5 Best Games Like Stellaris

One thing that Paradox Interactive is great about is that makes 4X strategy games and some of the best games like Stellaris. If you like games that deal with politics, conquest, diplomacy, and economic victories, a 4X game might be right up your alley. Paradox makes tons of them, and one favorite lately has been Stellaris, a 4X game that takes place in space. Stellaris’s gameplay revolves around exploring galaxies, managing your space-based empire, the diplomacy we talked about earlier, and, of course, space warfare with other civilizations in the galaxy.

It can be an extremely fun game; however, if you’re looking for that 4X strategy style, but with another theme — such as medieval or World War 2-based — there are plenty of games like Stellaris in that sense. So if you follow along with us below, we’ll show you all of the games that are similar to Stellaris with that 4X gameplay. Let’s dive right in.

Best Games Like Stellaris

1) Crusader Kings 2

We really like Crusader Kings 2 because, yes, it is a 4X game; however, it takes that strategy to a whole new level. It’s actually one of the most complex games on the market. It’s turn-based, but there’s just so much you can do to further your nation or kingdom. You won’t be leading your chosen nation to victory in Crusader Kings 2 through scientific means like in, say, Civilization; no, you’ll be taking over Europe through your own political dynasty, and wading your kingdom through the highs and lows that Europe went through in the medieval time period. The political system really is great in this game — your conquest of other nations doesn’t have to be through war, it can easily be done through Crusader Kings 2’s political system, giving you options like strongarming, marriage, and more.

Buy it now: Amazon

2) Endless Space

If you’re looking to keep up with the space theme that Stellaris has, Endless Space will definitely be up your alley. Endless Space continues the sci-fi theme, putting you in, well space, with tons of galaxies and planets to be explored. You can build your empire, and work to control the galaxy, whether by force, economic advantage, or through diplomacy. Players can explore every corner of the universe to find powerful artifacts and resources. Civilizations can be upgraded with advanced technologies, which can be used to destroy your enemies.

The game is a little slower with it all being turn-based — think Civilization — however, there’s a lot of fun to be had.

Buy it now: Amazon

3) Europa Univeralis

Coming up next on our list, we have Europa Univeralis. Designed also by Paradox Interactive, this game is very similar to how Crusader Kings 2 operates, though possibly closer to Hearts of Iron IV, since there’s no deep politics. You’re given a nation to control in the renaissance time period, and then, as time progresses, you’ll hopefully work with other nations or conquer them.

Europa Universalis gives you quite a set of tools to do this — and the political system is probably the most impressive tool. You’ll be able to trade with other nations, create economic advantages, use diplomacy to the win the game; however, you can also research technology, build up your army, and prepare for a dominant victory.

Buy it now: Amazon

4) Hearts of Iron IV

Hearts of Iron IV is up next, and is quite similar to Europa Universalis in terms of game mechanics. In fact, it’s pretty much the same game, but with some slight alterations. For one, Hearts of Iron IV takes place during the World War 2 years. So, in this game, instead of the medieval/renaissance era, you get a tech tree for the World War 2 time period. You also get a much larger map, essentially giving you the ability to potentially conquest with the entire world. After all, it is World War 2.

Buy it now: Amazon

5) Civilization VI

And finally, we have Civilization VI. The successor to the extremely popular Civilization V, this game allows you to compete against friends or other players in turn-based top-down combat. Choose your civilization, advance through its tech and civic trees. Choose to make war, or win the game through diplomatic and scientific means. With the expansion, you’ll be able to defend your civilization against natural disasters and even climate change.

Buy it now: Amazon

Verdict on the Best Games Like Stellaris

There are tons of 4X style games on the market — we’ve only touched the surface here on what’s available. However, these are definitely five of the best that you can pick up and play today. Our favorite here at The Droid Guy is easily Hearts of Iron IV or Europa Universalis, though Crusader Kings 2 has some great elements as well.

Do you have a couple of favorite 4X games like Stellaris? Sound off in the comments below.