List of 4X video games explained

4X is a subgenre of strategy video games. The term is a loose acronym of "explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate", coined in 1993 to describe the gameplay of Master of Orion. 4X games usually feature complex simulations of scientific research, economics, diplomacy, and social dynamics. Unlike computer wargames, they usually have more ways to win than through warfare, and they model the creation and evolution of an empire from its beginning. Games prior to Master of Orion have been retroactively identified as 4X games. Early precursors include the board games Outreach and Stellar Conquest, both published in the 1970s.[1] Some early strategy video games, such as Andromeda Conquest (1982) and Cosmic Balance II (1983) incorporated what would later become elements of 4X games, but the first 4X video game was Reach for the Stars (1983).[2] [1] Because of the genre's focus on mouse-and-keyboard control schemes, most 4X games are available on personal computers, but examples exist on other platforms.[3] Some 4X games include elements of real-time strategy, but 4X games are typically slow-paced.[1]

__TOC__

List

Classic 4X games
YearGameDeveloperSettingPlatformNotes
1983 Reach for the Stars[4] Sci-fi (Space) DOS, WIN, APPII, MAC, C64, AMI Remade in 2000 under the same name.[5]
1984Imperium GalactumSSISci-fi (Space)APPII, ATR, C64
1984 Incunabula Historical DOS
1985 Strategic Conquest Historical APPII, MAC
1987 Thinking Machine Associates Sci-fi (Space) DOS
1987 Xconq Stan Shebs, others n/a CROSS
1988 Reach for the Stars: The Conquest of the Galaxy - Third Edition Sci-fi (Space) DOS, C64, APPII, AMI, MAC, PC98 Third & last edition. Updated to 16-bit computers.
1988 Stellar Crusade[6] Sci-fi (Space) ST, DOS, AMI
1990 Imperium Sci-fi (Space) ST, DOS, AMI
1990 Spaceward Ho![7] Sci-fi (Space) MAC, WIN, AMI
1991 Armada 2525[8] Sci-fi (Space) DOS
1991 Civilization[9] Historical DOS, WIN, MAC, AMI, ST, SNES, PS1, SAT First title in the series.
1992 Pax Imperia Changeling Software Sci-fi (Space) First title in the series.
1992VGA Planets[10] Tim WissemanSci-fi (Space)DOS
1993 Master of Orion[11] Sci-fi (Space) DOS, MAC First title in the series. First game to use the term "4X".
1993 Space Empires Sci-fi (Space) WIN First title in the series.
1994 Colonization Historical AMI, DOS, WIN, MAC
1994 K240[12] Sci-fi (Space) AMI
1994 Master of Magic Fantasy DOS
1994 Reunion Sci-fi (Space) AMI, DOS
1995 Ascendancy[13] Sci-fi (Space) DOS, WIN, IPAD (iOS)
1995 Space Empires II Sci-fi (Space) WIN Sequel to Space Empires.
1995 Stars![14] Jeff Johnson and Jeff McBride Sci-fi (Space) WIN
1996 Civilization II[15] Historical MAC, PS1, WIN Sequel to Civilization.
1996 Historical WIN
1996 Emperor of the Fading Suns[16] Sci-fi (Planet) WIN
1996 Freeciv Freeciv team Historical MULTIPLATFORM Civilization clone.
1996 Sci-fi (Space) DOS, WIN, MAC Sequel to Master of Orion.
1997 Fragile Allegiance[17] Sci-fi (Space) WIN9X, DOS
1997 Imperialism[18] Historical MAC, WIN
1997 Imperium Galactica Sci-fi (Space) DOS First title in the series.
1997 Into the Void Sci-fi (Space) DOS
1997 Sci-fi (Space) WIN, MAC Sequel to Pax Imperia.
1997Space Empires IIIMalfadorSci-fi (Space)WINSequel to Space Empires II.
1998 Star Wars: Rebellion Sci-fi (Space) WIN
1999 Age of Wonders Fantasy WIN First title in the series.
1999 Historical, Fantasy or Sci-fi (Planet) WIN Remake of Civilization II.
1999 Historical and Sci-fi (Planet) BEOS, LIN, MAC, WIN Spin-off of Civilization.
1999 Historical OSX, WIN Sequel to Imperialism.
1999 Malkari Sci-fi WIN [19]
1999 Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri Sci-fi (Planet) WIN, LIN, MAC Pseudo-sequel to Civilization.
1999 [20] Sci-fi (Space) WIN
2000 Call to Power II Historical and Sci-fi (Planet) WIN Sequel to .
2000 [21] Sci-fi (Space) WIN Sequel to Imperium Galactica.
2000 Reach for the Stars (2000) Sci-fi (Space) WIN Remake of 1988 DOS version with weird visuals.
2000 Space Empires IV[22] Sci-fi (Space) WIN Sequel to Space Empires III.
2001 Civilization III Historical WIN, MAC Sequel to Civilization II.
2002 Fantasy WIN Sequel to Age of Wonders.
2002 Fantasy WIN, LIN, OSX Turn based.
2002 Starships Unlimited[23] Sci-fi (Space) WIN
2003 Fantasy WIN Sequel to .
2003 Fantasy WIN, LIN, OSX Turn based. Sequel to .
2003 FreeCol The Freecol TeamHistorical WIN, OSX, LIN Colonization clone.
2003 Galactic Civilizations Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn based. First title in the series.
2003 Master of Orion III[24] Sci-fi (Space) WIN, OSX Sequel to .
2004 Sci-fi WIN Remake of .
2004 Aurora[25] Steve Walmsley Sci-fi (Space) WIN Freeware.
2004 FreeOrion[26] Various developers Sci-fi (Space) LIN Initial release date.
2005 Civilization IV Historical WINNT, OSX Sequel to Civilization III.
2006 C-evo[27] Steffen Gerlach Historical WIN Civilization clone.
2006 Fantasy WIN, OSX, LIN Turn based. Sequel to .
2006 Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn based. Sequel to Galactic Civilizations.
2006 Space Empires V[28] Sci-fi (Space) WIN Sequel to Space Empires IV.
2006 Sword of the Stars[29] Sci-fi (Space) WINNT Turn-based with real-time combat.
2007 Armageddon Empires Sci-fi (Planet) WIN Turn-based.
2007 Lost Empire[30] Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based.
2008 Historical WIN
2008 Civilization Revolution Historical PS3, DS, X360
2008 [31] Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based.
2008 Shattered Suns[32] Sci-fi (Space) PC Real-time.
2008 Sins of a Solar Empire Sci-fi (Space) WIN Real-time.
2009 [33] Sci-fi (Space) WIN Hybrid RTS/tower defense/4X game.
2010 Armada 2526 Sci-fi (Space) WIN
2010 Civilization V Historical WIN, OSX, LIN Sequel to Civilization IV.
2010 Distant Worlds[34] Sci-fi (Space) WIN Real-time.
2010 [35] Fantasy WIN Turn-based strategy with a fantasy theme, combining role-playing elements.
2010 Neptune's Pride[36] Iron Helmet Games Sci-fi (Space) BROW Real-time.
2010 Star Ruler[37] Blind Mind Studios Sci-fi (Space) WIN Real-time.
2011 Sci-fi (Space) WINNT Turn-based with Real-time combat. Sequel to Sword of the Stars.
2012 [38] Fantasy WIN Turn-based strategy with a fantasy theme, combining role-playing elements.
2012 Endless Space[39] Sci-fi (Space) WIN, OSX Turn-based.
2012 Legends of Pegasus[40] Novacore Studios Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based.
2012 Sci-fi (Space) WIN Real-Time. Expansion to Sins of a Solar Empire.
2012 [41] Fantasy WIN Turn-based. Derived from the Majesty universe.
2013 [42] Fantasy WIN, OSX, LIN Turn based. Sequel to .
2013 [43] Fantasy WIN
2013 Fantasy WIN, OSX, LIN
2013 Lords of the Black Sun[44] Arkavi Studios Sci-fi (Space)WIN Turn-based.
2013 [45] Sci-fi (Planet) WIN, OSX, LIN Turn-based planetary colonization and conquest, borrowing heavily from Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri.
2013 StarDrive[46] Zer0sum Games Sci-fi (Space) WIN Real-time.
2014 Age of Wonders III Fantasy WIN Sequel to .
2014 Civilization Revolution 2 Historical IOS, AND, VITA Turn-based. Sequel to Civilization Revolution.
2014 Distant Worlds: Universe Sci-fi (Space) WIN
2014 Endless Legend Fantasy WIN, OSX Endless Legend is a 4X turn-based fantasy strategy game by the creators of Endless Space and Dungeon of the Endless.
2014 Horizon[47] Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based space strategy game with MOO2 like tactical combat and story missions.
2014 Sci-fi (Planet) WIN, LIN Turn-based.
2014 Sorcerer King[48] Fantasy WIN
2014 Star Ruler 2 Sci-fi (Space) WIN, OSX, LIN Real-time. Sequel to Star Ruler.
2014 [49] Sci-fi (Space) WIN
2014 Fantasy WIN Turn-based. Sequel to .
2015 Galactic Civilizations III Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based. Sequel to .
2015 Galactic Inheritors[50] Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based space strategy game.
2015 [51] Historical WIN Real-time with pause strategy game.
2015 Predestination[52] Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based space strategy game.
2015 Sid Meier's Starships[53] Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based space strategy game.
2015 StarDrive 2[54] Zer0sum Games Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based. Sequel to StarDrive.
2015 Worlds of Magic[55] Fantasy MULTIPLATFORM
2016 Civilization VI Historical WIN, OSX, LIN, PS4, X360, NX Sequel to Civilization V.
2016 Falling Stars: War of Empires[56] Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based online digital tabletop game.
2016 Feudalism Historical WIN Turn-based.
2016 Master of Orion Conquer the Stars Sci-fi (Space) WIN, OSX, LIN Turn-based. Reboot of the Master of Orion series.
2016 Stellaris Sci-fi (Space) WIN, OSX, LIN, PS4 Real-time space grand strategy game.
2016 The Battle of Polytopia Historical WIN, OSX, LIN, NX, IOS, AND Turn-based.
2017 Fantasy WIN, OSX, LIN Turn based. Sequel to .
2017 Endless Space 2 Sci-fi (Space) WIN, OSX Endless Space 2 is a turn-based strategy, science fiction 4X game. It is the sequel to the Endless Space.
2017 Oriental Empires Historical WIN Turn-based.
2017 Stars in Shadow[57] Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based strategy in the vein of Master of Orion 2.
2017 [58] MuHa Games Fantasy WIN, XOne, PS4, NX Turn-based strategy game.
2018 Historical WIN 4X turn-based strategy game with tactical elements.
2018 Space Tyrant[59] Space WIN Streamlined 4X game.
2018 Proxy Studios Sci-fi (Planet) WIN, OSX, LIN Takes place in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
2019 Space WIN, PS4, XONE Turn-based.
2019 [60] Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based strategy in the vein of Master of Orion 2 and Stellaris.
2019 MuHa Games Fantasy WIN, XONE, NX Turn-based strategy.
2020 [61] Historical WIN Hybrid 4X/grand strategy turn-based game with mythological twist.
2020 Pax Nova Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based.
2020 Shadow Empire Sci-fi (Planet) WIN 4X Turn-based strategy on a far-future, post-apocalyptic world.
2021 Humankind[62] Historical WIN, OSX, Stadia 4X turn-based strategy game.
2021 Old World[63] Historical WIN, OSX, LIN
2022 Distant Worlds 2[64] CodeForce Space WIN Real time with pause.
2022 Sci-fi (Planet) WIN Real time with pause.
2022 Galactic Civilizations IV Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based. Sequel to Galactic Civilizations III.
2022 Master of Magic Fantasy WIN Turn-based. Remake of the original Master of Magic.
2023 Age of Wonders 4 Fantasy WIN Turn-based. Sequel to Age of Wonders III.
2024 Millennia C Prompt Games Historical WIN
2024 Historical WIN 4X turn-based strategy game.

These games include a mode of gameplay that resembles the 4X genre (i.e. global map instead of campaign).

Games with additional 4X mode
YearGameDeveloperSettingPlatformNotes
1990 Star Control Sci-fi AMI, CPC, C64, DOS, Genesis, ZX Spectrum
1994 Sci-fi DOS
1996 Star Control 3 Sci-fi DOS, MAC
2001 Sci-fi WIN Campaign mode
2003 Rise of Nations Historical WIN, MAC Conquer The World mode
2004 Historical WIN, MAC Conquer The World mode
2004 Sci-fi WIN Galactic Conquest mode
2005 Star Wars: Battlefront II Sci-fi WIN, Xbox Galactic Conquest mode
2006 Sci-fi WIN, MAC Galactic Conquest mode
2006 Sci-fi WIN, MAC Galactic Conquest mode
2006 Fantasy WIN War of the Ring mode
2006 Fantasy WIN War of the Ring mode
2006 Sci-fi/Fantasy WIN Campaign mode
2008 Sci-fi WIN, Xbox Global Conquest mode
2008 Sci-fi/Fantasy WIN Campaign mode
2017 Starpoint Gemini Warlords Sci-fi (Space) WIN 4X, Space sim and RPG

See also

Notes and References

  1. Book: Tringham, Neal Roger. Science Fiction Video Games. CRC Press. 2015. 978-1-4822-0389-9. 383–386.
  2. Web site: The history of the strategy game. Brown. Fraser. PC Gamer. 2018-12-24. 2022-04-01.
  3. Web site: The best 4X games that define the classic genre. Hetfeld. Malindy. GamesRadar. 2022-03-04. 2022-03-31.
  4. Web site: History of Space Empire Games. https://web.archive.org/web/20071023174215/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/pc/history_spaceempire/p2_01.html. Geryk. Bruce. GameSpot. 2007-10-23.
  5. Web site: History of Space Empire Games. https://web.archive.org/web/20071023090326/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/pc/history_spaceempire/p3_09.html. Geryk. Bruce. GameSpot. 2007-10-23.
  6. Web site: History of Space Empire Games. https://web.archive.org/web/20071023090301/http://www.gamespot.com:80/gamespot/features/pc/history_spaceempire/p2_02.html. Geryk. Bruce. GameSpot. 2007-10-23.
  7. Web site: Playing Catch Up: Spaceward Ho!s Joe Williams. Wallis. Alistair. Gamasutra. 2006-10-26. 2022-03-31.
  8. Web site: Armada 2526 Hands On. Butts. Steve. IGN. 2009-11-19. 2022-04-01.
  9. Web site: The best Civilization games: every Civ game ranked from worst to best. Zak. Robert. PCGamesN. 2021-12-16. 2022-03-31.
  10. Web site: Geryk . Bruce . History of Space Empire Games . https://web.archive.org/web/20071023073433/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/pc/history_spaceempire/p2_03.html . 2007-10-23 . GameSpot.
  11. Web site: Master of Orion review. Johnson. Leif. PC Gamer. 2016-08-26. 2022-03-31.
  12. Web site: MMOrigins: Life's funny like that. Drain. Brendan. Engadget. 2009-12-12. 2022-04-01.
  13. Web site: DOS Boot: Ascendancy had brilliant worlds and a dunce of an AI . Wilbur. Brock. Rock Paper Shotgun. 2018-05-05. 2022-04-01.
  14. Web site: History of Space Empire Games. https://web.archive.org/web/20071023090317/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/pc/history_spaceempire/p3_03.html. Geryk. Bruce. GameSpot. 2007-10-23.
  15. Web site: The 4X Genre Has Grown Stagnant, Here's How To Fix It. Zacny. Rob. Rock Paper Shotgun. 2016-03-07. 2022-03-31.
  16. Web site: History of Space Empire Games. https://web.archive.org/web/20071023174225/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/pc/history_spaceempire/p3_06.html. Geryk. Bruce. GameSpot. 2007-10-23.
  17. Web site: Fragile Allegiance & The RTS Formula That Never Was. Vega. Sin. Rock Paper Shotgun. 2016-09-08. 2022-04-01.
  18. Web site: How Imperialism 2 Took The **** Out Of XXXX. Vega. Sin. Rock Paper Shotgun. 2016-09-02. 2022-04-01.
  19. Web site: Bruce. Geryk. History of Space Empire Games. https://web.archive.org/web/20021104101658/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/pc/history_spaceempire/p3_08.html. November 4, 2002. GameSpot. December 12, 2020.
  20. Web site: History of Space Empire Games. https://web.archive.org/web/20071023174235/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/pc/history_spaceempire/p3_08.html. Geryk. Bruce. GameSpot. 2007-10-23.
  21. Web site: 'Imperium Galactica 2' Trailer Impresses. Nicholson. Brad. TouchArcade. 2012-06-27. 2022-04-01.
  22. Web site: Space Empires IV. IGN. 2001-01-17. 2022-03-31.
  23. Web site: Starships Unlimited: Divided Galaxies (PC). https://web.archive.org/web/20070629230929/http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/january02/sudg/. Abner. William. GameSpy. 2007-06-29.
  24. Web site: Master of Orion III. Brenesa. Barry. IGN. 2003-02-14. 2022-03-31.
  25. Web site: Interview: Aurora, The 4X Sci-Fi Dwarf Fortress. Smith. Graham. Rock Paper Shotgun. 2013-11-21. 2022-04-01.
  26. Web site: Freeware Games: Die Hits vergangener Tage. Computer Bild. 24 May 2019 . 2022-04-01. de.
  27. Web site: C-Evo v1.2.0. Tur. Henryk. PC World. 2014-01-03. 2022-04-01. pl.
  28. Web site: Space Empires V Review. Butts. Steve. IGN. 2006-12-04. 2022-03-31.
  29. Web site: Sword of the Stars devs Kerberos branch out to tabletops. Tarason. Dominic. Rock Paper Shotgun. 2018-06-05. 2022-03-31.
  30. Web site: Lost Empire Demo. Rossignol. Jim. Rock Paper Shotgun. 2008-03-11. 2022-03-31.
  31. Web site: Lost Empire: Immortals Goes Gold. IGN. 2008-02-28. 2022-03-31.
  32. Web site: Shattered Suns Review. Todd. Brett. GameSpot. 2008-08-29. 2022-03-31.
  33. Web site: AI War 2 raises nearly double its Kickstarter target, and is thus happening. Scott-Jones. Richard. PCGamesN. 2016-12-19. 2022-03-31.
  34. Web site: The best 4X games on PC 2022. PCGamesN. 2022-03-31.
  35. Elemental: War of Magic Review. https://web.archive.org/web/20100903122618/http://gameinformer.com/games/elemental_war_of_magic/b/pc/archive/2010/08/31/review.aspx. dead. September 3, 2010. Biessener. Adam. Game Informer. 2010-08-31. 2022-04-01.
  36. Web site: The Price of Neptune's Pride. Lager. Craig. Bit-Tech. 2010-08-12. 2022-04-01.
  37. Web site: Wot I Think: Star Ruler. Smith. Adam. Rock Paper Shotgun. 2011-08-26. 2022-03-31.
  38. Web site: Fallen Enchantress: Legendary Heroes Review. Todd. Brett. GameSpot. 2013-10-07. 2022-04-01.
  39. Web site: How the Endless series reimagined the 4X strategy genre. Zak. Robert. PC Gamer. 2018-01-04. 2022-03-31.
  40. Web site: Flies Like A 4X: Legends Of Pegasus. Rossignol. Jim. Rock Paper Shotgun. 2011-08-12. 2022-04-01.
  41. Web site: 8 4X Strategy Games that Every Gamer Should Play. Whitaker. Ron. The Escapist. 2017-05-23. 2022-03-31.
  42. Web site: Dominions 5 will let you gather worshippers and ascend to 4X godhood. Bailey. Dustin. PCGamesN. 2017-09-14. 2022-04-01.
  43. Web site: The best 4X games on PC. Hafer. Leana. PC Gamer. 2018-04-03. 2022-03-31.
  44. Web site: Solar Strategies: Lords Of The Black Sun. Smith. Adam. Rock Paper Shotgun. 2014-09-15. 2022-04-01.
  45. Web site: Wot I Think: Pandora – First Contact. Smith. Adam. Rock Paper Shotgun. 2014-02-17. 2022-04-01.
  46. Web site: StarDrive Review. Shannon. Daniel. GameSpot. 2014-05-13. 2022-03-31.
  47. Web site: Horizon now in beta on Steam Early Access, new trailer and screens. Hillier. Brenda. VG247. 2013-09-24. 2022-04-01.
  48. Web site: Sorcerer King is a 4X game set in an already-conquered world. Mejia. Ozzie. Shacknews. 2014-10-02.
  49. Web site: 'Star Traders 4X' Review – Deep Enough To Drown In. Musgrave. Shaun. TouchArcade. 2014-06-27. 2022-03-31.
  50. Web site: Galactic Inheritors: A Space 4X From HoI 3 & CK2 Designer. O'Connor. Alice. Rock Paper Shotgun. 2015-02-12. 2022-04-01.
  51. Web site: Hegemony III: Clash of the Ancients Review. WCCFtech. 2021-01-29. Chris Wray. 2015-09-05. en.
  52. Web site: The hidden tricks bringing game worlds to life. Nelson. Xalavier. PC Gamer. 2018-05-28. 2022-04-01.
  53. Web site: Sid Meier's Starships PC review. Purslow. Matt. PCGamesN. 2015-03-11. 2022-04-01.
  54. Web site: StarDrive 2 Review. Zacny. Rob. IGN. 2015-04-20. 2022-03-31.
  55. Web site: Worlds of Magic Review. Starkey. Daniel. GameSpot. 2014-04-14. 2022-04-01.
  56. Web site: 'Falling Stars: War of Empires' is an Upcoming 4X Game With Intriguing Diplomacy Mechanics. Lazarides. Tasos. TouchArcade. 2016-05-05. 2022-04-01.
  57. Web site: The latest sci-fi 4X game offers tantalizing turn-based combat. Hafer. Leana. PC Gamer. 2016-09-15. 2022-03-31.
  58. Web site: 4X survival RPG Thea: The Awakening adds co-op. Sykes. Tom. PC Gamer. 2016-06-24. 2022-03-30.
  59. Web site: Conquer the galaxy over lunch in Space Tyrant, out now. Tarason. Dominic. Rock Paper Shotgun. 2018-03-01. 2022-04-07.
  60. Web site: Interstellar Space: Genesis Review. https://web.archive.org/web/20210123041450/https://www.strategygamer.com/reviews/interstellar-space-genesis-review/. Mass. Edward. StrategyGamer.com. Network N. 2019-08-05. 2021-01-23.
  61. Web site: Imperiums: Greek Wars is a 4X Grand Strategy Game Out on July 30. Doke. Shunal. IGN. 2020-07-07. 2022-03-31.
  62. Web site: The 50 best strategy games to play on PC in 2022. Castle. Katherine. Rock Paper Shotgun. 2022-01-01. 2022-03-31.
  63. Web site: Six strategy games like Civilization. PCGamesN. 2022-03-31.
  64. Web site: Distant Worlds 2 out March 2022. Yin-Poole. Wesley. Eurogamer. 2021-12-21. 2022-04-08.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "List of 4X video games".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2025, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.