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
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?
The Heroic Legend of Eagarlnia
Lay out your grand strategy on the land of Eagarlnia where humans, elves, orcs, dwarves, and the undead each battle out a corner of land. Manage your territories by navigating complex decisions and grow your economy.
Distant Worlds 2
Distant Worlds 2 is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game.
Hero's Hour
A fast turn-based strategy RPG with real-time combat. Develop your cities and armies, level up your heroes to gain new, powerful spells and skills, and explore the wonders and dangers of the procedurally generated maps as you aim to conquer your enemies before they do the same to you.
NEBULOUS: Fleet Command
Take command of your hand-tailored fleet of space warships and use realistic radar, electronic warfare, advanced movement controls in 3D space, and precision targeting to outmaneuver and outwit your opponents in a simulation-heavy tactical space game like no other.
Solargene
Lead a space corporation in the sci-fi simulator Solargene! Manage personnel, design and develop colonies and orbital stations throughout the solar system! Extract resources, establish logistics, research new technologies, trade and complete missions
Terraformers: First Steps on Mars
Terraformers: First Steps on Mars is a free prologue of Terraformers, featuring an exclusive challenge to lead humanity's first attempt at settling the Red Planet.
A Total War Saga: TROY
Inspired by The Iliad and brought to life through the award-winning strategy game series, A Total War Saga: TROY brings a blend of grand, turn-based empire management and spectacular real-time battles to the heart of the Trojan War.
Conquest of Elysium 5
Conquest of Elysium 5 is a quick turn based fantasy strategy game with a touch of rogue-like. The game is full of depth, details and monsters. There are also a huge number of factions, each with its own unique gameplay and magic rituals.
HUMANKIND™
Rewrite history by shaping a civilization as unique as you are. Combine 60 cultures from the Ancient Era to the Modern Age to lead your empire to victory. Build thriving cities, outsmart rivals in epic battles, spread your influence and leave your mark on HUMANKIND™.
军团战棋Legion War
"Legion War" is a 4X strategy game in a fantasy setting. You can build and expand your territory, explore unknown lands, and search for mysterious treasure, cultivate your own heroes and troops while exterminating your opponent's, and challenge the god who rules the world behind the scenes.
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!
Pro Cycling Manager 2021
Manage one of 80 teams in over 260 races and 700 stages. From strategy to recruitment, it's up to you alone to make the best decisions. Experience more realism and authenticity with the new features added for 2021.
Total War: ROME REMASTERED
Total War: ROME REMASTERED lets you relive the legacy that defined the award-winning strategy game series. Remastered to 4K with multiple improvements to visuals as well as refinements to gameplay, it’s time to revisit a true classic. Not everyone gets a second chance to conquer the Roman Empire.
Rogue State Revolution
Greetings your Excellency. Time to rebuild, reform and prepare for new challenges in the People's Republic of Basenji. In this thrilling political strategy, you will appoint ministers and lead the country to success. Be careful — you may find yourself replaced in the next election.
Three Kingdoms The Last Warlord
The Last Warlord is a Turn-based strategy game. The game is based on the famous Chinese historical novel. The Three Kingdoms (A.D. 190 – 280) was the tripartite division of China between the states of Wei, Shu, and Wu.
Shadow Empire
Shadow Empire is a deep turn-based 4X wargame with a unique blend of military focus, procedurally generated content and role-playing features.
Marble Age: Remastered
Marble Age is a turn-based historical strategy where your task is to turn a small Ancient Greek village into a flourishing Polis, powerful enough to conquer the known world!
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.
As Far As The Eye
Build a mobile village and travel with your tribe toward the center of the world, called The Eye. This roguelike turn-based resource-management game is made of procedural situations, natural events, skill-trees and hard choices. Ready to move?
Crusader Kings III
Love, fight, scheme, and claim greatness. Determine your noble house’s legacy in the sprawling grand strategy of Crusader Kings III. Death is only the beginning as you guide your dynasty’s bloodline in the rich and larger-than-life simulation of the Middle Ages.
The Battle of Polytopia
Welcome to the unique, turn-based strategy game set in the strange, flat world of the Square. Lead one of 16 distinct civilizations to victory by expanding your empire, researching technologies, and ultimately become ruler of the world! Play in single-player or multiplayer mode for up to 16 players.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