10 – Master of Orion 2

Last time I didn’t mention Master of Orion 2 in one of my lists, and every single one of you came to the comments complaining about it! So there you go: The gold standard by which all space 4X games are measured. Released in 1996, this turn-based classic perfected the core pillars of the genre: custom species creation, intricate ship design, tech-tree choices, and turn-based tactical fleet combat. Whether conquering the galaxy through military conquest, galactic council diplomacy, or invading the extra-dimensional Antaran homeworld, its deep mechanics and endless replayability set the baseline for modern space strategy.

9 – Endless Space 2

Endless Space 2 is Amplitude Studios’ turn-based space 4X. The game’s most famous for its slick, minimalist interface and deep faction asymmetry (sound familiar?). Rather than giving civilizations minor stat tweaks, each race operates under completely different mechanical rules, such as the Riftborn, who manufacture citizens on factory production lines, or the Cravers, who consume entire planetary biomes for explosive short-term growth. Combined with a rich political senate system, story quests, and an atmospheric soundtrack, it delivers one of the most stylish strategy experiences in the genre.

8 – Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War

While most games on this list have some sort of diplomacy embedded, Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War strips away any of that punny talk and trade! This title focuses entirely on the “eXterminate” pillar of 4X gameplay. Set on the hostile world of Gladius Prime, the iconic factions of the Space Marines, Orks, and the undying Necrons compete in turn-based hex-grid warfare for supremacy. With base-building, research, and resource management streamlined purely to fuel the frontline combat, it functions as a deep, tactical wargame where positioning and unit synergies are the key to total planetary conquest.

7 – Zephon

Created by Proxy Studios (the developers behind Warhammer 40,000: Gladius), Zephon is yet another post-apocalyptic 4X strategy game that trades traditional space conquest for a ruined, near-future Earth overrun by alien horrors, cybernetic abominations, and cosmic mutations. It retains Gladius’s grid-based tactical combat while adding diplomacy, espionage, and an asymmetric technology web split into Human, Cyber, and Eldritch (Voice) paths. With brutal survival mechanics, apocalyptic world events, and deep unit customization, it delivers a grim, high-stakes tactical grand strategy experience.

6 – Sins of a Solar Empire 2

A dynamic fusion of real-time strategy (RTS) and grand-scale 4X, this sequel updates the iconic hybrid for modern hardware. In Sins of a Solar Empire 2, players command sprawling interstellar empires featuring dynamic, orbiting celestial bodies that constantly alter trade routes, tactical chokepoints, and fleet movements over time. With some nice capital ship customization, intricate multi-faction diplomacy, and massive real-time fleet battles involving thousands of individual missiles and craft, it offers an unmatched sense of scale for strategy commanders. This is my personal recommendation if you’re just starting to play space or sci-fi strategy games. A great entry title that has a lot in common with other, more familiar RTS games, while also introducing players to the intricacies of 4X and grand strategy.

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