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 July 19th 2025. Want to explore even more 4x titles available on Steam? Explore the complete list of the best 4x games.
Lists & Categories
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 game developed and published by . Released on August 13th 2013 has received 134,436 reviews of which 116,432 were positive and 18,004 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 13,059 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.6
116,432
18,004
13,059
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 game developed and published by . Released on May 09th 2016 has received 185,433 reviews of which 159,527 were positive and 25,906 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. While seeing 10,094 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among 4x games based on player count.
8.5
159,527
25,906
10,094
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 game developed and published by . Released on May 02nd 2023 has received 18,251 reviews of which 14,901 were positive and 3,350 were negative resulting in a rating of 8 out of 10. While seeing 1,975 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among 4x games based on player count.
8
14,901
3,350
1,975
players
4. 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 game developed and published by . Released on October 25th 2006 has received 7,231 reviews of which 6,485 were positive and 746 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 1,509 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played 4x games.
8.7
6,485
746
1,509
players
5. 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 game developed and published by . Released on July 24th 2007 has received 4,592 reviews of which 4,423 were positive and 169 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 1,476 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played 4x games.
9.3
4,423
169
1,476
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 game developed and published by . Released on August 09th 2022 has received 19,504 reviews of which 16,780 were positive and 2,724 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 1,400 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played 4x games.
8.4
16,780
2,724
1,400
players
7. 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 game developed and published by . Released on July 12th 2018 has received 14,975 reviews of which 12,195 were positive and 2,780 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 802 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played 4x games.
8.0
12,195
2,780
802
players
8. 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 game developed and published by . Released on October 25th 2006 has received 3,375 reviews of which 3,134 were positive and 241 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 611 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played 4x games.
8.9
3,134
241
611
players
9. 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 game developed and published by . Released on August 15th 2024 has received 6,946 reviews of which 5,949 were positive and 997 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 596 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played 4x games.
8.3
5,949
997
596
players
10. 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 game developed and published by . Released on May 18th 2022 has received 4,673 reviews of which 3,841 were positive and 832 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 579 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played 4x games.
8.0
3,841
832
579
players