Explore, expand, exploit, exterminate! 4X games aren’t just entertainment. They represent the absolute freedom of exploring and conquering unknown worlds. And the ability to make the most important decisions that will determine the fate of the world.
If you are an adventurous space traveler – you’ve come to the right place! Steam is full of good space 4X games. But will they all meet your expectations? Will each of them engage for many hours of fascinating gameplay taking place on the far horizons of space?
You can go ahead and end your search. We know which of them are unrivaled best. So sit back and browse our list of the best space strategies ever. We even sprinkled in some RTS offerings for good measure, just as a bit of extra spice!
| Game | Released | Developer | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Galactic Civilizations III | 2015-05-14 | Stardock |
 | Star Ruler 2 | 2015-03-27 | Blind Mind Studios |
 | Stellaris Steam | 2016-05-09 | Paradox Development Studio |
 | Galactic Civilizations IV | Supernova Edition | 2023-10-19 | Stardock Entertainment |
 | Stellaris: Nemesis | 2021-04-15 | Paradox Development Studio |
 | Galactic Civilizations II: Ultimate Edition | 2011-12-02 | |
 | Endless Space | 2016-10-06 | AMPLITUDE Studios |
 | Endless Space Collection | 2012-07-04 | AMPLITUDE Studios |
 | Endless Space 2 | 2016-10-06 | AMPLITUDE Studios |
 | Endless Space 2 - Deluxe Edition | 2016-10-06 | AMPLITUDE Studios |
 | Age of Wonders: Planetfall | 2019-08-06 | Triumph Studios |
 | Age of Wonders: Planetfall Deluxe Edition | 2019-08-06 | Triumph Studios |
 | Battlefleet Gothic: Armada | 2016-04-21 | Tindalos Interactive |
 | Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2 | 2019-01-24 | Tindalos Interactive |
 | Master of Orion | 2016-02-26 | NGD Studios |
 | Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion | 2012-06-12 | Ironclad Games |
 | Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity | 2011-11-16 | Ironclad Games |
 | Interstellar Space: Genesis | 2019-07-25 | Praxis Games |
 | Distant Worlds: Universe | 2014-05-23 | Code Force |
 | Sword of the Stars Complete Collection | 2008-10-03 | Kerberos Productions |
 | Sword of the Stars II Enhanced Edition | 2012-11-30 | Kerberos Productions |
 | Homeworld Remastered Collection | 2015-02-25 | Gearbox Software |
 | Space Empires IV Deluxe | 2006-02-07 | Malfador Machinations |
Galactic Civilizations III
| Release: | 2015-05-14 |
| Developer: | Stardock |
The Galactic Civilizations series, currently up to four installments, is one of the all-time space 4X classics. Technically, GC4 is in Early Access at the moment, so if you’d rather play a finished product, you could go for 2015’s Galactic Civilizations 3, or one of the older entries. They might not have the same modern polish, but the complexity is just as satisfying.
Although the games has an actual story going on, it’s absolutely not obligatory, and there’s nothing stopping you from ditching the campaign and going into sandbox mode. Of course, you can design your own civilizations and lead it to glorious expansion across the customizable, hez-based map of the galaxy rich in opportunities, certain rivals and potential allies.
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Star Ruler 2
| Release: | 2015-03-27 |
| Developer: | Blind Mind Studios |
Space Ruler 2 has all the scale, scope, and complexity you would expect from a space 4X strategy, but not unlike Stellaris (stay tuned), SR2 resolves thing in real-time, rather than turn-by-turn. Of course, there is a tactical pause which you will need to use fairly often, because keeping track of everything going on and issuing well thought-out orders in real-time would be challenging.
Weirdly enough, although it has the complex research trees, robust diplomacy, the ability to design custom ships and many other features present in many famous 4X-es, Star Ruler 2 doesn’t enjoy the same popularity. It does enjoy solid critical reception though, as at the time of writing it has a Very Positive rating on Steam, so clearly it does a lot of things right, it just needs a signal boost.
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Stellaris
| Release: | 2016-05-09 |
| Developer: | Paradox Development Studio |
This proposition from Paradox Interactive is famous for being the most popular science fiction space grand strategy production. If you are interested in an incredibly rich space experience and infinite possibilities for exploration – play Stellaris.
Choose from many races or create your own. Customize not only the appearance of your civilization but also details like their beliefs and history. Ready? Explore! In Stellaris, you can do anything: travel between galaxies, conquer new planets, harvest resources, and discover anomalies. And fight wars or take care of the development of the race, political relations with other inhabitants of space, energy consumption, and finances. This game equals endless strategic possibilities.
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Endless Space 1 & 2
| Release: | 2016-10-06 |
| Developer: | AMPLITUDE Studios |
It is a turn-based strategy game with RPG elements from Amplitude Studios for PC and a fantastic proposition for 4X fans focused on fighting wars and conquest. Set out to conquer the galaxy and fight to dominate and access resources!
The action of both parts of Endless Space takes place in the distant future. Your task is to manage one of the influential civilizations and lead it to win in every possible gameplay category. Build ships, create a fleet and take the enemy out of space map! Your access to valuable resources will depend on it, as well as the further technological development of the entire civilization. Awake your inner master strategist and become the greatest ruler of the galaxy.
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Age of Wonders: Planetfall
| Release: | 2019-08-06 |
| Developer: | Triumph Studios |
Wanna see something awesome? Play Age of Wonders – a series that can into space! Triumph Studio, known for the epic retro fantasy strategy games, this time comes with 4X modern gameplay in style.
Take charge of the falling civilization and lead it to a golden future! This is a perfect proposition for fans of sandbox city-builders with campaign and elements of tactical gameplay. Establish colonies, develop cities, and forge political alliances. Or go straight to war! Create great combat units and specialized heroes to dominate the map in the turn-based mode. Take the fate of an entire civilization into your own hands and lead it to the top!
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Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2
| Release: | 2019-01-24 |
| Developer: | Tindalos Interactive |
It is a space real-time strategy from Tindalos Interactive, set in the war-torn universe of Warhammer 400,000. Something for fans of fierce armed conflicts!
Choose from the twelve most powerful factions in the game: Eldar, Orcs, Empire, Chaos, Marines, and more. Prepare your fearless army for action and battle! The war takes place in the most crucial point on the map – the Gothic system. Your victory or ultimate loss depends on your strategic skills.
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Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars
| Release: | 2016-02-26 |
| Developer: | NGD Studios |
The latest installment of the retro game from 1993, created by NGD Studios. It is an ideal proposition for PC users who are looking for the best 4X turn-based space strategy.
Select one of the ten available races and set out to conquer the universe! The gameplay will guide you through all stages of civilization development. Explore, discover, gain influence and achieve technological success. Master of Orion offers many options to win the game, so you can focus on the aspect of the game that interests you the most. You can play offline and online with friends as well!
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Sins of Solar Empire: Rebellion
| Release: | 2012-06-12 |
| Developer: | Ironclad Games |
It is a standalone expansion pack for Sins of Solar Empire that delivers brand-new improvements to the epic strategic gameplay from Ironclad Games. Decide your side and fight for the ultimate victory in the galaxy!
The conflict arises, and the split continues. New factions appear, and it seems that a revolution is coming. Stand on one side and take part in the most massive strategic war to bring things to an end once and for all. See new battle units, upgrade your ships, and discover new good ways to succeed. And above all, try out Titan – the most powerful ship in the game!
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Interstellar Space: Genesis
| Release: | 2019-07-25 |
| Developer: | Praxis Games |
It is a strategy game in which you will become an explorer of the farthest galaxies. Lead your civilization and prove your worth as the worthiest ruler!
Choose a race and customize its features down to the smallest detail. Forge the cosmic empire and establish your place on the map of the universe. Explore, travel, discover and develop your civilization. Forge diplomatic alliances or go to war. And that’s not all because the space is full of ancient secrets. Will you gather the courage in your heart to discover them all?
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Distant Worlds: Universe
| Release: | 2014-05-23 |
| Developer: | Code Force |
It is a science-fiction strategy game in which the concept of large-scale will take on a whole new meaning for you. Play the fourth expansion pack to the grand strategy series of games from Code Force Limited and experience space like in no other 4X title on Steam.
1,400 planetary systems and 50,000 planets are waiting for you! Develop your civilization or start the game however you like and continue in any direction. Bet on aggressive control of as much of the map as possible. Or choose to explore and learn about foreign worlds and cultures. Distant Worlds: Universe is freedom of choice in the magnified version.
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Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection
| Release: | 2008-10-03 |
| Developer: | Kerberos Productions |
Play the full version of the strategy game with all the extras. These are new opportunities for conquest, unknown places to examine, and races that you won’t play in the base game!
Choose one of the available races and lead your civilization to a promising future of technological development. Take care of every aspect of nation management and take part in the great race for domination. In Sword of the Stars: Complete Edition you will gain access to all-new races, technologies, ships, and more!
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Homeworld Remastered Collection
| Release: | 2015-02-25 |
| Developer: | Gearbox Software |
It is a renewed late 90’s strategy game from Gearbox Software. Play the classic hit in a completely new version and experience most in depth of 4X space adventure that will fully meet your expectations!
Explore the plot of two classic parts of this hit series. Immerse in a cosmic intrigue and secure your place on the gameplay map. Explore, collect resources and develop your faction. Experience a brand-new great combat system that requires the tactical sense of a born strategist. And all this and more in an improved and refreshed audiovisual setting that you will fall in love with!
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Space Empires IV
| Release: | 2006-02-07 |
| Developer: | Malfador Machinations |
A strategic 4X space game, created with the support and ideas of the most loyal fans of the series. See the unlimited possibilities of gameplay in the best part of Space Empires!
Create a mighty civilization and gain space domination! Space Empires IV is a game that is a classic 4X strategy proposal but with adjusting every aspect of the gameplay. Adapt the game to your needs, face endless challenges and win!
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4X space grand strategy is a genre that shines like the brightest star in the morning sky. It is constantly evolving. Always looking for new solutions and breakthroughs. There are more and more titles that, learning from the mistakes of predecessors, introducing satisfying improvements. By playing space 4X games we can reach for the stars every single day.