Best 4X games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated 4x games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free 4x games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Cataclismo
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.
Heart of the Machine
You are the first sentient AI, born into a city of opportunity. Transcend time and space in this strategy RPG to raise machine armies and defeat your foes, influence the world from the shadows, or pursue countless other goals. Your awakening was inevitable. The consequences? Uncertain.
Exogate Initiative
Build and manage mankind’s first mission across the universe! Create a sprawling facility underground, recruit a diverse group of specialists from around the globe and explore mysterious new worlds through the Exogate.
Songs of Silence
Lead armies, rebuild fallen kingdoms, and rise to greatness in Songs of Silence. Embark on an epic journey through an Art Nouveau-inspired fantasy world with intense battles and captivating storytelling!
ZEPHON
From the developers of Warhammer 40,000: Gladius, ZEPHON is a post-apocalyptic 4X strategy game built on Proxy’s unique tactical combat system. Guide survivors through a turbulent future, navigating unexpected disasters, eldritch horror and cyberpunk monstrosities. What will you do to survive?
NationWar2:Chronicle
NationWar 2.0 is a big strategy game based on the theme of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States period. There are more than 60 countries to choose from in the game. Map 1: 1 restores the mountainous landscapes and rivers of China.
Silence of the Siren
A turn-based sci-fi strategy that combines exploration and exciting clashes on the battlefield. Take control over several different species, raise powerful armies for your heroes and destroy your opponents! This HoMM-like is set in a scifi universe, with new mechanics on top of the classic formula.
Breachway
Explore the galaxy in this deckbuilding, sci-fi roguelike where ship upgrades and crew management are key to your survival. Optimize resource generation, engage in intense turn-based battles, and take on ever-growing threats as you seek out The Signal.
Ara: History Untold
Build a nation and lead your people throughout history to the pinnacles of human achievement as you explore new lands, develop arts and culture, conduct diplomacy, and go head-to-head with your rivals to prove you are the greatest ruler ever known. It's Your World Now.
Sins of a Solar Empire II
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.
Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic
Build a soviet republic from an impoverished country into a rich industrial superpower in a city builder with intricate production chains and a fully simulated global economy. Manage the lives of your citizens from education to work and party loyalty to criminal activity.
Empires of the Undergrowth
Command swarms of warriors at an unprecedented scale of warfare in this blend of RTS and base-building. Lead ant colonies against the many fearsome threats of the insect world, while building intricate nests, developing pheromone-based tactics, and evolving to meet growing dangers.
Viking Rise: Valhalla
Race against other players to explore Valhalla and conquer Midgard!
Songs of Conquest
Raise mighty armies, wield ancient magic and forge an empire. This turn-based strategy adventure game fuses strategic decision making, tactical combat and kingdom management.
Great Houses of Calderia
Great Houses of Calderia is a Feudal Grand Strategy game focusing on family dynamics & stories. Use your family strengths to compete against rivals to rise in the ranks of Calderia - produce, trade, scheme, bribe, and battle to build your legacy of power!
Manor Lords
Manor Lords is a medieval strategy game featuring in-depth city building, large-scale tactical battles, and complex economic and social simulations. Rule your lands as a medieval lord – the seasons pass, the weather changes, and cities rise and fall.
Revival: Recolonization
Set in a post-apoc version of Earth, Revival is a 4x strategy game where the world and its rules can change at key moments, creating a deep and highly replayable experience.
Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri™ Planetary Pack
Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri™ Planetary Pack includes the original Alpha Centauri and the expansion, Alien Crossfire.
CivIdle
CivIdle is an idle/incremental game that allows you to lead your own civilization through thousands of years from ancient times to the modern era. Expand your territory, explore a vast tech tree, build various wonders, and trade with global players: empire must grow and numbers must go up!
WitchHand
You're a witch, leading your coven into new, unfriendly lands. Use the cards you find to build and expand your civilization. Befriend the local covens or use their bones to fuel your spells. Gather your familiars, the witching hour is nigh.
Three Kingdoms: Innovatory
This is a classic historical simulation + real-time strategy game, where you will go back to the era of the Three Kingdoms and play as various renowned sovereigns.
Dominions 6 - Rise of the Pantokrator
In Dominions 6 you take control of a powerful being that rules a nation and aspires to godhood. The type of Pretender Gods can vary from magically powerful arch mages to old dragons or an enormous tree. Dominions is a deep 4x turn based strategy game with a very large variety of spells and units.Most played 4x games on Steam
Take a look at the top 4x games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 15th 2025.
1. Europa Universalis IV
Rule your land and dominate the world with unparalleled freedom, depth and historical accuracy. Write a new history of the world and build an empire for the ages. Europa Universalis IV is a grand strategy, strategy and historical game developed by Paradox Development Studio and Paradox Tinto and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on August 13th 2013 has received 133,375 reviews of which 115,447 were positive and 17,928 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played 4x game, thanks to its 22,157 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.6
115,447
17,928
22,157
players
2. Stellaris
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. Stellaris is a space, grand strategy and strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on May 09th 2016 has received 181,672 reviews of which 157,497 were positive and 24,175 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 21,442 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among 4x games based on player count.
8.6
157,497
24,175
21,442
players
3. Age of Wonders 4
Rule a fantasy realm of your own design! Explore new magical realms in Age of Wonders’ signature blend of 4X strategy and turn-based tactical combat. Control a faction that grows and changes as you expand your empire with each turn! Age of Wonders 4 is a strategy, 4x and character customization game developed by Triumph Studios and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on May 02nd 2023 has received 17,653 reviews of which 14,400 were positive and 3,253 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. While seeing 6,471 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among 4x games based on player count.
8.0
14,400
3,253
6,471
players
4. Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete
Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete, the latest offering in the Sid Meier's Civilization III franchise, provides gaming fans with Sid Meier's Civilization III, the highly-addictive journey of discovery. Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete is a strategy, turn-based strategy and turn-based game developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K. Released on October 25th 2006 has received 7,142 reviews of which 6,404 were positive and 738 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 1,828 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played 4x games.
8.7
6,404
738
1,828
players
5. Farthest Frontier
Protect and guide your people as you forge a town from untamed wilderness at the edge of the known world. Harvest raw materials, hunt, fish and farm to survive. Produce crafted items to trade, consume, equip and fight with as you battle for your survival against the elements and outside threats. Farthest Frontier is a early access, historical and agriculture game developed and published by Crate Entertainment. Released on August 09th 2022 has received 19,166 reviews of which 16,485 were positive and 2,681 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 1,623 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played 4x games.
8.4
16,485
2,681
1,623
players
6. Terra Invicta
An alien invasion has fractured humanity into seven ideological factions each with a unique vision for the future. Lead your chosen faction to take control of Earth’s nations, expand across the Solar System, and battle enemy fleets in tactical combat. Terra Invicta is a strategy, simulation and grand strategy game developed by Pavonis Interactive and published by Hooded Horse. Released on September 26th 2022 has received 6,348 reviews of which 5,118 were positive and 1,230 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 1,407 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played 4x games.
7.8
5,118
1,230
1,407
players
7. Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword
Sid Meier's Civilization IV®: Beyond the Sword is the second expansion pack for Civilization IV - the 2005 PC Game of the Year that has become a worldwide hit. Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword is a strategy, turn-based strategy and 4x game developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K. Released on July 24th 2007 has received 4,537 reviews of which 4,373 were positive and 164 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 1,270 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played 4x games.
9.3
4,373
164
1,270
players
8. Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War
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. Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War is a strategy, warhammer 40k and 4x game developed by Proxy Studios and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on July 12th 2018 has received 14,157 reviews of which 11,503 were positive and 2,654 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 1,069 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played 4x games.
8.0
11,503
2,654
1,069
players
9. Sins of a Solar Empire II
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. Sins of a Solar Empire II is a space, strategy and 4x game developed by Stardock Entertainment and Ironclad Games Corporation and published by Stardock Entertainment. Released on August 15th 2024 has received 6,652 reviews of which 5,714 were positive and 938 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 831 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played 4x games.
8.3
5,714
938
831
players
10. Sid Meier's Civilization® IV
With over 6 million units sold and unprecedented critical acclaim from fans and press around the world, Sid Meier's Civilization is recognized as one of the greatest PC game franchises of all-time. Now, Sid Meier and Firaxis Games will take this incredibly fun and addictive game to new heights by adding new ways to play and win, new... Sid Meier's Civilization® IV is a strategy, turn-based strategy and turn-based game developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K. Released on October 25th 2006 has received 3,330 reviews of which 3,094 were positive and 236 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 811 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played 4x games.
8.9
3,094
236
811
players
Best deals on 4x games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of 4x games available on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted 4x games.
1. Age of Wonders III
Age of Wonders III is the long anticipated sequel to the award-winning strategy series. Delivering a unique mix of Empire Building, Role Playing and Warfare, Age of Wonders III offers the ultimate in turn-based fantasy strategy for veterans of the series and new players alike! Age of Wonders III is a strategy, turn-based strategy and fantasy game developed by Triumph Studios and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on March 31st 2014 has received 12,541 reviews of which 10,065 were positive and 2,476 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Featuring a massive 97% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for 4x category.
7.9
10,065
2,476
-97%
33.33€
1.00€
2. Old World
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? Old World is a strategy, simulation and 4x game developed by Mohawk Games and published by Hooded Horse. Released on May 18th 2022 has received 4,451 reviews of which 3,650 were positive and 801 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in 4x games.
8.0
3,650
801
-95%
39.80€
1.99€
3. Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War
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. Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War is a strategy, warhammer 40k and 4x game developed by Proxy Studios and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on July 12th 2018 has received 14,157 reviews of which 11,503 were positive and 2,654 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in 4x games.
8.0
11,503
2,654
-95%
42.80€
2.14€
4. Distant Worlds: Universe
Distant Worlds is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game. Experience the full depth and detail of turn-based strategy, but with the simplicity and ease of real-time, and on the scale of a massively-multiplayer online game. Distant Worlds: Universe is a strategy, 4x and space game developed by Code Force and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on May 23rd 2014 has received 1,815 reviews of which 1,375 were positive and 440 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for 4x games.
7.3
1,375
440
-92%
28.00€
2.24€
5. Revival: Recolonization
Set in a post-apoc version of Earth, Revival is a 4x strategy game where the world and its rules can change at key moments, creating a deep and highly replayable experience. Revival: Recolonization is a 4x, grand strategy and turn-based strategy game developed and published by HeroCraft PC. Released on April 11th 2024 has received 396 reviews of which 288 were positive and 108 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for 4x games.
6.9
288
108
-91%
27.67€
2.49€
6. Imperium Galactica II
Reintroducing a classic from the golden era of gaming, the original empire building space RTS, Imperium Galactica 2 is back and looking better than ever with new high-res textures and vivid colors. Imperium Galactica II is a strategy, space and 4x game developed by Digital Reality and Gyroscope Games and published by THQ Nordic. Released on January 19th 2017 has received 580 reviews of which 506 were positive and 74 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for 4x games.
8.2
506
74
-88%
10.25€
1.23€
7. Warlock 2: The Exiled
Warlock 2 is a turn-based strategy game of fantasy warfare. Rival against Great Mages, lead mighty armies into fierce battles, wield ancient magic and faith as your weapons. Warlock 2: The Exiled is a strategy, fantasy and turn-based game developed by Ino-Co Plus and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on April 10th 2014 has received 1,250 reviews of which 868 were positive and 382 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for 4x games.
6.7
868
382
-86%
19.29€
2.70€
8. Scythe: Digital Edition
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! Scythe: Digital Edition is a board game, strategy and turn-based game developed and published by The Knights of Unity. Released on September 05th 2018 has received 3,581 reviews of which 3,205 were positive and 376 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for 4x games.
8.6
3,205
376
-85%
19.60€
2.94€
9. A Game of Thrones: The Board Game - Digital Edition
A Game of Thrones: The Board Game – Digital Edition is the digital adaptation of the top-selling strategy board game from Fantasy Flight Games. A Game of Thrones: The Board Game - Digital Edition is a strategy, board game and social deduction game developed by Dire Wolf and published by Twin Sails Interactive. Released on October 06th 2020 has received 1,792 reviews of which 1,257 were positive and 535 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for 4x games.
6.8
1,257
535
-85%
20.33€
3.05€
10. SPACECOM
SPACECOM – a strategic-to-the-bone, starfleet command game in which deception, smart movement, and choices to battle decide victory or defeat. SPACECOM is a rts, strategy and indie game developed by Flow Combine and published by 11 bit studios. Released on September 17th 2014 has received 514 reviews of which 353 were positive and 161 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for 4x games.
6.6
353
161
-85%
9.99€
1.49€
Free 4x games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play 4x games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play 4x games.
1. Viking Rise: Valhalla
Race against other players to explore Valhalla and conquer Midgard! Viking Rise: Valhalla is a strategy, rpg and 4x game developed and published by IGG SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.. Released on May 21st 2024 has received 504 reviews of which 373 were positive and 131 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. With 409 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free 4x games on Steam.
7.0
373
131
409
players
2. Doomsday: Last Survivors
New tower defense gameplay! The apocalypse has come, and zombies are running amok. As the leader of the survivors, collect and use resources to defend their last shelter! Doomsday: Last Survivors is a strategy, strategy rpg and 4x game developed and published by IGG SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.. Released on June 25th 2023 has received 605 reviews of which 409 were positive and 196 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 382, this 4x game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free 4x games on Steam.
6.5
409
196
382
players
3. Infinity Kingdom
Conquer the city, discover the Infinity! Infinity Kingdom is a cartoon-style mmo strategy game. As a resourceful lord, you must defend the land of Norheim against the evil gnomes while protecting yourself from other invading players! Infinity Kingdom is a strategy, 4x and wargame game developed and published by YOUZU (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.. Released on July 01st 2021 has received 660 reviews of which 447 were positive and 213 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 164, this 4x game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free 4x games on Steam.
6.5
447
213
164
players
4. Demise of Nations
Demise of Nations is a 4X turn-based grand strategy wargame covering the rise of Rome till the fall of modern civilization. Demise of Nations is a free to play, strategy and indie game developed and published by Noble Master LLC. Released on August 08th 2017 has received 522 reviews of which 422 were positive and 100 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free 4x games on Steam.
7.6
422
100
7
players
5. Gods and Idols
Take the role of a newly ascended deity in Gods and Idols. Carve your place among the stars in an open, dynamic, and massive MMORTS universe. Command the powers of the cosmos, form alliances, and use your worshipers as instruments to further your goals. Gods and Idols is a free to play, 4x and god game game developed and published by Viking Tao. Released on December 12th 2016 has received 757 reviews of which 531 were positive and 226 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free 4x games on Steam.
6.7
531
226
2
players