--- {"title": "X4: Foundations alternatives in 2026", "description": "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.", "url": "https://desertislandchallenge.com/galaxy-on-fire-placeholder-removed-x4-alternatives/", "date": "2026-10-24"} --- 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. 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] - [Visit Nexas Code 2D](/go/start-nexascode2d) ## Sources [^1]: X4: Foundations, egosoft.com/games/x4/info_en.php, read 2026-10-20 (https://www.egosoft.com/games/x4/info_en.php) [^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]: Endless Space 2, endless-space.com, read 2026-10-07 (https://www.endless-space.com/) [^5]: 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/) [^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]: Nexas Code 2D's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher) (/go/start-nexascode2d) [^8]: Endless Space 2, store.steampowered.com/app/392110/Endless_Space_2, read 2026-10-07 (https://store.steampowered.com/app/392110/Endless_Space_2/)