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
World Warfare & Economics
Take control of any nation and shape its future. Manage resources, trade, and taxes, engage in real-time warfare, navigate global diplomacy, and react to dynamic world events. Build a thriving economy, forge alliances, and command armies in a constantly evolving world!
Microcivilization
Incremental clicker strategy, where you expand, construct, research, fight, collect heroes and make choices between good and evil. Ascend through difficulty tiers by playing through challenge campaign going back and forth through history. Mammoths included.
Galactic Civilizations IV
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.
Legendary Creatures 2
Sequel to the acclaimed Legendary Creatures, created by HideChara, and a fun treat combining both roguelike and auto-battler gameplay. Recruit and evolve a large array of troops, creatures, and an arsenal of weapons, to defeat the demon lord spreading corruption across the land.
Total War: PHARAOH
In Total War: PHARAOH, the newest entry in the award-winning grand strategy series, immerse yourself in ancient Egypt at the zenith of its power and experience the dramatic events that threaten its destruction.
Rise Of The White Sun
A Giant Strategy Sandbox experience set in Warlord China. *Tons of playable factions! *Communist insurgents, * Boxers like rebels, *Greedy warlords, *Mongol riders, *A mad russian baron, *Shanghai gangsters, *And armored trains!
Airship: Kingdoms Adrift
Welcome to Suthseg! As the newly commissioned airship captain, forge a mercantile empire across the archipelago, until the great powers of Europa turn their attention toward it. Build up a fleet, chart trade routes, establish industries, and explore the frontier at your airship's helm!
Dune: Spice Wars
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.
Xenonauts 2
Wage a global war of resistance against an alien invasion. Command turn-based tactical battles, build a network of covert bases, directly control your fighter wings, and achieve strategic victory in a simulation of asymmetric warfare against a technologically superior foe.
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!
The Pegasus Expedition
The Pegasus Expedition is a story-driven sci-fi grand strategy game set in a key moment for humankind’s survival. Facing an overwhelming threat at home, humanity sends expeditions to the Pegasus Galaxy in a desperate attempt to find a refuge for the population of Earth.
Pixel Starships
Pixel Starships is an FTL-style online sci-fi strategy builder and management game with a competitive PVP tournament. Set in the retro galaxy, your role is to explore space, meet aliens, and develop your ship, crew and AI. The game contains deep strategic and 4x elements. PSS is community-driven.
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!
3 Days War
3 Days War is a unique multiplayer strategy war game. Integrating the mechanics of RTS+4X, it allows dozens of players to engage in a three-day real-time strategy competitionon. Commanders, use your skills, strategies, games and even deception to become the ultimate winner!
Reshaping Mars
「Reshaping Mars」is a colony simulation game on Mars, you will start by gathering resources, storing food, accepting immigrants, and building a better colony together. Develop powerful technologies for Mars Reshaping, make Mars great agai..sorry, just great. Don't forget to make the residents happy.
Goblins of Elderstone
This Goblin Tribe Simulator brings a challenging blend of chaos and creativity to the city-building genre. Build dwellings, manage your resources, defend your goblins, and grow your tribe to face other races and even the Gods! Do you have what it takes to control the chaos and rule the unruly?
Industries of Titan
Create a sprawling industrial city. Compete with other rival corporations on Titan for resources, territory, and power. Seek victory via technology, influence, warfare, or the wealth extracted from your citizens. Stake your claim to the Industries of Titan in this innovative sim/strategy game!
Warsim: The Realm of Aslona
Warsim is a deep, rich text based kingdom ruling sim unlike anything else, complete with charming ASCII graphics. Navigate the millions of different procedurally generated races, events and areas with a huge emphasis on player choice. Don't let its look fool you, there is depth in every direction.
Master of Magic
Take up the role of a great wizard, wield powerful spells, command fantasy races and challenge your rivals in this remake of a cult turn-based strategy classic. Do you have what it takes to become Master of Magic?
Knights of Honor II: Sovereign
Become the king and fight over Europe in this fresh take on medieval real-time grand strategy. Manage provinces, gather armies, initiate diplomacy, and dabble in espionage. The path is open: become the true Sovereign of your people and bring them to glory.
Ozymandias: Bronze Age Empire Sim
Build an empire in a single sitting. All the strategy of a classic 4X in a faster format, which also shines in multiplayer.
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.
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.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