---
{"title": "Space 4X strategy games compared in 2026", "description": "Space 4X and space strategy games compared side by side, including the browser 4X game Nexas Code 2D, with advice on how to choose between them.", "url": "https://desertislandchallenge.com/best-space-4x-strategy-games-2026/", "date": "2026-10-09"}
---
Space 4X and space strategy games compared side by side, including the browser 4X game Nexas Code 2D, with advice on how to choose between them.

Nexas Code 2D is a browser 4X space strategy game. [^1] The other games on this list differ in what they cost, how you buy extra content and how many people can play together, so compare those points before you pick one.

| Option | Price on its page | Where or how you play |
|---|---|---|
| Stellaris | $49.99 normally, discounted to $14.99 [^2] | Steam, Microsoft, GOG, Xbox and PlayStation [^3] |
| OGame | not published | Has a mobile app [^4] |
| Endless Space 2 | not published | Online play against seven other players [^5] |
| Galactic Civilizations IV | not published | not published |
| Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars | $24.99 [^6] | Minimum needs listed: 2 GB RAM and 15 GB of storage [^6] |
| Sins of a Solar Empire II | $49.99 normally, discounted to $24.99 [^7] | 10-player multiplayer [^7] |
| Nexas Code 2D | Billed as free [^1] | Browser game [^1] |

## How to read this list

The pages behind this list differ a lot in what they tell you. Some give prices, factions and player counts. Others give very little, so those entries are short.

The main differences are where you play, what you pay and who you play with. Some games sell a base game and then extra content on top of it. Others give one price for the main game. One is a game you play in your web browser.

Check each option's own page for current prices, since discounts change. The prices below are the ones shown on each page at the time it was read. Where a page gave no price, the table says "not published" rather than guessing.

## Stellaris: space strategy with single-player and multiplayer

It features single-player and multiplayer, including cross-platform multiplayer. [^2] Cross-platform means people on different systems can join the same game.

The base game is normally $49.99 and is discounted to $14.99 on its page. [^2] The Anniversary Edition is normally $59.99, discounted to $17.99. [^2] An Expansion Subscription starts at $9.99 per month. [^2] Its page also says free updates are part of any active Paradox game. [^2]

Before you subscribe, check which expansions the subscription covers and how cancelling works.

## OGame: sci-fi strategy you can also play on mobile

OGame is a sci-fi strategy game developed and published by Gameforge. [^4] There is an OGame app for playing on the go. [^4] Its page lists several languages, including German, English, Spanish, French and Italian. [^4]

Its facts here say nothing about price, so check its page for cost. The facts also do not say how many players share a game, so check that too if you plan to play with friends.

## Endless Space 2: faction-led space strategy

Endless Space 2 is published by SEGA, with a copyright to Amplitude Studios. [^8] You lead one of eight civilizations, each with a unique playstyle affinity and story quest. [^5] Its page also says the game features nine major factions, so check how that count fits with the eight you can lead. [^8]

The game supports 10 languages. [^5] A Digital Deluxe Edition is available. [^8]

Extra content is sold separately. The Supremacy add-on is normally $12.99, discounted to $3.24. [^5] The Vaulters add-on is normally $10.99, discounted to $2.74. [^5] Check the base game price on its page, since the facts here do not give it.

## Galactic Civilizations IV: limited facts available

The page found for Galactic Civilizations IV does not describe the game itself, so this entry says little. The extra content on that page asks for a different base game, so its details are left out here.

Check the game's own store page for what it includes before you decide. Look for the price, the ways you can play with others and the computer it needs.

## Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars: races, research and several ways to win

Master of Orion is priced at $24.99. [^6] It includes all 10 original Master of Orion races. [^6] It has over 75 researchable technological advancements. [^6]

Galaxies feature up to 100 different solar systems. [^6] There are multiple ways to win, including conquest, technological and diplomatic. [^6]

The Collector's Edition includes this game plus Master of Orion 1, 2 and 3 for $34.99. [^6] If you already own the game, an upgrade to the Collector's Edition costs $14.99. [^6] The Revenge of Antares Race Pack adds 3 races for $7.99. [^6]

## Sins of a Solar Empire II: real-time space strategy with online multiplayer

Sins of a Solar Empire II is normally $49.99 and is discounted to $24.99. [^7] It has six playable factions. [^7]

Games can be rejoined in progress if a player drops. [^7] Mod support is integrated into the game, so you can find, install and share mods from inside it. [^7] Players can view the galaxy's state up to an hour in the future. [^7]

Extra content is sold on top of the game. The Content Pass is normally $59.99, discounted to $38.99. [^7] The Harbinger add-on costs $29.99. [^7] The Reinforcements add-on is normally $14.99, discounted to $11.99. [^7] The Paths to Power add-on is normally $12.99, discounted to $8.96. [^7]

## Nexas Code 2D: a free browser 4X space game

Nexas Code 2D is made by the team that publishes this site. It is a 4X strategy game. [^1] It is set in space. [^1] It is a browser game. [^1] That means you open it in your web browser instead of buying and installing a game first.

The game is billed as free. [^1]

Before you start, check which browsers and devices it runs on and whether it has the kind of play with others that you want.

## How to choose

If you want to try a space strategy game without paying, Nexas Code 2D is described as a free game. [^1] Since it is a browser game, there is no install step before you can try it. [^1]

If you want to play on your phone, OGame has an app. [^4]

If you want a set price and several ways to win, Master of Orion is $24.99 and lists conquest, technological and diplomatic wins. [^6] [^6]

If you play with a large group online, Sins of a Solar Empire II lists 10-player multiplayer with join codes and lobbies. [^7]

If you want friends on different systems in one game, Stellaris lists cross-platform multiplayer. [^2]

If a story for each side matters to you, Endless Space 2 gives each of its eight civilizations a story quest. [^5]

For Galactic Civilizations IV, check its own page first.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is a 4X strategy game?

4X stands for explore, expand, exploit and exterminate. You find new areas of the map, grow your territory, gather and use resources, and fight rival empires. In a space 4X game this happens across star systems instead of on one world. Games in the genre often add research, diplomacy and different ways to win, so the pace can be slower than a quick action game.

### Is there a free space 4X game?

Nexas Code 2D is billed as free. [^1] It is a browser 4X space strategy game. [^1] You play it in your web browser. [^1] Check the other options' pages for their current prices, since several show discounts that can change, and some sell extra content on top of the base game.

### Which space strategy game has the biggest multiplayer?

Sins of a Solar Empire II lists 10-player multiplayer through a cloud-based online system with join codes and lobbies. [^7] Games can be rejoined in progress if a player drops. [^7] For the other options, check each page for player limits before picking one for a group.

### Can you play a space strategy game on a phone?

OGame has an app for playing while on the go. [^4] Nexas Code 2D is a browser game, so check whether your phone's browser runs it well. [^1] Check each game's page for the devices it supports, since the facts here do not cover every option.

### How much does Stellaris cost?

Its page lists the base game as normally $49.99, discounted to $14.99. [^2] The Anniversary Edition is normally $59.99, discounted to $17.99. [^2] An Expansion Subscription starts at $9.99 per month. [^2] Discounts change, so check the page for the current price.

The game is billed as free. [^1] - [Visit Nexas Code 2D](/go/best-space-4x-strategy-games-2026)

## Sources

[^1]: Nexas Code 2D's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher) (/go/best-space-4x-strategy-games-2026)
[^2]: Stellaris, store.steampowered.com/app/281990/Stellaris, read 2026-10-07 (https://store.steampowered.com/app/281990/Stellaris/)
[^3]: Stellaris, paradoxinteractive.com/games/stellaris, read 2026-10-07 (https://www.paradoxinteractive.com/games/stellaris)
[^4]: OGame, gameforge.com/en-US/play/ogame, read 2026-10-07 (https://gameforge.com/en-US/play/ogame)
[^5]: Endless Space 2, store.steampowered.com/app/392110/Endless_Space_2, read 2026-10-07 (https://store.steampowered.com/app/392110/Endless_Space_2/)
[^6]: Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars, store.steampowered.com/app/298050/Master_of_Orion, read 2026-10-07 (https://store.steampowered.com/app/298050/Master_of_Orion/)
[^7]: Sins of a Solar Empire II, store.steampowered.com/app/1575940/Sins_of_a_Solar_Empire_II, read 2026-10-07 (https://store.steampowered.com/app/1575940/Sins_of_a_Solar_Empire_II/)
[^8]: Endless Space 2, endless-space.com, read 2026-10-07 (https://www.endless-space.com/)