X4: Foundations alternatives in 2026

Space 4X strategy games to try if you want something different from X4: Foundations, with plain facts on each and a short guide to choosing.

By Desert Island Challenge · 2026-10-24

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.

Stellaris, Endless Space 2, Sins of a Solar Empire II, Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars and Nexas Code 2D are space strategy games to try after X4: Foundations.

Option	Price listed in source	Play, release or demo detail
X4: Foundations	not published	User manual, screenshots, downloads and leaderboards listed ^[1]
Stellaris	$49.99 normally, discounted to $14.99 ^[2]	Available on Steam, Microsoft, GOG, Xbox and PlayStation ^[3]
Endless Space 2	not published	Nine major factions ^[4]
Sins of a Solar Empire II	$49.99 normally, discounted to $24.99 ^[5]	10-player multiplayer via cloud-based online system ^[5]
Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars	$24.99 ^[6]	Multiple ways to win including conquest, technological and diplomatic ^[6]
Nexas Code 2D	Free ^[7]	Browser 4X space strategy ^[7]

When an alternative may suit you

The X4: Foundations page lists a user manual, screenshots, downloads and leaderboards ^[1]. It also offers a mailing-list signup for community updates ^[1]. Some players want a game with a different shape, and that is a fair reason to browse.

Check the current store page before you compare features or prices.

Check the X4: Foundations page for the current price and release details before you pick it, since those can change.

Stellaris: a space strategy game with single and multiplayer

Stellaris supports single-player and multiplayer ^[2]. It is available on Steam, Microsoft, GOG, Xbox and PlayStation platforms ^[3].

The page lists Stellaris at $49.99 normally, discounted to $14.99 ^[2]. Deals change, so check the current price.

Endless Space 2: a space strategy game with nine major factions

Endless Space 2 features nine major factions ^[4]. It offers eight civilizations to lead, each with a unique playstyle affinity and story quest ^[8].

The Vaulters DLC is normally $10.99, discounted to $2.74 ^[8]. Deals change, so check the current price.

Sins of a Solar Empire II: a space strategy game with cloud-based online play

Sins of a Solar Empire II supports 10-player multiplayer via a cloud-based online system with join codes and lobbies ^[5].

The page lists the game at $49.99 normally, discounted to $24.99 ^[5]. The Reinforcements DLC is normally $14.99, discounted to $11.99 ^[5]. Deals change, so check the current price.

Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars: a space strategy game with multiple ways to win

Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars has multiple ways to win, including conquest, technological and diplomatic ^[6].

The page lists the game at $24.99 ^[6]. The Collector's Edition Upgrade costs $14.99 and requires ownership of Master of Orion ^[6]. Minimum requirements include 2 GB RAM and 15 GB of storage on Windows ^[6].

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

Nexas Code 2D is made by the team that publishes this site, Desert Island Challenge. It is a free 4X space strategy game that you play in a web browser ^[7].

The game is billed as free ^[7]. It is a browser game ^[7] and a 4X strategy game ^[7] set in space ^[7].

How to pick the right X4: Foundations alternative

If you want single-player and multiplayer on several platforms, Stellaris supports both and is available on Steam, Microsoft, GOG, Xbox and PlayStation ^[2] ^[3]. The page lists it at $49.99 normally, discounted to $14.99 ^[2].

If you want a set of civilizations with distinct playstyles, Endless Space 2 offers eight civilizations, each with a unique playstyle affinity and story quest ^[8].

If you want to play with friends, Sins of a Solar Empire II supports 10-player multiplayer via a cloud-based online system with join codes and lobbies ^[5].

If you want multiple ways to win, Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars lists conquest, technological and diplomatic paths ^[6]. The page lists it at $24.99 ^[6].

If you want to play in a browser without paying, Nexas Code 2D is a free 4X space strategy game that runs in a web browser ^[7].

Frequently asked questions

What is a good game like X4: Foundations?

Stellaris supports single-player and multiplayer and is available on Steam, Microsoft, GOG, Xbox and PlayStation platforms ^[2] ^[3]. Endless Space 2 features nine major factions ^[4]. Sins of a Solar Empire II supports 10-player multiplayer via a cloud-based online system with join codes and lobbies ^[5]. Nexas Code 2D is a free 4X space strategy game that you play in a web browser ^[7].

Is there a space strategy game like X4: Foundations that runs in a browser?

Nexas Code 2D is a free 4X space strategy game that you play in a web browser ^[7]. It is a browser game ^[7] and a 4X strategy game ^[7] set in space ^[7]. The other options on this page are described through their store pages, so check each page for how to play.

Which X4: Foundations alternative has multiplayer?

Sins of a Solar Empire II supports 10-player multiplayer via a cloud-based online system with join codes and lobbies ^[5]. Stellaris also supports multiplayer ^[2]. For the other options on this page, check their store pages if playing with friends matters to you.

How much do X4: Foundations alternatives cost?

The page lists Stellaris at $49.99 normally, discounted to $14.99 ^[2]. The page lists Sins of a Solar Empire II at $49.99 normally, discounted to $24.99 ^[5]. The page lists Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars at $24.99 ^[6]. Nexas Code 2D is billed as free ^[7].

What does the X4: Foundations page list?

The X4: Foundations page lists a user manual, screenshots, downloads and leaderboards ^[1]. It also offers a mailing-list signup for community updates ^[1]. Check the X4: Foundations page for the current price and release details before you pick it, since store pages can change over time.

The game is billed as free. ^[7]

Try Nexas Code 2D