What are the best 4X games on Steam?

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112

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Sep 16, 2018

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4X is a type of strategy game where you control an empire and "eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate".

This question is limited to 4X games that are available on Steam.

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20 Games Considered

Best 4X games on Steam	Price	Steam Rating	Genre
89 Civilization V	$29.99	Very Positive	4X
87 Endless Legend	$29.99	Mostly Positive	4X
-- Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion	$39.99	Very Positive	RTS
-- Crusader Kings 2	-	Very Positive	Grand Strategy
-- Distant Worlds: Universe	$59.99	Mostly Positive	4X

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20 Games Considered

My Recommendation for Civilization V

My Recommendation for Civilization V

Among the most beginner friendly 4X games

Late game becomes a slog of ordering each unit individually

Large assortment of win conditions that allow the player to experiment

Not a lot of depth for a 4X game

Customization through policies

No Steam workshop support on Linux

Endless scenarios and replayability

Poor pathing

Beautiful graphics

No stats on other Civ attitudes

Fantastic tactical combat

Most victories won by timed or military victory

My Recommendation for Endless Legend

My Recommendation for Endless Legend

Choice of faction meaningfully impacts gameplay

Steep learning curve

Amazing soundtrack

Confusing tutorial

Region-based territory system shakes up the expansion game

Weak technology interaction

Beautiful art style

Race concepts are difficult to latch onto/have specific roads to victory

Highly customizable

Very few multiplayer games

Nearly all of the races are viable

Multiplayer is glitchy and sometimes unplayable

Interesting races, leaders and character design

Excellent depth

Engrossing fantasy setting

Good diplomacy system

Combat system is more skill based than RNG based

Approachable without sacrificing depth

Feeling of power

Everything is described in the lore

Autosaves every turn

DLC is great and isn't a ripoff

Art is masterful

My Recommendation for Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion

My Recommendation for Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion

Great modding scene

Very long games

Diplomacy used in a smart way

Large scale space combat

Many ways to play and win the game

Leisurely real time combat

Very distinct races

5v5 PvP team games are great

My Recommendation for Crusader Kings 2

My Recommendation for Crusader Kings 2

Freedom to play how you like

Extremely complicated

Massive online multiplayer

No naval battles

My Recommendation for Distant Worlds: Universe

My Recommendation for Distant Worlds: Universe

In-depth problem solving

Requires a time commitment

Many aspects of the game can be automated

Makes you feel like the empire you're managing is alive

The universe is huge

In-depth economy and resource management

Detailed ship and base building

My Recommendation for Pandora: First Contact

My Recommendation for Pandora: First Contact

Upgrading is done well

Gameplay is too simple

My Recommendation for Age of Wonders III

My Recommendation for Age of Wonders III

Intuitive tactical battles

Some areas are too easy

Worthwhile leveling system

My Recommendation for Stellaris

My Recommendation for Stellaris

Emergent stories

Lack of uniqueness ever since the 2.0 update

Great early game exploration

Lack of vanilla content, currently