1 – Civilization VI
While its highly anticipated successor Civilization VII has arrived, Civilization VI remains the undisputed king of the 4X genre in 2025, and with the unfortunate news that the Civilization VII team is getting canned, it’s now fair to assume that Civilization VI is going to remain, quite possibly forever, as the best game in the long-running series. The game’s Anthology edition offers a complete and balanced experience, refined over a decade of development with countless updates and expansions. Its iconic district-based city building and unique Era Score system are incredibly polished and offer immense strategic depth. With a massive and dedicated modding community, Civilization VI is the most robust, content-rich, and replayable 4X game you can play today.
Right now, the game is going for under 10 dollars, with all the DLCs and the base game costing you just 30 bucks. Civilization VI brought a whole new host of innovations for the series, the most relevant of which is the city-planning system, where cities now evolve organically over time. If you could only play one 4X game for all of eternity, my recommendation would rest on Civilization VI.
Just One More Turn
As we’ve seen, and even with the unfortunate flop of Civilization VII, the state of the 4X strategy genre in 2025 is incredibly healthy, offering a diverse array of experiences for every type of strategy player. From the pure, combat-focused warfare of Zephon and Warhammer 40,000: Gladius to the deep, fantasy-driven worlds of Endless Legend and Age of Wonders 4, there is no shortage of compelling games to sink your teeth into. While the new releases are certainly exciting, the staying power of classics like Stellaris and Civilization VI is a testament to their timeless design and continuous developer support. Ultimately, the best 4X game is the one that gives you the most satisfying and replayable experience.
I hope this list has helped you discover a new favorite. Now, choose your empire, plan your strategy, and get ready to conquer your enemies and your friends. Happy gaming!
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