Master of Orion, a legendary 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) space strategy game, has captivated players for decades with its deep gameplay, strategic choices, and the thrill of building an interstellar empire. If you've been yearning for more experiences that capture that same magic, you're in luck! The genre has evolved, and many fantastic titles now offer similar strategic depth and galactic conquest. In 2026, the pursuit of the perfect space 4X game is as engaging as ever. Here are our top 5 picks for games that scratch that Master of Orion itch.
1. Stellaris
Paradox Development Studio's Stellaris is arguably the most direct descendant of the Master of Orion spirit in modern gaming. It boasts immense scale, allowing players to customize their species from the ground up, dictating their ethics, government, and traits. The exploration phase is rich with procedurally generated anomalies, ancient mysteries, and unique alien civilizations to encounter. Expansion involves colonizing diverse planets and managing complex economies. Exploitation takes the form of intricate research trees and resource management, while extermination can involve epic fleet battles, intricate diplomacy, and even the emergence of galaxy-ending threats. Stellaris truly shines in its emergent storytelling and the sheer freedom it offers players to forge their own galactic destiny.
Stellaris - Galaxy Edition (PC) CD Key for STEAM - GLOBAL is available in our store
2. Endless Space 2
Amplitude Studios' Endless Space 2 offers a visually stunning and narratively driven 4X experience. While it shares the core tenets of exploration, expansion, exploitation, and extermination, it places a significant emphasis on its unique factions and their distinct storylines. Each race has its own political systems, economic models, and victory conditions, making for highly asymmetric gameplay. The combat system is a departure from Master of Orion, featuring a card-based combat phase where strategic choices made before the battle can turn the tide. The game's attention to detail in its lore and art style makes it a truly immersive journey through the stars.
Endless Space 2 Steam Key EUROPE is available in our store
3. Galactic Civilizations IV
Stardock's Galactic Civilizations series has always been a strong contender in the space 4X genre, and Galactic Civilizations IV continues this tradition with a focus on player-driven content and an accessible yet deep strategic layer. It introduces concepts like 'Core Worlds' and 'Colonies' to manage your empire's growth, and its ship designer is incredibly robust, allowing for unparalleled customization of your fleets. Diplomacy is a key component, with a complex AI that can be both friend and foe. The game rewards thoughtful planning and a solid understanding of your empire's strengths and weaknesses, offering a satisfying challenge for seasoned 4X veterans.
4. Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion
While Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion leans more towards real-time strategy with 4X elements, its focus on grand fleet engagements and empire management makes it a compelling choice for Master of Orion fans. The game is renowned for its massive space battles, where hundreds of ships clash across detailed star systems. Players must balance economic development, technological research, and military might to achieve victory. The 'Rebellion' expansion adds a wealth of new content, including new factions, units, and powerful titan-class ships that can dramatically influence the outcome of battles. It offers a more action-oriented approach to galactic conquest.
Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion Steam Key EUROPE is available in our store
5. Age of Wonders: Planetfall
For players who enjoy the empire-building and strategic combat aspects of Master of Orion but also appreciate a strong turn-based tactical layer, Age of Wonders: Planetfall is an excellent choice. Set in a science-fantasy universe, it combines planetary colonization and empire management with intricate, turn-based tactical battles where unit positioning, abilities, and terrain play crucial roles. The game features diverse factions, each with unique units and playstyles, and a compelling campaign. Its focus on both grand strategy and detailed tactical combat provides a layered and engaging experience.
Age of Wonders: Planetfall - Revelations (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S) - Xbox Live Key GLOBAL is available in our store
Conclusion
While no game can perfectly replicate the nostalgic charm of the original Master of Orion, these five titles come remarkably close, offering deep strategic gameplay, vast galaxies to explore, and the satisfying challenge of building and defending a spacefaring empire. Whether you prefer the emergent storytelling of Stellaris, the factional depth of Endless Space 2, the customization of Galactic Civilizations IV, the real-time battles of Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, or the tactical combat of Age of Wonders: Planetfall, there's a galaxy out there waiting for you to conquer in 2026 and beyond.
