If you want a game that stimulates your cognitive senses, here’s our list of the best 4X board games that let you explore, exploit, expand, and exterminate. From exploring uncharted territories to expanding your kingdoms, 4X board games are entertaining and ideal for those who want to bond and spend some quality family time with friends and family. These games have interesting themes and amazing features and tools to keep the players engaged. You can scroll through our list to know more.

7 Best 4X Board Games

1. Best Strategy-Based:Fantasy Flight Games Twilight Imperium 4th Edition Board Game

Suitable for children aged 14 and above, this strategy-based board game requires three to six players and offers an average playtime of four to eight hours. A game of galactic conquests and 17 civilizations, players compete for interstellar supremacy through trade, politics, allegiance, and warfare. It is a competitive and thrilling game that you can play with friends and family. This video will give you a better insight into the product. Pros

Good replay value Based on sci-fi 51 galaxy tiles No repeated levels Comes with a detailed rule book

Cons

May not be easy to set up Might not be beginner-friendly

2. Best Wargame: Stonemaier Games Scythe

Portraying an alternate history of 1920s Europa, Scythe welcomes players to represent fallen leaders attempting to restore their honor and leading their factions to power. A wargame adventure based on science fiction, Scythe can be played by one to five players and has an average playtime of 90-120 minutes. Every part of the game has an aspect of engine-building to it, and its streamlined action-selection mechanism keeps the game moving briskly while reducing downtime before turns. Pros

Features Jakub Różalski’s stunning artwork Colorblind friendly Can be played solo No player elimination

Cons

Instructions may be challenging to follow for some Combat may get a little monotonous

3. Best With Minatures:Gamelyn Games Heroes Of Land, Air & Sea

Suitable for one to four players, the Heroes of Land, Air & Sea Order and Chaos is designed for children aged 14 and above. The box includes 80 cardboard structures and elaborate miniatures. Set in the land of Aughmoore, each player needs to strategize to explore the territory, expand, and build cities while exterminating enemies to conquer land and gain board supremacy. Watch this video for a thorough understanding of the product. Pros

Short yet exhilarating Features four additional factions Large map Ideal for group activity Integrates easily with the base game

Cons

Game may be time-consuming

4. Best Portable:Ice Makes Age Of Civilization Strategy Card Game

If you want a portable game with the features of a 4X board game, Age of Civilization can be a suitable choice. It requires one to four players. The game allows each player to play as three civilizations, and you can analyze eras, face challenges, and develop your kingdom. There are different cards for different challenges, and the goal is to build an empire through conquests. Click here to check out a detailed review of this product. Pros

Includes a solo mode with five scenarios Comes with 91 wooden tokens and 12 event tokens Good replay value Easy to carry

Cons

Might not be beginner-friendly Only six rounds

5. Best With Graphics:Gamelyn Games Tiny Epic Kingdoms Heroes Call Expansion Board Game

The strategy-based game is suitable for one to five players. It is an expansion of Tiny Epic Kingdoms with added heroes, factions, and war towers. You can play this game of wars within an hour, and it is designed with stunning graphics. The aim is to collect resources, learn magic, and invade territories by building towers while keeping your towers safe from opponents. Pros

Towers help with war/defense as well More optional tokens on the board Retro graphic design Small box and footprint

Cons

Requires base game to play Might not work with ultra tiny epic kingdom

6. Best With Empires:GMT Games Space Empires 4X 3rd Printing

Space Empires is a two-hour game suitable for one to four players. It involves building empires and destroying enemies and their colonies. With various terrains, details, and components, you need to build a fleet by researching diverse technologies to create the most balanced one. Pros

Retro graphic Quality easy-to-understand rulebook Fast-paced Good replay value

Cons

Solo level might be too simple Miniatures not included

7. Best Action:Red Raven Games Empires Of The Void II

A board game for two to five players aged over 12 years, the Empires of the Void II is a story of eight planets and species living on them. The game includes unique action and event cards to help you explore ancient ruins, stop planetary battles, save leaders, and protect the planets from invasion. Pros

Helps improve negotiation skills Includes 19 technologies to research Unique artwork Can be played for two to three hours Includes a rulebook

Cons

Might take some time to set up Might have a high degree of randomness

How To Choose The Right 4X Board Games?

Here are some points to consider while buying a 4X board game.

Why Trust MomJunction?

Priti Bose is experienced in writing articles about toys and gifts. In this article on 4X board games, she has put together a curated list of games you can play with your family or friends to have a gala time. After reviewing user feedback and suggestions, we compiled this list of the top-rated 4X board games with exciting features, intriguing storylines, and easy rules. A buying guide has also been included to help you choose the right board game.

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