- #1 Galactic Ruler Enlightenment
97% matchMixed63% of 19 reviews2024
Dev: BattleGoat Studios
Windows
Play campaign stories within the Galactic Ruler universe. Invade the galaxy to eliminate those who stand in your way or rally alien races to defend against the invaders. Fight battles at both planet and space across a procedurally generated galaxy. Use new unit control systems to manage your forces.
Why similar: 4X 31% ★, Grand Strategy 20.3% ★, Space 13.6%, Sci-fi 8.7%, Futuristic 8.3%
- #2 Dust Fleet
96% matchMostly Positive76% of 209 reviews2023
Dev: Orbiting DiscoPub: indie.io
Windows
Assume command of a battle fleet and deploy immediately to the Dust Zone, commander. Our main food supply station has gone dark and the United Earth Nations (UEN) needs to know why in this 4X RTS space sim. Manage your ships, control space stations, and watch your back.
Why similar: 4X 45.5% ★, Space 17%, Sci-fi 12.2%, Strategy 9.4%, RTS 5.8%
- #3 Commanders Fury
96% 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 30% ★, Grand Strategy 11.7% ★, Space 11.5%, RTS 11.1%, Sci-fi 7.3%
- #4 NationWar:Chronicles | 国战:列国志传
95% matchMixed70% of 444 reviews2019
Dev: Yiming
Windows
This is a sandbox game that is deeply rooted in the rich historical information of the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. The story of the game unfolds slowly in the eighth century BC on the vast and mysterious land of China.
Why similar: 4X 30.8% ★, Grand Strategy 21.3% ★, RTS 13.5%, Military 10.5%, War 9.3%
- #5 Near Sol
94% 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 32.6% ★, Grand Strategy 17.4% ★, RTS 10.8%, Space 9.7%, Strategy 6%
- #6 Solar Wave
94% matchNo user 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 29.7% ★, Grand Strategy 17.1% ★, Space 11.4%, RTS 9.6%, Sci-fi 7.3%
- #7 Star Ruler
93% matchVery Positive83% of 340 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 42.7% ★, Space 16.2%, Strategy 12.7%, Grand Strategy 11.3% ★, RTS 10.3%
- #8 Distant Worlds 2
92% matchMostly Positive71% of 3,478 reviews2022
Dev: CodeForcePub: Slitherine Ltd.
Windows
Median: 9.3 hrsMean: 42.6 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Distant Worlds 2 is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game.
Why similar: 4X 40.6% ★, Grand Strategy 19.6% ★, Space 11.9%, Strategy 10%, Sci-fi 8.6%
- #9 New Stars
91% match5 user reviews60% of 5 reviews2026
Dev: adamjr
Windows · 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 28.2% ★, Grand Strategy 15.3% ★, Space 9.6%, War 6.5%, Military 6.1%
- #10 Tachyon Wars
91% 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 36.1% ★, Grand Strategy 16.9% ★, Space 13.4%, Strategy 10.4%, Sci-fi 8.5%
- #11 Galactic Inheritors
90% matchMixed44% of 86 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 45.7% ★, Space 20.6%, Grand Strategy 14.9% ★, Strategy 10.3%, Sci-fi 8.4%
- #12 Distant Worlds: Universe
89% matchMostly Positive75% of 1,845 reviews2014
Dev: Code ForcePub: Slitherine Ltd.
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 23.9 hrs≥1hr: 59%
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 47.3% ★, Space 15.5%, Grand Strategy 14% ★, Strategy 8.8%, Sci-fi 7.8%
- #13 Stellar Dynasty
89% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Joshua R.D. Wilson
Windows
A sci-fi, 4X, real-time strategy game. Build, fight, and explore to survive against an unstoppable alien threat. Carry the fight from one galaxy to the next as you battle back from the brink of extinction, and unlock the secrets of the past to restore your people to the path of galactic super power.
Why similar: 4X 33.6% ★, Space 13.3%, Futuristic 11.7%, RTS 9%, Sci-fi 8.7%
- #14 Stellaris
88% matchVery Positive86% of 191,915 reviews2016
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 19.5 hrsMean: 142.4 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 32.1% ★, Grand Strategy 19.3% ★, Space 15%, Sci-fi 8.6%, Strategy 6.3%
- #15 HARD VOID
86% match4 user reviews100% of 4 reviews2025
Dev: jejoxdev
Windows · Linux
HARD VOID is a 4X turn-based space strategy game in a lovecraftian universe. Lead your species across galaxies and multiple dimensions to build an Empire. Design your spaceships, assemble your fleets and fight for supremacy. But beware, unthinkable Eldritch horrors lurk in the vast darkness.
Why similar: 4X 33.1% ★, Grand Strategy 14.4% ★, Space 11.3%, Sci-fi 7.7%, Military 7.4%
- #16 Star Ruler 2
87% matchVery Positive82% of 719 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 46.4% ★, Space 17.7%, RTS 14.1%, Strategy 11%, Sci-fi 10.9%
- #17 Antropico: Colonies
85% matchNo user reviews2027
Dev: Scassius Systems
Windows · Linux
Un gioco di strategia spaziale su larga scala che mira a costruire e mantenere il potere in una galassia simulata. Costruisci, sviluppa e sopravvivi in una galassia plasmata dalla storia e conseguenze.
Why similar: 4X 33.2% ★, Grand Strategy 21.2% ★, Strategy 10.7%, Futuristic 10%, Space 8.4%
- #18 StarDrive
86% matchMixed45% of 1,482 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 52.1% ★, Space 16.6%, Strategy 11.8%, RTS 10.9%, Sci-fi 8.2%
- #19 Ascendance
84% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Torchdrive
Windows
Ascendance is a real-time space strategy game that sees you lead your civilisation into a vast and mysterious galaxy. Experience an immersive journey with detailed civilisations, deeply-simulated economies, internal politics, nuanced diplomacy, and intense space battles.
Why similar: 4X 30.5% ★, Grand Strategy 16.5% ★, RTS 10.4%, Space 10%, Futuristic 7.6%
- #20 Space Empires I
84% matchMixed54% of 13 reviews2020
Dev: Malfador MachinationsPub: Strategy First
Windows
Space Empires I is the first chapter of the Space Empires series. A classic galactic conquest and turn-based strategy video game where you are the leader of a race of intelligent beings building large spaceships for interplanetary and interstellar travel through warp points between star systems.
Why similar: 4X 35.1% ★, Grand Strategy 16% ★, Strategy 11.5%, Management 8.4%, Space 8.1%
- #21 Master of Orion
82% matchMostly Positive77% of 8,105 reviews2016
Dev: NGD StudiosPub: Wargaming Labs
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 9.2 hrsMean: 101.9 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 57.3% ★, Strategy 14.5%, Space 14%, Sci-fi 6.7%, Grand Strategy 5.6% ★
- #22 Gewevo : Interstellar
83% matchNo user reviews2021
Dev: Victor Filipiak
Windows
Gewevo : Interstallar is a space strategy game derived from the tabletop RPG universe Gewevo. It offers an approach a little closer to a wargame with regard to the empire management aspect. Made with passion by a one-man team;)
Why similar: 4X 41.2% ★, RTS 13.6%, Strategy 12%, Space 9.7%, Futuristic 8%
- #23 Interstellar Space: Genesis
82% matchVery Positive84% of 818 reviews2019
Dev: Praxis Games
Windows
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 11.7 hrs≥1hr: 54%
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 35.2% ★, Grand Strategy 14.2% ★, Space 11.7%, Sci-fi 8.5%, Futuristic 6.6%
- #24 Stellar Monarch 2
81% matchVery Positive88% of 123 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 47.2% ★, Grand Strategy 23.4% ★, Space 10.8%, Strategy 10.1%, Sci-fi 8.4%
- #25 Falling Frontier
81% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Stutter Fox StudiosPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Conquer a vast procedurally generated star system in Falling Frontier, a sci-fi RTS where intel and logistics are decisive factors. Design ships and raid enemy supply lines, lay minefields and construct recon stations, and ambush enemy forces within asteroid fields and nebulae.
Why similar: 4X 28.6% ★, Grand Strategy 16.4% ★, Space 11.1%, Sci-fi 7.4%, Military 7%
- #26 Rivers of Chaos
80% 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 33.9% ★, Grand Strategy 21.2% ★, Space 14.6%, Sci-fi 8.9%, Management 6.6%
- #27 EOL: End Of Line
79% matchNo user reviews2025
Dev: MLS Games, LLC
Windows
A sci-fi turn-based strategy game, no gimmicky mechanics just pure 4x glory.
Why similar: 4X 41.5% ★, Grand Strategy 21.4% ★, Strategy 11.8%, Science 9.5% ★, Futuristic 8.9%
- #28 Star Trek: Infinite
79% matchMixed42% of 3,468 reviews2023
Dev: Nimble Giant EntertainmentPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 19.2 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 32.3% ★, Grand Strategy 18.4% ★, Space 11.1%, RTS 9.4%, Science 9.1% ★
- #29 Periphery Online
78% matchMixed64% of 39 reviews2022
Dev: Aleksandr Nagaev
Windows
A refugee capsule lands on an uninhabited planet. You have to survive, rebuild civilization and, if possible, regain control over the Earth. One big universe, one endless pvp session for all players.
Why similar: 4X 24% ★, Grand Strategy 15% ★, RTS 14.4%, Space 13.8%, Futuristic 12.4%
- #30 AI War 2
78% matchVery Positive88% of 1,533 reviews2019
Dev: Arcen Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 5.6 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 17.6% ★, RTS 8.6%, Space 7.8%, Military 7.1%
- #31 Starithm
77% 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 37.2% ★, Grand Strategy 19.8% ★, RTS 11.9%, Futuristic 7.7%, Strategy 7.6%
- #32 Gate Builders
76% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Pyralis Studio
Windows · Linux
Gate Builders is a sci-fi turn-based 4X strategy game. Build space stations, manage work force, exploit, trade and transform resources. Face space pirates and enemy factions. Build, Expand, Thrive!
Why similar: 4X 34% ★, Grand Strategy 18.5% ★, Space 11.1%, Sci-fi 8.9%, Management 7.4%
- #33 Lord of Rigel
75% matchMixed70% of 102 reviews2024
Dev: Rhombus Studios
Windows
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 26.8% ★, Grand Strategy 15% ★, Space 9.8%, Military 8.9%, Futuristic 7.1%
- #34 Fragile Existence
76% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Fragile ContinuumPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Save humanity from the brink of extinction in this sci-fi strategy game of survival. Travel among the stars to seek out resources, establish and develop colonies to sustain civilization, and grow your military might to push back against an overwhelming threat.
Why similar: 4X 27% ★, Grand Strategy 15.1% ★, Space 9.8%, Futuristic 8.2%, Military 8%
- #35 StarDrive 2
77% matchMixed55% of 2,097 reviews2015
Dev: Zero Sum GamesPub: Iceberg Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 9.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
StarDrive 2 is an exciting and evolutionary step forward for the StarDrive franchise. In this eagerly anticipated sequel, the core mechanics have evolved to incorporate a turn-based strategic layer, featuring spectacular realtime battles.
Why similar: 4X 45.5% ★, Space 18.8%, Strategy 17.8%, Sci-fi 12.8%, Management 4.5%
- #36 Stellar Sovereigns
75% matchMixed69% of 29 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 32.5% ★, Grand Strategy 17.2% ★, Space 9.5%, Futuristic 9.4%, RTS 9%
- #37 Solar Nations 2
73% matchVery Positive90% of 71 reviews2025
Dev: Flomgus Games
Windows
In this Grand Strategy game, you take control of the Solar System's Great Powers in 2092 and weather the storm of change as you navigate the uncertain waters of the future. Control the greatest military forces in the world and wage wars on an epic scale: outer space is yours to conquer!
Why similar: 4X 28.3% ★, Grand Strategy 18.5% ★, Space 11.1%, Futuristic 9.7%, Military 8.7%
- #38 Alliance of the Sacred Suns
73% matchNo user reviews
Dev: KatHawk Studios
Windows · Mac
Alliance of the Sacred Suns is a sci-fi grand-strategy RPG that begins with your coronation as the head of an interstellar Empire, and ends with your demise. Manage feuding noble houses and the schemes of would-be usurpers as you try to revive the glory of an Empire on the brink of collapse.
Why similar: 4X 28.7% ★, Grand Strategy 15.4% ★, Space 10.6%, Military 7.5%, Sci-fi 7.3%
- #39 Aries
74% match5 user reviews80% of 5 reviews2020
Dev: Wirlwith
Windows
Space strategy gaming reimagined. Dive into fast-paced real-time planetary battles against the backdrop of a turn-based campaign that sees you build your empire in the stars. With hundreds of troops and ships at your command, can you forge an empire that lasts?
Why similar: Grand Strategy 19.2% ★, RTS 12.8%, Space 10.7%, Futuristic 8.9%, Military 8.8%
- #40 ENDLESS™ Space - Definitive Edition
74% matchVery Positive81% of 9,559 reviews2012
Dev: AMPLITUDE Studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 13.3 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 48.1% ★, Space 16.9%, Strategy 15.5%, Sci-fi 9%, Grand Strategy 4.4% ★
- #41 Final Vanguard
71% 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 31.9% ★, Grand Strategy 17.3% ★, Space 11.8%, RTS 10.6%, Management 5.9%
- #42 Red Pearl Pirates
72% 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: 4X 31% ★, Grand Strategy 22.6% ★, Military 10.5%, Space 9.6%, Strategy 6.7%
- #43 Space Empires II
72% matchMixed59% of 17 reviews2020
Dev: Malfador MachinationsPub: Strategy First
Windows
Explore the galaxy, discover and colonize new planets to acquire enough resources. Design your ships, choosing from different hulls, weapons, shields, and several devices. Once you advance with technologies, new systems will be available, and you will have to update your designs.
Why similar: 4X 33.5% ★, Grand Strategy 15.9% ★, Strategy 12.7%, Management 8.6%, Space 8.1%
- #44 Cosmist
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Gulbrandr Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Conquer the galaxy in this arcade-like strategy game. Pick and send your generals to deploy the fleet in the far-off star sectors, mine resources, and upgrade your ships forgeries. Deities might interfere with your plans.
Why similar: 4X 47% ★, Grand Strategy 23.1% ★, Space 12.3%, Strategy 7.9%, Sci-fi 7.2%
- #45 Astronomics Rise of a New Empire
70% matchMixed50% of 18 reviews2024
Dev: JayFiArts
Windows
Astronomics Rise of a New Empire is an easy-to-learn real-time global strategy(4X) game. Control your faction in an intergalactic conflict. Manage your economy, conduct diplomatic negotiations and build a fleet to rule the galaxy.
Why similar: 4X 31.6% ★, Grand Strategy 18.1% ★, Space 11.9%, RTS 10.6%, Sci-fi 7.6%
- #46 Sword of the Stars II: Enhanced Edition
73% matchMixed44% of 956 reviews2012
Dev: Kerberos ProductionsPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 12.1 hrs≥1hr: 44%
The Enhanced Edition contains Sword of the Stars II: The Lords of Winter and the first expansion, the End of Flesh. The new expansion introduces the new playable race, the Loa. All previous DLCs containing new avatars, new combat music, alternate voices, skins, and new badges for the warships are also included.
Why similar: 4X 58% ★, Space 16.7%, Strategy 14.6%, Sci-fi 9.8%, Singleplayer 1%
- #47 Sovereign Stars
70% 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 37.9% ★, Grand Strategy 20.4% ★, Strategy 7.5%, Space 7.3%, Sci-fi 5.9%
- #48 Dynasty Protocol
69% matchPositive80% of 25 reviews2025
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 37.5% ★, Grand Strategy 20% ★, Space 14.1%, Sci-fi 9.7%, Strategy 8.1%
- #49 Beyond
70% match3 user reviews67% of 3 reviews2024
Dev: Quixotic Universe
Windows
Beyond is a sci-fi turn-based strategy game set in a generated solar system that orbits a distant star every round. Play as one of five alien species as you race to collect resources, build your military, develop new tech, expand the area you control, and drive opposing factions from the system.
Why similar: 4X 33.5% ★, Grand Strategy 15.6% ★, Space 11%, Sci-fi 8.6%, Futuristic 6.9%
- #50 Age of Space
69% matchNo user reviews
Dev: PodPal Games
Windows
Evolve from being a nobody to being the center of power! Age of space combines real time resource management with tactical combat. Work as a mercenary for clients in our solar system as you gradually get dragged into a liberation war between the Martians and the UEA. Who will you side with?
Why similar: 4X 31.6% ★, Space 21.8%, RTS 16.2%, Strategy 14.6%, Sci-fi 7.1%
- #51 Space Empires IV Deluxe
71% matchVery Positive86% of 285 reviews2006
Dev: Malfador MachinationsPub: Strategy First
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 10.4 hrs≥1hr: 37%
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 61.2% ★, Strategy 15.4%, Space 12.5%, Sci-fi 10.3%, Singleplayer 0.6%
- #52 Shattered Spheres
67% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Data Vikings
Windows
Shattered Spheres is a turn-based 2D space 4X strategy game inspired by the classics of the genre. Explore a living galaxy, build your empire, and crush your rivals through military conquest or diplomatic cunning — without the micromanagement bloat of modern 4X games.
Why similar: 4X 45.2% ★, Grand Strategy 19.2% ★, Space 14.3%, Strategy 6.6%, Sci-fi 6.1%
- #53 STAR WARS™ Rebellion
68% matchVery Positive90% of 1,462 reviews2016
Dev: Coolhand InteractivePub: LucasArts
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 22.5 hrs≥1hr: 31%
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: 4X 27% ★, Grand Strategy 24.6% ★, Strategy 19.5%, RTS 11.7%, Sci-fi 9.3%
- #54 Horizon
69% matchMixed59% of 477 reviews2014
Dev: L3O Interactive
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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 36% ★, Grand Strategy 21.4% ★, Space 13.2%, Sci-fi 8.8%, Futuristic 8%
- #55 Master of Orion 3
68% matchMixed53% of 183 reviews2016
Dev: Quicksilver SoftwarePub: Wargaming Labs
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 38%
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 67.2% ★, Strategy 17%, Space 10.3%, Sci-fi 5.5%
- #56 Napoleon 1813
65% match3 user reviews67% of 3 reviews2025
Dev: Empire Interactive EntertainmentPub: Strategy First
Windows
In an enormous strategic area stretching from Paris to Breslau, from Hamburg to Vienna, control everything from major strategic territorial decisions to tactical battle manoeuvres.
Why similar: 4X 45.1% ★, Grand Strategy 23.3% ★, Strategy 12.6%, Military 8.3%, War 6.1%
- #57 Beyond Astra
66% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Nebule Games
Windows
Lead your civilization in a galaxy brimming with life and intrigue. Seamlessly explore and expand across uncharted worlds, from their surfaces to the stars. Forge your destiny in this sci-fi 4X offering a unique blend of grand strategy, planetary city-building, and RTS combat.
Why similar: 4X 31.9% ★, Grand Strategy 16.7% ★, RTS 8.9%, Space 8.4%, Management 6.4%
- #58 Space Empires III
67% matchPositive80% of 41 reviews2020
Dev: Malfador MachinationsPub: Strategy First
Windows
The third game within the Space Empires series brings the dawn of a new age of exploration. Your race keeps running through the fabric of space and moves to other solar systems beyond your own.
Why similar: 4X 39.8% ★, Grand Strategy 14.3% ★, Strategy 13%, Space 7.8%, Sci-fi 6.3%
- #59 Space Empires V
68% matchMostly Positive73% of 469 reviews2006
Dev: Malfador MachinationsPub: Strategy First
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 14.4 hrs≥1hr: 46%
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 58.5% ★, Strategy 16%, Space 15.1%, Sci-fi 9.4%, Singleplayer 1%
- #60 Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection
67% matchVery Positive88% of 705 reviews2010
Dev: Kerberos Productions Inc.Pub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 28.2 hrs≥1hr: 48%
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 59% ★, Space 15.5%, Strategy 14.3%, Sci-fi 10.1%, Singleplayer 1.1%