While this article is a bit overdue, it’s time for us to finally take a look at the four 4X games that we’re most excited for in 2020. Of course, we’d choose four, right?

Let’s get started!

Number 4:

We’re probably just as surprised as most of you when we say that Pax Nova is shaping up to be a really damn good 4X game. Admittedly, Grey Wolf’s last outing, Dawn of Andromeda, appeared to have a lot of good ideas but fell very short on execution.

Meanwhile, Pax Nova has been ambitious with its desire to create a tense 4X game that exists in both the terrestrial and space realms. At first, we weren’t so sure that they’d pull it off. However, after a rather successful Early Access period so far, it’s becoming more and more clear that they’re actually succeeding.

Pax Nova isn’t perfect, and in many ways still feels like an indie endeavor, but the pacing, gameplay, gunplay, and even aesthetics have all been improved over the past 8 months, which have left Pax Nova feeling like a damn good indie endeavor.

We’re not quite sure how the final few months of development will shape Pax Nova, but even if it released today, it’d be a game we think we could recommend to most 4X fans. Don’t expect Mariana-Trench-like depth, nor AAA graphics, but with reasonable expectations, Pax Nova will likely surprise you. More development time is likely to only make it an easier recommendation as it makes its way to full release. We’ll be watching it very closely and we’ll be sure to report on its final form!

Number 3:

The only FREE game on our list, Remnants of the Precursors is a Master of Orion 1 modernization by developer Ray Fowler and Co. and it’s easily among the most exciting things happening in 4X right now. Even in its current form, it’s still a better game than most of the 4X games in the field right now, but Ray and his clan are continuing to improve it and make it more playable and aesthetically pleasing. I mean hell, just look at this new animation screen:

We’re of the firm belief here that Master of Orion 1 is among the very best 4X games of all time, so seeing it remade in this way is both exciting and nostalgia-inducing. Furthermore, the simple fact that this game is available for free is all the more reason for EVERY SINGLE 4X FAN to play it either right now, or when it’s “done” later this year.

The work that Ray has done to make the game more accessible, coupled with the work that his UI designer, Kaitlin, has done to make the game more easily understood should go a long way towards making RotP a huge success.

And we can’t forget the great writing of Jeff Colucci and the unbelievably great art from Petar Penev. We collectively drool over images like this:

With the beta expected this Spring, we’ll be keeping a close eye on this extremely promising addition to the 4X library.

(Editor’s Note: Ray has informed us that it’s very unlikely that the full release will find a 2020 release date. However, a feature-complete beta will, so we’ll be leaving this one here as it very much deserves a place on this list.)

Number 2:

While not much is officially known about 10 Crowns, we can base our anticipation on a few known facts and some rumors. First and foremost, 10 Crowns is Soren Johnson’s return to historical 4X. Soren is best known as the lead designer of Civilization 4, one of the all-time best 4X games and generally considered the best of the Civilization series by many fans.

Soren leads Mohawk Games, a studio that was recently responsible for Offworld Trading Company, which was well-received by both critics and players alike. Now, with OTC under their belt, Mohawk seems poised to provide a polished and unique 4X gaming experience.

There aren’t even any publicly available screenshots to show off yet…

Rumors are rampant among the gaming community, but we’ve heard from people that may have some insight that 10 Crowns is a dynastic 4X game, with similarities to both the Civilization series and perhaps even Crusader Kings 2.

Just the idea of a “Crusader Kings 2 meets Civilization” sounds pretty damn awesome and we expect to learn a lot more before an expected 2020 release date.

It’s a result of the rumored gameplay focus and the knowledge that such a respected game designer and development team is behind this title that we have an insane amount of anticipation for 10 Crowns and we’re eagerly awaiting more official information when Mohawk is ready to provide it.

Number 1:

We know a lot more about Humankind, Amplitude Studios’ first foray into historical 4X, than we do 10 Crowns, and what we’ve seen has us salivating. Seemingly an attempt to bring the best of their previous games, Endless Legend and Endless Space 1 & 2, and use that experience to create a historical 4X to challenge the grandaddy 4X of them all: Civilization.

Humankind will have a unique focus on cultures and the blending of those cultures through human history. Each era will see the player choosing between various cultures and adopting their strengths – and perhaps, weaknesses – and shaping a civilization that is uniquely its own.

We also know that Humankind will feature fully tactical combat, an evolution of Endless Legend’s combat, and borrow Legend’s region system, too. Simply put, it looks like they’re taking the best of both Legend and the Civilization series, adding their own twist, and bringing their talent for UI and aesthetic design. It’s a potential recipe for a bloody great 4X game and we’re extremely eager to see how it shapes up.

Plus, we’re big fans of what Amplitude Studios has done in the past, so we have high hopes for this one.

So that’s what’s most exciting for us for 2020. The 4X genre continues to have a strong lineup. Not to mention the fact that Stellaris will be receiving its “Federations” expansion and two expansion packs for Age of Wonders: Planetfall are expected this year, too. 2020 could be one of the best years ever for fans of our favorite genre.

Thanks for tuning in! Are there any 4X games that you’re excited about that we’ve missed? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Rob founded eXplorminate, and quickly brought on Nate, as his passion for 4X needed an outlet. You can find Rob in just about every 4X game beta and 4X game forum, too. He’s equally obsessed with the strategy and tactics genres and constantly combs the internet for new and exciting titles in those genres. He’s proud to be a member of Amplitude Studios’ VIP program and the concept creator of Endless Space 2’s Unfallen.