Discounted 4X games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated 4x games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free 4x games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
The Pegasus Expedition
The Pegasus Expedition is a story-driven sci-fi grand strategy game set in a key moment for humankind’s survival. Facing an overwhelming threat at home, humanity sends expeditions to the Pegasus Galaxy in a desperate attempt to find a refuge for the population of Earth.
Age of Wonders 4
Rule a fantasy realm of your own design! Explore new magical realms in Age of Wonders’ signature blend of 4X strategy and turn-based tactical combat. Control a faction that grows and changes as you expand your empire with each turn!
Goblins of Elderstone
This Goblin Tribe Simulator brings a challenging blend of chaos and creativity to the city-building genre. Build dwellings, manage your resources, defend your goblins, and grow your tribe to face other races and even the Gods! Do you have what it takes to control the chaos and rule the unruly?
Master of Magic
Take up the role of a great wizard, wield powerful spells, command fantasy races and challenge your rivals in this remake of a cult turn-based strategy classic. Do you have what it takes to become Master of Magic?
Ozymandias: Bronze Age Empire Sim
Build an empire in a single sitting. All the strategy of a classic 4X in a faster format, which also shines in multiplayer.
Terra Invicta
An alien invasion has fractured humanity into seven ideological factions each with a unique vision for the future. Lead your chosen faction to take control of Earth’s nations, expand across the Solar System, and battle enemy fleets in tactical combat.
Old World
Old World is a revolutionary new historical strategy game where you lead your dynasty over generations of rule against rival kings and queens. Wage massive wars, manage your court, and build a dynasty — or watch your empire crumble to dust. What legacy will you leave behind?
Hero's Hour
A fast turn-based strategy RPG with real-time combat. Develop your cities and armies, level up your heroes to gain new, powerful spells and skills, and explore the wonders and dangers of the procedurally generated maps as you aim to conquer your enemies before they do the same to you.
NEBULOUS: Fleet Command
Take command of your hand-tailored fleet of space warships and use realistic radar, electronic warfare, advanced movement controls in 3D space, and precision targeting to outmaneuver and outwit your opponents in a simulation-heavy tactical space game like no other.
A Total War Saga: TROY
Inspired by The Iliad and brought to life through the award-winning strategy game series, A Total War Saga: TROY brings a blend of grand, turn-based empire management and spectacular real-time battles to the heart of the Trojan War.
Pro Cycling Manager 2021
Manage one of 80 teams in over 260 races and 700 stages. From strategy to recruitment, it's up to you alone to make the best decisions. Experience more realism and authenticity with the new features added for 2021.
Total War: ROME REMASTERED
Total War: ROME REMASTERED lets you relive the legacy that defined the award-winning strategy game series. Remastered to 4K with multiple improvements to visuals as well as refinements to gameplay, it’s time to revisit a true classic. Not everyone gets a second chance to conquer the Roman Empire.
Rogue State Revolution
Greetings your Excellency. Time to rebuild, reform and prepare for new challenges in the People's Republic of Basenji. In this thrilling political strategy, you will appoint ministers and lead the country to success. Be careful — you may find yourself replaced in the next election.
Three Kingdoms The Last Warlord
The Last Warlord is a Turn-based strategy game. The game is based on the famous Chinese historical novel. The Three Kingdoms (A.D. 190 – 280) was the tripartite division of China between the states of Wei, Shu, and Wu.
Shadow Empire
Shadow Empire is a deep turn-based 4X wargame with a unique blend of military focus, procedurally generated content and role-playing features. Players take the seat of the supreme ruler of a small nation, with the goal of reconquering a devastated planet.
As Far As The Eye
Build a mobile village and travel with your tribe toward the center of the world, called The Eye. This roguelike turn-based resource-management game is made of procedural situations, natural events, skill-trees and hard choices. Ready to move?
Crusader Kings III
Love, fight, scheme, and claim greatness. Determine your noble house’s legacy in the sprawling grand strategy of Crusader Kings III. Death is only the beginning as you guide your dynasty’s bloodline in the rich and larger-than-life simulation of the Middle Ages.
The Battle of Polytopia
Welcome to the unique, turn-based strategy game set in the strange, flat world of the Square. Lead one of 16 distinct civilizations to victory by expanding your empire, researching technologies, and ultimately become ruler of the world! Play in single-player or multiplayer mode for up to 16 players.
Master of Magic Classic
Master of Magic is a classic, one of the most popular strategy games of the 90s. It is a 4X fantasy strategy game that allows you to play as an extremely powerful wizard, leading your troops and overcoming your magical opponents.
Age of Wonders: Planetfall
Age of Wonders: Planetfall is the new strategy game from Triumph Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Age of Wonders series, bringing all the exciting tactical turn-based combat and in-depth empire building of its predecessors to space in an all-new, sci-fi setting.
Field of Glory: Empires
Field of Glory: Empires is a grand strategy game in which you will have to move in an intricate and living tapestry of nations and tribes, each one with their distinctive culture.
Thea 2: The Shattering
In the dark lands inspired by Slavic myth, life is a struggle for survival against ever increasing odds, be it natural or malevolent. Can you lead your flock to prosperity in this innovative blend of 4X strategy, RPG and card game?
Driftland: The Magic Revival
After a devastating war between ancient mages, a powerful spell is all that holds together the shattered planet of Driftland. Take on the role of a powerful mage capable of moving and connecting floating lands, develop a mighty empire, and restore Driftland to its former glory!Most played 4x games on Steam
Take a look at the top 4x games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 30th 2025.
1. Europa Universalis IV
Rule your land and dominate the world with unparalleled freedom, depth and historical accuracy. Write a new history of the world and build an empire for the ages. Europa Universalis IV is a grand strategy, strategy and historical game developed by Paradox Development Studio and Paradox Tinto and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on August 13th 2013 has received 133,611 reviews of which 115,671 were positive and 17,940 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played 4x game, thanks to its 10,317 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.6
115,671
17,940
10,317
players
2. Stellaris
Explore a galaxy full of wonders in this sci-fi grand strategy game from Paradox Development Studios. Interact with diverse alien races, discover strange new worlds with unexpected events and expand the reach of your empire. Each new adventure holds almost limitless possibilities. Stellaris is a space, grand strategy and strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on May 09th 2016 has received 182,155 reviews of which 157,931 were positive and 24,224 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 8,932 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among 4x games based on player count.
8.6
157,931
24,224
8,932
players
3. Age of Wonders 4
Rule a fantasy realm of your own design! Explore new magical realms in Age of Wonders’ signature blend of 4X strategy and turn-based tactical combat. Control a faction that grows and changes as you expand your empire with each turn! Age of Wonders 4 is a strategy, 4x and character customization game developed by Triumph Studios and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on May 02nd 2023 has received 17,896 reviews of which 14,606 were positive and 3,290 were negative resulting in a rating of 8 out of 10. While seeing 2,111 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among 4x games based on player count.
8
14,606
3,290
2,111
players
4. Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword
Sid Meier's Civilization IV®: Beyond the Sword is the second expansion pack for Civilization IV - the 2005 PC Game of the Year that has become a worldwide hit. Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword is a strategy, turn-based strategy and 4x game developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K. Released on July 24th 2007 has received 4,555 reviews of which 4,389 were positive and 166 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 1,375 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played 4x games.
9.3
4,389
166
1,375
players
5. Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete
Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete, the latest offering in the Sid Meier's Civilization III franchise, provides gaming fans with Sid Meier's Civilization III, the highly-addictive journey of discovery. Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete is a strategy, turn-based strategy and turn-based game developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K. Released on October 25th 2006 has received 7,170 reviews of which 6,430 were positive and 740 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 1,316 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played 4x games.
8.7
6,430
740
1,316
players
6. Farthest Frontier
Protect and guide your people as you forge a town from untamed wilderness at the edge of the known world. Harvest raw materials, hunt, fish and farm to survive. Produce crafted items to trade, consume, equip and fight with as you battle for your survival against the elements and outside threats. Farthest Frontier is a early access, historical and agriculture game developed and published by Crate Entertainment. Released on August 09th 2022 has received 19,280 reviews of which 16,579 were positive and 2,701 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 995 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played 4x games.
8.4
16,579
2,701
995
players
7. Terra Invicta
An alien invasion has fractured humanity into seven ideological factions each with a unique vision for the future. Lead your chosen faction to take control of Earth’s nations, expand across the Solar System, and battle enemy fleets in tactical combat. Terra Invicta is a strategy, simulation and grand strategy game developed by Pavonis Interactive and published by Hooded Horse. Released on September 26th 2022 has received 6,418 reviews of which 5,168 were positive and 1,250 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 958 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played 4x games.
7.8
5,168
1,250
958
players
8. Sins of a Solar Empire II
Battle for galactic dominance in this real-time 4X strategy game with unrivaled scale! You’ll explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate through military force, diplomacy, trade, culture, influence, and other underhanded tactics. Sins of a Solar Empire II is a space, strategy and 4x game developed by Stardock Entertainment and Ironclad Games Corporation and published by Stardock Entertainment. Released on August 15th 2024 has received 6,741 reviews of which 5,790 were positive and 951 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 766 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played 4x games.
8.3
5,790
951
766
players
9. Sid Meier's Civilization® IV
With over 6 million units sold and unprecedented critical acclaim from fans and press around the world, Sid Meier's Civilization is recognized as one of the greatest PC game franchises of all-time. Now, Sid Meier and Firaxis Games will take this incredibly fun and addictive game to new heights by adding new ways to play and win, new... Sid Meier's Civilization® IV is a strategy, turn-based strategy and turn-based game developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K. Released on October 25th 2006 has received 3,349 reviews of which 3,111 were positive and 238 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 603 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played 4x games.
8.9
3,111
238
603
players
10. Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War brings you to a world of terror and violence. Four factions will engage in a brutal war for dominance over the planet’s resources. In the first turn-based 4X strategy game set in Warhammer 40,000 you will lead one of four unique factions. Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War is a strategy, warhammer 40k and 4x game developed by Proxy Studios and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on July 12th 2018 has received 14,238 reviews of which 11,571 were positive and 2,667 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 495 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played 4x games.
8.0
11,571
2,667
495
players
Best deals on 4x games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of 4x games available on Steam right now, updated on April 30th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted 4x games.
1. Age of Wonders III
Age of Wonders III is the long anticipated sequel to the award-winning strategy series. Delivering a unique mix of Empire Building, Role Playing and Warfare, Age of Wonders III offers the ultimate in turn-based fantasy strategy for veterans of the series and new players alike! Age of Wonders III is a strategy, turn-based strategy and fantasy game developed by Triumph Studios and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on March 31st 2014 has received 12,556 reviews of which 10,079 were positive and 2,477 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Featuring a massive 97% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for 4x category.
7.9
10,079
2,477
-97%
33.33€
1.00€
2. Old World
Old World is a revolutionary new historical strategy game where you lead your dynasty over generations of rule against rival kings and queens. Wage massive wars, manage your court, and build a dynasty — or watch your empire crumble to dust. What legacy will you leave behind? Old World is a strategy, simulation and 4x game developed by Mohawk Games and published by Hooded Horse. Released on May 18th 2022 has received 4,541 reviews of which 3,726 were positive and 815 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in 4x games.
8.0
3,726
815
-95%
39.80€
1.99€
3. Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War brings you to a world of terror and violence. Four factions will engage in a brutal war for dominance over the planet’s resources. In the first turn-based 4X strategy game set in Warhammer 40,000 you will lead one of four unique factions. Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War is a strategy, warhammer 40k and 4x game developed by Proxy Studios and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on July 12th 2018 has received 14,238 reviews of which 11,571 were positive and 2,667 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in 4x games.
8.0
11,571
2,667
-95%
42.80€
2.14€
4. Ozymandias: Bronze Age Empire Sim
Build an empire in a single sitting. All the strategy of a classic 4X in a faster format, which also shines in multiplayer. Ozymandias: Bronze Age Empire Sim is a grand strategy, turn-based strategy and 4x game developed by The Secret Games Company and published by Goblinz Publishing and IndieArk. Released on October 11th 2022 has received 1,508 reviews of which 1,325 were positive and 183 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for 4x games.
8.4
1,325
183
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
5. Distant Worlds: Universe
Distant Worlds is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game. Experience the full depth and detail of turn-based strategy, but with the simplicity and ease of real-time, and on the scale of a massively-multiplayer online game. Distant Worlds: Universe is a strategy, 4x and space game developed by Code Force and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on May 23rd 2014 has received 1,816 reviews of which 1,376 were positive and 440 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for 4x games.
7.3
1,376
440
-92%
28.00€
2.24€
6. Revival: Recolonization
Set in a post-apoc version of Earth, Revival is a 4x strategy game where the world and its rules can change at key moments, creating a deep and highly replayable experience. Revival: Recolonization is a 4x, grand strategy and turn-based strategy game developed and published by HeroCraft PC. Released on April 11th 2024 has received 398 reviews of which 288 were positive and 110 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for 4x games.
6.9
288
110
-91%
27.67€
2.49€
7. Europa Universalis IV
Rule your land and dominate the world with unparalleled freedom, depth and historical accuracy. Write a new history of the world and build an empire for the ages. Europa Universalis IV is a grand strategy, strategy and historical game developed by Paradox Development Studio and Paradox Tinto and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on August 13th 2013 has received 133,611 reviews of which 115,671 were positive and 17,940 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for 4x games.
8.6
115,671
17,940
-88%
38.83€
4.66€
8. Imperium Galactica II
Reintroducing a classic from the golden era of gaming, the original empire building space RTS, Imperium Galactica 2 is back and looking better than ever with new high-res textures and vivid colors. Imperium Galactica II is a strategy, space and 4x game developed by Digital Reality and Gyroscope Games and published by THQ Nordic. Released on January 19th 2017 has received 582 reviews of which 507 were positive and 75 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for 4x games.
8.2
507
75
-88%
10.25€
1.23€
9. Warlock 2: The Exiled
Warlock 2 is a turn-based strategy game of fantasy warfare. Rival against Great Mages, lead mighty armies into fierce battles, wield ancient magic and faith as your weapons. Warlock 2: The Exiled is a strategy, fantasy and turn-based game developed by Ino-Co Plus and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on April 10th 2014 has received 1,251 reviews of which 869 were positive and 382 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for 4x games.
6.7
869
382
-86%
19.29€
2.70€
10. Scythe: Digital Edition
Scythe transports you to an alternate reality in 1920s Europa, one ravaged by the First World War. Take up the role of leader by assuming command of one of 5 factions, and set out to conquer the coveted "Factory". Lead your mechs to war and your people to victory! Scythe: Digital Edition is a board game, strategy and turn-based game developed and published by The Knights of Unity. Released on September 05th 2018 has received 3,591 reviews of which 3,214 were positive and 377 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for 4x games.
8.6
3,214
377
-85%
19.60€
2.94€
Free 4x games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play 4x games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 30th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play 4x games.
1. Viking Rise
Race against other players to explore Valhalla and conquer Midgard! Viking Rise is a strategy, rpg and 4x game developed and published by IGG SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.. Released on May 21st 2024 has received 521 reviews of which 384 were positive and 137 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. With 405 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free 4x games on Steam.
7.0
384
137
405
players
2. Doomsday: Last Survivors
New tower defense gameplay! The apocalypse has come, and zombies are running amok. As the leader of the survivors, collect and use resources to defend their last shelter! Doomsday: Last Survivors is a strategy, strategy rpg and 4x game developed and published by IGG SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.. Released on June 25th 2023 has received 623 reviews of which 420 were positive and 203 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 367, this 4x game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free 4x games on Steam.
6.5
420
203
367
players
3. Infinity Kingdom
Conquer the city, discover the Infinity! Infinity Kingdom is a cartoon-style mmo strategy game. As a resourceful lord, you must defend the land of Norheim against the evil gnomes while protecting yourself from other invading players! Infinity Kingdom is a strategy, 4x and wargame game developed and published by YOUZU (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.. Released on July 01st 2021 has received 670 reviews of which 451 were positive and 219 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 194, this 4x game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free 4x games on Steam.
6.5
451
219
194
players
4. Demise of Nations
Demise of Nations is a 4X turn-based grand strategy wargame covering the rise of Rome till the fall of modern civilization. Demise of Nations is a free to play, strategy and indie game developed and published by Noble Master LLC. Released on August 08th 2017 has received 522 reviews of which 422 were positive and 100 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free 4x games on Steam.
7.6
422
100
4
players
5. Gods and Idols
Take the role of a newly ascended deity in Gods and Idols. Carve your place among the stars in an open, dynamic, and massive MMORTS universe. Command the powers of the cosmos, form alliances, and use your worshipers as instruments to further your goals. Gods and Idols is a free to play, 4x and god game game developed and published by Viking Tao. Released on December 12th 2016 has received 758 reviews of which 532 were positive and 226 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free 4x games on Steam.
6.7
532
226
1
players