4X strategy games of 2026 – from space operas to fantasy empires

The 4X strategy genre is experiencing a true renaissance. These games, built around four pillars – explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate – continue to evolve, offering increasingly deeper empire management systems.

2026 promises to be a packed year for grand strategy enthusiasts. On the horizon are both big-budget franchises like Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era and indie projects with unique mechanics. Space operas meet fantasy worlds, turn-based battles stand alongside real-time combat, and classic formulas get reimagined with modern approaches and mechanics.

Many titles are launching or will launch in early access, allowing players to participate in development and influence the final result. From managing interstellar empires to building fantasy kingdoms – the selection is impressive.

Here are the major 4X strategy games of 2026 – the list isn't complete, so if you have additions, write in the comments.

Interstellar empire on the brink of collapse

Alliance of the Sacred Suns
Steam page
Release: 2026

A hybrid of large-scale strategy and RPG in a science fiction setting from KatHawk Studios. Players become the new ruler of a crumbling interstellar empire, attempting to restore former glory before the end of their reign and life.

Focus on managing noble houses, political intrigue, and empire administration from a character's perspective in a procedurally generated galaxy. The unique combination of 4X management with RPG elements creates a deep experience where every decision carries personal consequences for the ruler.

Real-time space expansion

Ascendance
Steam page
Release: 2026, early access

A real-time space 4X strategy from Torchdrive, placing players at the head of a civilization in a vast galaxy. Detailed economic simulation, internal politics, thoughtful diplomacy, and massive space battles.

Focus on depth without visual overload – clean interface and accessible gameplay despite complex simulations of everything from ship combat to galactic economy. Developers promise balance between strategic depth and management convenience, which should attract both genre veterans and newcomers.

Mage aspiring to become a god

Atre: Dominance Wars
Steam page – testing ongoing
Release: 2026

Fantasy 4X strategy from Ironward with real-time elements and "god game" aspects. Players become an ancient mage striving for divinity, using arcane magic to manipulate or conquer a dynamically generated world torn by dark forces.

The game presents a mix of classic 4X empire building with hero RPG progression and RTS battles. Lore-rich campaign and robust multiplayer (co-op and PvP) at launch. The game combines several strategy subgenres, creating a unique experience for fantasy fans.

Living galaxy without multiplayer

Beyond Astra
Steam page
Release: 2026

Real-time science fiction strategy from Nebule Games in a living galaxy. Leading a civilization through expansion across procedurally generated planets, interacting with other life forms, and shaping destiny through countless possibilities.

Successfully funded through Kickstarter. Seamless gameplay from planetary surfaces to space, though focus is exclusively on single-player – multiplayer is not planned. Design emphasizes exploration and narrative in a vibrant sci-fi universe with focus on atmosphere and immersion.

Reimagining a classic franchise

Elemental: Reforged
Steam page – early access
Release: full version in 2026

Reimagining of the fantasy 4X series from Stardock Entertainment. Combines and remaster content from three games – Elemental: War of Magic, Fallen Enchantress, and Sorcerer King – into one updated package. Turn-based fantasy empire builder where players create a custom sovereign, found and develop kingdoms, design units, research technologies and spells, complete quests, and wage battles against rival civilizations for dominance.

Currently in early access, developers plan several months of updates and are working closely with the community to shape the final version.

Ocean world on the brink of extinction

ENDLESS Legend 2
Steam page – early access ongoing
Release: full version in 2026

Sequel to the acclaimed fantasy 4X from Amplitude Studios, published by Hooded Horse. Turn-based strategy where players lead one of radically different factions to build an empire on a constantly evolving ocean world facing extinction.

Founding cities, exploiting resources, creating armies, and engaging in tactical turn-based battles – all against a backdrop of cataclysmic events reshaping the world over time. Amplitude returned to community-driven development – early access launch accompanied by a promise of at least six months of development based on feedback before full release.

Physics in space battles

Ephemeris
Steam page
Release: date not announced, likely 2026 or later

Turn-based space 4X from YrdVaab with real-time battles – often described as a mix of Master of Orion and Homeworld. Leading a civilization through the galaxy, researching technologies, designing custom warships, and destroying enemies in cinematic 3D space battles.

Unique feature – physical combat system: shots can miss and ricochet, and ships have individual subsystems that can be damaged or destroyed.

Logistics decides everything

Falling Frontier
Steam page
Release: 2026, early access

Real-time science fiction strategy from Stutter Fox Studios, published by Hooded Horse, combining classic RTS and 4X elements. Vast procedurally generated star system where reconnaissance, logistics, and thoughtful ship design are as critical as combat.

Designing custom ships, raiding enemy supply lines, setting mine fields, building reconnaissance stations, and realistic space battles where tactics and positioning determine outcome. Emphasis on reconnaissance and logistics – for example, smaller forces can win by disrupting enemy supply chains. Early access launch postponed to 2026 for full implementation of complex systems like physical ballistics, orbital colony construction, and crew management.

Voxel magic in real time

Heart of Muriet
Steam page – demo available
Release: 2026

Fantasy 4X from indie developer Matthias Schindler with real-time RTS gameplay and charming voxel graphics. In a divided kingdom, players assume the role of a powerful mage striving to reunite the lands. Classic 4X pillars – explore, expand, exploit, exterminate – but in a more compact scale focusing on settlements rather than continents. Developing domains, researching powerful spells, and commanding forces in quick battles with pause capability for tactical control.

Players will be able to create and share custom maps through Steam Workshop, adding longevity to the single-player experience.

Return of a legendary franchise

Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era
Steam page – demo available
Release: 2026, early access on PC

Official prequel to the classic series from Unfrozen, published by Hooded Horse and Ubisoft, aimed at returning to the turn-based 4X/strategy RPG roots of the franchise. Building armies of mythical creatures, developing cities, and wielding powerful spells to defeat enemies – just like in old HoMM games. Non-linear campaign set in the ancient era of the HoMM universe along with skirmishes against AI and online multiplayer at launch.

Demo is already available and definitely worth trying

Card mechanics meet 4X

Pixel Domain
Steam page
Release: 2026, early access

Minimalist medieval 4X strategy from Minmaxdog, uniquely combining card game mechanics, 4X, and grand strategy elements. Playing cards to capture and develop territories on a tiled island map – for example, playing building cards to improve territory grants access to more powerful cards and larger armies.

Despite retro pixel graphics, the game offers multiple victory conditions – conquering the entire island or building a wonder of the world – and supports various modes: offline against AI, local multiplayer, and online matches.

Simplified design and fast gameplay distill the essence of 4X strategy into a more accessible format while maintaining strategic depth.