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List of 4X video games

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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]

Video game platforms

More information AMI, APPII ...
Video game platforms
AMI Amiga
APPII Apple II
ATR Atari 8-bit computers
BEOS BeOS
BROW Browser game
C64 Commodore 64
CPC Amstrad CPC
CROSS Cross-platform
GEN Genesis / Mega Drive
DC Dreamcast
SAT Sega Saturn
DOS MS-DOS
DS Nintendo DS
GBC Game Boy Color
LIN Linux
MAC Mac
MAIN Mainframe computer
NX Nintendo Switch
OSX macOS / OS X
PBEM Play-by-email
PC98 PC-9800 series
PS1 PlayStation / PSone
PS2 PlayStation 2
PS3 PlayStation 3
PS4 PlayStation 4
PS5 PlayStation 5
ROS RISC OS
ST Atari ST
WIN Microsoft Windows
WIN3X Windows 3.x
WIN9X Windows 9x
WINNT Windows NT
X360 Xbox 360
XOne Xbox One
XSX/S Xbox Series X/S
ZX ZX Spectrum
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List

Summarize
Perspective
More information Year, Game ...
Classic 4X games
Year Game Developer Setting Platform Notes
1983Reach for the Stars[4]SSGSci-fi (Space)DOS, WIN, APPII, MAC, C64, AMIRemade in 2000 under the same name.[5]
1984 Imperium Galactum SSI Sci-fi (Space) APPII, ATR, C64
1984IncunabulaAvalon HillHistoricalDOS
1985Strategic ConquestPeter Merrill, Delta TaoHistoricalAPPII, MAC
1987Anacreon: Reconstruction 4021Thinking Machine AssociatesSci-fi (Space)DOS
1987XconqStan Shebs, othersn/aCROSS
1988Reach for the Stars: The Conquest of the Galaxy - Third EditionSSGSci-fi (Space)DOS, C64, APPII, AMI, MAC, PC98Third & last edition. Updated to 16-bit computers.
1988Stellar Crusade[6] SSISci-fi (Space)ST, DOS, AMI
1990ImperiumIntelligent GamesSci-fi (Space)ST, DOS, AMI
1990Spaceward Ho![7]Delta TaoSci-fi (Space)MAC, WIN, AMI
1991Armada 2525[8]InterstelSci-fi (Space)DOS
1991Civilization[9]MicroProseHistoricalDOS, WIN, MAC, AMI, ST, SNES, PS1, SATFirst title in the series.
1992Pax ImperiaChangeling SoftwareSci-fi (Space)Apple MacintoshFirst title in the series.
1992 VGA Planets[10] Tim Wisseman Sci-fi (Space) DOS
1993Master of Orion[11]SimtexSci-fi (Space)DOS, MACFirst title in the series. First game to use the term "4X".
1993Space EmpiresMalfadorSci-fi (Space)WINFirst title in the series.
1994Colonization[1]MicroProseHistoricalAMI, DOS, WIN, MAC
1994K240[12]Gremlin GraphicsSci-fi (Space)AMI
1994Master of Magic[13]SimtexFantasyDOS
1994ReunionDigital RealitySci-fi (Space)AMI, DOS
1995Ascendancy[14]The Logic FactorySci-fi (Space)DOS, WIN, IPAD (iOS)
1995Space Empires IIMalfadorSci-fi (Space)WINSequel to Space Empires.
1995Stars![15]Jeff Johnson and Jeff McBrideSci-fi (Space)WIN
1996Civilization II[16]MicroProseHistoricalMAC, PS1, WINSequel to Civilization.
1996Destiny: World Domination from Stone Age to Space AgeDagger InteractiveHistoricalWIN
1996Emperor of the Fading Suns[17]HolisticSci-fi (Planet)WIN
1996Freeciv[18]Freeciv teamHistoricalMULTIPLATFORMCivilization clone.
1996Master of Orion II: Battle at Antares[11]SimtexSci-fi (Space)DOS, WIN, MACSequel to Master of Orion.
1997Fragile Allegiance[19]GremlinSci-fi (Space)WIN9X, DOS
1997Imperialism[20]Frog CityHistoricalMAC, WIN
1997Imperium Galactica[1]Digital RealitySci-fi (Space)DOSFirst title in the series.
1997Into the VoidAdrenalin EntertainmentSci-fi (Space)DOS
1997Pax Imperia: Eminent DomainHeliotrope StudiosSci-fi (Space)WIN, MACSequel to Pax Imperia.
1997 Space Empires III Malfador Sci-fi (Space) WIN Sequel to Space Empires II.
1998Star Wars: Rebellion[3]CoolhandSci-fi (Space)WIN
1999Age of WondersTriumphFantasyWINFirst title in the series.
1999Civilization II: Test of TimeMicroProseHistorical, Fantasy or Sci-fi (Planet)WINRemake of Civilization II.
1999Civilization: Call to Power[1]ActivisionHistorical and Sci-fi (Planet)BEOS, LIN, MAC, WINSpin-off of Civilization.
1999Imperialism II: Age of Exploration[3]Frog CityHistoricalOSX, WINSequel to Imperialism.
1999MalkariiMagicSci-fiWIN[21]
1999Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri[3]FiraxisSci-fi (Planet)WIN, LIN, MACPseudo-sequel to Civilization.
1999Star Trek: Birth of the Federation[22]MicroProseSci-fi (Space)WIN
2000Call to Power IIActivisionHistorical and Sci-fi (Planet)WINSequel to Civilization: Call to Power.
2000Imperium Galactica II: Alliances[23]Digital RealitySci-fi (Space)WINSequel to Imperium Galactica.
2000Reach for the Stars (2000)SSGSci-fi (Space)WINRemake of 1988 DOS version with weird visuals.
2000Space Empires IV[24]MalfadorSci-fi (Space)WINSequel to Space Empires III.
2001Civilization III[9]FiraxisHistoricalWIN, 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 Unlimited[25]ApezoneSci-fi (Space)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 (Space)WINTurn based. First title in the series.
2003Master of Orion III[26]QuicksilverSci-fi (Space)WIN, OSXSequel to Master of Orion II: Battle at Antares.
2004Anacreon: Imperial Conquest in the Far FutureGeorge MoromisatoSci-fiWINRemake of Anacreon: Reconstruction 4021.
2004Aurora[27]Steve WalmsleySci-fi (Space)WINFreeware.
2004FreeOrion[28]Various developersSci-fi (Space)LINInitial release date.
2005Civilization IV[16]FiraxisHistoricalWINNT, OSXSequel to Civilization III.
2006C-evo[29]Steffen GerlachHistoricalWINCivilization clone.
2006Dominions 3: The AwakeningIllwinter Game DesignFantasyWIN, OSX, LINTurn based. Sequel to Dominions II: The Ascension Wars.
2006Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords[13]StardockSci-fi (Space)WINTurn based. Sequel to Galactic Civilizations.
2006Space Empires V[30]MalfadorSci-fi (Space)WINSequel to Space Empires IV.
2006Sword of the Stars[31]KerberosSci-fi (Space)WINNTTurn-based with real-time combat.
2007Armageddon EmpiresCryptic CometSci-fi (Planet)WINTurn-based.
2007Lost Empire[32]Pollux GamelabsSci-fi (Space)WINTurn-based.
2008Civilization IV: ColonizationFiraxisHistoricalWIN
2008Civilization RevolutionFiraxisHistoricalPS3, DS, X360
2008Lost Empire: Immortals[33]Pollux GamelabsSci-fi (Space)WINTurn-based.
2008Shattered Suns[34]Clear CrownSci-fi (Space)PCReal-time.
2008Sins of a Solar Empire[13]IroncladSci-fi (Space)WINReal-time.
2009AI War: Fleet Command[35]Arcen GamesSci-fi (Space)WINHybrid RTS/tower defense/4X game.[35]
2010Armada 2526[8]Ntronium GamesSci-fi (Space)WIN
2010Civilization V[13]FiraxisHistoricalWIN, OSX, LINSequel to Civilization IV.
2010Distant Worlds[36]Code ForceSci-fi (Space)WINReal-time.
2010Elemental: War of Magic[37]StardockFantasyWINTurn-based strategy with a fantasy theme, combining role-playing elements.
2010Neptune's Pride[38]Iron Helmet GamesSci-fi (Space)BROWReal-time.
2010Star Ruler[39]Blind Mind StudiosSci-fi (Space)WINReal-time.
2011Sword of the Stars II: The Lords of Winter[31]KerberosSci-fi (Space)WINNTTurn-based with Real-time combat. Sequel to Sword of the Stars.
2012Elemental: Fallen Enchantress[40]StardockFantasyWINTurn-based strategy with a fantasy theme, combining role-playing elements.
2012Endless Space[41]Amplitude StudiosSci-fi (Space)WIN, OSXTurn-based.
2012Legends of Pegasus[42]Novacore StudiosSci-fi (Space)WINTurn-based.
2012Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion[3]IroncladSci-fi (Space)WINReal-Time. Expansion to Sins of a Solar Empire.
2012Warlock: Master of the Arcane[13]1C:Ino-Co PlusFantasyWINTurn-based. Derived from the Majesty universe.
2013Dominions 4: Thrones of Ascension[43]Illwinter Game DesignFantasyWIN, OSX, LINTurn based. Sequel to Dominions 3: The Awakening.
2013Eador: Masters of the Broken World[44]Snowbird GamesFantasyWIN
2013Fallen Enchantress: Legendary Heroes[3]StardockFantasyWIN, OSX, LIN
2013Lords of the Black Sun[45]Arkavi StudiosSci-fi (Space)WINTurn-based.
2013Pandora: First Contact[46]Proxy StudiosSci-fi (Planet)WIN, OSX, LINTurn-based planetary colonization and conquest, borrowing heavily from Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri.
2013StarDrive[47]Zer0sum GamesSci-fi (Space)WINReal-time.
2014Age of Wonders III[18]TriumphFantasyWINSequel to Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic.
2014Civilization Revolution 2FiraxisHistoricalIOS, AND, VITATurn-based. Sequel to Civilization Revolution.
2014Distant Worlds: Universe[3]Code ForceSci-fi (Space)WIN
2014Endless Legend[3]Amplitude StudiosFantasyWIN, OSXEndless Legend is a 4X turn-based fantasy strategy game by the creators of Endless Space and Dungeon of the Endless.
2014Horizon[48]L3OSci-fi (Space)WINTurn-based space strategy game with MOO2 like tactical combat and story missions.
2014Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth[44]FiraxisSci-fi (Planet)WIN, LINTurn-based.
2014Sorcerer King[49]StardockFantasyWIN
2014Star Ruler 2[44]Blind Mind StudiosSci-fi (Space)WIN, OSX, LINReal-time. Sequel to Star Ruler.
2014Star Traders: 4X Empires[50]Trese BrothersSci-fi (Space)WIN
2014Warlock II: The Exiled[44]1C:Ino-Co PlusFantasyWINTurn-based. Sequel to Warlock: Master of the Arcane.
2015Galactic Civilizations III[3]StardockSci-fi (Space)WINTurn-based. Sequel to Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords.
2015Galactic Inheritors[51]Argonauts InteractiveSci-fi (Space)WINTurn-based space strategy game.
2015Hegemony III: Clash of the Ancients[52]Longbow GamesHistoricalWINReal-time with pause strategy game.
2015Predestination[53]Brain and Nerd LtdSci-fi (Space)WINTurn-based space strategy game.
2015Sid Meier's Starships[54]Firaxis GamesSci-fi (Space)WINTurn-based space strategy game.
2015StarDrive 2[55]Zer0sum GamesSci-fi (Space)WINTurn-based. Sequel to StarDrive.
2015Worlds of Magic[56]Wastelands InteractiveFantasyMULTIPLATFORM
2016Civilization VI[3]Firaxis GamesHistoricalWIN, OSX, LIN, PS4, X360, NXSequel to Civilization V.
2016Falling Stars: War of Empires[57]Riveted GamesSci-fi (Space)WINTurn-based online digital tabletop game.
2016FeudalismIV Productions, Imagimotion SrlHistoricalWINTurn-based.
2016Master of Orion Conquer the Stars[3]NGD StudiosSci-fi (Space)WIN, OSX, LINTurn-based. Reboot of the Master of Orion series.
2016Stellaris[3]Paradox InteractiveSci-fi (Space)WIN, OSX, LIN, PS4Real-time space grand strategy game.
2016The Battle of PolytopiaMidjiwan ABHistoricalWIN, OSX, LIN, NX, IOS, ANDTurn-based.
2017Dominions 5: Warriors of the Faith[3]Illwinter Game DesignFantasyWIN, OSX, LINTurn based. Sequel to Dominions 4: Thrones of Ascension.
2017Endless Space 2[3]Amplitude StudiosSci-fi (Space)WIN, OSXEndless Space 2 is a turn-based strategy, science fiction 4X game. It is the sequel to the Endless Space.
2017Oriental Empires[3]Iceberg InteractiveHistoricalWINTurn-based.
2017Stars in Shadow[58]Ashdar GamesSci-fi (Space)WINTurn-based strategy in the vein of Master of Orion 2.
2017Thea: The Awakening[59]MuHa GamesFantasyWIN, XOne, PS4, NXTurn-based strategy game.
2018Aggressors: Ancient Rome[3]Kubat SoftwareHistoricalWIN4X turn-based strategy game with tactical elements.
2018Space Tyrant[60]Blue Wizard DigitalSpaceWINStreamlined 4X game.
2018Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War[3]Proxy StudiosSci-fi (Planet)WIN, OSX, LINTakes place in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
2019Age of Wonders: Planetfall[3]Triumph StudiosSpaceWIN, PS4, XONETurn-based.
2019Interstellar Space: Genesis[61]Praxis GamesSci-fi (Space)WINTurn-based strategy in the vein of Master of Orion 2 and Stellaris.
2019Thea 2: The Shattering[3]MuHa GamesFantasyWIN, XONE, NXTurn-based strategy.
2020Imperiums: Greek Wars[62]Kube GamesHistoricalWINHybrid 4X/grand strategy turn-based game with mythological twist.[62]
2020Pax NovaGreyWolf EntertainmentSci-fi (Space)WINTurn-based.
2020Shadow Empire[36]Matrix GamesSci-fi (Planet)WIN4X Turn-based strategy on a far-future, post-apocalyptic world.
2021Humankind[63]Amplitude StudiosHistoricalWIN, OSX, Stadia4X turn-based strategy game.
2021Old World[18]Mohawk GamesHistoricalWIN, OSX, LIN
2022Distant Worlds 2[64]CodeForceSpaceWINReal time with pause.[64]
2022Dune: Spice WarsShiro GamesSci-fi (Planet)WINReal time with pause.
2022Galactic Civilizations IVStardockSci-fi (Space)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.
2024MillenniaC Prompt GamesHistoricalWIN
2024Ara: History UntoldOxide GamesHistoricalWIN4X turn-based strategy game.
2025 Civilization VII Firaxis Games Historical WIN, OSX, LIN, PS4, PS5, XOne, XSX/S, NX Sequel to Civilization VI.
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These games include a mode of gameplay that resembles the 4X genre (i.e. global map instead of campaign).

More information Year, Game ...
Games with additional 4X mode
Year Game Developer Setting Platform Notes
1990Star ControlToys for BobSci-fiAMI, CPC, C64, DOS, Genesis, ZX Spectrum
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 (Space)WIN4X, Space sim and RPG
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References

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