GameVettedHonest game reviews.

Strategy & 4X

Base building, empires and long-term planning.

Strategy & 4XPaid gameResearch review9.4/10
Space Engineers

PC

A $19.99 engineering sandbox on Windows and consoles with cosmetic-only DLC; Space Engineers 2 is a separate Early Access game.

Pay to win: NoLoot boxes: No
Strategy & 4XResearch review8.0/10
Heroes of History

PC · Browser · Mobile

InnoGames' history city builder is free in browsers, on PC, Mac and mobile; money buys random hero summons and Season Pass tickets, and heroes fight in PvP.

Pay to win: StrongLoot boxes: Yes
Strategy & 4XResearch review7.5/10
State of Survival

PC · Mobile

FunPlus's zombie strategy MMO is free on Steam, PC, Mac and mobile, sells Biocaps, crates and passes, and publishes odds in Korean.

Pay to win: StrongLoot boxes: Yes
Strategy & 4XResearch review7.5/10
Tiles Survive!

PC · Mobile

FunPlus's survival strategy game is free on mobile and Windows; it sells packages and passes, publishes recruitment odds, and heroes fight in PvP.

Pay to win: StrongLoot boxes: Yes
Strategy & 4XResearch review7.4/10
Elvenar

Browser · Mobile

A free browser and mobile fantasy city builder without player combat; Diamonds buy speed-ups, expansions and luck-based event chests with no listed odds.

Pay to win: MildLoot boxes: Yes
Strategy & 4XResearch review7.4/10
Rise of Kingdoms

PC · Mobile

Lilith's real-time war strategy MMO is free on mobile, Windows and M1 Macs; it sells Gems and packs, with official odds for armaments only.

Pay to win: StrongLoot boxes: Yes
Strategy & 4XResearch review7.2/10
Forge of Empires

Browser · Mobile

A long-running free city builder with real PvP, where Diamonds buy speed-ups and random event prizes with combat boosts; no odds are listed.

Pay to win: StrongLoot boxes: Yes
Strategy & 4XResearch review7.2/10
Grepolis

Browser · Mobile

A veteran browser strategy MMO where Gold buys advisors that make armies fight 20% stronger on PvP worlds.

Pay to win: StrongLoot boxes: Yes
Strategy & 4XResearch review7.2/10
Project Entropy

PC · Mobile

FunPlus's seasonal sci-fi alliance strategy game is free on mobile and Windows; a paid pass includes a Legendary Hero and stores flag random items.

Pay to win: StrongLoot boxes: Yes
Strategy & 4XResearch review7.1/10
Evony: The King's Return

PC · Mobile

Top Games' strategy MMO is free on mobile with PC store versions, publishes odds, and sells Generals, gear chests and monthly cards.

Pay to win: StrongLoot boxes: Yes
Strategy & 4XResearch review7.1/10
Foundation: Galactic Frontier

PC · Mobile

A well-rated 4X on PC, Mac and mobile whose own FAQ says money buys progression boosts and faster access to champions and ships.

Pay to win: StrongLoot boxes: Yes
Strategy & 4XResearch review7.1/10
Lords Mobile

PC · Mobile

IGG's war strategy MMO is free on Steam, Epic and mobile, publishes drop rates, and sells chests plus auto-renewing speed subscriptions.

Pay to win: StrongLoot boxes: Yes
Strategy & 4XResearch review7.1/10
Vikings: War of Clans

PC · Mobile

Plarium's clan strategy MMO is free on mobile and on Plarium Play for Windows and Mac; Gold buys military boosts and loot box odds are unlisted.

Pay to win: StrongLoot boxes: Yes
Strategy & 4XResearch review7.0/10
Last Fiefdom

PC · Mobile

Puzala's online dragon-and-siege strategy MMO is free on Steam and mobile; it sells Gold, packs and a $29.99 monthly subscription, with no odds page.

Pay to win: StrongLoot boxes: Yes
Strategy & 4XResearch review7.0/10
Star Trek Fleet Command

PC · Mobile

A long-running Star Trek strategy game with solid store ratings and many paid shortcuts, including PvP bonuses.

Pay to win: StrongLoot boxes: Yes
Strategy & 4XResearch review6.9/10
Game of Thrones: Winter is Coming

PC

A free HBO-licensed strategy MMO for Windows where VIP levels and packs add battle stats; Facebook web play ended in September 2026.

Pay to win: StrongLoot boxes: No
Strategy & 4XResearch review6.9/10
Guns of Glory: Lost Island

PC · Mobile

FunPlus's 2017 war strategy MMO, now titled Lost Island, is free on mobile and Windows and sells Gold, gift packs, a $19.99 subscription and random chests.

Pay to win: StrongLoot boxes: Yes
Strategy & 4XResearch review6.8/10
Tribal Wars

PC · Browser · Mobile

A veteran PvP strategy MMO where Premium Points turn straight into resources, faster builds and automation.

Pay to win: StrongLoot boxes: Yes