4X Strategy Games With The Best Stories

The 4X strategy genre (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) is populated by complex games that mix a combination of game mechanics from diplomacy, espionage and economics, to military conquest and victory through might. Whether turn-based or real-time, 4X games offer a significant challenge.

Some 4X games go the extra mile when it comes to delivering a great plotline though. These games create a sense of immersion beyond the usual “conquer and control” mechanics, offering rich lore, character-driven conflicts, and emergent storytelling that keeps players invested. From intergalactic wars to alternate histories, these 4X games tell unforgettable stories while letting players shape the fate of civilizations.

Inspired By Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri

Pandora: First Contact is a sci-fi 4X strategy game that openly pays homage to the classic Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri. The player takes on the role of colonizing a dangerous and hostile world, namely Pandora. With its detailed economic and military gameplay, it poses quite a challenge to master. Part of what makes this game fun, is that the AI opponents react to the actions that the player takes in clever ways.

The storytelling in Pandora: First Contact takes place through linked campaign missions, as the player learns about and reacts to the game lore that is slowly uncovered. Some of this lore is quite dark, and really sets the scene for a great 4X game.

7

Warhammer 40K: Gladius – Relics of War

A Unique Take On The 4X Genre

• Platforms: GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows, Linux
• Released: July 12, 2018
• Developer: Proxy Studios, Proxy Studios GmbH
• Genre: Strategy Video Game, Strategy

Warhammer 40K: Gladius – Relics of War is a different kind of 4X game. Where most grand strategy games feature a rich political landscape with diplomacy playing an important role, this game dispenses with such peaceful actions. Instead, the game focuses almost completely on victory through might.

The player chooses one of the factions, each of which has its own specializations and abilities, and then simply tries to destroy all opposing factions. Storytelling is done through slowly uncovering game lore during the campaign mode, drawing on the heaps of existing Warhammer 40K lore. Mysterious artifacts and old ruins also add storytelling aspects.

6

Galactic Civilizations 3

Has An Excellent Campaign Mode

The GalCiv franchise has been one of the most successful of all franchises in the grand strategy genre. This is a 4X game that helped to drive the evolution of strategy games. Players choose a civilization, then aim to reach one of the win goals. Gameplay features deep diplomacy, cultural and espionage gameplay, alongside expansion.

From a storytelling point of view, the campaign mode tells an excellent story of the competition between alien species and human beings. This story is further extended by the Crusade expansion. Overall, the story is vibrant, and suits the game very well.

5

Warlock: Master Of The Arcane

High Fantasy Empire Building

As 4X games go, Warlock: Master Of The Arcane is something of a forgotten gem. Even though it was released over 10 years ago at the time of writing, it still has a strong following. With its high fantasy setting, it focuses on mage gameplay and spellcasting. One of the most beloved aspects of this game is the procedurally generated maps, which include challenging dungeons.

The storytelling is immersive, with a narrative-driven type of gameplay. Each mage has their own distinctly different version of the storyline, based on their motivations. Overall, it deserves a place on this list because it combines story with strategy gameplay so well.

4

Age of Wonders 3

Fantasy Storytelling Meets Grand Strategy

Age of Wonders 3 offers a slightly expanded take on the standard types of 4X strategy gameplay. Bringing in an RPG-like progression system for hero units, and plenty of fantasy-inspired abilities and spells. Each of the empires has different specializations, and players will encounter mythical beasts as well as the enemy factions.

The campaign mode for Age of Wonders 3 has some exceptional storytelling, with multiple story arcs, most of which are unique to specific factions. This means that replaying the game as a different faction will result in a completely different, and often opposing, version of the plot.

3

Distant Worlds: Universe

Gameplay Takes Place In A Living Galaxy

Rather than being a turn-based game, Distant Worlds: Universe gameplay takes place in real-time. Furthermore, gameplay is emergent, with the playing field unfolding as a game session progresses. This is due to the dynamic, living nature of the galaxy the game is set within.

The storytelling in this game is quite unique in many ways. Rather than delivering a linear plot and storyline, the story is told through unveiling ancient relics, and interactions with the enemy AI. This means that each playthrough is going to be entirely different.

2

Old World

Historical 4X Game

Taking on the role of the ruler of a long-lasting dynasty, players are expected to move their civilization forward through politics, economics and play old might. Combat is tactical, with terrain playing a large part in battles.

With its historical setting, Old World has a rich story. The plot is entirely event driven, and the storyline has multiple branches that are triggered based on the player’s actions. The main story is tied to the leader of the dynasty, and is rich with plots and intrigue. Overall, Old World deserves a place on this list due to the multiple ways the story can unfold.

1

Total War: Warhammer 2

Real Time 4X Strategy Rich With Lore

Taking top spot on this list, is Total War: Warhammer 2. A game that combines a very successful strategy game franchise with a world that is rich with lore based on over 4 decades of Warhammer. The large-scale battles and detailed fantasy world stand out as being exceptional.

The Vortex Campaign has fantastic storytelling, being narrative-driven and compelling. The game features many scripted events that combine and enhance the main plot of the story as well. Overall, this is a game that deserves the top entry on this list.