5 Best 4X Games on PC & iOS (2022)

There's something about 4X games that just makes them so captivating. Maybe it's the mixture of strategic planning and epic world domination that gets our blood pumping. While good 4X games allow you to influence civilizations, explore and exploit resources to your best interests, the best ones allow for additional features that make playing all the while exciting. 

Whatever the reason, there's no doubt that 4X games are some of the most addictive titles out there. If you're looking for a good 4X game to sink your teeth into, look no further! We've compiled a list of 5 of the best 4X games available on PC and iOS. So get ready to take over the world!

5. Element

Element is a real-time strategy space game that takes you through various planets in an attempt to escape a dying solar system. You have to balance several elements such as earth, water and air in order to ensure your survival. All that whilst mining, strategizing defense units, and generating energy. The game design in Element focuses more on visual sharpness, accessibility and speedy reaction to the movements players make; such are some of the best attributes you can find on PC and iOS games.

Although the visuals on Element are simple and traditional, the impressive graphics will draw you in at first glance. The low poly style of the game enables players to focus more on combat and effective resource management. The game is the least complex compared to the rest on the list. Therefore, it may be more suitable for those who enjoy short playtimes.

4. Pixel Starships

Pixel Starships is an online space MMORPG that lets you control each aspect of your ship, from construction to upgrades. This is the best game to play if you enjoy exploring the depths of a game's AI and numerous strategic challenges. It features a single persistent world where different levels of players can interact. There are plenty of alien species to command and amazing weapons to discover in this exciting 4X game. Subsequently, your strategy will determine how far along you can go in battle. Therefore beating your enemies requires you to have a superior technique; having better weapons also doesn't hurt.

Aside from combat, there are various aspects of the game that require proper planning; such is the case with resource management. The game features two primary resources that you need for ship upgrades and crew level-ups; these are minerals and gas. Similarly, you can acquire more resources using the game's currency which you earn by completing missions.

3. The Battle Of Polytopia

The Battle Of Polytopia is a 4X turn-based game set in a square world where players take over one of the 16 different tribes featured. You must command the world by expanding your nation and conquering all enemies in your path. The game features single and multiplayer modes, whereby multiplayer mode requires a purchase, whereas the single-player mode is free-to-play. The different game modes featured allow for customized gameplay.

Out of the available tribes you can play, four are free, while the rest require a purchase. Aside from having different attributes, some of the purchased tribes come with altered abilities and enhanced gameplay. You can also choose from three game modes; Creative, Perfection and Domination, each with variant map types. For a mobile game, The Battle Of Polytopia is too diverse and exciting making it one of the best games on PC and iOS today.

2. Nova Empire

Nova Empire is a 4X space game that lets you build your empire, defeat enemies and form allies with other players globally. The aim is to control the galaxy in which you reside, which is also made up of various alien species. However, one alien species known as the Xandarians reigns over the rest; that include the Hurctarians, Hala, Aakons and more. These races were able to maintain various guidelines across the galaxy that enabled them to maintain peace and order for a while now. This is a result of a long-lasting war that had torn the galaxy apart. However, this newfound peace became short-lived as riots broke out among the Hala, who aimed to bring down the ruling race, the Xandarians. In this scramble for power, you will have to come up with the best strategies to dominate the galaxy.

You will face various hostile spaceships and fellow commanders who aim to take over rulership. However, don't forget to have fun customizing and upgrading your battleship to the best form possible. There are also various spacecraft to unlock, such as drones, frigates, cruisers and more. Resources such as minerals, energy and alloy require adequate management to ensure you are in the best shape to face your enemies. Those who enjoy space and sci-fi elements will undoubtedly appreciate playing Nova Empire.

1. Marble Age: Remastered

Marble Age: Remastered is a turn-based strategy game that tasks you with building a historical empire. The mission in question is to transform a tiny village from ancient Greece into a powerful Polis empire. In Marble Age: Remastered, you must lead the citizens of your village into battle against invaders who threaten the rise of your nation. The game takes you on a journey from the past to the future, one which will be rough as you are required to survive various challenges; such as natural calamities and domestic conflicts. To do this, you need to unite the whole nation under your strategic rule; after which you can conquer the rest of Europe and North Africa.

The game strategy you apply depends on the type of Polis you select, whereby, in this case, you will have to pick between three types of rulership. You can select either Athens' diplomatic style, Corinth's trading style or Sparta's military style. You also have to properly distribute food and resources among your workers to ensure a steady flow of labor. Marble Age: Remastered is one of the best games on PC and iOS to play as it lets you explore the ancient world and recreate various historical events such as the Dorian and Persian invasions.

Which one of the video games above do you think is the best 4X game on PC and iOS in 2022? Share your pick with us in the comments below or over on our socials here!