Summary
- 4X games in space allow players to dominate through economy, diplomacy, or military might across a galaxy or universe.
- The best space-themed 4X strategy games like Endless Space 2 and Stellaris offer intergalactic empires and plenty of conflicts.
- Distant Worlds: Universe contains vast maps, a steep learning curve, and the potential for hundreds or thousands of gameplay hours.
Built on the foundation of exploration, expansion, exploitation, and extermination, the 4X strategy genre allows those with a thirst for power to live out their world domination fantasies. Whether building a vast empire through a strong economy, diplomatic and spiritual influence, or just pure military might, there is only a finite amount of land in each game world to conquer and control.
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Fans of the 4X genre seeking more lands to colonize must look to the vastness of space, and they will not be disappointed. Countless great 4X games allow for intergalactic empires and conflict on a universal scale, and here are some of the best 4X strategy games set in space, ranked based on a combination of their overall quality and popularity.
7 Endless Space 2
Build An Interstellar Empire And Uncover Mysteries
Endless Space 2
- Released
- October 6, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Developer(s)
- Amplitude Studios
- Genre(s)
- Grand Strategy, 4X
- Platform(s)
- PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Presenting something of a challenge with its sharp AI, Endless Space 2 is a difficult game to learn at first, but can be incredibly rewarding for those who persevere. Including expansions, there are 12 playable factions, from the scientific and pacifistic Sophons to the warlike Hissho, though players are free to create their unique faction if they prefer.
While encountering other major and minor factions, as well as slowly expanding their empire, players will uncover the secrets of the ancient Endless race, which has been lost to history, leaving behind physical traces and a substance known as Dust. There are many facets of the empire to maintain, from population happiness and diplomacy, but there is always the option to merely conquer and colonize new star systems.
6 Stellaris
A Great Game That Is Vastly Improved By DLC
Stellaris
- Released
- May 9, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Violent References, Mild Language
- Developer(s)
- Paradox Development Studio
- Genre(s)
- 4X, Grand Strategy
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Stellaris is already an enjoyable game in its own right, but many find it unplayable without the myriad of excellent DLCs installed. All the hallmarks of a 4X game are here, as players control their ever-expanding and unique galactic empire, while trading, battling, and maintaining friendly relations with other races and species encountered along the way.
Scripted and crisis events set Stellaris apart, with their potential to drastically alter the balance of power through either a powerful technological discovery or an existential threat to all life, among countless other possibilities. Whether these are handled alone or collectively with rival factions, it can significantly alter proceedings going forward, even wiping out entire civilizations, forging new alliances, or deepening divisions between warring parties.
5 Galactic Civilizations 2: Dread Lords
Take On Tough AI In A Sandbox Environment Or The Campaign
Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords
- Released
- February 27, 2006
- Platform(s)
- PC
Known for its intelligent AI and strong alien races, Galactic Civilizations 2: Dread Lords is set in the 23rd century as the people of Earth race to colonize planets and star systems before their rivals from outer space. There are options to either play on a randomly generated map in sandbox mode or take on the multi-mission campaign to uncover the story of the eponymous Dread Lords.
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Expansions add even more to the story of the genocidal and ancient Dread Lords, plus more options for diplomacy and new civilizations to play or encounter. Players are even able to construct and design their own 3D ships at the shipyard, allowing for plenty of freedom when looking for an edge in trade, travel, and warfare.
4 Distant Worlds: Universe
Ambitious In Scope And Hard To Master
Distant Worlds: Universe
- Released
- May 23, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Code Force
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Simulation
- Platform(s)
- Steam
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
A 4X game with a very steep learning curve, Distant Worlds: Universe is a collection of the base game with all its expansions. It features one of the vastest maps in all video games, spread across up to 1400 star systems with potentially 50,000 planets, moons, and asteroids, which players are free to explore and gradually assimilate into their territory.
Choosing to either engage in one of the game’s intriguing storylines or play in a more open-ended sandbox, there are plenty of tweaks to make a round more intense and tight-knit or spread out and slowed down to last for hundreds of hours or more. Intelligent advisers are always there to give tips on what to do next, and tasks can be automated, so there is no need for overwhelming micromanagement.
3 Stars!
Complex Retro Game With A Simple Interface
- Platform: PC
- Released: 1997-02-04
- Developer: Jeff Johnson and Jeff McBride
- Genre: 4X
While it may appear primitive by modern standards, Stars! Is one of the most significant 4X games ever made, and it continues to attract new players three decades after its initial release. Starting with just a few ships and planets, players are soon able to establish themselves on an intergalactic scale against multiple other human or AI-controlled players, with many games at the time being played via email over several months.
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Everything can be micromanaged, from spaceship and space station construction to intergalactic missiles being fired or the establishment of complex trade routes. Some may scoff at the graphics nowadays, but random events can massively shake and spice things up, keeping gameplay fresh and varied.
2 Sins Of A Solar Empire
Real-Time And 4X Combined
Sins of a Solar Empire
- Released
- February 4, 2008
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Ironclad Games
- Genre(s)
- Real-Time Strategy, Tactical
- Platform(s)
- PC
Described by its creators as an RT4X game, due to its combination of real-time and 4X strategy gameplay, Sins of a Solar Empire is set in a large 3D universe filled with galaxies and celestial bodies of various shapes and sizes. Taking control of one of three races, each with its own strengths, the goal is to dominate through diplomacy, economy, or military.
Players can either face off against AI or human opponents while they challenge for the best resources and come across various objects like asteroids, space dust, or anomalies, each of which can be a potential benefit or negative influence. Various expansions and DLCs have improved the game and made it more stable, plus it spawned an enjoyable sequel.
1 Master Of Orion 2: Battle At Antares
Fend Off Rivals For Resources And Control The Universe
Master of Orion II: Battle at Antares
In the decades since the release of Master of Orion 2: Battle at Antares, any 4X games set in space have always been compared to it, usually unfavorably. Resources are scarce in the universe thanks to population growth, so players must either destroy rival civilizations or strike favorable trade deals to satiate their people and achieve supremacy.
Unlike in the original Master of Orion, star systems have multiple habitable planets, meaning that they can even be shared with rivals if players do not successfully take over every planet in their systems. As always, eliminating all opponents is one road to victory, with their planets being destructible when utilizing the right technology, but being elected supreme leader of the galaxy is also possible, as is defeating the elusive Antarans.
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