Best 4X Strategy Games for Android - Page 2

Global 4X Strategies: Build Your Empire

In the world of video games, “4X” is a subgenre of grand strategy whose name is an abbreviation of four core gameplay principles: eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate. These games are distinguished by deep, complex gameplay that emphasizes not only military action but also economic, technological, and diplomatic development.
The term “4X” was first used by game journalist Alan Emrich in 1993 in his review of the seminal space strategy Master of Orion.

The four pillars of the 4X genre:

– eXplore (Explore): At the start of a game much of the map is hidden. Players must send scouts to reveal the surrounding world, discover new territories, find valuable resources, and encounter other civilizations.

– eXpand (Expand): After exploration, players begin to enlarge their domains. This is done by founding new cities or colonies, increasing influence and control over the map.

– eXploit (Exploit): At this stage players must efficiently use the resources within their territory. This includes extracting raw materials, constructing buildings, developing the economy, and pursuing scientific research to gain a technological edge.

– eXterminate (Exterminate): Sooner or later the interests of your growing empire will clash with those of neighbors. This principle involves defeating rivals by military means. However, unlike many other strategy games, military victory is only one possible path to success. Often a player can win by achieving cultural, technological, or diplomatic supremacy.

Key features and notable examples:

4X games are known for their length and high barrier to entry because players must manage many aspects of their empire. A hallmark of the genre is the “one more turn” effect, which keeps players engaged for many hours.

The most famous and influential series in the genre is Sid Meier’s Civilization. Other iconic examples include space strategies such as Stellaris and Endless Space, and fantasy titles like Age of Wonders and Endless Legend.