Summary
- Grand strategy games with 4X elements offer various ways to destroy enemies and require strategic thinking.
- Titles in this genre vary in terms of freedom, learning curve, and gameplay depth.
- Victoria: An Empire Under The Sun, Eador: Masters of the Broken World, and Sins of A Solar Empire are notable examples.
Grand strategy games with 4X elements are great fun, as they not only give players several different ways to destroy their enemies, but also force them to think about their strategies at every turn. Most games in this genre can be played on almost any platform, including an iPhone 16, opening the door for many players around the world.
8 Strategy Games That Have Complicated But Great Combat Systems
These strategy titles have combat systems that take some time to master, but are fantastic once they click.
Some 4X strategy games give players a lot of freedom, whereas others tend to be more linear. At the same time, some titles in this genre are easy to learn, whereas others require a deep time investment on players’ side. Here are some of the best 4X strategy games with the steepest learning curves.
7 Victoria: An Empire Under The Sun
Political And Economic Control Are Key
- Platform(s): Windows, macOS
- Released: November 14, 2003
- Developer(s): Paradox Entertainment, Paradox Interactive
- Genre(s): Grand strategy wargame
- Players can dive into the political aspects of their country
- The first title in a long franchise
As opposed to other titles from Paradox Games, Victoria: An Empire Under the Sun focuses on internal management and industrialization, as well as the political and social aspects of a country. Economy also plays a key role in how the game develops.
While it received mixed reviews, it’s undeniable that it’s a great game that requires tons of attention and has a steep learning curve. This title kickstarted an entire franchise in its name, including Victoria 3 and its great economic systems that players can explore.
6 Eador: Masters of the Broken World
A Great Title With 4X And RPG Element
Eador: Masters of the Broken World
- Released
- April 19, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Indie, Strategy
- Players must unite the world
- Interesting non-linear story
Eador: Masters of the Broken World is an outstanding title that mixes 4X and RPG elements, as well as turn-based tactics. The world is divided into different shards that players must reunite as part of the narrative. To unite them, players must conquer each shard and select a hero to lead their army.
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When facing a difficult situation, these games reward players who can think outside of the box.
The story has often been described as non-linear, set in an original fantasy world that feels alive at every turn. Visually, Eador. Masters of the Broken World also has a lot to offer. All in all, this title is one of the best strategy games with a focus on combat.
5 Sins Of A Solar Empire
Conquer The Galaxy Through Military, Economic, Or Diplomatic Means
Sins of a Solar Empire
- Released
- February 4, 2008
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Real-Time Strategy, Tactical
- Three different races
- Players can choose diplomatic approaches
With real-time strategy and 4X elements, Sins of a Solar Empire is an outstanding game which allows players to control a space empire in the distant future. Some of the tasks players will have to undertake are conquering star systems by using military, economic, and diplomatic means to expand their empire and dominion over the Galaxy.
Players can choose between three different races: the Industrial TEC, the Psychic Advent, and the alien Vasari. Those looking to decimate their enemies and become the most powerful force in the galaxy should check out some of the be st real-time combat tips for Sins of a Solar Empire out there.
4 Dominions 2: The Ascension Wars
The Middle Child Of A Three-Part Franchise
Dominions II: The Ascension Wars
- Released
- October 27, 2003
- Players can take on the role of a god within 17 nations
- 4X, turn-based elements
As opposed to other games in its genre that feature real-time combat tactics, Dominions 2: The Ascension Wars offers 4X elements and turn-based strategy. As the sequel to Dominions: Priests, Prophets and Pretenders and the predecessor to Dominions 3: The Awakening, this title improved upon many of the elements that its predecessor had to offer.
In Dominions 2: The Ascension Wars, players can take on the role of a god of one of the 17 different nations that are in constant war with each other for dominance and power.
3 Stellaris
Outstanding Procedurally Generated Maps
Stellaris
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 81 /100 Critics Rec: 77%
- Released
- May 9, 2016
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Violent References, Mild Language
- Developer(s)
- Paradox Development Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Paradox Interactive
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- 4X, Grand Strategy
- Players can choose diplomatic options
- 4X grand strategy elements
In Stellaris, players will get the chance to take control of an interstellar civilization in the galaxy, and they'll be tasked with colonizing, exploring, and managing the resources of the region. Like other games in its genre, players can either choose to take on their tasks through warfare, trade or diplomacy, which opens up a full world of possibilities.
Stellaris features real-time strategy and 4X grand strategy elements, which are greatly complemented by procedurally generated maps in a galaxy that holds many secrets to uncover and enemies to defeat. The game has a big modding community, so players interested in this should check out the 15 best mods for Stellaris.
2 AI War: Fleet Command
An All-Out Warfare Against Challenging Opponents
AI War: Fleet Command
- Released
- May 14, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Real-Time Strategy, Indie Games, Strategy
- 4X and tower defense elements
- Players are greatly outnumbered at first
With real-time strategy, 4X, and tower defense elements, AI War: Fleet Command is a great title for lovers of this genre. The main objective of the game is to destroy the planets of opponents. One of the greatest aspects of this title is that it pits human players against AI opponents that, at first, have vastly superior fleets, adding to the challenge of the experience.
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AI War: Fleet Command is divided into three different stages which are opening, middlegame and endgame, each one with different player and AI interactions and activities. This isn’t a strategy game that lets players avoid conflict, but even through warfare, the experience is great.
1 Distant Worlds: Universe
A Vast Game With An Ever-Expanding Universe
Distant Worlds: Universe
- Released
- May 23, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Simulation
- Nearly infinite star systems and planets
- Players can automate certain processes
One of the greatest things about Distant Worlds is that it features up to 1400 star systems, 50,000 planets, and several moons and asteroids. As opposed to other games in its genre, this title has a vast scale and also allows for many automation systems that can make players’ job of managing their empire a lot easier.
Naturally, managing such a vast empire can be really challenging and there is a steep learning curve required in order to do it properly. However, once players get the hang of it, the universe is within reach.
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