Abandonware DOS title

4X: eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate

4x stands for eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate. Players of these games control a whole empire by managing resources and technical developments (eXploit), expanding their domains (eXplore and eXpand), and fighting against the computer or other players (eXterminate). Among the most popular 4x games are Civilization and Master of Orion.

Most popular 4x games

Civilization
strategyDOS, Windows 3.x, Mac OS
Civilization 2
strategyWindows XP/98/95
alien-legacy-2

Alien Legacy

DOS1994 Ybarra Productions
sid-alpha-centauri-5

Alpha Centauri

Windows XP/98/951999protected Firaxis Games
anacreon-1

Anacreon: Reconstruction 4021

DOS1987freeware Thinking Machine Associates
Anacreon: Reconstruction 4021 is one of the first 4x turn-based strategy games, ASCII based. Anacreon is set in space, as most 4x sci-fi games are, and was published by Thinking Machines Associates and designed by George Moromisato who later re-released the game as freeware.
armada2525-02

Armada 2525

DOS1991
ascendancy-02

Ascendancy

DOS1995 The Logic Factory
Ascendancy is a science fiction themed turn-based strategy game developed by The Logic Factory and released in 1995 for DOS. Ascendancy is a classic 4X game (eXpand, eXplore, eXploit, eXterminate), similar to Master of Orion, yet with a few differences such as a technology tree.
centurion-7

Centurion: Defender of Rome

DOS1990 Bits of magic
Centurion: Defender of Rome is a turn-based strategy game set in ancient Rome times. As a centurion of the Roman Empire, you will fight against the enemies of Rome in real time battles in every corner of Italy and Europe, you'll be a gladiator, race chariots, fight naval battles and more.
civ1-7

Civilization

DOSWindows 3.xMac OS1991 MicroProse Software
Civilization is the critically acclaimed strategy game designed by Sid Meier and Bruce Campbell Shelley that became a staple in 4X turn-based strategy. Civilization was developed by MicroProse Software and released in 1991 for DOS, Windows 3.x, Amiga, Atari ST, Mac, etc. Civilization was followed by sequels, the last one being published recently. T...
civilization2-4

Civilization 2

Windows XP/98/951996 MicroProse Software
Civilization II is a turn-based strategy game developed by MicroProse and released in 1996. It's the second installment in the "Civilization" series, created by Sid Meier. The game builds upon the concept of its predecessor, Civilization, and expands on its gameplay mechanics, graphics, and depth.In Civilization II, players take on the role of a le...
civ2-test-of-time-02

Civilization II: Test of Time

Windows XP/98/951999remake Atari
Civilization II: Test of Time is an abandoned turn-based strategy game developed by Atari and released by MicroProse Software in 1999 for Windows. Civilization II: Test of Time is a remake of the cult classic Civilization 2, without the involvement of Sid Meier (the creator of the Civilization franchise). Test of Time includes fantasy and science f...
colonization-6

Colonization

DOSWindows 3.xLinuxMac OS1994protected MicroProse Software
Colonization is a turn-based strategy 4x game developed and published by MicroProse in 1994 for DOS, Windows 3.1, Linux and Mac. The setting is the European Colonization of the New World. Colonization gameplay and interface are similar to Civilization, another Sid Meier game. However, there are some differences between Civilization and Colonization...
conquestnewworld-1

Conquest of the New World (Deluxe Edition)

DOSWindows XP/98/951996protected Quicksilver Software
Conquest of the new world is a turn-based strategy game that lets you control one of 6 different nations in their attempt to colonize the new continent. The gameworld is represented in an isometric point of view. Combat is a mini-game taking place on a battlefield where victory can be achieved by killing enemy troops or capturing the enemy's flag.
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Deadlock: Planetary Conquest

Windows XP/98/95Windows 3.x1996protected Accolade
emperor-fading-suns-04

Emperor of the Fading Suns

Windows XP/98/951996 Holistic Design
imperium-3

Imperium

DOS1990 Electronic Arts
iron-seed-02

Iron Seed

DOS1994freeware
masterofmagic-6

Master of Magic

DOSWindows XP/98/951994protected SimTex
Master of Magic is a turn based 4x strategy game developed by SimTex and published by the well know Microprose, very similar to Civilization, with a fantasy twist. You play as a wizard and your objective is to evolve your race from a small settlement to a bursting empire. To do so, you can produce military units to fight other computer controlled p...
masteroforion-5

Master of Orion

DOS1993protected SimTex
moo2-administratoroffer

Master of Orion 2: Battle at Antares

DOSWindows XP/98/951996protected SimTex
Master of Orion II is a 4X turn-based sci-fi strategy game set in space. Master of Orion 2 gives the player an empire to run by controlling food and production, managing economy and researching new technology. The player can wage war against other races or use spies and diplomacy to achieve victory.
moo3-07

Master of Orion 3

Windows XP/98/95Mac OS2003protected Quicksilver Software
civnet-win-04

Sid Meier's CivNet

Windows XP/98/95Windows 3.x1995 MicroProse Software
CivNet is a multiplayer adaptation of the original Sid Meier's Civilization game, released in 1995. It was developed and published by MicroProse for MS-DOS and Windows. This version of Civilization brought networked multiplayer gameplay to the series for the first time, alongside updated graphics and improved interface elements. CivNet retaine...
spaceward-ho03

Spaceward Ho!

Windows 3.xDOS1992 Delta Tao Software
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Star Trek: Birth of the Federation

Windows XP/98/951999 MicroProse Software
Star Trek: Birth of the Federation is a turn-based strategy video game set in the Star Trek universe. The game was developed by MicroProse Software and published by Infogrames for Windows in 1999. Players take on the role of one of five major Star Trek races: the United Federation of Planets, the Klingon Empire, the Romulan Star Empire, the Ca...
stellarcrusade-1

Stellar Crusade

DOS1988protected SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
sword-of-aragon-05

Sword of Aragon

DOS1989protected SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
warlords-1-3

Warlords

DOS1990 SSG Strategic Studies Group
warlords2-4

Warlords 2

DOS1993 SSG Strategic Studies Group
warlords2-deluxe-03

Warlords 2 Deluxe

DOS1995 SSG Strategic Studies Group
warlords-3-07

Warlords 3: Reign of Heroes

Windows XP/98/951997 SSG Strategic Studies Group
Warlords 3: Reign of Heroes is an abandoned turn-based fantasy strategy game designed by Steve Fawkner, developed by SSG Strategic Studies Group and released by Red Orb Entertainment in 1997 for Windows. Warlords 3: Reign of Heroes is part of the Warlords game series and features quite a few multiplayer modes: from LAN to PBEM.
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