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

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
ZX ZX Spectrum

List

Classic 4X games
Year Game Developer Setting Platform Notes
1983 Reach for the Stars[4] SSG Sci-fi (Space) DOS, WIN, APPII, MAC, C64, AMI Remade in 2000 under the same name.[5]
1984 Imperium Galactum SSI Sci-fi (Space) APPII, ATR, C64
1984 Incunabula Avalon Hill Historical DOS
1985 Strategic Conquest Peter Merrill, Delta Tao Historical APPII, MAC
1987 Anacreon: Reconstruction 4021 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 SSG Sci-fi (Space) DOS, C64, APPII, AMI, MAC, PC98 Third & last edition. Updated to 16-bit computers.
1988 Stellar Crusade[6] SSI Sci-fi (Space) ST, DOS, AMI
1990 Imperium Intelligent Games Sci-fi (Space) ST, DOS, AMI
1990 Spaceward Ho![7] Delta Tao Sci-fi (Space) MAC, WIN, AMI
1991 Armada 2525[8] Interstel Sci-fi (Space) DOS
1991 Civilization[9] MicroProse Historical DOS, WIN, MAC, AMI, ST, SNES, PS1, SAT First title in the series.
1992 Pax Imperia Changeling Software Sci-fi (Space) Apple Macintosh First title in the series.
1992 VGA Planets[10] Tim Wisseman Sci-fi (Space) DOS
1993 Master of Orion[11] Simtex Sci-fi (Space) DOS, MAC First title in the series. First game to use the term "4X".
1993 Space Empires Malfador Sci-fi (Space) WIN First title in the series.
1994 Colonization[1] MicroProse Historical AMI, DOS, WIN, MAC
1994 K240[12] Gremlin Graphics Sci-fi (Space) AMI
1994 Master of Magic[13] Simtex Fantasy DOS
1994 Reunion Digital Reality Sci-fi (Space) AMI, DOS
1995 Ascendancy[14] The Logic Factory Sci-fi (Space) DOS, WIN, IPAD (iOS)
1995 Space Empires II Malfador Sci-fi (Space) WIN Sequel to Space Empires.
1995 Stars![15] Jeff Johnson and Jeff McBride Sci-fi (Space) WIN
1996 Civilization II[16] MicroProse Historical MAC, PS1, WIN Sequel to Civilization.
1996 Destiny: World Domination from Stone Age to Space Age Dagger Interactive Historical WIN
1996 Emperor of the Fading Suns[17] Holistic Sci-fi (Planet) WIN
1996 Freeciv[18] Freeciv team Historical MULTIPLATFORM Civilization clone.
1996 Master of Orion II: Battle at Antares[11] Simtex Sci-fi (Space) DOS, WIN, MAC Sequel to Master of Orion.
1997 Fragile Allegiance[19] Gremlin Sci-fi (Space) WIN9X, DOS
1997 Imperialism[20] Frog City Historical MAC, WIN
1997 Imperium Galactica[1] Digital Reality Sci-fi (Space) DOS First title in the series.
1997 Into the Void Adrenalin Entertainment Sci-fi (Space) DOS
1997 Pax Imperia: Eminent Domain Heliotrope Studios Sci-fi (Space) WIN, MAC Sequel to Pax Imperia.
1997 Space Empires III Malfador Sci-fi (Space) WIN Sequel to Space Empires II.
1998 Star Wars: Rebellion[3] Coolhand Sci-fi (Space) WIN
1999 Age of Wonders Triumph Fantasy WIN First title in the series.
1999 Civilization II: Test of Time MicroProse Historical, Fantasy or Sci-fi (Planet) WIN Remake of Civilization II.
1999 Civilization: Call to Power[1] Activision Historical and Sci-fi (Planet) BEOS, LIN, MAC, WIN Spin-off of Civilization.
1999 Imperialism II: Age of Exploration[3] Frog City Historical OSX, WIN Sequel to Imperialism.
1999 Malkari iMagic Sci-fi WIN [21]
1999 Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri[3] Firaxis Sci-fi (Planet) WIN, LIN, MAC Pseudo-sequel to Civilization.
1999 Star Trek: Birth of the Federation[22] MicroProse Sci-fi (Space) WIN
2000 Call to Power II Activision Historical and Sci-fi (Planet) WIN Sequel to Civilization: Call to Power.
2000 Imperium Galactica II: Alliances[23] Digital Reality Sci-fi (Space) WIN Sequel to Imperium Galactica.
2000 Reach for the Stars (2000) SSG Sci-fi (Space) WIN Remake of 1988 DOS version with weird visuals.
2000 Space Empires IV[24] Malfador Sci-fi (Space) WIN Sequel to Space Empires III.
2001 Civilization III[9] Firaxis Historical WIN, MAC Sequel to Civilization II.
2002 Age of Wonders II: The Wizard's Throne Triumph Fantasy WIN Sequel to Age of Wonders.
2002 Dominions: Priests, Prophets and Pretenders Illwinter Game Design Fantasy WIN, LIN, OSX Turn based.
2002 Starships Unlimited[25] Apezone Sci-fi (Space) WIN
2003 Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic Triumph Fantasy WIN Sequel to Age of Wonders II: The Wizard's Throne.
2003 Dominions II: The Ascension Wars Illwinter Game Design Fantasy WIN, LIN, OSX Turn based. Sequel to Dominions: Priests, Prophets and Pretenders.
2003 FreeCol The Freecol Team Historical WIN, OSX, LIN Colonization clone.
2003 Galactic Civilizations Stardock Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn based. First title in the series.
2003 Master of Orion III[26] Quicksilver Sci-fi (Space) WIN, OSX Sequel to Master of Orion II: Battle at Antares.
2004 Anacreon: Imperial Conquest in the Far Future George Moromisato Sci-fi WIN Remake of Anacreon: Reconstruction 4021.
2004 Aurora[27] Steve Walmsley Sci-fi (Space) WIN Freeware.
2004 FreeOrion[28] Various developers Sci-fi (Space) LIN Initial release date.
2005 Civilization IV[16] Firaxis Historical WINNT, OSX Sequel to Civilization III.
2006 C-evo[29] Steffen Gerlach Historical WIN Civilization clone.
2006 Dominions 3: The Awakening Illwinter Game Design Fantasy WIN, OSX, LIN Turn based. Sequel to Dominions II: The Ascension Wars.
2006 Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords[13] Stardock Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn based. Sequel to Galactic Civilizations.
2006 Space Empires V[30] Malfador Sci-fi (Space) WIN Sequel to Space Empires IV.
2006 Sword of the Stars[31] Kerberos Sci-fi (Space) WINNT Turn-based with real-time combat.
2007 Armageddon Empires Cryptic Comet Sci-fi (Planet) WIN Turn-based.
2007 Lost Empire[32] Pollux Gamelabs Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based.
2008 Civilization IV: Colonization Firaxis Historical WIN
2008 Civilization Revolution Firaxis Historical PS3, DS, X360
2008 Lost Empire: Immortals[33] Pollux Gamelabs Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based.
2008 Shattered Suns[34] Clear Crown Sci-fi (Space) PC Real-time.
2008 Sins of a Solar Empire[13] Ironclad Sci-fi (Space) WIN Real-time.
2009 AI War: Fleet Command[35] Arcen Games Sci-fi (Space) WIN Hybrid RTS/tower defense/4X game.[35]
2010 Armada 2526[8] Ntronium Games Sci-fi (Space) WIN
2010 Civilization V[13] Firaxis Historical WIN, OSX, LIN Sequel to Civilization IV.
2010 Distant Worlds[36] Code Force Sci-fi (Space) WIN Real-time.
2010 Elemental: War of Magic[37] Stardock Fantasy WIN Turn-based strategy with a fantasy theme, combining role-playing elements.
2010 Neptune's Pride[38] Iron Helmet Games Sci-fi (Space) BROW Real-time.
2010 Star Ruler[39] Blind Mind Studios Sci-fi (Space) WIN Real-time.
2011 Sword of the Stars II: The Lords of Winter[31] Kerberos Sci-fi (Space) WINNT Turn-based with Real-time combat. Sequel to Sword of the Stars.
2012 Elemental: Fallen Enchantress[40] Stardock Fantasy WIN Turn-based strategy with a fantasy theme, combining role-playing elements.
2012 Endless Space[41] Amplitude Studios Sci-fi (Space) WIN, OSX Turn-based.
2012 Legends of Pegasus[42] Novacore Studios Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based.
2012 Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion[3] Ironclad Sci-fi (Space) WIN Real-Time. Expansion to Sins of a Solar Empire.
2012 Warlock: Master of the Arcane[13] 1C:Ino-Co Plus Fantasy WIN Turn-based. Derived from the Majesty universe.
2013 Dominions 4: Thrones of Ascension[43] Illwinter Game Design Fantasy WIN, OSX, LIN Turn based. Sequel to Dominions 3: The Awakening.
2013 Eador: Masters of the Broken World[44] Snowbird Games Fantasy WIN
2013 Fallen Enchantress: Legendary Heroes[3] Stardock Fantasy WIN, OSX, LIN
2013 Lords of the Black Sun[45] Arkavi Studios Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based.
2013 Pandora: First Contact[46] Proxy Studios Sci-fi (Planet) WIN, OSX, LIN Turn-based planetary colonization and conquest, borrowing heavily from Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri.
2013 StarDrive[47] Zer0sum Games Sci-fi (Space) WIN Real-time.
2014 Age of Wonders III[18] Triumph Fantasy WIN Sequel to Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic.
2014 Civilization Revolution 2 Firaxis Historical IOS, AND, VITA Turn-based. Sequel to Civilization Revolution.
2014 Distant Worlds: Universe[3] Code Force Sci-fi (Space) WIN
2014 Endless Legend[3] Amplitude Studios 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[48] L3O Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based space strategy game with MOO2 like tactical combat and story missions.
2014 Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth[44] Firaxis Sci-fi (Planet) WIN, LIN Turn-based.
2014 Sorcerer King[49] Stardock Fantasy WIN
2014 Star Ruler 2[44] Blind Mind Studios Sci-fi (Space) WIN, OSX, LIN Real-time. Sequel to Star Ruler.
2014 Star Traders: 4X Empires[50] Trese Brothers Sci-fi (Space) WIN
2014 Warlock II: The Exiled[44] 1C:Ino-Co Plus Fantasy WIN Turn-based. Sequel to Warlock: Master of the Arcane.
2015 Galactic Civilizations III[3] Stardock Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based. Sequel to Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords.
2015 Galactic Inheritors[51] Argonauts Interactive Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based space strategy game.
2015 Hegemony III: Clash of the Ancients[52] Longbow Games Historical WIN Real-time with pause strategy game.
2015 Predestination[53] Brain and Nerd Ltd Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based space strategy game.
2015 Sid Meier's Starships[54] Firaxis Games Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based space strategy game.
2015 StarDrive 2[55] Zer0sum Games Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based. Sequel to StarDrive.
2015 Worlds of Magic[56] Wastelands Interactive Fantasy MULTIPLATFORM
2016 Civilization VI[3] Firaxis Games Historical WIN, OSX, LIN, PS4, X360, NX Sequel to Civilization V.
2016 Falling Stars: War of Empires[57] Riveted Games Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based online digital tabletop game.
2016 Feudalism IV Productions, Imagimotion Srl Historical WIN Turn-based.
2016 Master of Orion Conquer the Stars[3] NGD Studios Sci-fi (Space) WIN, OSX, LIN Turn-based. Reboot of the Master of Orion series.
2016 Stellaris[3] Paradox Interactive Sci-fi (Space) WIN, OSX, LIN, PS4 Real-time space grand strategy game.
2016 The Battle of Polytopia Midjiwan AB Historical WIN, OSX, LIN, NX, IOS, AND Turn-based.
2017 Dominions 5: Warriors of the Faith[3] Illwinter Game Design Fantasy WIN, OSX, LIN Turn based. Sequel to Dominions 4: Thrones of Ascension.
2017 Endless Space 2[3] Amplitude Studios 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[3] Iceberg Interactive Historical WIN Turn-based.
2017 Stars in Shadow[58] Ashdar Games Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based strategy in the vein of Master of Orion 2.
2017 Thea: The Awakening[59] MuHa Games Fantasy WIN, XOne, PS4, NX Turn-based strategy game.
2018 Aggressors: Ancient Rome[3] Kubat Software Historical WIN 4X turn-based strategy game with tactical elements.
2018 Space Tyrant[60] Blue Wizard Digital Space WIN Streamlined 4X game.
2018 Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War[3] Proxy Studios Sci-fi (Planet) WIN, OSX, LIN Takes place in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
2019 Age of Wonders: Planetfall[3] Triumph Studios Space WIN, PS4, XONE Turn-based.
2019 Interstellar Space: Genesis[61] Praxis Games Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based strategy in the vein of Master of Orion 2 and Stellaris.
2019 Thea 2: The Shattering[3] MuHa Games Fantasy WIN, XONE, NX Turn-based strategy.
2020 Imperiums: Greek Wars[62] Kube Games Historical WIN Hybrid 4X/grand strategy turn-based game with mythological twist.[62]
2020 Pax Nova GreyWolf Entertainment Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based.
2020 Shadow Empire[36] Matrix Games Sci-fi (Planet) WIN 4X Turn-based strategy on a far-future, post-apocalyptic world.
2021 Humankind[63] Amplitude Studios Historical WIN, OSX, Stadia 4X turn-based strategy game.
2021 Old World[18] Mohawk Games Historical WIN, OSX, LIN
2022 Distant Worlds 2[64] CodeForce Space WIN Real time with pause.[64]
2022 Dune: Spice Wars Shiro Games Sci-fi (Planet) WIN Real time with pause.
2022 Galactic Civilizations IV Stardock Sci-fi (Space) WIN Turn-based. Sequel to Galactic Civilizations III.
2022 Master of Magic MuHa Games Fantasy WIN Turn-based. Remake of the original Master of Magic.
2023 Age of Wonders 4 Triumph Fantasy WIN Turn-based. Sequel to Age of Wonders III.
2024 Millennia C Prompt Games Historical WIN
2024 Ara: History Untold Oxide Games 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
Year Game Developer Setting Platform Notes
1990 Star Control Toys for Bob Sci-fi AMI, CPC, C64, DOS, Genesis, ZX Spectrum
1994 Wing Commander: Armada Origin Systems Sci-fi DOS
1996 Star Control 3 Legend Entertainment Sci-fi DOS, MAC
2001 Emperor: Battle for Dune Westwood Studios Sci-fi WIN Campaign mode
2003 Rise of Nations Big Huge Games Historical WIN, MAC Conquer The World mode
2004 Rise of Nations: Thrones and Patriots Big Huge Games Historical WIN, MAC Conquer The World mode
2004 Star Wars: Battlefront Pandemic Studios Sci-fi WIN Galactic Conquest mode
2005 Star Wars: Battlefront II Pandemic Studios Sci-fi WIN, Xbox Galactic Conquest mode
2006 Star Wars: Empire at War Petroglyph Games Sci-fi WIN, MAC Galactic Conquest mode
2006 Star Wars: Empire at War: Forces of Corruption Petroglyph Games Sci-fi WIN, MAC Galactic Conquest mode
2006 The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II EA Los Angeles Fantasy WIN War of the Ring mode
2006 The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II: The Rise of the Witch-king EA Los Angeles Fantasy WIN War of the Ring mode
2006 Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War: Dark Crusade Relic Entertainment Sci-fi/Fantasy WIN Campaign mode
2008 Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath EA Los Angeles Sci-fi WIN, Xbox Global Conquest mode
2008 Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War: Soulstorm Relic Entertainment Sci-fi/Fantasy WIN Campaign mode
2017 Starpoint Gemini Warlords Little Green Men Games Sci-fi (Space) WIN 4X, Space sim and RPG

See also

References

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