Best 4X Linux Games on Steam

Steam currently has 549 4X games, but not all of them are able to be played on Linux builds. Explore our list of the best picks ranked by Player Score. Our Player Score rankings are calculated directly from reviews left on the Steam store and will be updated in real-time as more players leave their feedback. 4X game rankings were last updated on 5/18/2024.

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1. Sid Meier's Civilization® V

Create, discover, and download new player-created maps, scenarios, interfaces, and more!

Sid Meier's Civilization® V banner

Sid Meier's Civilization® V holds the #1 spot for "best Linux 4X game on Steam" with a Player Score of 95. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 197,431 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 189,827 positive reviews and 7,604 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $7.49 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Sid Meier's Civilization® V on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).

Steam Price $7.49
Release Date 9/21/2010
Franchise Civilization Franchise
Developers
Publishers
Steam App Id 8930

2. Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition

Spanning the most turbulent era in Western history, your quest for territory and power takes you through Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and even onto the shores of the New World.

Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition banner

Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition has achieved a Player Score of 94, placing it in the #2 spot for the best Linux 4X games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 30,817 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 29,497 positive reviews and 1,320 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $24.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).

3. Airships: Conquer the Skies

Construct mighty steampunk airships and fly them into battle, waging war and conquering the skies!

Airships: Conquer the Skies banner

Airships: Conquer the Skies has achieved a Player Score of 93, placing it in the #3 spot for the best Linux 4X games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 5,438 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 5,218 positive reviews and 220 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $24.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Airships: Conquer the Skies on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).

Steam Price $24.99
Release Date 8/16/2018
Developer David Stark
Publisher David Stark
Steam App Id 342560

4. Master of Orion 2

Forge an empire in a universe where population growth is stripping away planetary resources. Colonize unknown planets and trade with other races for their knowledge.

Master of Orion 2 banner

Master of Orion 2 has achieved a Player Score of 91, placing it in the #4 spot for the best Linux 4X games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 1,387 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,340 positive reviews and 47 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $5.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run Master of Orion 2 on the Steam Deck.

Steam Price $5.99
Release Date 2/25/2016
Franchise Wargaming Group Ltd.
Developer SimTex
Publisher Wargaming Labs
Steam App Id 410980

5. The Battle of Polytopia

Welcome to the unique, turn-based strategy game set in the strange, flat world of the Square. Lead one of 16 distinct civilizations to victory by expanding your empire, researching technologies, and ultimately become ruler of the world! Play in single-player or multiplayer mode for up to 16 players.

The Battle of Polytopia banner

The Battle of Polytopia has achieved a Player Score of 90, placing it in the #5 spot for the best Linux 4X games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 4,332 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 4,067 positive reviews and 265 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $14.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.

Steam Price $14.99
Release Date 8/4/2020
Developer Midjiwan AB
Publisher Midjiwan AB
Steam App Id 874390

6. Crusader Kings III

Love, fight, scheme, and claim greatness. Determine your noble house’s legacy in the sprawling grand strategy of Crusader Kings III. Death is only the beginning as you guide your dynasty’s bloodline in the rich and larger-than-life simulation of the Middle Ages.

Crusader Kings III banner

Crusader Kings III has achieved a Player Score of 90, placing it in the #6 spot for the best Linux 4X games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 106,891 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 97,778 positive reviews and 9,113 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $19.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Crusader Kings III on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).

Steam Price $19.99
Release Date 9/1/2020
Franchise Paradox Interactive - Official
Developer Paradox Development Studio
Publisher Paradox Interactive
Steam App Id 1158310

7. Dominions 5 - Warriors of the Faith

In Dominions 5 you take control of a powerful being that rules a nation and aspires to godhood. The type of Pretender Gods can vary from magically powerful arch mages to huge titans or large monuments. Dominions is a deep 4x turn based strategy game with a very large variety of spells and units.

Dominions 5 - Warriors of the Faith banner

Dominions 5 - Warriors of the Faith has achieved a Player Score of 90, placing it in the #7 spot for the best Linux 4X games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,113 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,997 positive reviews and 116 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $39.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Dominions 5 - Warriors of the Faith on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).

Steam Price $39.99
Release Date 11/27/2017
Developer Illwinter Game Design
Publisher Illwinter Game Design
Steam App Id 722060

8. Sid Meier's Colonization (Classic)

The New World lies before you with all its peril, promise and infinite possibility. Your colonists anxiously follow you to shore. The treasures of an entire continent await you.

Sid Meier's Colonization (Classic) banner

Sid Meier's Colonization (Classic) has achieved a Player Score of 90, placing it in the #8 spot for the best Linux 4X games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 873 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 833 positive reviews and 40 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $6.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run Sid Meier's Colonization (Classic) on the Steam Deck.

Steam Price $6.99
Release Date 10/9/2014
Developer MicroProse Software, Inc
Publishers
Steam App Id 327400

9. X3: Albion Prelude

X3: Albion Prelude is the latest game in the X3 space game series. TRADE, FIGHT, BUILD, THINK in a living and breathing universe. A new plot and many additions to the open free-form gameplay.

X3: Albion Prelude banner

X3: Albion Prelude has achieved a Player Score of 88, placing it in the #9 spot for the best Linux 4X games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,051 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,900 positive reviews and 151 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $9.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, there is no confirmed information regarding Steam Deck support for this game.

Steam Price $9.99
Release Date 12/16/2011
Developer Egosoft
Publisher Egosoft
Steam App Id 201310

10. Predynastic Egypt

Do you know how did Ancient Egypt looked like before the Great Pyramids? Lead the future Egyptian citizens all the way through the historical hardships to the Unification of Lower and Upper Egypt, and you will find out!

Predynastic Egypt banner

Predynastic Egypt has achieved a Player Score of 87, placing it in the #10 spot for the best Linux 4X games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 1,823 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,673 positive reviews and 150 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.

It is priced at $9.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, there is no confirmed information regarding Steam Deck support for this game.

Steam Price $9.99
Release Date 10/10/2016
Developer Clarus Victoria
Publisher Clarus Victoria
Steam App Id 461620

More 4X Linux Games on Steam

Explore even more rankings for the 10 best 4X games available on Steam.

Soures & References

Steambase has best-in-class data powered directly by Steam, our data partners, and in-house experts. Reviews and rankings are enriched, analyzed, and updated in real-time to ensure we surface the most up-to-date insights. Learn more about the Steambase approach to data collection and our review methodology.

  • Valve Corporation. (2024, May 18). Steam Store. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, May 18). Sid Meier's Civilization® V on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, May 9). Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, May 16). Airships: Conquer the Skies on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, May 18). Master of Orion 2 on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, May 17). The Battle of Polytopia on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, May 19). Crusader Kings III on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, March 25). Dominions 5 - Warriors of the Faith on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, April 1). Sid Meier's Colonization (Classic) on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, May 18). X3: Albion Prelude on Steam. Steam Store.
  • Valve Corporation. (2024, April 22). Predynastic Egypt on Steam. Steam Store.

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