Shadow Empire
Turn-based sci-fi 4X wargame about governing and conquering a ruined planet
VR Designs · Published by Matrix Games · Released Dec 3, 2020
- Reviews
- Very Positive
- 84% of 1,956
- Recent reviews
- Not enough recent
- Playing now
- 44
- peak 24h 55
- Steam Deck
- Unsupported
- Last update
- 6 days ago
- Sep 16, 2026
Metacritic: 78/100 (critic reviews)
What is Shadow Empire?
A turn-based 4X wargame set on a procedurally generated alien planet. As the ruler of a small nation trying to reconquer a devastated world, you command armies on a hex map, build infrastructure, manage budgets and leaders, and negotiate with neighboring regimes.
For you if...
- +you enjoy difficult, systems-heavy turn-based strategy
- +you like planning military campaigns around supply lines
- +you want political decisions alongside military campaigns
Not for you if...
- −you prefer straightforward strategy without detailed logistics
- −you want forgiving starts and a short learning curve
What players say
84% of 1,956 reviews are positive
Players praise the generated planets and the depth of the military and political systems. They commonly criticize the cluttered interface, sparse guidance, and frustrating supply logistics. Many also dislike the newer AI-generated artwork, though players note they can switch back to the older visuals.
Screenshots and trailer
Shadow Empire system requirements
As published by the developer.
Minimum
- OS
- Windows Windows 8, Windows 10
- Processor
- 1.5 GHZ
- Graphics
- 8MB video memory, 1280x768 or higher resolution
- Memory
- 2 GB RAM
- Storage
- 1 GB available space
- DirectX
- Version 9.0c
Recommended
- OS
- Windows Windows 8, Windows 10
- Processor
- 1.5 GHZ
- Graphics
- 8MB video memory, 1280x768 or higher resolution
- Memory
- 2 GB RAM
- Storage
- 1 GB available space
- DirectX
- Version 9.0
PC version details
DRM, required accounts, controller support and Steam features.
- DRM
- None declared on Steam
- Controller
- Keyboard and mouse
- Platforms
- Windows
- Steam features
- Family Sharing
Steam Deck: Unsupported
- Not supported on SteamOS
Multiplayer and co-op
Languages
Text only: English.
Tags
- Strategy
- Simulation
- 4X
- RPG
- Wargame
- Turn-Based Strategy
- Hex Grid
- Sci-fi
- Turn-Based
- Grand Strategy
- War
- Space
- Singleplayer
- Multiplayer
- Replay Value
- Aliens
Recent updates
- Sep 16, 2026 · Shadow Empire - Patch Update 1.32.4
- Jun 1, 2026 · Shadow Empire - Patch Update
- Apr 29, 2026 · New Patch Update
- Apr 16, 2026 · Patch Update 1.31h
- Mar 11, 2026 · Shadow Empire - Morale & Makeover Update
2 DLC available.
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