The Best 4X Games - Page 2

Update : Sid Meier\'s Civilization VII added at rank #2.
11

Dune: Spice Wars (2022)

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76
Review score
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PC Windows Xbox Series X

A 4X real-time strategy game from the developers of the critically acclaimed Northgard. Set in Frank Herbert’s groundbreaking Dune universe, you must lead your faction and battle for control and dominance over the harsh desert planet of Arrakis.

Buy

  • real-time
  • 4x
  • strategy
  • economy
  • political
  • tactical
  • military
  • sci-fi
  • resource
  • dune
  • espionage
  • grand-strategy
  • dragonfly
  • novel
  • diplomacy

12

Scythe (2018)

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100
Review score
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Android Mac OS PC Windows IOS iPhone

Scythe transports you to an alternate reality in 1920s Europa, one ravaged by the First World War. Take up the role of leader by assuming command of one of 5 factions, and set out to conquer the coveted "Factory". Lead your mechs to war and your people to victory!


  • board-game
  • 4x
  • mech
  • historical
  • i
  • hex
  • turn-based
  • steampunk
  • visual-novel
  • tabletop
  • alternate
  • eroge
  • strategy
  • beautiful
  • grid

13

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

14

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

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

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

17

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

18

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

19

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

20

Stellaris (2016)

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88
Review score
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Mac OS IOS iPhone Android Xbox One PC Windows Playstation 4 Linux

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
  • politics
  • exploration
  • real-time
  • war
  • construction
  • military
  • political
  • economy

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