4X games are a subgenre of strategy games that emphasize exploration, expansion, exploitation, and extermination. ¹⁾

The term “4X” was first coined by Alan Emrich in 1993 in an article for Computer Gaming World. ²⁾

4X games typically feature a turn-based or real-time gameplay style, and players must manage resources, build and expand their empires, and engage in diplomatic and military tactics to achieve victory. ³⁾

The first 4X game, Reach for the Stars, was released in 1983 for the Commodore 64 and Atari 8-bit computers. ⁴⁾

4X games often require players to make complex strategic decisions with long-term consequences, providing a deeply immersive and rewarding gameplay experience. ⁵⁾

Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game that puts players in control of civilization, guiding it from the ancient era to the modern age. Players must manage resources, build cities, research technologies, and engage in diplomacy and warfare to achieve victory. ⁶⁾

Stellaris is a space-themed 4X game that allows players to control a spacefaring empire, exploring the galaxy, colonizing new worlds, and engaging in diplomacy and warfare with other species. ⁷⁾

Endless Legend is a fantasy-themed 4X game that takes place in the world of Auriga. Players control one of several factions, each with their own unique gameplay mechanics, and must explore the world, gather resources, and engage in combat to dominate their rivals. ⁸⁾

Age of Wonders III is a fantasy-themed 4X game that combines turn-based strategy with RPG elements. Players control a leader and must manage their kingdom, build armies, research spells, and engage in tactical combat to defeat their enemies. ⁹⁾

Galactic Civilizations III is a space-themed 4X game that allows players to control a civilization, exploring the galaxy, colonizing new worlds, and engaging in diplomacy and warfare with other spacefaring species. ¹⁰⁾

Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars is a reboot of the classic 4X game. Players control one of several alien races and must manage their empire, research technologies, build fleets, and engage in intergalactic diplomacy and warfare. ¹¹⁾

Crusader Kings III is a medieval-themed 4X game that focuses on dynasty management. Players control a ruler and must manage their kingdom, engage in diplomacy, build alliances, and wage wars to expand their territory and secure their dynasty's legacy. ¹²⁾

Imperator: Rome is a historical-themed 4X game that takes place in ancient Rome. Players control a nation and must manage their economy, engage in diplomacy, and wage wars to expand their territory and achieve dominance over the Mediterranean world. ¹³⁾

Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri is a science fiction-themed 4X game that takes place on a distant planet. Players control one of several factions and must explore the planet, manage their resources, research new technologies, and engage in diplomacy and warfare with rival factions. ¹⁴⁾

Endless Space 2 is a space-themed 4X game that allows players to control a spacefaring empire, explore the galaxy, colonize new worlds, and engage in diplomacy and warfare with other species. The game features eight different factions, each with their own unique gameplay mechanics. ¹⁵⁾

Warlock II: The Exiled is a fantasy-themed 4X game that takes place in the world of Ardania. Players control a mage and must manage their kingdom, research spells, build armies, and engage in tactical combat to defeat their enemies and become the ultimate warlock. ¹⁶⁾