The Best 4X strategy Games

Update : Ozymandias added at rank #30.
1

The Battle of Polytopia (2016)

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94
Review score
Logo of The Battle of Polytopia Screenshot of The Battle of Polytopia Screenshot of The Battle of Polytopia Screenshot of The Battle of Polytopia

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

2

Sins of a Solar Empire II (2024)

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85
Review score
Logo of Sins of a Solar Empire II Screenshot of Sins of a Solar Empire II Screenshot of Sins of a Solar Empire II Screenshot of Sins of a Solar Empire II

PC Windows

Battle for galactic dominance in this real-time 4X strategy game with unrivaled scale! You’ll explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate through military force, diplomacy, trade, culture, influence, and other underhanded tactics.

Buy

  • real-time
  • strategy
  • 4x
  • empire
  • space
  • tactical
  • pirates
  • economy

3

Age of Wonders 4 (2023)

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81
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.


What we like:
  • 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
What could be improved:
  • 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

4

Fallen (2024)

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78
Review score
Logo of Fallen Screenshot of Fallen Screenshot of Fallen Screenshot of Fallen

Android PC Windows

FALLEN is an exciting psychic action shooter. Chris and Heidi gain superpowers after encountering an unidentified entity. Using abilities like telekinesis, teleportation, and more, they must escape the lab.


  • 4x
  • choices
  • minigame
  • tactical
  • fantasy
  • empire
  • rpg
  • battle
  • tps
  • conversation
  • combat
  • adventure
  • strategy
  • visual-novel
  • casual

5

UFC 5 (2023)

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96
Review score
Logo of UFC 5 Screenshot of UFC 5 Screenshot of UFC 5 Screenshot of UFC 5

Android Xbox One

EA SPORTS™ UFC® 5 is as real as it gets. Powered by Frostbite engine’s advanced rendering capabilities. All-new authentic damage system brings intensity and strategy of a fight to life. New Transition-Based Submissions make grappling feel more fluid and realistic.


  • turn-based
  • strategy
  • card
  • diplomacy
  • rpg
  • grand-strategy
  • wargame
  • japanese
  • immersive
  • 4x
  • sport
  • military
  • tactical
  • cooperative

6

Humankind (2022)

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78
Review score
Logo of Humankind Screenshot of Humankind Screenshot of Humankind Screenshot of Humankind

Android Playstation 4 Xbox Series X/s Xbox One PC Windows Mac OS Playstation 5 stadia Xbox Series X

Experience the thrill of rewriting history in HUMANKIND™, a strategy game that lets you build unique civilizations, make critical decisions, and create scientific breakthroughs. With customizable leaders, complex diplomacy options, and flexible winning conditions, you can leave your mark on the world in a way that's uniquely you.


What we like:
  • Fresh take on empire-building
  • Personalized leaders and cultures
  • In-depth diplomacy options
  • Streamlined gameplay
  • Constant shifting of strategies
What could be improved:
  • Clunky mechanics
  • Unbalanced DLC
  • Confusing combat

  • 4x
  • historical
  • strategy
  • empire
  • turn-based

7

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

8

Dune: Spice Wars (2022)

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76
Review score
Logo of Dune: Spice Wars Screenshot of Dune: Spice Wars Screenshot of Dune: Spice Wars Screenshot of Dune: Spice Wars

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

9

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

10

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

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