5 – Old World
It’s incredible how the Civilization formula fatigue led to the creation of so many titles in this list, with Old World being one of those. This historical 4X game that broke the mold by focusing exclusively on the ancient era of human history, and added a revolutionary character-driven system similar to what you might find in Crusader Kings 3, where your management of your dynasty is as important as the management of your nation. Your ruler is a mortal with a family, ambitions, and a limited lifespan. This introduces a deep layer of role-playing, where political marriages, court intrigue, and family feuds are as important as military conquests. The game also does away with the limitless amount of micro you could do in Civ, and introduces the “Orders” system, a unique resource that limits your actions per turn, forcing players to make difficult strategic decisions regularly, making managing every aspect of everything a lot more difficult, or downright impossible.
4 – Sid Meier’s Civilization VI
For many, and when I say “many,” I mean almost everyone, Sid Meier’s Civilization VI stands as the definitive modern entry in the most iconic 4X franchise of all time and as the series’ peak. Civ VI managed to keep the formula almost intact and built upon it by adding new mechanics, such as its “district” system, where city improvements are built on separate tiles; the game forces players to make strategic decisions about city planning and specialization, when in previous titles all of the city management happened in a single hex. This, along with the “Eureka” and “Inspiration” boosts for technology and civics, creates a fast-paced and dynamic experience where you are constantly being rewarded for your exploration and actions. The game’s vibrant, stylized art style and compelling soundtrack also make it a joy to play for hours on end. If you never played Civilization before, Civilization VI should be your entry point into the series, and until Civilization VII is massively improved, it’s probably the best and most complete experience you’ll ever have with the series.
3 – Age of Wonders 4
If History and Sci-fi are not your thing, then the best fantasy 4X game available right now is Age of Wonders 4. Be advised that you might run the risk of spending most of your time creating your empire rather than playing, as Age of Wonders 4 value proposition lies in its extensive customization options, which allows you to craft your own faction from the ground up, choosing a physical form, a culture, and a tome of magic to create a truly unique playstyle. The game’s tactical battles are also a huge highlight, and 2025 is the best time for you to jump into and experience this beloved title. The game came out in 2023, and it’s still rather new, constantly getting new updates and expansions on a regular basis.
2 – Stellaris
At number two, we have Paradox’s first space foray, Stellaris. Arguably, one of the most played strategy games ever created, and the king of grand-strategy at an unparalleled scope and depth that allows you to forge a galactic empire in a massive universe. You can play as virtually any kind of space-faring civilization imaginable, from a benevolent, democratic federation to a genocidal hive mind and religious zealots. Of course, this freedom to do what players wanted created some of the best gaming memes of all time. The game’s brilliance lies in its simplicity of presentation and numerous ways players can build their empires and how stories naturally emerge. Of course, the Paradox business model of constantly supporting and updating their games for years on end also feeds into this. In 2025, Stellaris is at it’s best ever, with the game’s major 4.0 “Phoenix” update, released recently, in May 2025, which brought with it a significant overhaul to core systems like population management, trade, and game pacing, greatly improving performance in the late game and making the early game more engaging for new players.
1 – Endless Legend
Here we are, at the number one spot of the best 4X games you must play in 2025! We begin with one of my personal favorites, and the game that brought me back into the genre. That game was Endless Legend, a fantasy 4X game that stands out with its incredible art direction, rich lore, and highly asymmetrical factions, which is something I really love and made the game stand out at the time it came out, in 2014. Set on the vibrant yet dying world of Auriga, the game’s premise is a masterclass in world-building. Each of the game’s factions is not just a different color on the map; they are entirely unique in their mechanics, from the Necrophages, who can’t engage in diplomacy, to the Roving Clans, who cannot declare war but can control the marketplace. This level of faction asymmetry, combined with a compelling quest system that provides a narrative for each playthrough, ensures that every game of Endless Legend feels like a fresh and exciting journey. It was so different from Civilization at the time that it went on to create a wave of new 4X experiences inspired by it.
The Beloved 4X Genre Is More Alive Now Than It Has Ever Been
The 4X genre has never been more exciting than it is in 2025, at least if you love trying out new and exciting experiences. You have a bit of everything, from space operas to historical to fantastical settings, from cyberpunk themes to the unending war of Warhammer; there’s something for everyone. With the genre expansion in recent years, a lot of new takes have also appeared, with games focusing and specializing themselves in certain aspects, from political to military and even exploration. I think that, if you enjoy these titles, there has never been a better time to experience new titles. Add to the fact that most of those go on sale regularly, and you can get hundreds and thousands of hours of entertainment without breaking the bank.
Support Strategy and Wargaming
I do what I do in Strategy and Wargaming because I love to do this, and I’m never going to stop. If you would like to support me with that, you can buy me a coffee for a dollar if you’re feeling generous. If you can’t, no worries, Strategy and Wargaming will always be free, and I’d love to have you around!
Leave a Reply