The Best 4X Games - Page 2

Update : Nova: Space Armada added at rank #10.
11

Galactic Civilizations IV (2023)

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73
Review score
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PC Windows

Take command of a civilization that has just achieved faster-than-light travel in Galactic Civilizations IV, the newest entry in the award-winning space 4X strategy game series. Explore the galaxy, colonize worlds, shape cultures, make alliances, fight wars and pioneer new technologies.

Buy

  • 4x
  • grand-strategy
  • space
  • strategy
  • turn-based
  • hex
  • moddable
  • sci-fi
  • sandbox

12

The Battle of Polytopia (2016)

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94
Review score
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IOS iPhone PC Windows Linux Mac OS Android Nintendo Switch

The Battle of Polytopia is a simplified 4X game that allows players to experience the Explore, Expand, Exploit, Exterminate aspects of the genre in under an hour. Available for mobile devices, it's the pocket-sized 4X that anyone can play anywhere.


What we like:
  • Distillation of the 4X genre in a great turn-based action game
  • Mechanism for competitive play
  • Addresses limitations of chess
What could be improved:
  • Limited multiplayer and co-op options
  • Not ideal for players who want a longer game

  • turn-based
  • 4x
  • strategy
  • civilization
  • diplomacy
  • empire
  • multiplayer
  • building
  • economy
  • tactical
  • real-time

13

Ozymandias (2024)

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88
Review score
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Mac OS PC Windows IOS iPhone

Build an empire in a single sitting. All the strategy of a classic 4X in a faster format, which also shines in multiplayer.


  • turn-based
  • 4x
  • grand-strategy
  • tactical
  • hex
  • city-building
  • strategy
  • resource-management
  • asynchronous
  • historical
  • economy
  • grid
  • military
  • management
  • multiplayer

14

Airships: Conquer the Skies (2018)

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93
Review score
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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

15

Cataclismo (2024)

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93
Review score
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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

16

Shadow Empire (2020)

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84
Review score
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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

17

Nexus 5X (2024)

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92
Review score
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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.

Buy

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

18

Old World (2020)

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78
Review score
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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

19

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

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72
Review score
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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

20

Stellaris (2016)

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86
Review score
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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
  • space
  • war
  • exploration
  • resource
  • political
  • real-time
  • construction
  • politics
  • military
  • economy

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