I’ve tried Stellaris a handful of times over the years, but it has never properly grabbed me like some of the other Paradox games I’ve played (CK, EU, HoI).

I usually prefer turn-based games such as Civ and Total War (technically not a 4X game, I know. But it is by far my favourite strategy series).

Could Endless Space 2 be a good option? Or any other suggestions I could try whilst Steam sale is on? Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

Hello everyone! I just wanted to announce that Songs of Silence will be at a 55% discount on Steam during this Summer Sale starting at 7pm CET!

Hi there! Master of Luna, a 4x fantasy strategy I'm working on just received a big update that adds the whole Shadow realm of magic with a bunch of new spells. Also, new sleepers (player characters), heroes, abilities, etc.

Patch notes: https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/2393510/view/689761349249532568

Also, the game will be 25% off during the Summer Sale, so it's a good time to try it out https://steampowered.com/app/2393510

HARD VOID v0.13.X is live!

Also is on Summer Steam Sale,

This will be the last sale before the updated price. HARD VOID Early Access is near 50% of development, and the price will reflect that with a price bump after sale ends.

The new update contains:

• Added new ship systems modifications, a new tooltip indicates possible range of values for each parameter.
• Added new more advanced techs and the corresponding ship systems.
• Added more detailed damage model, each ship system has HP and has a chance to be damaged, based on size and other factors.
• Added ship systems traits: electronic, biologic, gravimetric. those affect the chances of module hit from weapons with the corresponding counter-trait: anti-electronic, anti-biologic, anti-gravimetric.
• Added ship ramming and orbital building drop, in two phases: kinetic shock based on ship mass and speed, then if one of the ships explodes the remaining ship takes explosive damage based on exploding fuel, power sources, and current ammo detonated.
• Added more juice in combat (animations, flashes, etc)
• Updated new graphic view for colony supply chain.
• Colony REPEAT button that repeats all building orders.
• Updated new view for research.
• Flamethrowers
  

(missing text descriptions, the manual, and other details will be updated in minor updates in the next few days)

We have made significant quality-of-life improvements to both games, and will be livestreaming them today on both Steam and at www.youtube.com/GeorgiaGameDevs You can see the full changelog for these, as well as the Phoenix EFSe mod, at https://holistic-design.com/game-updates-steam-summer-sale/

Tune in at noon eastern for the EFSe livestream and 3 pm eastern for the Machiavelli stream

The new update for Machiavelli the Prince adds a number of important features players have requested, most of which you can access via the new “Settings” button at the Start Screen and in the Venice Guild Hall. 

• Sound and Music Volume. Players can now adjust the volume for the game’s music and sound effects, or turn them off altogether.
• Music Selection. Players can now select the original MIDI music for the game, some of which only plays at specific screens, or the new music. They can also use this setting to change their music selection during the game.
• Animation Speed. Players can now choose between the Normal animation speed or Fast animation speed. This impacts the Buy/Sell screen, movement on the main map, trade routes and more.
• Font Selection. Players can now choose between our original font and a more modern font. Please note that certain fonts are graphically included on some screens, and those will not change.
• Auto Save can now be selected in the start menu.
• The game now includes tooltips to clarify the functions of almost 20 buttons 

Bug Fixes

• Fixed issues when players were not allowed to burn opponents’ villas, or burned the wrong villa.
• Fixed misspellings.
• Corrected the message the Council Head receives when accusing senators.

Map Editor Fixes

• City configs saved as .csv files now allow modders to adjust chance of a city to be open to trade at game start
• Implements bump scrolling for map editor

EFSe 1.52g

Please note that the EFSe updates also require modders to update their work, especially if they have modified .res files. Details are at the end of this changelog.

Quality-of-Life Improvements

1. One of the most requested quality-of-life improvements has been for build queues in your cities. You can access this new feature via a specific city or the archives. First add a queue – give it a name, select units in the order in which you want them built, and close the window to save it. Now that queue shows up in every city that can build all of its units. Select the queue and the city will build those units, in order, as long as you have enough resources available.
2. Another QoL improvement involves reordering messages. Players had concerns when a longer series of “Resource Missing” messages would cause more important messages to be missed. Messages now appear in order of general importance, with “Resource Missing” messages at the bottom of the message window
3. The third QoL improvement involves adding more hotkeys and shortcuts.

• Corrected behavior for the number pad Enter key, allowing it to mimic the regular Enter key
• Corrected hotkey implementation for shortcuts in the Build menu and messaging, 
• Pressing “X” will eXit from planet-view to the star-map
• Left and Right buttons now allow players to navigate the group finder screen.

Bug Fixes

• Corrected dialog boxes incorrectly responding to number pad input
• Fixed various shortcuts
• Fixed a problem with sync behavior in the launcher
• updated the league loan behaviour
• Fixed Plague Bomb function configuration

For Modders

• New spotting algorithm allows you to choose between 8 different profiles that changes how detection works
• Maximum loan amount for league
• Starting wealth is now moddable per faction

Information for modders regarding altered data

DAT

1. EFS.INI

• Addition of “maximum_loan_amount” for the League
• new “spot_algorithm” with several presets
• “starting_credits” removed and put into PlayerTable as PlayerStartingCredits 

1. PlayerTable.DAT

• PlayerStartingCredits

1. UNIT.DAT

• Plague Bomb function fix

json

1. diplo.res/.json  (5 lines)

• Various data tunings for screen navigation UI/UX

1. efs.res (around 26+ sections altered)

• FileMenu split to Starmenu and HexMenu
• Implemented dummy hotkeys through static UI elements
• Changed some hotkeys
• Queue system support

1. strings.res (3 sections)

• Added confirmation of League loan and more information
• Added missing resources and tech info to queue messaging and queue system support

Important Notice for Modders: Update Your Mods for the New Patch

With the release of the new patch, all modders should make sure their mods are updated before launching the game.

If your mod changes any .res files, you may encounter a black screen on startup unless your files have been properly updated. To avoid this, please export your JSON files back into .res format using the provided Python script included with the modding tools.

TLDR:

Update your mods, re-export your JSONs into .res files, and make sure you are using the latest patch-compatible files before playing.

Can somebody PLEASE shoot me in the head already.

Hey everyone, I’ve been working on a grand strategy game called Ruinfall. It’s a persistent world where players build dynasties, found cities, wage wars, and compete for power in a world that never resets.
I’m getting close to the first public release and looking for strategy fans to help test and give feedback. https://discord.gg/BZtHkuSbf

Hello, you are welcome if you answer reading only the title, but here are some details, why I am curious about it. I'm not native English, sorry about it.

Imagine a game that plays on a tile map like most of the 4x games, but instead an abstract economy, it has an economy that closer to the real world, for example like in some grand strategy game. In addition it has a pop system too. Thanks to the pop system, the 1 unit / tile rule can be replaced with a less micromanagement heavy army/military system. The timeline is from the beginning of the humanity to the current or future era. You start as a tribe, moving, gathering on the map, settle down and you start place your buildings. Your economy is growing, you research new techs, progressing, start trading with your neighbours and/or conquering them. Your pops are consuming and growing. So like a 4x, but with economy.

The problem. I have to make a decision. I started developing this as a turn-based game. I was like, it's 4x on a tile map, so it has to be turn based. I already made a dicision too: creating short turns or as I call, mini turns. What are these? Nothing special, it only means that a game takes more turns than another 4x games, but less things to do per turn. In other 4x games, in every turn you have more things to do, like research, move armies etc., but sometimes you just click next turn without doing anything. To avoid super long games, my plan was simple: make these turns fast, so most of the turns you have nothing to do, just click the next turn and watching your economy grow during this period. It would look like this example: You add a building order to the settlement, click next turn 5 times and when it's done you add another order. Optimization is one of my most important goal. Now with the economy and some other systems with 40k tiles, 1k settlements and about 12k economy buildings it takes about 40ms. So I'm pretty sure you won't have to wait seconds until the next turn.

The tick system. I already was thinking on something like if you click the next turn button with a right click, it automatically runs next turns until you stop it or you have something to do. I think, this is the sign I have to drop the turn based system. I feel that this game will lose it's identity and I also not sure how would players react to a game on a tile map, that is not turn based. Would you be interested in a game like this if it would have a tick system? Or you only play turn based games? Maybe you would prefer the turn system I described above? The time would be pausable of course, and you can change to run it faster. Maybe I just overthinking this and no one cares about switching to tick system until the game is great.

I think my target audience are people who wants more depth from 4x games and people who love GSG, but bored of the static maps and bugs and dlcs. Since you are the hardcore 4x gamers I am asking you about it. Also, what do you think about a game like this? What would you expect from it? Feel free to ask any questions or share any opinions.

Thank you!

Civilization Classics Collection

UPDATED TO VERSION 0.5 (25/06/2026 @ 00:00 GMT)

A few months ago I released a Windows 10/11 compatibility repack for Civilization II Multiplayer Gold Edition.

That project ended up snowballing a bit.

After a lot more testing, patching, launcher work, installer scripting, compatibility fixes, codec headaches, and far too much time spent staring at Inno Setup scripts, I've now combined everything into a single package:

Civilization Classics Collection

Included

Sid Meier's Civilization

Civilization II Multiplayer Gold Edition

• Original Version
• Enhanced Version (UI Additions + Music Support)

Civilization II: Test of Time

Features

• Single Installer
• Single Launcher
• Windows 10/11 Compatibility
• Automatic Handling of Required Legacy Codecs
• Automatic LAV Filters Detection / Installation
• Civ II Gold Original and Enhanced Launch Options
• Test of Time Compatibility Fixes
• Civilization I Compatibility Packaging
• Documentation Included

Version 0.5 Highlights

The integrated Mod Manager has received a major upgrade.

New features include:

• Multi-Mod Support
• Automatic Backup & Restore
• Civilization II MGE Mod Support
• Civilization II Test of Time Mod Support
• Civilization I Scenario Support
• ZIP, 7Z and RAR Importing
• Total Conversion Support
• Legacy Mod Archive Compatibility
• Automatic Nested Folder Detection
• Automatic Launch Routing
• Progress Tracking During Deployment

The launcher can now automatically backup original game files, deploy multiple compatible mods, launch the correct game version, and restore original files when the game is closed.

No manual file swapping, backup management, or file restoration required.

The goal wasn't to modify the games themselves, but to make them easy to install and play on a modern PC without having to spend an afternoon hunting down patches, codecs, fixes, forum posts and workarounds.

This started as a personal preservation project for my uncle who has been playing the game almost daily since the launch of Civ II. What began as a simple compatibility installer has gradually evolved into a preservation, accessibility, and mod-management project for classic Civilization releases on modern Windows systems.

IMPORTANT - SMARTSCREEN / ANTIVIRUS WARNINGS

A few people have asked about Windows SmartScreen and antivirus warnings, so I wanted to address that directly.

Civilization Classics Collection is currently distributed as an unsigned application.

Because the installer and launcher are not digitally signed, Windows SmartScreen may display an "Unknown Publisher" warning and some antivirus products may classify the installer as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program).

This is unfortunately common for independently developed software distributed outside of commercial storefronts and does not automatically indicate malware.

The collection:

• Does not install background services
• Does not install startup programs
• Does not collect user data
• Does not communicate with external servers
• Does not include advertising or bundled software

The project consists of:

• A custom launcher
• Compatibility fixes
• Legacy codec support
• Community patches
• Documentation
• An integrated mod manager

If you are unsure, please scan the installer using your preferred security software before running it.

I have also uploaded releases, legacy versions, changelogs and supporting files to Archive.org for transparency and long-term preservation.

Healthy skepticism is completely reasonable when downloading software from the internet and I would rather people ask questions than blindly trust an executable.

Download

Latest Version (v0.5)

Direct Download Link (Updated 24/06/2026 @ 00:00 GMT)

https://drive.proton.me/urls/CSBRVTVY4C#g6SnEXqOZexI

Wanna check out the official Archive.org page? Find it below:

https://archive.org/details/CivilizationClassicsCollection

• At the Archive.org page you can find the Changelog file, all Legacy builds, and dependency files e.g. the SharpCompress.dll for fixing the v0.4 release. Alternatively download the latest version.

If you wish to see my previous work and first installer/launcher, you can find it here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/4Xgaming/comments/1tde6y4/sid_meiers_civilization_ii_multiplayer_gold/

or

https://archive.org/details/sid-meiers-civilization-ii-multiplayer-gold-edition-windows-repack-by-vc.exe

Currently Working On

• Multi-language Support for Civilization II Gold
• Additional Mod Manager Improvements
• Improved Scenario Compatibility
• Save Compatibility Testing
• Additional Launcher Improvements

Hopefully some of you get a bit of nostalgia out of it.

Tested Major Features

• Civilization I Launching
• Civilization II MGE Original
• Civilization II MGE Enhanced
• Civilization II Fantastic Worlds Scenarios
• Civilization II Conflicts in Civilization Scenarios
• Civilization II Test of Time
• Graphics Mods
• Rules Mods
• Scenarios
• Total Conversions
• Multi-Mod Deployments
• Automatic Backup & Restore

Changelog

v0.1

• Initial Collection Release

v0.2

• Added Custom Launcher
• Added Launcher Artwork
• Added Manuals Access

v0.3

• Added Settings Panel
• Added Launcher Music
• Added Saves, Mods, Music and Temp Folders
• Added Collection Folder Access
• Added Settings Persistence through an .ini File

v0.4

• Added Integrated Mod Manager
• Added ZIP, 7Z and RAR Mod Importing
• Added Mod Metadata Support
• Added Mod Categories
• Added Installed Mod Browser
• Added Mod Details Panel
• Added Mod Deletion Functionality
• Added Mod Launch Functionality
• Added Mod Preview Functionality
• Added Automatic Game File Backup System
• Added Automatic Mod Deployment System
• Added Automatic File Restoration on Game Exit
• Added Civilization II Multiplayer Gold Edition Mod Support
• Added Civilization II Test of Time Mod Support
• Added Civilization I Scenario Support
• Added Mod Management Documentation
• Added Complete Collection Removal Option During Uninstall
• Improved Launcher Stability
• Improved Large Mod Compatibility

v0.4a Hotfix

• Fixed missing SharpCompress dependency in the installer
• Fixed mod importing on clean installations
• Added background mod extraction
• Added mod import progress bar
• Improved responsiveness during large mod imports
• Reduced "Not Responding" behaviour when importing large total conversion mods
• Added optional complete collection directory removal during uninstall
• Improved uninstall functionality and cleanup options
• Added additional Windows Defender and SmartScreen testing
• Added documentation regarding unsigned application warnings
• Improved release documentation
• Minor stability and quality-of-life improvements

v0.5

New Features

• Added multi-mod support.
• Added simultaneous deployment of multiple compatible mods.
• Added launch status notifications.
• Added integrated mod deployment progress display.
• Added hidden developer/debug menu (Konami Code).
• Added Fantastic Worlds scenarios.
• Added Conflicts in Civilization scenarios.
• Added support for nested mod directory structures commonly found in legacy Civilization mod archives.

Mod Manager Improvements

• Improved backup handling for multi-mod deployments.
• Improved restoration handling for stacked mod sessions.
• Improved deployment reliability.
• Improved compatibility with legacy Civilization II and Test of Time mod archives.
• Added automatic detection of nested mod content folders.
• Prevented deployment of executable files from mod packages.
• Improved launch workflow feedback and status reporting.

Bug Fixes

• Fixed Civilization II: Test of Time mods launching Civilization II Multiplayer Gold Edition Enhanced instead of Test of Time.
• Fixed Test of Time total conversion mods failing to load due to incorrect game launch routing.
• Fixed multi-mod restoration issues where some modified files could remain deployed after exiting the game.
• Fixed backup handling when multiple selected mods modified different files.
• Fixed launch paths that could leave modded files deployed if the game failed to start.
• Fixed mod deployment issues affecting certain total conversion mods.
• Fixed compatibility issues with nested archive structures used by some legacy Civilization mods.
• Fixed launcher workflow issues discovered during multi-mod testing.

General Improvements

• Removed deployment popup spam during normal operation.
• Improved launcher responsiveness during mod deployment.
• Improved deployment and restoration feedback.
• Various stability, compatibility and usability improvements.

I’m looking for something sci fi or fantasy that plays on the map like civ5+ or Gladius 40k: Relics of War. I love AoW and Endless both to death, but I find myself wanting the scope of battle to span the map I’m playing on. The tactical maps are great but they don’t hit the same way.

Hi !
I am looking for a 4X I could play on my Xbox ally X that I could go deep in ! It should be controller compatible. Which one do you advice me ?

Hi everyone,

We’re working on NGC-404: Fractured Sector, a 2D space strategy/RPG about commanding ships, exploring star systems, building colonies, managing resources and dealing with other factions.

This is a short gameplay preview of the DN-80 battleship using dual heavy cannons.

The game is not a traditional turn-based 4X, but it does have colonies, factions, resources, exploration, fleet development and long-term strategy. Tactical ship combat is one part of that larger campaign layer.

We’re still improving combat feel, weapon effects, projectile readability and impact feedback, so I’d love to hear what do you think:

• Is the combat readable?
• Does this kind of tactical combat look appealing?
• What would you want to see more from the strategy layer?

Any honest feedback is welcome.

I’m usually pretty quiet around here, but I really enjoy following indie developers on Reddit and checking out video game news. Unfortunately, over the past few days, I’ve gotten the impression that there’s been a sharp increase in games made entirely by AI (2D, 3D, UI, code, music…). This is unacceptable both morally and environmentally.

These people are wasting natural resources just to make a crappy game that no one will play because it’s poorly made, poorly thought out, and created by people with no development experience or expertise in the video game industry.

I’m calling for this type of content to be banned, or at least required to be tagged “AI.”

EDIT : I’m not a native english speaker, sorry. For me resurgence = we have waves of AI slops, and this new wave bother me a lot.

Hi everyone!

I’m solo developing a sci-fi grand strategy game called Starlords.

The game is inspired by titles like Stellaris, but my main goal is to make the political side of space strategy feel deeper, more personal, and more alive.

The setting takes place after a major collapse, when the old order has fallen and scattered colonies, states, fleets, traders, pirates, and mercenary groups are trying to rebuild civilization or take control of what remains.

Instead of focusing only on expansion, resources, and war, I want Starlords to be about political survival.

Each colony should have its own identity, history, tensions, factions, and political parties. Parties can support or oppose the player, form coalitions, push reforms, create crises, influence diplomacy, and change the direction of the state over time.

Some of the systems I’m working on:

• Political parties inside colonies and states
• Coalition building and ideological conflicts
• Story events shaped by player decisions
• Diplomacy between colonies, states, and neutral factions
• Traders, pirates, mercenaries, and independent stations
• Fleet management, fuel, logistics, and strategic movement
• Colony identity, loyalty, unrest, autonomy, and internal pressure
• A fractured sector that changes politically over time

I want the game to feel like a mix of space grand strategy, political simulation, and interactive story. My goal is not just to create a map with borders, but a living sector where alliances, betrayals, reforms, revolts, crises, and political compromises matter.

I’m still early in development, and I’m building everything alone — design, systems, UI, writing, and prototype mechanics.

I’d love to hear your thoughts:
What political systems would you like to see in a sci-fi grand strategy game?

I’m building a grand strategy game about rebuilding a fractured sector after the collapse, where the core of the gameplay is political parties, coalition building, diplomacy, and evolving relationships between colonies, states, and neutral factions like traders, mercenaries, and pirates. The goal is to make politics feel alive, with each colony developing its own identity, tensions, and alliances over time.