List of 4X video games


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. Some early strategy video games, such as Andromeda Conquest and Cosmic Balance II incorporated what would later become elements of 4X games, but the first 4X video game was Reach for the Stars. 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. Some 4X games include elements of real-time strategy, but 4X games are typically slow-paced.

List

YearGameDeveloperSettingPlatformNotes
1977EmpireWalter Bright, Chuck SimmonsHistoricalCurrently maintained by Eric S. Raymond
1983Reach for the StarsSSGSci-fi DOS, WIN, APPII, MAC, C64, AMIRemade in 2000 under the same name.
1984Imperium GalactumSSISci-fi APPII, ATR, C64
1984IncunabulaAvalon HillHistoricalDOS
1985Strategic ConquestPeter Merrill, Delta TaoHistoricalAPPII, MAC
1987Anacreon: Reconstruction 4021Thinking Machine AssociatesSci-fi DOS
1987XconqStan Shebs, othersn/a
1988Reach for the Stars: The Conquest of the Galaxy - Third EditionSSGSci-fi DOS, C64, APPII, AMI, MAC, PC98Third & last edition. Updated to 16-bit computers.
1988Stellar CrusadeSSISci-fi ATRST, DOS, AMI
1990ImperiumIntelligent GamesSci-fi ATRST, DOS, AMI
1990Spaceward Ho!Delta TaoSci-fi MAC, WIN, AMI
1991Armada 2525InterstelSci-fi DOS
1991CivilizationMicroProseHistoricalDOS, WIN, MAC, AMI, ATRST, SNES, PS1, SATFirst title in the series.
1992Pax ImperiaChangeling SoftwareSci-fi MACFirst title in the series.
1992VGA PlanetsTim WissemanSci-fi DOS
1993Master of OrionSimtexSci-fi DOS, MACFirst title in the series. First game to use the term "4X".
1993Space EmpiresMalfadorSci-fi WINFirst title in the series.
1994ColonizationMicroProseHistoricalAMI, DOS, WIN, MAC
1994K240Gremlin GraphicsSci-fi AMI
1994Master of MagicSimtexFantasyDOS
1994ReunionDigital RealitySci-fi AMI, DOS
1995AscendancyThe Logic FactorySci-fi DOS, WIN, iOS
1995Space Empires IIMalfadorSci-fi WINSequel to Space Empires.
1995Stars!Jeff Johnson and Jeff McBrideSci-fi WIN
1996Civilization IIMicroProseHistoricalMAC, PS1, WINSequel to Civilization.
1996Destiny: World Domination from Stone Age to Space AgeDagger InteractiveHistoricalWIN
1996Emperor of the Fading SunsHolisticSci-fi WIN
1996FreecivFreeciv teamHistoricalCivilization clone.
1996Master of Orion II: Battle at AntaresSimtexSci-fi DOS, WIN, MACSequel to Master of Orion.
1997Fragile AllegianceGremlinSci-fi WIN9X, DOS
1997ImperialismFrog CityHistoricalMAC, WIN
1997Imperium GalacticaDigital RealitySci-fi DOSFirst title in the series.
1997Into the VoidAdrenalin EntertainmentSci-fi DOS
1997Pax Imperia: Eminent DomainHeliotrope StudiosSci-fi WIN, MACSequel to Pax Imperia.
1997Space Empires IIIMalfadorSci-fi WINSequel to Space Empires II.
1998Star Wars: RebellionCoolhandSci-fi WIN
1999Age of WondersTriumphFantasyWINFirst title in the series.
1999Civilization II: Test of TimeMicroProseHistorical, Fantasy or Sci-fi WINRemake of Civilization II.
1999Civilization: Call to PowerActivisionHistorical and Sci-fi BEOS, LIN, MAC, WINSpin-off of Civilization.
1999Imperialism II: Age of ExplorationFrog CityHistoricalOSX, WINSequel to Imperialism.
1999MalkariiMagicSci-fiWIN
1999Sid Meier's Alpha CentauriFiraxisSci-fi WIN, LIN, MACPseudo-sequel to Civilization.
1999Star Trek: Birth of the FederationMicroProseSci-fi WIN
2000Call to Power IIActivisionHistorical and Sci-fi WINSequel to Civilization: Call to Power.
2000Imperium Galactica II: AlliancesDigital RealitySci-fi WINSequel to Imperium Galactica.
2000Reach for the Stars (2000)SSGSci-fi WINRemake of 1988 DOS version with weird visuals.
2000Space Empires IVMalfadorSci-fi WINSequel to Space Empires III.
2001Civilization IIIFiraxisHistoricalWIN, MACSequel to Civilization II.
2002Age of Wonders II: The Wizard's ThroneTriumphFantasyWINSequel to Age of Wonders.
2002Dominions: Priests, Prophets and PretendersIllwinter Game DesignFantasyWIN, LIN, OSXTurn based.
2002Starships UnlimitedApezoneSci-fi WIN
2003Age of Wonders: Shadow MagicTriumphFantasyWINSequel to Age of Wonders II: The Wizard's Throne.
2003Dominions II: The Ascension WarsIllwinter Game DesignFantasyWIN, LIN, OSXTurn based. Sequel to Dominions: Priests, Prophets and Pretenders.
2003FreeColThe Freecol TeamHistoricalWIN, OSX, LINColonization clone.
2003Galactic CivilizationsStardockSci-fi WINTurn based. First title in the series.
2003Master of Orion IIIQuicksilverSci-fi WIN, OSXSequel to Master of Orion II: Battle at Antares.
2004Anacreon: Imperial Conquest in the Far FutureGeorge MoromisatoSci-fiWINRemake of Anacreon: Reconstruction 4021.
2004AuroraSteve WalmsleySci-fi WINFreeware.
2004FreeOrionVarious developersSci-fi LINInitial release date.
2005Civilization IVFiraxisHistoricalWINNT, OSXSequel to Civilization III.
2006C-evoSteffen GerlachHistoricalWINCivilization clone.
2006Dominions 3: The AwakeningIllwinter Game DesignFantasyWIN, OSX, LINTurn based. Sequel to Dominions II: The Ascension Wars.
2006Galactic Civilizations II: Dread LordsStardockSci-fi WINTurn based. Sequel to Galactic Civilizations.
2006Space Empires VMalfadorSci-fi WINSequel to Space Empires IV.
2006Sword of the StarsKerberosSci-fi WINNTTurn-based with real-time combat.
2007Armageddon EmpiresCryptic CometSci-fi WINTurn-based.
2007Lost EmpirePollux GamelabsSci-fi WINTurn-based.
2008Civilization IV: ColonizationFiraxisHistoricalWIN
2008Civilization RevolutionFiraxisHistoricalPS3, DS, X360
2008Lost Empire: ImmortalsPollux GamelabsSci-fi WINTurn-based.
2008Shattered SunsClear CrownSci-fi WINReal-time.
2008Sins of a Solar EmpireIroncladSci-fi WINReal-time.
2009AI War: Fleet CommandArcen GamesSci-fi WINHybrid RTS/tower defense/4X game.
2010Armada 2526Ntronium GamesSci-fi WIN
2010Civilization VFiraxisHistoricalWIN, OSX, LINSequel to Civilization IV.
2010Distant WorldsCode ForceSci-fi WINReal-time.
2010Elemental: War of MagicStardockFantasyWINTurn-based strategy with a fantasy theme, combining role-playing elements.
2010Neptune's PrideIron Helmet GamesSci-fi WEBReal-time.
2010Star RulerBlind Mind StudiosSci-fi WINReal-time.
2011Sword of the Stars II: The Lords of WinterKerberosSci-fi WINNTTurn-based with Real-time combat. Sequel to Sword of the Stars.
2012Elemental: Fallen EnchantressStardockFantasyWINTurn-based strategy with a fantasy theme, combining role-playing elements.
2012Endless SpaceAmplitude StudiosSci-fi WIN, OSXTurn-based.
2012Legends of PegasusNovacore StudiosSci-fi WINTurn-based.
2012Sins of a Solar Empire: RebellionIroncladSci-fi WINReal-Time. Expansion to Sins of a Solar Empire.
2012Warlock: Master of the Arcane1C:Ino-Co PlusFantasyWINTurn-based. Derived from the Majesty universe.
2013Dominions 4: Thrones of AscensionIllwinter Game DesignFantasyWIN, OSX, LINTurn based. Sequel to Dominions 3: The Awakening.
2013Eador: Masters of the Broken WorldSnowbird GamesFantasyWIN
2013Fallen Enchantress: Legendary HeroesStardockFantasyWIN, OSX, LIN
2013Lords of the Black SunArkavi StudiosSci-fi WINTurn-based.
2013Pandora: First ContactProxy StudiosSci-fi WIN, OSX, LINTurn-based planetary colonization and conquest, borrowing heavily from Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri.
2013StarDriveZer0sum GamesSci-fi WINReal-time.
2014Age of Wonders IIITriumphFantasyWINSequel to Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic.
2014Civilization Revolution 2FiraxisHistoricaliOS, DROID, PSVTurn-based. Sequel to Civilization Revolution.
2014Distant Worlds: UniverseCode ForceSci-fi WIN
2014Endless LegendAmplitude StudiosFantasyWIN, OSXEndless Legend is a 4X turn-based fantasy strategy game by the creators of Endless Space and Dungeon of the Endless.
2014HorizonL3OSci-fi WINTurn-based space strategy game with MOO2 like tactical combat and story missions.
2014Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond EarthFiraxisSci-fi WIN, LINTurn-based.
2014Sorcerer KingStardockFantasyWIN
2014Star Ruler 2Blind Mind StudiosSci-fi WIN, OSX, LINReal-time. Sequel to Star Ruler.
2014Star Traders: 4X EmpiresTrese BrothersSci-fi WIN
2014Warlock II: The Exiled1C:Ino-Co PlusFantasyWINTurn-based. Sequel to Warlock: Master of the Arcane.
2015Galactic Civilizations IIIStardockSci-fi WINTurn-based. Sequel to Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords.
2015Galactic InheritorsArgonauts InteractiveSci-fi WINTurn-based space strategy game.
2015Hegemony III: Clash of the AncientsLongbow GamesHistoricalWINReal-time with pause strategy game.
2015PredestinationBrain and Nerd LtdSci-fi WINTurn-based space strategy game.
2015Sid Meier's StarshipsFiraxis GamesSci-fi WINTurn-based space strategy game.
2015StarDrive 2Zer0sum GamesSci-fi WINTurn-based. Sequel to StarDrive.
2015Worlds of MagicWastelands InteractiveFantasy
2016Civilization VIFiraxis GamesHistoricalWIN, OSX, LIN, PS4, X360, NXSequel to Civilization V.
2016Falling Stars: War of EmpiresRiveted GamesSci-fi WINTurn-based online digital tabletop game.
2016FeudalismIV Productions, Imagimotion SrlHistoricalWINTurn-based.
2016Master of Orion Conquer the StarsNGD StudiosSci-fi WIN, OSX, LINTurn-based. Reboot of the Master of Orion series.
2016StellarisParadox InteractiveSci-fi WIN, OSX, LIN, PS4Real-time space grand strategy game.
2016The Battle of PolytopiaMidjiwan ABHistoricalWIN, OSX, LIN, NX, iOS, DROIDTurn-based.
2017Dominions 5: Warriors of the FaithIllwinter Game DesignFantasyWIN, OSX, LINTurn based. Sequel to Dominions 4: Thrones of Ascension.
2017Endless Space 2Amplitude StudiosSci-fi WIN, OSXEndless Space 2 is a turn-based strategy, science fiction 4X game. It is the sequel to the Endless Space.
2017Oriental EmpiresIceberg InteractiveHistoricalWINTurn-based.
2017Stars in ShadowAshdar GamesSci-fi WINTurn-based strategy in the vein of Master of Orion 2.
2017Thea: The AwakeningMuHa GamesFantasyWIN, XOne, PS4, NXTurn-based strategy game.
2018Aggressors: Ancient RomeKubat SoftwareHistoricalWIN4X turn-based strategy game with tactical elements.
2018Space TyrantBlue Wizard DigitalSpaceWINStreamlined 4X game.
2018Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of WarProxy StudiosSci-fi WIN, OSX, LINTakes place in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
2019Age of Wonders: PlanetfallTriumph StudiosSpaceWIN, PS4, XOneTurn-based.
2019Interstellar Space: GenesisPraxis GamesSci-fi WINTurn-based strategy in the vein of Master of Orion 2 and Stellaris.
2019Thea 2: The ShatteringMuHa GamesFantasyWIN, XOne, NXTurn-based strategy.
2020Imperiums: Greek WarsKube GamesHistoricalWINHybrid 4X/grand strategy turn-based game with mythological twist.
2020Pax NovaGreyWolf EntertainmentSci-fi WINTurn-based.
2020Astra ExodusAtomic KaiserSci-fi WINTurn-based.
2020Shadow EmpireMatrix GamesSci-fi WIN4X Turn-based strategy on a far-future, post-apocalyptic world.
2021HumankindAmplitude StudiosHistoricalWIN, OSX, Stadia4X turn-based strategy game.
2021Old WorldMohawk GamesHistoricalWIN, OSX, LIN
2022Distant Worlds 2CodeForceSpaceWINReal time with pause.
2022Dune: Spice WarsShiro GamesSci-fi WINReal time with pause.
2022Theocracy Atlantic WorkshopHistoricalWINTurn-based, indie Civilization-like game.
2022Galactic Civilizations IVStardockSci-fi WINTurn-based. Sequel to Galactic Civilizations III.
2022Master of MagicMuHa GamesFantasyWINTurn-based. Remake of the original Master of Magic.
2023Age of Wonders 4TriumphFantasyWINTurn-based. Sequel to Age of Wonders III.
2024Dominions 6: Rise of the PantokratorIllwinter Game DesignFantasyWIN, OSX, LINTurn based. Sequel to Dominions 5: Warriors of the Faith.
2024MillenniaC Prompt GamesHistoricalWIN
2024Ara: History UntoldOxide GamesHistoricalWIN4X turn-based strategy game.
2025Civilization VIIFiraxis GamesHistoricalWIN, OSX, LIN, PS4, PS5, XOne, XSX/S, NXSequel to Civilization VI.

These games include a mode of gameplay that resembles the 4X genre.
YearGameDeveloperSettingPlatformNotes
1990Star ControlToys for BobSci-fiAMI, CPC, C64, DOS, GEN, ZX
1994Wing Commander: ArmadaOrigin SystemsSci-fiDOS
1996Star Control 3Legend EntertainmentSci-fiDOS, MAC
2001Emperor: Battle for DuneWestwood StudiosSci-fiWINCampaign mode
2003Rise of NationsBig Huge GamesHistoricalWIN, MACConquer The World mode
2004Rise of Nations: Thrones and PatriotsBig Huge GamesHistoricalWIN, MACConquer The World mode
2004Star Wars: BattlefrontPandemic StudiosSci-fiWINGalactic Conquest mode
2005Star Wars: Battlefront IIPandemic StudiosSci-fiWIN, XBOXGalactic Conquest mode
2006Star Wars: Empire at WarPetroglyph GamesSci-fiWIN, MACGalactic Conquest mode
2006Star Wars: Empire at War: Forces of CorruptionPetroglyph GamesSci-fiWIN, MACGalactic Conquest mode
2006The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth IIEA Los AngelesFantasyWINWar of the Ring mode
2006The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II: The Rise of the Witch-kingEA Los AngelesFantasyWINWar of the Ring mode
2006Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War: Dark CrusadeRelic EntertainmentSci-fi/FantasyWINCampaign mode
2008Command & Conquer 3: Kane's WrathEA Los AngelesSci-fiWIN, XBOXGlobal Conquest mode
2008Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War: SoulstormRelic EntertainmentSci-fi/FantasyWINCampaign mode
2017Starpoint Gemini WarlordsLittle Green Men GamesSci-fi WIN4X, Space sim and RPG