Discounted 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
Battlestar Galactica Deadlock
In Battlestar Galactica Deadlock™ you’ll take command of the Colonial Fleet in defense of the Twelve Colonies during the First Cylon War. Lead many different types of ships in this 3D tactical game. Every decision counts, your strategy will be vital – can you ensure mankind’s survival?
Stars in Shadow
Stars in Shadow is a turn-based 4X strategy game and a vivid tribute to the genre classics. Compete with alien factions to explore and colonize nearby starsystems, build fleets to defend against rivals, negotiate or conquer them. Win by unifying the galaxy, through diplomacy or force.
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.
Predynastic Egypt
Do you know how did Ancient Egypt looked like before the Great Pyramids? Lead the future Egyptian citizens all the way through the historical hardships to the Unification of Lower and Upper Egypt, and you will find out!
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.
Lords of Magic: Special Edition
Urak, once peaceful, is now a land of darkness, chaos and death. The people yearn for a champion to drive away the forces of evil. That champion is you.
Thea: The Awakening
Thea: The Awakening is a turn-based strategic survival game inspired by the Slavic mythology and set in a procedural dark fantasy world infused with non-linear story and unique combat system.
Marble Age
Turn-based historical simulation strategy. Develop the Greek civilization from the small village to the great city-state when it will dominate the world!
Homeworld Remastered Collection
Experience the epic space strategy games that redefined the RTS genre. Control your fleet and build an armada across more than 30 single-player missions. Choose unit types, fleet formations and flight tactics for each strategic situation.
Seven Kingdoms 2 HD
Get ready for an exciting real-time strategy game experience like no other with Seven Kingdoms 2! Say goodbye to the monotony of resource gathering and army building, its unique gameplay offers a thrilling blend of city management, trade, industry, espionage, diplomacy, and conquest!
Making History: The Great War
The Great War is a turn-based grand strategy game based on the epic struggles of the WWI era. Experience the battles of attrition and punishing artillery barrages. Play as any nation of the period as the modern world of industrialized warfare replaces an age of kings with a struggle of ideologies.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Space Empires V
Space Empires V is the latest edition in the Space Empires series. This new chapter completely updates the UI and takes the player into a real-time rendered 3D universe. Watch space battles played out in glorious detail and realistic effects. Expand, Explore, Exploit, and Exterminate in a huge living breathing galaxy.
X3: Reunion
X3: Reunion continues the epic space saga, blending deep space trading and intense real-time combat. Explore a vast universe, establish your empire, and shape the new frontier. With enhanced graphics and intricate economies, it's a journey of strategy, simulation, and interstellar intrigue.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 20th 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 133,505 reviews of which 115,574 were positive and 17,931 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 14,505 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.6
115,574
17,931
14,505
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 181,916 reviews of which 157,721 were positive and 24,195 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 13,587 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among 4x games based on player count.
8.6
157,721
24,195
13,587
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 17,786 reviews of which 14,517 were positive and 3,269 were negative resulting in a rating of 8 out of 10. While seeing 4,207 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among 4x games based on player count.
8
14,517
3,269
4,207
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 7,156 reviews of which 6,418 were positive and 738 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 1,777 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played 4x games.
8.7
6,418
738
1,777
players
5. 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 4,543 reviews of which 4,379 were positive and 164 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 1,747 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played 4x games.
9.3
4,379
164
1,747
players
6. 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 19,209 reviews of which 16,518 were positive and 2,691 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 1,730 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played 4x games.
8.4
16,518
2,691
1,730
players
7. 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 6,384 reviews of which 5,148 were positive and 1,236 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 1,283 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played 4x games.
7.8
5,148
1,236
1,283
players
8. 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 6,693 reviews of which 5,753 were positive and 940 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 1,055 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played 4x games.
8.3
5,753
940
1,055
players
9. 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 817 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played 4x games.
8.0
11,503
2,654
817
players
10. 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 4,485 reviews of which 3,679 were positive and 806 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 753 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played 4x games.
8.0
3,679
806
753
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 20th 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 12,552 reviews of which 10,077 were positive and 2,475 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
10,077
2,475
-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 4,485 reviews of which 3,679 were positive and 806 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
3,679
806
-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. 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. Ozymandias: Bronze Age Empire Sim is a grand strategy, turn-based strategy and 4x game developed by The Secret Games Company and published by Goblinz Publishing and IndieArk. Released on October 11th 2022 has received 1,508 reviews of which 1,325 were positive and 183 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for 4x games.
8.4
1,325
183
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
5. 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 1,816 reviews of which 1,376 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 #5 position in the best deals for 4x games.
7.3
1,376
440
-92%
28.00€
2.24€
6. 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 398 reviews of which 288 were positive and 110 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for 4x games.
6.9
288
110
-91%
27.67€
2.49€
7. 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 582 reviews of which 507 were positive and 75 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for 4x games.
8.2
507
75
-88%
10.25€
1.23€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for 4x games.
6.7
868
382
-86%
19.29€
2.70€
9. 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 3,586 reviews of which 3,210 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 #9 position in the best deals for 4x games.
8.6
3,210
376
-85%
19.60€
2.94€
10. 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 1,795 reviews of which 1,256 were positive and 539 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for 4x games.
6.8
1,256
539
-85%
20.33€
3.05€
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 20th 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 512 reviews of which 378 were positive and 134 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. With 426 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free 4x games on Steam.
7.0
378
134
426
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 617 reviews of which 418 were positive and 199 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 398, this 4x game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free 4x games on Steam.
6.5
418
199
398
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 199, this 4x game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free 4x games on Steam.
6.5
447
213
199
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
6
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