The Best 4X strategy Games

Update, : Age of Wonders 4 added at rank #2.
1

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.


Pros:
  • Distillation of the 4X genre in a great turn-based action game
  • Mechanism for competitive play
  • Addresses limitations of chess
Cons:
  • 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

2

Age of Wonders 4 (2023)

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82
Review score
Logo of Age of Wonders 4 Screenshot of Age of Wonders 4 Screenshot of Age of Wonders 4 Screenshot of Age of Wonders 4

PC Windows Xbox Series X Playstation 5

Age of Wonders 4 is a fantasy 4X game that allows players to create their own magical empires and explore new worlds with tactical turn-based battles. The game has an open-ended and endlessly replayable experience that adds a new chapter to your saga every time you play. With immersive storytelling and customizable empires, Age of Wonders 4 is a must-play for 4X and tactical battle fans.


Pros:
  • Great for 4X and tactical battle fans
  • Meta-game adds layer of customization
  • Modding-friendly
  • Immersive story and lore
  • More tactical battles with interesting terrain elements
Cons:
  • Lack of control over map size/type in single player mode
  • No huge campaign story in single player mode
  • Limited faction selection customization
  • World map AI could be improved during wars

  • 4x
  • strategy
  • turn-based
  • empire
  • tactical
  • fantasy
  • battle

3

Airships: Conquer the Skies (2018)

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93
Review score
Logo of Airships: Conquer the Skies Screenshot of Airships: Conquer the Skies Screenshot of Airships: Conquer the Skies 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

4

Terraformers (2022)

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93
Review score
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Mac OS PC Windows Linux

Transform Mars into a habitable planet in Terraformers. With challenging strategizing and resource management, explore the planet and expand population, all while watching the stunning new natural wonders build up before your eyes. Take on different scenarios and bonuses and create a thriving utopia. Get lost in the addictive puzzle-like game with unique replayability and rewarding graphics and UI.


Pros:
  • Focus on strategy
  • Various difficulty levels
  • Unique victory conditions
  • Nice graphics and UI
  • Rich soundtrack
Cons:
  • Only one way to lose the game
  • Some bugs present
  • Game can become repetitive

  • turn-based
  • strategy
  • city-building
  • 4x
  • board-game
  • resource-management
  • base-building
  • pve
  • space
  • sci-fi
  • building
  • futuristic
  • card
  • simulation
  • economy

5

Endless (2022)

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82
Review score
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Android Xbox One PC Windows

Endless - is a casual game where you control a dark cube and your main task is to dodge red obstacles. For each obstacle you pass, you get a point, but if you hit with at least one, you will immediately lose and you will have to start over. And how many points can you get?


  • 4x
  • empire
  • strategy
  • political
  • economy

6

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

7

Northgard (2018)

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81
Review score
Logo of Northgard Screenshot of Northgard Screenshot of Northgard Screenshot of Northgard

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

Join the Viking explorers in Northgard, a new land filled with danger, riches, and mystery. Assemble your settlement, assign your vikings to various jobs, and manage your resources carefully to survive harsh winters and fend off vicious beasts. Expand, conquer, trade or become a God in a game that offers unique strategies and victory conditions. With multi-level AI and dedicated servers, you can play against your friends and grind your way up to the final Norse God rank.


Pros:
  • Fun and addicting RTS game
  • Focuses on core mechanics of building and expanding settlement with minimal micromanagement
  • Offers a less time-consuming experience compared to other RTS games
  • Immersive atmosphere with breathtaking landscapes
  • Challenges players to think strategically and make tough decisions
Cons:
  • Slow-paced gameplay for RTS games
  • Inconsistent balancing with some clans being overpowered
  • Low playerbase

  • strategy
  • real-time
  • city-building
  • trading
  • resource-management
  • military
  • mythology
  • tile
  • vikings
  • simulation
  • management
  • 4x
  • base-building
  • multiplayer
  • war

8

Sid Meier's Civilization VI (2016)

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

Lead your civilization to greatness in Sid Meier's Civilization® VI by expanding your cities and engaging in espionage. With endless customization options and challenging diplomatic relationships, you will enjoy an engaging and rewarding experience. The game is packed with content, has brilliant visuals and a fantastic musical score, making it an utterly compelling and deeply satisfying experience for players of all ages.


Pros:
  • Attention-grabbing gameplay
  • Endless possibilities and variables to account for, including many DLCs
  • Fun to play with friends
  • Good for all ages
Cons:
  • Aesthetic choices may not appeal to all
  • Agenda system can be annoying
  • Workers expire after improvements
  • Might be a letdown for fans of Civ V

  • strategy
  • empire
  • turn-based
  • military
  • tile
  • 4x
  • war
  • city-building
  • tactical
  • historical
  • economy
  • resource
  • card
  • combat

9

Element (2018)

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74
Review score
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Xbox 360 Xbox One PC Windows Android Linux Mac OS IOS iPhone Nintendo Switch

Element is a realtime strategy space game for people who don't have time to play realtime strategy space games. Generate energy, mine element, build attack and defence units, and destroy the enemy while maintaining a balance between earth, air and water.


  • strategy
  • 4x
  • real-time
  • wargame
  • destruction
  • post-apocalyptic
  • grand-strategy
  • base-building
  • resource
  • space
  • tactical
  • sci-fi
  • building
  • fantasy
  • war

10

SpellForce: Conquest of Eo (2023)

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79
Review score
Logo of SpellForce: Conquest of Eo Screenshot of SpellForce: Conquest of Eo Screenshot of SpellForce: Conquest of Eo Screenshot of SpellForce: Conquest of Eo

PC Windows

On a journey to great magical might, explore and control the lands of Eo in this ever-changing turn-based strategy role-playing game. Field armies and heroes in tactical combat, finish hundreds of quests, and gather spells and artefacts to become the most powerful mage of all. 


  • turn-based
  • strategy
  • fantasy
  • tactical
  • 4x
  • rpg
  • grand-strategy
  • real-time
  • lore
  • crafting
  • horses
  • loot
  • top-down
  • dark
  • combat

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