Games Like Galactic Civilizations® I: Ultimate Edition

Get the complete GalCiv II saga including Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords, the expansion pack Dark Avatar, and the newest expansion pack Twilight of the Arnor!

Why similar: 4X 27.6% ★, Grand Strategy 21.1% ★, Turn-Based 16.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 9.6%, Top-Down 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: Direct sequel that refines the original's mechanics with improved AI and deeper customization.

Build a civilization that will stand the test of time in the largest space-based strategy game ever! Choose from dozens of unique races and make a name for yourself across the galaxy through diplomacy, espionage, technological advances, and more.

Why similar: 4X 23.7% ★, Grand Strategy 17.5% ★, Turn-Based 12.3%, Aliens 9.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: Continues the series tradition with modern 64-bit architecture and expanded tactical depth.

Take command of a civilization that has just achieved faster-than-light travel in Galactic Civilizations IV, the newest entry in the award-winning space 4X strategy game series. Explore the galaxy, colonize worlds, shape cultures, make alliances, fight wars and pioneer new technologies.

Why similar: 4X 25.6% ★, Grand Strategy 20.9% ★, Diplomacy 16.4% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 8.3%, Space 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: The latest iteration, offering a massive scale and refined political systems for space-faring civilizations.

Forge an empire in a universe where population growth is stripping away planetary resources. Colonize unknown planets and trade with other races for their knowledge.

Why similar: 4X 46.6% ★, Turn-Based 23.5%, Strategy 9.4%, Space 9.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the pinnacle of classic space 4X, sharing the same turn-based DNA and strategic complexity.

ENDLESS™ Space is a turn-based 4X strategy game, covering the space colonization age in the ENDLESS™ Universe, where you can control every aspect of your civilization as you strive for galactic domination.

Why similar: 4X 36.5% ★, Turn-Based 14.6%, Space 10.4%, Strategy 10%, Turn-Based Strategy 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a highly polished, stylish take on space 4X with unique faction mechanics and deep research trees.

Forge an empire in a universe where population growth is stripping away planetary resources. Colonize unknown planets and trade with other races for their knowledge.

Why similar: 4X 56% ★, Turn-Based 18.6%, Strategy 9.6%, Space 6.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: The original classic that defined the space 4X genre and inspired the design of the first Galactic Civilizations.

Explore a galaxy full of wonders in this sci-fi grand strategy game from Paradox Development Studios. Interact with diverse alien races, discover strange new worlds with unexpected events and expand the reach of your empire. Each new adventure holds almost limitless possibilities.

Why similar: 4X 30.2% ★, Grand Strategy 25.3% ★, Space 11.4%, Diplomacy 10.5% ★, Sandbox 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A massive grand-strategy experience that captures the scale of space exploration and empire building in real-time with pause.

The award-winning Space Empires IV Deluxe is the latest edition in the Space Empires series. A grand strategy title in the space 4X (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate) genre, Space Empires has already found a place in the heart of strategy gamers everywhere.

Why similar: 4X 51.8% ★, Turn-Based 13.4%, Strategy 11.1%, Space 8.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: Renowned for its unparalleled depth in ship design and complex, turn-based strategic combat.

Interstellar Space: Genesis is a turn-based space 4X strategy game in which you attempt to build a thriving galactic empire. Discover mysteries among the stars, colonize worlds, and engage enemies in tactical turn-based combat on your journey to becoming the ruler of the galaxy!

Why similar: 4X 27.5% ★, Grand Strategy 15.5% ★, Turn-Based 15%, Diplomacy 8.6% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: A spiritual successor to classic 4X games that focuses on exploration and turn-based tactical combat.

Space Empires V is the latest edition in the Space Empires series. This new chapter completely updates the UI and takes the player into a real-time rendered 3D universe. Watch space battles played out in glorious detail and realistic effects. Expand, Explore, Exploit, and Exterminate in a huge living breathing galaxy.

Why similar: 4X 47.7% ★, Turn-Based 18.7%, Strategy 11.1%, Space 10%, Turn-Based Strategy 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: Transitions the series into 3D while maintaining the deep, modular ship design and empire management of its predecessor.

Stars in Shadow is a turn-based 4X strategy game and a vivid tribute to the genre classics. Compete with alien factions to explore and colonize nearby starsystems, build fleets to defend against rivals, negotiate or conquer them. Win by unifying the galaxy, through diplomacy or force.

Why similar: 4X 50.4% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 14.1%, Turn-Based 12.5%, Space 9.5%, Strategy 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: Features a vibrant, classic art style and streamlined turn-based mechanics that evoke the spirit of 90s space strategy.

Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection is the original Sword of the Stars games and the three expansions Born of Blood, A Murder of Crows and Argos Naval Yard. It is the year 2405, and human scientists have discovered a new technology that allows travel from star to star at speeds faster than light.

Why similar: 4X 48.2% ★, Turn-Based 19.6%, Space 10.2%, Strategy 10%, Sci-fi 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: Combines 4X strategy with unique tactical ship combat and distinct alien technology trees.

Take command of humanity’s last survivors and rebuild an empire in the stars. In this immersive turn-based strategy game, you will have to fight to protect your people, control rival factions, and unlock lost technology.

Why similar: 4X 25% ★, Diplomacy 17.2% ★, Grand Strategy 16.1% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 8.5%, Aliens 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the turn-based 4X experience with a strong emphasis on diplomacy and faction management.

Distant Worlds is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game. Experience the full depth and detail of turn-based strategy, but with the simplicity and ease of real-time, and on the scale of a massively-multiplayer online game.

Why similar: 4X 49.2% ★, Grand Strategy 20.3% ★, Space 13%, Strategy 7.8%, Sci-fi 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: Offers an incredibly deep, automated-optional simulation of a living galaxy that rewards long-term strategic planning.

Age of Wonders: Planetfall is the new strategy game from Triumph Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Age of Wonders series, bringing all the exciting tactical turn-based combat and in-depth empire building of its predecessors to space in an all-new, sci-fi setting.

Why similar: 4X 33.2% ★, Turn-Based 17%, Turn-Based Strategy 16.9%, Strategy 7.4%, Space 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: Brings the tactical turn-based combat of the Age of Wonders series into a rich, sci-fi 4X setting.

Shadow Empire is a deep turn-based 4X wargame with a unique blend of military focus, procedurally generated content and role-playing features. Players take the seat of the supreme ruler of a small nation, with the goal of reconquering a devastated planet.

Why similar: 4X 27.8% ★, Grand Strategy 20.3% ★, Turn-Based 16.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 9.6%, Aliens 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: A hardcore, complex grand-strategy game that emphasizes logistics and planetary management on a massive scale.

Horizon is a turn-based space strategy game of galactic exploration and conquest in which you are in control of humanity’s destiny. You will explore deep space, find new frontiers and discover alien artifacts hidden on long-abandoned planets.

Why similar: 4X 27% ★, Grand Strategy 22.4% ★, Turn-Based 13.7%, Space 8%, Turn-Based Strategy 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A classic-style space 4X game that emphasizes ship design and turn-based exploration in a procedurally generated galaxy.

Stellar Monarch 2 is a feudal space empire builder where you feel like the Emperor, not a logistics officer. Great noble houses, usurpers to the throne, rebels, assassins, court intrigues, disloyal admirals, incompetent governors and ever-present alien threat.

Why similar: 4X 37.8% ★, Grand Strategy 26.1% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 12.3%, Space 7%, Strategy 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a unique perspective on empire management where you play as the Emperor, focusing on high-level decisions rather than micro-management.

A sci-fi turn-based 4X strategy game where you lead the fate of one of several factions divided between three races. Explore new worlds and new star systems filled with exciting secrets as well as dangers. Build cities, expand your influence and fight great battles on land and in space.

Why similar: 4X 25.6% ★, Grand Strategy 18% ★, Turn-Based 13.2%, Diplomacy 13.1% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 9%

Why You'll Like It: A modern 4X game that allows for exploration across both space and planetary surfaces in a turn-based environment.

Asymmetric space empire builder where you feel like the Emperor, not a logistics officer. No micromanagement, grand scale, fast paced, audiences, assassins, imperial court, disloyal admirals.

Why similar: 4X 24.5% ★, Grand Strategy 19.9% ★, Turn-Based 15%, Diplomacy 14.7% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: The original title that offers a challenging, high-level strategic simulation of a galactic empire.

Lord of Rigel is a turn-based 4X space strategy game inspired by the classics. In a galaxy divided by two elder races, will you unite with other species or forge your own path? Navigate galactic politics and defeat threats using espionage, research, and military force. How will you shape the galaxy?

Why similar: 4X 25.9% ★, Grand Strategy 20.3% ★, Diplomacy 16.7% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 8.5%, Space 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A modern homage to the golden age of 4X games, featuring diverse alien races and complex diplomatic systems.

The Pegasus Expedition is a story-driven sci-fi grand strategy game set in a key moment for humankind’s survival. Facing an overwhelming threat at home, humanity sends expeditions to the Pegasus Galaxy in a desperate attempt to find a refuge for the population of Earth.

Why similar: 4X 25.1% ★, Grand Strategy 19.8% ★, Diplomacy 18.2% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 7.7%, Aliens 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A grand-strategy game that blends 4X mechanics with a strong narrative focus on humanity's survival.

Conquer the Galaxy In This ‘4x’ Strategy Game. Lead one of 18 different alien races to become a mighty pan-galactic empire. Manage your colonies, deploy your fleets and conduct research. Plot your strategy and turn your planets into mighty bastions.

Why similar: 4X 51.1% ★, Strategy 19.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 16.1%, Space 13%

Why You'll Like It: A turn-based space strategy game that balances empire management with large-scale fleet combat.

Build and command a fleet of starships and travel between planets as you explore, build, negotiate, and fight to preserve your vision for humanity.

Why similar: Space 23.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 22.7%, 4X 20.3% ★, Strategy 14.2%, Sci-fi 11.3%

Why You'll Like It: A more streamlined, tactical take on space exploration and combat that shares the accessible design philosophy of early strategy games.

Take command of one race to join the struggle for supremacy in the galaxy. As the leader of your empire you are tasked with exploring the stars, colonizing new worlds, managing your empire and conquering whoever dares to oppose you.

Why similar: 4X 48.7% ★, Turn-Based 14.3%, Space 13.7%, Strategy 11.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A traditional 4X strategy game that captures the feel of early 2000s space titles with a focus on diplomacy and research.

Command a space-faring empire in Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, the new stand-alone expansion that combines 4X depth with real-time strategy gameplay.

Why similar: 4X 28.6% ★, Diplomacy 22.8% ★, Grand Strategy 22% ★, Space 8.3%, Sandbox 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A massive-scale space strategy game that blends 4X elements with real-time tactical combat.

Colonise solar systems and watch them grow. Explore the galaxy to find its strategic choke points. Build up your empire and your fleet and then use the power of the media to prepare your people for the inevitable war. At the same time watch your opponents, keep on an eye on their own media and watch for threats and opportunities.

Why similar: 4X 46.5% ★, Grand Strategy 21.2% ★, Space 17%, Strategy 8.9%, Sci-fi 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward 4X game that focuses on the core pillars of expansion and technological advancement.

The most devious and acclaimed artificial intelligence in strategy gaming is better than ever. A grand strategy/RTS hybrid that reverses many conventions of both genres. Take territory without attracting attention, build your empire with care, and adapt to an ever-evolving galactic battleground.

Why similar: 4X 44.5% ★, Grand Strategy 31.3% ★, Space 8%, Sandbox 7%, Sci-fi 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: A complex strategy game where you fight against a superior AI, requiring careful planning and asymmetric warfare.

Massive scale 4X-RTS set in space. Control hundreds of planets, manipulate galactic politics, research numerous advanced technologies, and command thousands of units and hundreds of planets in your quest for galactic dominance.

Why similar: 4X 59.3% ★, Space 18.3%, Strategy 12%, Sci-fi 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a unique approach to 4X with a focus on supply chains and massive scale, featuring both turn-based and real-time elements.

Pandora: First Contact is a science fiction 4X turn-based strategy game on a planetary scale. Our Earth has been exhausted and colonial attempts on other planetary bodies have been in vain. Finally, after decades of exploration, an interstellar probe has brought promise of a new world.

Why similar: 4X 51.2% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 14.9%, Turn-Based 11.6%, Strategy 10.2%, Sci-fi 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi 4X game that emphasizes colonization and survival on a hostile alien world.

Expand your empire, advance your culture and go head-to-head against history’s greatest leaders. Will your civilization stand the test of time?

Why similar: 4X 24.8% ★, Grand Strategy 23.1% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 19.2%, Turn-Based 17.3%, Strategy 11.3%

You are in control of X-COM: an organization formed by the world's governments to fight the ever-increasing alien menace.

Why similar: Turn-Based 26.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 19.9%, Aliens 15.4%, Strategy 11.6%, Difficult 9.2%

Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth is a new science-fiction-themed entry into the award winning Civilization series. As part of an expedition sent to find a home beyond Earth, lead your people into a new frontier, explore and colonize an alien planet and create a new civilization in space.

Why similar: 4X 25.8% ★, Turn-Based 15.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 14.7%, Grand Strategy 11% ★, Space 7.9%

Command interstellar forces in this epic return of the 4X strategy classic. From planetary politics to galactic warfare, the stakes couldn’t be higher as you lead your Royal House through battles on land, sea, air, and the vast reaches of space.

Why similar: 4X 41.7% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 14.4%, Building 7.9%, Resource Management 7.5%, Sci-fi 7.4%

An alien invasion has fractured humanity into seven ideological factions each with a unique vision for the future. Lead your chosen faction to take control of Earth’s nations, expand across the Solar System, and battle enemy fleets in tactical combat.

Why similar: 4X 26.6% ★, Grand Strategy 20.9% ★, Diplomacy 18.9% ★, Turn-Based 12.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 9.1%

Take command of a vast interstellar empire and safeguard your species from total extinction in a procedurally generated 3D galaxy (with the option to flatten it) from 1 System to 10,000+! Prove your species' ingenuity through a deep and intricate combat system where anything (from individual components on ships to the stars themselves)...

Why similar: 4X 48.8% ★, Grand Strategy 18% ★, Space 15%, Strategy 12.4%, Sci-fi 5.5%

In Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity, you are the leader of a civilization embroiled in a galactic war, fighting for the survival of your entire race against relentless foes.

Why similar: 4X 33.6% ★, Diplomacy 22% ★, PvE 8.9%, Space 8.8%, Aliens 8.8%

Experience first-hand the challenges of leading one of 16 different races into unequalled galactic supremacy and face a universe of decisions. Set policies, explore, build, declare war, negotiate - put all these elements into motion to guarantee your place in the annals of space and time.

Why similar: 4X 61.2% ★, Turn-Based 14.2%, Strategy 13.2%, Space 7.6%, Sci-fi 3.8%

Xenonauts is a strategy game in which you control a multi-national military organisation defending a Cold War-era Earth from alien invasion, using small squads of persistent soldiers to eliminate the extraterrestrials and recover their technology in turn-based ground combat.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 34.4% ★, Turn-Based 19.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 17.8%, Aliens 13.1%, Sci-fi 6.6%

Battle for galactic dominance in this real-time 4X strategy game with unrivaled scale! You’ll explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate through military force, diplomacy, trade, culture, influence, and other underhanded tactics.

Why similar: 4X 51% ★, Space 19.7%, PvE 9.9%, Strategy 9.5%, Sci-fi 8.5%

Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete, the latest offering in the Sid Meier's Civilization III franchise, provides gaming fans with Sid Meier's Civilization III, the highly-addictive journey of discovery.

Why similar: 4X 29.2% ★, Turn-Based 20.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 18.4%, Strategy 11.2%, Grand Strategy 10.9% ★

From the creators of AI War: Fleet Command comes an all-new grand strategy title with turn-based tactical combat, set in a deep simulation of an entire solar system and its billions of inhabitants. You are the last of a murdered race, determined to unify or destroy the 8 others.

Why similar: 4X 29.4% ★, Turn-Based 18.7%, Grand Strategy 15.3% ★, Space 12.5%, Strategy 9.1%

Distant Worlds 2 is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game.

Why similar: 4X 43.5% ★, Grand Strategy 29.4% ★, Space 10.3%, Strategy 9.1%, Sci-fi 6.9%

They're back...only this time the heinous aliens are out to destroy Earth and rule the new frontier. As X-COM commander, it's your sole duty to protect humanity and the prized mining operations in outer space.

Why similar: Strategy 39.2%, Space 32.2%, Sci-fi 26.8%, Singleplayer 1.9%

It is a time of great upheaval. The first Death Star has been destroyed, marking a major victory for the Rebellion. But the Empire remains strong. As commander, you must choose to take control of either the Rebel Alliance or the Galactic Empire. Your goal: complete domination of the galaxy.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 37.6% ★, 4X 29.6% ★, Strategy 18.2%, Sci-fi 7.6%, Space 6.1%

As a space bear, human or any other race, venture forth into the galaxy, create custom ships, conquer new worlds, build new colonies and defend your very existence against those who would take what is yours.

Why similar: 4X 63.5% ★, Space 16.4%, Strategy 12.2%, Sci-fi 7.5%, Singleplayer 0.4%

Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri™ Planetary Pack includes the original Alpha Centauri and the expansion, Alien Crossfire.

Why similar: 4X 64.2% ★, Space 12.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 11.6%, Strategy 10.3%, Singleplayer 1.5%

Galactic Ruler offers real time strategy game play at both planetary level and in space! Lead your faction in diplomacy or conquest across a procedurally generated galactic map where any system might hold hostile enemies or resource riches. Develop advanced technologies to rule the galaxy!

Why similar: 4X 35.2% ★, Grand Strategy 26.1% ★, Aliens 12.9%, Space 10.8%, Sci-fi 6.1%

Set in a post-apoc version of Earth, Revival is a 4x strategy game where the world and its rules can change at key moments, creating a deep and highly replayable experience.

Why similar: 4X 24.4% ★, Grand Strategy 18.6% ★, Diplomacy 16.4% ★, Turn-Based 13.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.5%

Imperium Galactica. The Universe is yours... if you can handle it. The fourth millennium. Mankind has colonised the galaxy. Created an Empire. Now, it is crumbling. The aliens are restless. The oppressed are building armies. And a strange invader is headed for the heart of the Empire.

Why similar: Strategy 100%

Create your own nation in Millennia, a historical turn-based 4X game that challenges your strategic prowess across 10,000 years of history, from the dawn of humanity to our possible futures.

Why similar: 4X 29.6% ★, Grand Strategy 21.9% ★, Diplomacy 17% ★, Turn-Based 15.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 10.6%

ENDLESS™ Space 2 is a Strategic Space Opera, featuring the compelling “just one more turn” gameplay, set in the mysterious ENDLESS™ Universe. As the leader of your civilization, will you impose your vision and build the greatest stellar empire?

Why similar: Strategy 61.6%, 4X 13.8% ★, Space 8.2%, Turn-Based 4.8%, Grand Strategy 4.5% ★

"You are outgunned. You are massively outnumbered. You must win." These are your orders. Humanity has already fought its war against the machines -- and lost. AI death squads stand watch over every planet and every wormhole, the few remaining human settlements are held captive in orbiting bubbles, and the AIs have turned their...

Why similar: 4X 29.1% ★, Grand Strategy 21.8% ★, Strategy 21.6%, Space 12.3%, Difficult 8.1%

A 4X real-time strategy game from the developers of the critically acclaimed Northgard. Set in Frank Herbert’s groundbreaking Dune universe, you must lead your faction and battle for control and dominance over the harsh desert planet of Arrakis.

Why similar: 4X 29.6% ★, Grand Strategy 22.3% ★, Diplomacy 20.7% ★, Sci-fi 7.4%, PvE 7.1%

Star Trek: Infinite is a grand strategy experience that lets you play your own Star Trek story as the leader of one of four major factions in the galaxy. Follow the specially crafted story or blaze your own trail in the first Star Trek grand strategy game.

Why similar: 4X 31% ★, Grand Strategy 24.6% ★, Diplomacy 18.5% ★, Space 8.6%, Sandbox 7.5%

Predestination is a turn-based sci-fi 4X game set in the distant past of our own galaxy. Ships from countless races are flung back in time by a powerful hostile race known as the Revenants, and must now work to rebuild their empires and somehow stop the Revenants in the past.

Why similar: 4X 41.5% ★, Turn-Based 21.9%, Space 11.9%, Strategy 11%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.4%

Take control of a fleet commander returned from exile, rise through the ranks of the United Space Federation forces and join an epic war across the stars.

Why similar: 4X 37.8% ★, Grand Strategy 28.3% ★, Space 10.2%, Aliens 7.5%, Top-Down 5.8%

Prove your political brilliance in a grand strategy like no other: pick any contemporary country, set up your government and navigate the pitfalls of domestic and international politics. A glorious destiny awaits - the domination of not just the Earth, but the whole Solar system!

Why similar: Grand Strategy 28.2% ★, Diplomacy 18.8% ★, 4X 15.1% ★, Sandbox 8%, Space 7.8%