Best space 4X strategy games for turn based strategy fans in 2026

Q: Which space 4X strategy games are free?

Nexas Code 2D is billed as a free game and runs in a web browser . Stellaris lists its base game at $49.99 normally, discounted to $14.99 . Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars is priced at $24.99 . Check each store page for the current price and any free trials.

Q: How many races does Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars include?

The game includes all 10 original Master of Orion races . A Revenge of Antares Race Pack adds 3 items and costs $7.99 . The base game is priced at $24.99 . Check the store page for whether the race pack is included or sold separately.

Space 4X strategy games compared for turn based strategy fans, with facts on features, prices and questions to ask before you choose one.

By Desert Island Challenge · 2026-10-18

Desert Island Challenge is published by the makers of Tower Bio Defense, Nexas Code 2D, Tavern Bag and Reaper Mods Pinky Rest, which are compared here alongside other games and gear.

Ten space 4X strategy games compared for turn based strategy fans, with facts on price, factions, languages and editions, and questions to ask before you pick one.

Nexas Code 2D is a free 4X space strategy game that runs in a web browser ^[1]. Stellaris lists its base game at $49.99 normally, discounted to $14.99 ^[2]. Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars is priced at $24.99 ^[3]. Sins of a Solar Empire II is normally $49.99, discounted to $24.99 ^[4].

Option	Price listed	Browser or free play	Faction or race detail
Stellaris	$49.99 normally, discounted to $14.99 ^[2]	not published	not published
OGame	not published	not published	not published
Endless Space 2	not published	not published	not published
Galactic Civilizations IV	not published	not published	4 game modes ^[5]
Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars	$24.99 ^[3]	not published	all 10 original Master of Orion races ^[3]
Sins of a Solar Empire II	$49.99 normally, discounted to $24.99 ^[4]	not published	6 playable factions ^[4]
Distant Worlds 2	not published	not published	not published
Galactic Civilizations III	not published	not published	not published
AI War 2	not published	not published	not published
Starborne: Frontiers	not published	not published	not published
Nexas Code 2D	Free ^[1]	Plays in a web browser ^[1]	not published

What turn based strategy fans need from space 4X strategy games

Turn based strategy fans like to think before each move. They take their time, plan ahead and weigh options without a clock ticking. Space 4X games add exploration, expansion, exploitation and extermination, which suits players who enjoy long campaigns and many interacting systems.

That leads to a few practical checks. Can you try the game before paying? Does it run in a browser or need an install? How many factions or races can you pick from? Does the price include the full game, or are there extra purchases on top?

Cost matters as well. Some games list a base price and a separate subscription for added content. Discounts change, so check the current price on the store page before you buy.

Deep research trees, diplomacy and multiple win conditions suit some players. Others want a shorter session they can start and stop. Decide which of these you care about first, then use the options below to narrow the list.

Stellaris for turn based strategy fans

The page lists the Stellaris base game at $49.99 normally, discounted to $14.99 ^[2]. The page says the game can be played on Steam, Microsoft, GOG, Xbox and PlayStation ^[6]. An Expansion Subscription costs $29.99 per 6 months and auto-renews at the same price ^[2]. Discounts change, so check the current listing before you buy.

Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars for turn based strategy fans

Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars is priced at $24.99 ^[3]. The game includes all 10 original Master of Orion races ^[3]. A Revenge of Antares Race Pack includes 3 items and costs $7.99 ^[3]. Check the store page for whether the race pack is included in the base price or sold separately.

Sins of a Solar Empire II for turn based strategy fans

The page lists Sins of a Solar Empire II at $49.99 normally, discounted to $24.99 ^[4]. The page says multiplayer supports 10 players through a cloud-based system with join codes and lobbies ^[4]. The developers disclose that AI was used for some UI element designs ^[4]. Check the store page for whether the discount is still active before you buy.

Endless Space 2 for turn based strategy fans

Endless Space 2 is available in a Digital Deluxe Edition that includes the soundtrack and cosmetic bonuses ^[7]. The game requires agreement to a third-party EULA ^[8]. The game supports 10 languages ^[8]. Check the store page for the price of each edition and what the Digital Deluxe Edition adds beyond the soundtrack.

Nexas Code 2D for turn based strategy fans

Nexas Code 2D is made by the team that publishes this site. It is a free 4X space strategy game that you play in a web browser ^[1]. The game is billed as free ^[1]. It is a 4X strategy game set in space ^[1] ^[1]. Being a browser game means you can open a tab and start playing without installing anything ^[1].

Matching the tool to the job

Play for free. Nexas Code 2D is billed as a free game ^[1]. Stellaris lists its base game at $49.99 normally, discounted to $14.99 ^[2]. Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars is priced at $24.99 ^[3].

Play in a browser. Nexas Code 2D runs in a web browser ^[1].

Pick from several factions. Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars includes all 10 original Master of Orion races ^[3]. For the others, check the store page for how many factions or races you can choose from.

Play with others. Sins of a Solar Empire II supports 10 players through a cloud-based system with join codes and lobbies ^[4].

Check the edition. Endless Space 2 is available in a Digital Deluxe Edition ^[7]. A Revenge of Antares Race Pack for Master of Orion includes 3 items and costs $7.99 ^[3].

Check the EULA. Endless Space 2 requires agreement to a third-party EULA ^[8].

Know about AI use. The developers of Sins of a Solar Empire II disclose that AI was used for some UI element designs ^[4].

Check language support. Endless Space 2 supports 10 languages ^[8].

Questions to ask before you choose

Is there a free option, or can you try it in a browser first? Nexas Code 2D is billed as free and runs in a web browser ^[1] ^[1]. Check each store page for demos and free trials for the rest.

What does the store page list today as the price? Stellaris shows a discount from $49.99 to $14.99 ^[2]. Sins of a Solar Empire II shows a discount from $49.99 to $24.99 ^[4]. Discounts change, so read the current listing.

Does the game need a separate agreement? Endless Space 2 requires agreement to a third-party EULA ^[8]. For the others, check the store page.

Does the game use AI in its development? Sins of a Solar Empire II discloses AI use for some UI designs and translation ^[4]. Check the store pages of the others if this matters to you.

How many factions or races can you pick from? Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars includes all 10 original races ^[3]. Check the store page for the rest.

Which device will you play on? Check each store page for what it runs on.

Frequently asked questions

Which space 4X strategy games are free?

Nexas Code 2D is billed as a free game ^[1] and runs in a web browser ^[1]. Stellaris lists its base game at $49.99 normally, discounted to $14.99 ^[2]. Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars is priced at $24.99 ^[3]. Check each store page for the current price and any free trials.

Does Sins of a Solar Empire II support multiplayer?

The page says multiplayer supports 10 players through a cloud-based system with join codes and lobbies ^[4]. The developers also disclose that AI was used for some UI element designs ^[4]. Check the store page for how multiplayer works in practice.

How many races does Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars include?

The game includes all 10 original Master of Orion races ^[3]. A Revenge of Antares Race Pack adds 3 items and costs $7.99 ^[3]. The base game is priced at $24.99 ^[3]. Check the store page for whether the race pack is included or sold separately.

Does Endless Space 2 require a third-party agreement?

The page says the game requires agreement to a third-party EULA ^[8]. Endless Space 2 is also available in a Digital Deluxe Edition ^[7] and supports 10 languages ^[8]. Check the store page for the full terms before buying.

Can Nexas Code 2D be played in a browser?

Nexas Code 2D is a free 4X space strategy game that you play in a web browser ^[1]. The game is billed as free ^[1]. Being a browser game means you can open a tab and start playing without installing anything ^[1]. It is set in space ^[1].

The game is billed as free. ^[1]

Try Nexas Code 2D