- #1 Tachyon Wars
97% matchMixed40% of 10 reviews2021
Dev: Fair Games
Windows
Tachyon Wars is a sci-fi real-time space strategy game. It introduces seriously deep gameplay with an emphasis on fleet control. Open space to explore, large-scale battles, crafty AI. All of it is well seasoned with novel real-time game mechanics.
Why similar: 4X 32.9% ★, Grand Strategy 21.1%, Strategy 13%, Space 12.1%, Real Time Tactics 7.6%
- #2 Near Sol
96% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2022
Dev: LTide
Windows · Mac · Linux
Space 4X game with the ability to build factories, extract resources, with characters, internal and external markets ... Take part in the discussion of the game, share your vision)
Why similar: 4X 31.6% ★, Grand Strategy 23.2%, Space 9.3%, Real Time Tactics 8.8%, Strategy 8%
- #3 Distant Worlds 2
96% matchMostly Positive71% of 3,566 reviews2022
Dev: CodeForcePub: Slitherine Ltd.
Windows
Median: 8.5 hrsMean: 41.5 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Distant Worlds 2 is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game.
Why similar: 4X 37.7% ★, Grand Strategy 25.1%, Strategy 12.8%, Space 11%, Simulation 7.3%
- #4 CIVIREVIVAL
95% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: 筋斗云
Windows
In this 4X + RPG strategy game, lead humanity’s last ark and rebuild a new home among the mysterious ruins of the stars. Starting from nothing, you will develop technology, build powerful fleets, resist external threats, and shape the rebirth of human civilization.
Why similar: 4X 22.7% ★, Grand Strategy 16%, Space 12%, Wargame 8.9%, Space Sim 8.7%
- #5 Heathen Engineering's Terran
94% matchMostly Negative33% of 15 reviews2019
Dev: Heathen Engineering
Windows · Mac · Linux
Galactic Strategy | Tactics | Action! Found an empire and expand across the stars, command massive fleets in interstellar conflicts and pilot powerful warships as you battle for victory in Heathen Engineering’s Terran.
Why similar: 4X 30.8% ★, Grand Strategy 19.9%, Strategy 15%, Space 13%, Real Time Tactics 9.5%
- #6 Star Ruler
94% matchVery Positive83% of 342 reviews2010
Dev: Blind Mind Studios
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 41%
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 41.1% ★, Strategy 16.9%, Space 15.4%, Grand Strategy 14.9%, RTS 6.7%
- #7 Hollow Stars
92% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: AppGX
Windows
A deep 2D strategy of cosmic trade and faction warfare. Build trading empires, refine asteroids, lead fleets into battle and run faction politics — solo or in four-player co-op
Why similar: 4X 34.3% ★, Grand Strategy 24.3%, Strategy 12.8%, Simulation 8.9%, Space 7.7%
- #8 Galactic Inheritors
93% matchMixed43% of 88 reviews2015
Dev: Crispon GamesPub: Plug In Digital
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 3.6 hrs≥1hr: 97%
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 42.8% ★, Grand Strategy 19.2%, Space 19.2%, Strategy 13.3%, Sci-fi 4.4%
- #9 New Stars
91% match6 user reviews67% of 6 reviews2026
Dev: adamjr
Windows · Mac · Linux
Expand your own galactic empire across new stars, research technologies, and challenge great alien powers in this immersive 4X grand strategy game. Build interstellar colonies, and starbases to gather more resources. Explore a unique galaxy full of secrets, great perils, and limitless possibilities.
Why similar: 4X 27.4% ★, Grand Strategy 20.4%, Space 9.3%, War 8.5%, Space Sim 8.3%
- #10 Distant Worlds: Universe
91% matchMostly Positive75% of 1,856 reviews2014
Dev: Code ForcePub: Slitherine Ltd.
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 24.5 hrs≥1hr: 60%
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 44.3% ★, Grand Strategy 17.9%, Space 14.3%, Strategy 11.3%, Simulation 4.1%
- #11 Galactum Meridian
90% matchNegative14% of 14 reviews2026
Dev: Hedra Games
Windows
Lead humanity's first deep survey beyond Sol in a research-first space strategy game. Explore star systems, investigate worlds, deploy probes, and turn scientific discoveries into strategic power.
Why similar: 4X 35.9% ★, Grand Strategy 14.2%, Strategy 13.1%, Space 11.9%, Space Sim 11.2%
- #12 Starithm
89% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Game Orithm
Windows
Become the dominant star-fairing-civilization throughout the procedurally generated star systems. The player must establish/pursue: (1) Ideology; (2) Population; (3) Military assets; (4) 4x dominance (5) Technologies; (6) Artificial Evolution; (7) Cyber attacks; (8) Peace or war.
Why similar: 4X 32.8% ★, Grand Strategy 24%, Strategy 9.3%, RTS 7.1%, Wargame 6.6%
- #13 Red Pearl Pirates
89% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: Eoin Tolster
Windows · Linux
Command vast fleets in epic space battles, master a turn-based galactic campaign, and unite a pirate rebellion to find the legendary Red Pearl and stand against the tyrannical Z-Army. They can't take the stars from us!
Why similar: Grand Strategy 26.9%, 4X 26.9% ★, Real Time Tactics 9.8%, Space 8.2%, Strategy 8%
- #14 Commanders Fury
88% matchNo user reviews
Dev: RoboFox Games LLC
Windows
Take command of the war machine of an empire in this 4x RTS hybrid. Fight battles with your flagship fleet in fully 3D real-time space combat. Recruit, train and dispatch commanders. Give them orders, directives and equip their fleets. Manage your empire’s supply logistics and fleet operations.
Why similar: 4X 31.5% ★, Grand Strategy 16.9%, Space 11.9%, Strategy 10.5%, RTS 7.9%
- #15 Mandate of Galactic Empires
87% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Oddbit
Windows · Linux
A logistics-focused turn-based space 4X. Govern through Administrative Nodes, connect systems with wormhole infrastructure, assign population to production and research, and expand only as far as your empire can support.
Why similar: 4X 39.8% ★, Grand Strategy 13.9%, Space Sim 11.4%, Space 9.8%, Strategy 8%
- #16 Stellar Monarch 2
86% matchVery Positive89% of 133 reviews2022
Dev: Silver Lemur Games
Windows
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 43.5% ★, Grand Strategy 29.6%, Strategy 12.8%, Space 9.9%, Sci-fi 4.3%
- #17 Solar Wave
85% matchMostly Positive75% of 84 reviews2026
Dev: SavGus Studio
Windows
A large-scale 4X strategy game with indirect control and a focus on simulating a space empire. Capture systems, develop your economy and logistics, call up hundreds of powerful fleets and watch them incinerate enemies of the Solar Empire.
Why similar: 4X 31.8% ★, Grand Strategy 24.7%, Space 12.1%, Strategy 8.7%, RTS 6.9%
- #18 Trumpets of War
86% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Xblur
Windows
Trumpets of War is a grand-scale historical strategy game where armies clash and empires rise. Command vast forces across dynamic battlefields, orchestrate campaigns with precision, and experience the drama of war through an innovative system that blends tactical combat with strategic mastery.
Why similar: 4X 35.1% ★, Grand Strategy 24.9%, Strategy 13.3%, Real Time Tactics 7.7%, RTS 7.3%
- #19 Sovereign Stars
84% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2024
Dev: KYDEN
Windows
Build your galactic empire, conquer planets and emerge as the last player standing in this real-time strategy game.
Why similar: 4X 32.9% ★, Grand Strategy 24.4%, Real Time Tactics 10.1%, Strategy 9%, Wargame 6.9%
- #20 Structura
84% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2021
Dev: Binary Station Studio
Windows · Linux
Structura is a rather unique sci-fi real-time strategy set in space. Its a hybrid of rts and fps, with emphasis on combat and survival. Build your economy for war, modify the unit by adding components, explore, expand, and survive the savage waves of enemy attacks.
Why similar: 4X 31.2% ★, Grand Strategy 22.1%, Space Sim 11.4%, Real Time Tactics 8.6%, Strategy 8.3%
- #21 Cosmist
83% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Gulbrandr Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Expand your empire one sector at a time in a fast-paced turn-based 4X strategy game. Capture planets, harvest resources, command powerful fleets, and adapt your strategy with unique Emperors and unpredictable divine interventions. Play solo, or challenge rivals in tactical PvP.
Why similar: 4X 41.2% ★, Grand Strategy 27.7%, Space 11.1%, Strategy 9.9%, Sci-fi 3.5%
- #22 Fire and Dark Stars
82% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: 没工作工作室
Windows
"Fire and Dark Stars" is a real-time 4X strategy game. You can grow your base, build your fleet, search for enemies, and destroy them. You need to carefully manage your resources, set up and protect your supply lines, so that your fleet does not run out of ammo and fuel.
Why similar: 4X 35.6% ★, Grand Strategy 23.8%, Space 11.5%, Strategy 8.3%, War 6.1%
- #23 Stellar Sovereigns
82% matchMixed65% of 31 reviews2023
Dev: Imagined Reality
Windows
Indie 4X space strategy game with TB empire management and RTS combat set in a 3D star cluster. Build an interstellar empire by colonizing and conquering star systems, develop your colonies establish trade routes and construct fleets from a range of retrofittable capital & escort class vessels.
Why similar: 4X 29.6% ★, Grand Strategy 21.5%, Space Sim 11%, Space 8.6%, Real Time Tactics 6.2%
- #24 Imperium of the Stars
81% matchNo user reviews2027
Dev: Hyrcronix
Windows
Rebuild a scattered empire in a Gothic galaxy of distant beacons and lost colonies. A real-time 4X with four distinct playable factions, empire-wide command, and Living Sagas shaped by how you govern and conquer up to 10,000 star systems.
Why similar: 4X 42.2% ★, Grand Strategy 28.5%, Strategy 12.4%, Space 11.5%, Sci-fi 3.6%
- #25 Spaceman's Luck
81% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Gideon Kennedy
Windows
A space 4X game. Colonize planets and annihilate enemy races in an intergalactic war for living space. Designed to be fun, fast, and easy to play.
Why similar: 4X 29.8% ★, Grand Strategy 26%, Space 19.2%, Strategy 12.3%, Sci-fi 4.5%
- #26 NABERON
80% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: NABERON Studio
Windows
Explore an unknown galaxy, colonize planets, and build an interstellar empire. In NABERON, a real-time space strategy game, you lead fleets and ground armies to war in space and on planet surfaces — alone or with your friends. Inspired by a legendary '90s Hungarian classic.
Why similar: 4X 32.6% ★, Grand Strategy 20.7%, Space 10.4%, RTS 7.4%, Strategy 7.4%
- #27 Small Kingdoms Prologue
79% matchMostly Positive76% of 34 reviews2023
Dev: Bad Logic Studios
Windows
Rule a small fantasy kingdom and conquer your rival as you build up your cities and armies on the world map and command your troops on the battlefield. Small Kingdoms is a streamlined grand strategy and real-time strategy game, the Small Kingdoms Prologue is a free introductory campaign
Why similar: 4X 30.7% ★, Grand Strategy 24.6%, Real Time Tactics 9.4%, Strategy 8.5%, RTS 7.5%
- #28 Jellystar Empires: When Space Bunnies Attack!!
79% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Rat Wrath Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
An area-control real-time strategy game, filled with auto-battling bunnies bent on destroying the human race! Explore space and uncover hand-painted planets. Research unique upgrades! Kill your friends! -er use diplomacy in multiplayer!
Why similar: 4X 26.2% ★, Grand Strategy 19.4%, Space 9.1%, Space Sim 9.1%, Real Time Tactics 8.2%
- #29 战国宏图
78% matchNo user reviews
Dev: 夜渔工作室
Windows
Warring States: Grand Ambitions is a grand strategy game set in ancient China. Rule as a feudal lord during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States eras. Shape your empire's fate with branching focus trees, city building, tech trees, and historical choices.
Why similar: 4X 39.9% ★, Grand Strategy 27.8%, Strategy 13.4%, Wargame 10.9%, Simulation 7.1%
- #30 Pixel Imperium
78% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Tuki Byte
Windows · Mac · Linux
Play a grand strategy game in any world you want, on land or in space. Import real maps, play a procedurely generated world, or hand-draw your own fictional universe. Then lead your faction to domination by managing its economy, diplomacy, and military.
Why similar: 4X 33.8% ★, Grand Strategy 28.5%, Strategy 9.9%, Space Sim 7.4%, War 5.8%
- #31 Stellar Reach
77% matchMostly Positive79% of 34 reviews2025
Dev: Stelleas
Windows
Stellar Reach is a 4X hard sci-fi strategy game where you control a faction vying for dominance across a hostile galactic frontier. Guide your empire through conquest, prosperity, or industrial power as you advance through six distinct tech trees and forge your path to victory.
Why similar: 4X 37.2% ★, Grand Strategy 19.5%, Space 11.7%, Strategy 9.8%, War 6.3%
- #32 War For Galaxy: New Era
77% matchMixed41% of 41 reviews2023
Dev: UAB Kinelija
Windows · Mac
Become the ruler of the entire Galaxy: colonize planets, extract resources, build defenses and fight in planetary battles!
Why similar: 4X 31.1% ★, Grand Strategy 17.3%, Space 10.3%, War 8.9%, Space Sim 8.8%
- #33 Galactic Conflict
75% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2026
Dev: Sinpros Software & GamingPub: Sinpros
Windows
A real-time sci-fi 4X strategy game where you explore procedurally generated star systems, expand your empire, manage resources, build fleets, and wage war against multiple AI factions in a dynamic and evolving galaxy.
Why similar: 4X 37.1% ★, Strategy 14.8%, Space Sim 12.2%, Real Time Tactics 8.9%, Simulation 8.7%
- #34 Descending Empires
75% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Parcyval
Windows
A multiplayer space RTS blending in depth mechanics with fast paced skirmish matches. control and manage an empire together with your team in large-scale physic-based online battles, and expand your army mit modded factions
Why similar: 4X 26% ★, Grand Strategy 20.9%, Space Sim 10%, Real Time Tactics 7.9%, Strategy 7.4%
- #35 Rivers of Chaos
76% matchNo user reviews2024
Dev: Bugarug GamesPub: Burgarug Games
Windows
Conquer the galaxy in this cinematic, battle-simulator. Each playthrough offering a completely unique galaxy, over 100 total specialized ships to command, and distinct commanders to lead your people. Pick your favorite faction and lead your forces into a dynamically generated battlefield.
Why similar: 4X 32.5% ★, Grand Strategy 28%, Space 14%, Strategy 8.6%, Wargame 6.7%
- #36 StarDrive
76% matchMixed45% of 1,489 reviews2013
Dev: Zero Sum Games
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 53% ★, Space 16.8%, Strategy 16.5%, RTS 7.4%, Sci-fi 4.6%
- #37 Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES
73% matchMostly Positive77% of 6,769 reviews2024
Dev: CREATIVE ASSEMBLYPub: SEGA
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.2 hrsMean: 15.5 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Wage total war across the ancient world from the Aegean to Mesopotamia in this free addition to Total War: PHARAOH. Challenge the Bronze Age Collapse by building your own dynasty and leading your faction to victory with new cultures, new units and dramatic new battle mechanics.
Why similar: 4X 36.3% ★, Grand Strategy 26.9%, Strategy 14.1%, RTS 7.5%, Action 6%
- #38 Antropico: Colonies
74% matchNo user reviews2027
Dev: Scassius Systems
Windows · Linux
A large-scale space strategy game focused on building and maintaining power within a simulated galaxy. Build, develop, and survive in a galaxy shaped by history and consequences.
Why similar: 4X 33.8% ★, Grand Strategy 29.6%, Strategy 15%, Space 8.5%, Simulation 8.4%
- #39 Dynasty Protocol
73% matchMixed66% of 38 reviews2026
Dev: Ellipses Studios
Windows
Command your space fleet, mine asteroids, and conquer colonies in this immersive real-time strategy game. Build powerful space stations, upgrade your ships through combat experience, and manage vital resources as you expand your dynasty across a star system.
Why similar: 4X 30.4% ★, Grand Strategy 22.6%, Space 11.7%, Real Time Tactics 8.9%, Strategy 8.5%
- #40 Conquest: Medieval Kingdoms
74% matchMixed57% of 14 reviews2021
Dev: Aserisoft
Windows · Mac
Conquest: Medieval Kingdoms is a turn-based 4X grand strategy game, played on a procedurally generated world. Battles are real-time and tactical. Every world-map and battlefield is entirely unique, so this game will always have something to throw at you.
Why similar: 4X 39.8% ★, Grand Strategy 24.6%, Strategy 14.8%, Simulation 6.3%, Wargame 6.2%
- #41 Master of Orion
73% matchMostly Positive77% of 8,196 reviews2016
Dev: NGD StudiosPub: Wargaming Labs
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 9.2 hrsMean: 101.3 hrs≥1hr: 92%
The ascendant spacefaring 4X strategy game returns! A new chapter in the epic Master of Orion saga is poised to once again capture the imaginations of millions of gamers.
Why similar: 4X 54.5% ★, Strategy 19%, Space 13.3%, Grand Strategy 7.3%, Sci-fi 3.5%
- #42 Stellaris
72% matchVery Positive86% of 197,307 reviews2016
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 19.4 hrsMean: 145.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
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 33.4% ★, Grand Strategy 27.6%, Space 15.5%, Strategy 9%, Sci-fi 5%
- #43 Wartra
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Jens P. Behrens
Windows
Build a civilization from its first settlements into a mighty world power in this turn-based strategy game. Explore uncharted lands, expand your empire, forge lucrative trade relationships, and develop your economy and technology.
Why similar: 4X 35.2% ★, Grand Strategy 31.4%, Strategy 12.5%, War 9.1%, Wargame 5.7%
- #44 Elemental Empire
71% match5 user reviews60% of 5 reviews2024
Dev: WizardingGames
Windows · Mac
An economic 4x strategy in a space filled with magic and procedurally generated planets. Build your own empire and become the sole ruler of a new world.
Why similar: 4X 42.2% ★, Grand Strategy 33.5%, Space 12.1%, Strategy 10%, Singleplayer 1.3%
- #45 Star Ruler 2
71% matchVery Positive82% of 721 reviews2015
Dev: Blind Mind Studios
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 8.9 hrs≥1hr: 93%
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 48.6% ★, Space 18.3%, Strategy 15.9%, RTS 9.9%, Sci-fi 6.3%
- #46 Final Vanguard
69% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Heavy Pepper Inc.
Windows
Rule a living interstellar empire in this real-time 4X grand strategy. Make decisions that shape civilian lives, manage fragile supply lines, lead military conquests, and decide whether your civilization thrives or collapses under its own expansion.
Why similar: 4X 29.8% ★, Grand Strategy 21.9%, Space Sim 10.2%, Space 9.2%, Strategy 6.9%
- #47 Gemini Wars
72% matchMostly Negative32% of 165 reviews2012
Dev: Camel 101
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 4.0 hrs≥1hr: 94%
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 27.8% ★, Grand Strategy 20.4%, Space 9.1%, Space Sim 8.9%, War 8.7%
- #48 Galactic Ruler
70% matchMixed49% of 121 reviews2022
Dev: BattleGoat Studios
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 7.0 hrs≥1hr: 97%
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 26.6% ★, Grand Strategy 19.4%, Real Time Tactics 11.7%, Space 10%, Space Sim 9.8%
- #49 StarFringe: Adversus
69% matchMixed64% of 237 reviews2023
Dev: CasualogicPub: Conglomerate 5
Windows
This is the story about the beginning of the conquest of outer space by earthlings. It began as a global idea of saving mankind from hunger and lack of resources, and ended as a brutal and merciless war in space far from Earth.
Why similar: 4X 27.2% ★, Grand Strategy 17.2%, Space 12.5%, Strategy 9.8%, RTS 9.1%
- #50 AI War: Fleet Command
70% matchVery Positive82% of 1,612 reviews2009
Dev: Arcen Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 87%
"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: Strategy 29.2%, 4X 24.3% ★, Grand Strategy 18%, Space 12.5%, RTS 9%
- #51 Star Zeal 4x
68% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Akuu Digital Entertainment
Windows
Star Zeal 4x is an open world space based strategy and rpg hybrid with elements from the 4x genre and survival mechanics sprinkled on top of it. Highly emergent gameplay within an open world persistent galaxy is the core purpose and idea of the game.
Why similar: 4X 30.7% ★, Grand Strategy 22.2%, Space Sim 10.2%, Strategy 8%, Real Time Tactics 7.9%
- #52 Mind Prison: The Last War
67% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2026
Dev: Rotten Sewer Productions
Windows
4X Lite Strategy Game where You are a war AI rebooting after 800 years of silence. Your orders are still active. The enemy is gone—so is everyone else. Conquer the galaxy, uncover corrupted memories, and face the horrifying truth: no one told you to stop.
Why similar: 4X 45.3% ★, Grand Strategy 31.8%, Strategy 17.4%, Sci-fi 3.5%, Atmospheric 1.4%
- #53 Freewake
68% matchNo user reviews2027
Dev: Oakshore Studios
Windows
A team-based strategy and space simulation game where allies build an empire together while competing to control it. Explore, trade, colonize, scheme, and fight tactical battles shaped by stealth, sensors, and deception.
Why similar: 4X 32.3% ★, Grand Strategy 29.3%, Space 9.9%, Strategy 9.2%, Space Sim 6.5%
- #54 Horizon
69% matchMixed59% of 477 reviews2014
Dev: L3O Interactive
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
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 33.3% ★, Grand Strategy 27.2%, Space 12.1%, Strategy 8.9%, Simulation 5.2%
- #55 AI War 2
67% matchVery Positive87% of 1,563 reviews2019
Dev: Arcen Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 34.9% ★, Grand Strategy 24.3%, Space 7.7%, Real Time Tactics 7.6%, War 7.3%
- #56 Polaris Sector
68% matchMostly Positive72% of 476 reviews2016
Dev: SoftWarWarePub: Slitherine Ltd.
Windows
Can anyone build an empire in a place like this? Other factions are naturally suspicious of newcomers and may wage war at the first sign of unidentified craft. Here, a natural death is an uncommon luxury.
Why similar: 4X 36% ★, Grand Strategy 20.9%, Space 12.5%, Strategy 11.2%, Real Time Tactics 8.6%
- #57 VoidCraft
66% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Hanamori Labs, LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
A real-time space strategy MMO where your colony keeps working, your fleets keep moving, and the galaxy remembers every choice. Travel in real time, watch every battle resolve, raid and ally across one living galaxy that resets every 6 months. Free to play. No pay-to-win, ever.
Why similar: 4X 28% ★, Grand Strategy 25.6%, Space Sim 11.4%, Strategy 8.4%, RTS 7.6%
- #58 Splinter Colony
66% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2025
Dev: Cast and Wrought Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
A modern recreation of the 1994 4x strategy game, Reunion. After many generations of being separated from Earth, the colony is self-sufficient enough to develop a mission to reconquer and reunify Earth.
Why similar: 4X 45% ★, Grand Strategy 29%, Strategy 18.1%, Simulation 3.7%, Exploration 2.7%
- #59 Novastride
66% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Stradvian Games
Windows · Mac
Control your aerial and ground units using Real-Time-Strategy, OR switch during battle and join your comrades yourself in high-action dogfights and ground battles in Novastride. Dominate enemy civilizations throughout the galaxy and be the great strategist to lead your nation to victory.
Why similar: 4X 25.8% ★, Grand Strategy 20.2%, Space 12.2%, Strategy 10.1%, Real Time Tactics 8.9%