From classics like Civilization to interstellar adventures in Sins of a Solar Empire, and the strategic depth of Masters of Orion, gamers are spoiled for choice with grand strategy options.
Let’s launch a campaign to rename the “4X” genre to “4E”! Some might call me picky, but the core elements – Exploration, Expansion, Exploitation, and Extermination – all begin with the letter ‘E’. I’d even meet halfway with “4Ex” – I am nothing, if not accommodating. The fantastic news? Steam is currently hosting a huge sale focused on 4Ex strategy games! Our team has carefully selected some of the top titles from this captivating world- and galaxy-spanning genre.
The 4X genre (okay, I’ll use it) covers a vast landscape, from historical simulations like Civilization to the galactic empires of Stellaris, encompassing historical warfare in Hearts of Iron and the magical realms of Age of Wonders. Fortunately, many of these exceptional games are included in the extensive sale.
It’s important to mention that Steam’s themed collections showcase numerous games within the genre, but not all are discounted. Surprisingly, the Total War franchise is absent from the sale. Despite this, the spotlight alone has propelled Total War: Warhammer III to the top of the best-seller lists at its regular $60 price. However, other leading franchises are featuring impressive price cuts, with savings reaching up to 90%. Below is a curated selection of available titles, featuring both timeless classics and hidden gems. And to assure you that the headline is accurate, yes, Masters of Orion 1 and 2 are available for a very affordable price. You can explore all available games here.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
A prominent deal is for Civilization VII, the most recent iteration in the franchise, now spanning 34 years. The game continues to receive “Mixed” reviews on Steam after a challenging launch earlier this year, followed by sustained efforts to improve. Despite this, with over 45,000 user reviews, it certainly hasn’t lacked sales. Perhaps a 30% discount, reducing the price to $49, will attract new players now that numerous patches have addressed initial concerns. If you prefer a tried-and-true Civ experience, consider grabbing Civ 6 for just $6, or Civ 5 for $7.50. Or even explore Civ 4 at $6 (or a remarkably cheap £3 in the UK), and Civ III complete with all expansions for a mere 99 cents.
Galactic Civilizations IV
Venturing into the cosmos, Stardock’s GalCiv series awaits. These grand space-faring strategy games have been released over the last 13 years, and all four titles are on sale. GalCiv 3 is discounted by 67%, available for $10, while the latest installment, GalCiv 4 from 2023, is half-price at $20. (Note: I assisted with script editing for GalCiv 4, but I still have a problem figuring out how to play the game)
Stellaris
Paradox’s Stellaris created a significant impact upon its release in 2016. It refreshed the 4X genre with innovative approaches to galactic conquest and an overwhelming amount of information for players. Combining diverse alien races and expansive regions for exploration, it became renowned for generating unique and captivating narratives. Despite being nearly a decade old, it continues to receive complimentary patches as well as free and premium updates, with the recent Wilderness Open Beta patch. This week, you can purchase the core game at a 75% discount for only $10, or acquire all of its content at 45% off, priced at $140.
Europa Universalis IV
Despite being released 12 years ago, Europa Universalis IV retains its popularity, propelling it into the top 10 most played games during this 4X Fest. The fact that this extensive and historically detailed simulation is marked down 90% to only $5 certainly contributes to its appeal. The game allows you to assume control of any nation globally, leading it through four centuries spanning from the late Middle Ages to the Napoleonic Era. There’s also a Starter Edition that includes three expansions, available at 80% off for $12, and an Ultimate Bundle encompassing 12 years of updates and expansions at 40% off for $105.
Victoria 3
Completing a trio of titles from Paradox Interactive, a leading force in the 4X scene, 2022’s Victoria 3 features a notable 70% discount, reducing its price to $15 during the Fest. Bundles of DLC are also available at roughly half price. More focused than the grand sweep of many 4X strategy games, Victoria 3 centers on the 19th century. This game is more about managing a society than commanding an army, though expansion was certainly a factor during the era, allowing you to play as dozens of different nations.
Sins of a Solar Empire II
Another Stardock offering, Sins of a Solar Empire II, the sequel to the 2008 hit, is created by the original team at Ironclad Games. Although released on Steam in 2024 along with various DLC and additional content, the game initially appeared on the Epic Games Store in 2022 as an early access title, likely as part of Epic’s incentives at the time. The Steam release coincided with the game containing as much content as the original game at its peak. This week you can acquire the core game at a 30% discount, making it $35, or purchase the Premium Edition for $70. This includes the base game, this year’s Paths To Power expansion, and three additional expansions yet to be released, also at 30% off.
Dune: Spice Wars
Before the release of Dune: Awakening, Funcom released Dune: Spice Wars in 2023, a 4X RTS developed by Shiro Games, the creators of Northgard (84% off at under $5). The game revolves around commanding Arrakis with diverse factions, engaging in intense spice trading. Available at 60% off, it costs $14. You can also buy the Ixian Edition, which features the DLC House Vernius of Ix for 55% off, available for $20.
Zephon
Now, let’s delve into a more niche title. Zephon is brought to you by Proxy Studios, an independent team that previously developed the 4X title Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War (90% off, $4). They returned with their own intellectual property. The turn-based 4X strategy unfolds in a post-apocalyptic setting, blending eldritch horrors with cyberpunk elements. Released late last year, the game has already received DLC. This week, the base game is available at a 25% discount for $30, or you can acquire it with the DLC and extras for $60.
Heart of the Machine
Right up to date, Heart of the Machine by Arcen Games is so new it’s still in Early Access. Launched earlier this year, this RPG/RTS fusion has garnered a dedicated following. Players assume the role of the first sentient AI, awakening in a city and aiming to establish control, with significant freedom in choosing your approach. The Early Access phase is planned for another six months, with continuous game adjustments based on player feedback. Despite its ongoing development, it’s already highly playable. Currently, it’s featured in both the Isometric Sale and the 4X Fest, resulting in a 35% discount, bringing the price to just under $20.