4X: eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate
4x stands for eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate. Players of these games control a whole empire by managing resources and technical developments (eXploit), expanding their domains (eXplore and eXpand), and fighting against the computer or other players (eXterminate). Among the most popular 4x games are Civilization and Master of Orion.
Most popular 4x games
strategyDOS, Windows 3.x, Mac OS
strategyWindows XP/98/95
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Alien Legacy
DOS19943.9/5 Ybarra Productions
Alpha Centauri
Windows XP/98/951999protected4/5 Firaxis Games
Anacreon: Reconstruction 4021
DOS1987freeware3.8/5 Thinking Machine Associates
Anacreon: Reconstruction 4021 is one of the first 4x turn-based strategy games, ASCII based. Anacreon is set in space, as most 4x sci-fi games are, and was published by Thinking Machines Associates and designed by George Moromisato who later re-released the game as freeware.
Armada 2525
DOS19913.3/5
Ascendancy
DOS19954.2/5 The Logic Factory
Ascendancy is a science fiction themed turn-based strategy game developed by The Logic Factory and released in 1995 for DOS. Ascendancy is a classic 4X game (eXpand, eXplore, eXploit, eXterminate), similar to Master of Orion, yet with a few differences such as a technology tree.
Centurion: Defender of Rome
DOS19904.2/5 Bits of magic
Centurion: Defender of Rome is a turn-based strategy game set in ancient Rome times. As a centurion of the Roman Empire, you will fight against the enemies of Rome in real time battles in every corner of Italy and Europe, you'll be a gladiator, race chariots, fight naval battles and more.
Civilization
DOSWindows 3.xMac OS19914.2/5 MicroProse Software
Civilization is the critically acclaimed strategy game designed by Sid Meier and Bruce Campbell Shelley that became a staple in 4X turn-based strategy. Civilization was developed by MicroProse Software and released in 1991 for DOS, Windows 3.x, Amiga, Atari ST, Mac, etc. Civilization was followed by sequels, the last one being published recently. T...
Civilization 2
Windows XP/98/9519964.2/5 MicroProse Software
Civilization II is a turn-based strategy game developed by MicroProse and released in 1996. It's the second installment in the "Civilization" series, created by Sid Meier. The game builds upon the concept of its predecessor, Civilization, and expands on its gameplay mechanics, graphics, and depth.In Civilization II, players take on the role of a le...
Civilization II: Test of Time
Windows XP/98/951999remake4.2/5 Atari
Civilization II: Test of Time is an abandoned turn-based strategy game developed by Atari and released by MicroProse Software in 1999 for Windows. Civilization II: Test of Time is a remake of the cult classic Civilization 2, without the involvement of Sid Meier (the creator of the Civilization franchise). Test of Time includes fantasy and science f...
Colonization
DOSWindows 3.xLinuxMac OS1994protected4.2/5 MicroProse Software
Colonization is a turn-based strategy 4x game developed and published by MicroProse in 1994 for DOS, Windows 3.1, Linux and Mac. The setting is the European Colonization of the New World. Colonization gameplay and interface are similar to Civilization, another Sid Meier game. However, there are some differences between Civilization and Colonization...
Conquest of the New World (Deluxe Edition)
DOSWindows XP/98/951996protected4.2/5 Quicksilver Software
Conquest of the new world is a turn-based strategy game that lets you control one of 6 different nations in their attempt to colonize the new continent. The gameworld is represented in an isometric point of view. Combat is a mini-game taking place on a battlefield where victory can be achieved by killing enemy troops or capturing the enemy's flag.
Deadlock: Planetary Conquest
Windows XP/98/95Windows 3.x1996protected4.1/5 Accolade
Emperor of the Fading Suns
Windows XP/98/9519964/5 Holistic Design
Imperium
DOS19903.7/5 Electronic Arts
Iron Seed
DOS1994freeware3.8/5
Master of Magic
DOSWindows XP/98/951994protected4.2/5 SimTex
Master of Magic is a turn based 4x strategy game developed by SimTex and published by the well know Microprose, very similar to Civilization, with a fantasy twist. You play as a wizard and your objective is to evolve your race from a small settlement to a bursting empire. To do so, you can produce military units to fight other computer controlled p...
Master of Orion
DOS1993protected4.1/5 SimTex
Master of Orion 2: Battle at Antares
DOSWindows XP/98/951996protected4.3/5 SimTex
Master of Orion II is a 4X turn-based sci-fi strategy game set in space. Master of Orion 2 gives the player an empire to run by controlling food and production, managing economy and researching new technology. The player can wage war against other races or use spies and diplomacy to achieve victory.
Master of Orion 3
Windows XP/98/95Mac OS2003protected4.1/5 Quicksilver Software
Sid Meier's CivNet
Windows XP/98/95Windows 3.x19954/5 MicroProse Software
CivNet is a multiplayer adaptation of the original Sid Meier's Civilization game, released in 1995. It was developed and published by MicroProse for MS-DOS and Windows. This version of Civilization brought networked multiplayer gameplay to the series for the first time, alongside updated graphics and improved interface elements. CivNet retaine...
Spaceward Ho!
Windows 3.xDOS19924/5 Delta Tao Software
Star Trek: Birth of the Federation
Windows XP/98/9519993.8/5 MicroProse Software
Star Trek: Birth of the Federation is a turn-based strategy video game set in the Star Trek universe. The game was developed by MicroProse Software and published by Infogrames for Windows in 1999. Players take on the role of one of five major Star Trek races: the United Federation of Planets, the Klingon Empire, the Romulan Star Empire, the Ca...
Stellar Crusade
DOS1988protected3.9/5 SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
Sword of Aragon
DOS1989protected4.4/5 SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
Warlords
DOS19904.2/5 SSG Strategic Studies Group
Warlords 2
DOS19934.1/5 SSG Strategic Studies Group
Warlords 2 Deluxe
DOS19953.1/5 SSG Strategic Studies Group
Warlords 3: Reign of Heroes
Windows XP/98/9519974.2/5 SSG Strategic Studies Group
Warlords 3: Reign of Heroes is an abandoned turn-based fantasy strategy game designed by Steve Fawkner, developed by SSG Strategic Studies Group and released by Red Orb Entertainment in 1997 for Windows. Warlords 3: Reign of Heroes is part of the Warlords game series and features quite a few multiplayer modes: from LAN to PBEM.
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