The earliest 4X games borrowed ideas from board games and 1970s text-based computer games. The first 4X computer games were turn-based, but real-time 4X games were also common. …

Aug 11, 2025 · The 4X genre—explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate—has been a cornerstone of PC gaming for decades, offering players the chance to build vast empires, …

To put it simply, 4X stands for Explore, Expand, Exploit, and Exterminate. The term was created in 1993 by writer Alan Emrich, who called Masters of Orion an XXXX game in the Computer …

Nov 11, 2025 · What does 4X mean in gaming? 4X stands for eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate–the four pillars of gameplay in which players manage empires through strategy …

Jan 14, 2025 · From reshaping history in Civilization 6 to charting the stars in Stellaris, these are the best 4X strategy games to play in 2025.

Dec 8, 2025 · From Civilization to Stellaris, these are the 20 best 4X games to pick up and play today. The best 4X games deliver some of the most satisfyingly in-depth strategy experiences …

Nov 13, 2025 · At its core, the best 4X games allow the player to do four things: eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate, and eXplore. Many relish the turn-based focus as it allows players to think before …

In 4X games, you control an empire that is in competition with other empires. These "empires" can represent different clans, tribes or cultures, or even different alien races.

4X computer games such as Master of Orion II let empires explore the map, expanding by founding new colonies and exploiting their resources. The game can be won by becoming an …

Jan 20, 2025 · Vote up the best video games in the 4x genre. Embark on an interstellar grand strategy with our expansive selection of the finest 4X games. This stands, of course, for …