForce: Conquest of Eo features a simple but engrossing narrative and encourages the exploration of its charming world map. As you traverse this virtual realm, you’re generously rewarded, empowering you to enhance your tower, expand your territory, and grow your army. The game’s tactical battles are a particularly attractive feature. There’s a unique satisfaction in overcoming a battle that the game predicted as a sure loss. This triumph might come at the cost of multiple failed attempts, but each failure only sweetens the eventual victory.
However, if your interests lie more in learning the story and managing resources, most combat instances can be bypassed and automatically resolved. But be aware that this can be somewhat tedious. Conversely, this approach can result in a more immersive narrative experience. It’s all about balancing trade-offs!
5- Old World – Ancient Civilizations Revisited
While Old World by Mohawk Games has faced its fair share of criticism, I wholeheartedly believe that this title deserves to be explored by every strategy enthusiast. Sure, the game isn’t groundbreaking, borrowing bits and pieces from the likes of Offworld Trading Company and Civilization series. Still, it presents some intriguing additions like an array of resources and card-game-like mechanics that I firmly believe could have a place in the 4X genre.
In the year and a half since Old World’s launch, the developers have rolled out numerous major updates, addressing many of the game’s initial hiccups. There are still a few lingering issues, like the occasional shaky AI performance, but there have been significant improvements. This is evident from the wave of positive reviews on Steam. Despite occasional negative feedback, I can’t help but feel that it comes primarily from hardcore 4X fans who are critical of the game’s perceived lack of depth.
Instead of viewing Old World as a conventional strategy game, I recommend seeing it as an RPG incorporating strategic elements. This perspective could make certain aspects, like ensuring a successor for your throne, feel less like an annoyance and more like an integral part of gameplay. Plus, it’s a rarity to find a solid 4X game focused solely on ancient times. If you’re like me and have a soft spot for this historical period, do give Old World a shot.
4- Warhammer 40k Gladius – Relics of War – An Otherworldly Take on Civilization
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius attempts to illustrate what might happen if the classic Civilization series was teleported into the Warhammer 40K universe. Proxy Studio’s first 4X venture, Pandora: First Contact, paralleled Civilization: Beyond Earth but emphasized more on warfare. Similar to its precursor, Gladius emphasizes combat over diplomacy, trade, or cultural evolution, with victory solely achieved through conquest.
If nothing else, Gladius demonstrates excellent user interface design, offering one of the best tutorials encountered in a 4X strategy game. Its aesthetic appeal is also remarkable. While primarily focused on warfare, it’s a worthy contender in the 4X genre, especially for those who appreciate a straightforward approach. The Tyranids expansion is one of the finest renditions of that race witnessed in any strategy game, another aspect to consider when evaluating this title. Despite its strong points, it still faces stiff competition within the Warhammer gaming universe.
3- Galactic Civilizations IV – Soaring Among the Stars
The fourth iteration of Stardock’s signature series may lack the myriad of DLC and expansions that Galactic Civilizations III boasts, but it’s already shaping up to be a stellar contender, as detailed in our Galactic Civilizations IV review. It’s a bit too simplistic to label this game (and the series as a whole) as ‘Civilization in space’, but Galactic Civilizations IV has indeed succeeded in matching the strategic brilliance and accessibility that Sid Meier’s Civilization V has achieved.
As one of the 18 different civilizations, you guide your galactic empire, establishing colonies, building trade and infrastructure, and delving into research to stay competitive. The scale in GalCiv IV has evolved, breaking down maps into galactic sectors, making the universe a much more diverse playing field. You may be the most powerful force in your local cluster, but what lies beyond the warp gate?
What Galactic Civilizations IV currently lacks in DLC and updates, it more than makes up for with a robust foundation, suggesting that this latest addition to the 4X space-faring genre will continue to grow and improve significantly.
2- Distant Worlds 2 – The Return of a Space-Faring Cult Classic
Distant Worlds 2 may not have brought revolutionary changes to the formula of its predecessor, but the excitement surrounding the return of this beloved space 4X classic cannot be understated. The game has been updated with improved graphics and has taken steps to make it more appealing to a wider audience.
The essence of Distant Worlds has always been about freedom – the freedom to delve into a level of complexity that is seldom seen in today’s strategy games. The game’s extensive systems are a challenge to master, but conquering even one of them can be an immensely rewarding experience. What sets Distant Worlds 2 apart is the level of customizability it offers; you can tailor the game to your liking, right down to delegating all responsibilities to the AI and focusing solely on managing a single fleet or group of ships.
1- Civilization 6 – Unraveling History’s Tapestry
The sixth edition of Civilization is a superlative example of a 4X game, a genre that invites players to explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate. This genre of game, often characterized as “Civlike,” did not originate with Sid Meier’s Civilization. Instead, the concept can be traced back to 1983’s Reach for the Stars. However, it’s undeniable that the Civilization series has become a benchmark for the genre.
In my perspective, Civilization VI represents the epitome of the series. It is so comprehensive and engaging that I don’t find myself yearning for another iteration, even though it’s known that another installment is in the pipeline. Civilization VI provides a staggering range of fifty nations for the player to guide through history’s epochs. This is an unprecedented number for the series, augmented by even more leaders with a number of additional ones anticipated.
I have devoted more than three hundred engrossing hours to this game and, surprisingly, I haven’t even completed half the campaigns. Furthermore, Civilization VI includes prepared scenarios from the developers, along with an extensive list of achievements, amounting to over three hundred in total. Certain achievements, such as invoking Charles Darwin in the Galapagos Islands or capturing Jerusalem as Frederick Barbarossa, are historically themed and add an extra layer of fascination. Achieving these milestones can be challenging due to specific conditions, but they yield immense satisfaction when accomplished. The game’s multiplayer mode also warrants attention, but even without it, Civilization VI is the type of game I’d be content with on a deserted island.
