PCGame

Space Empires IV Deluxe

Turn-based space 4X strategy with ship design and tactical warfare

Malfador Machinations · Published by Strategy First · Released Feb 7, 2006

Strategy

Reviews
Very Positive
87% of 270
Recent reviews
Not enough recent
Players
23
daily peak, Nov 7, 2026
Steam Deck
Playable
Last update on Steam
Unknown
no patch notes on Steam
Minimum PC
–
not published

Metacritic: 79/100 (critic reviews)

What is Space Empires IV Deluxe?

Space Empires IV Deluxe is a turn-based space 4X strategy game about building a space empire. You research technology, design ships, encounter new species, fight tactical battles, and suppress rebellions. It includes tools for creating levels and campaigns.

For you if...

  • +you enjoy turn-based space strategy with many options
  • +you like designing ships and researching new technology
  • +you want tools for creating levels and campaigns

Not for you if...

  • −you prefer real-time action over turn-based strategy
  • −you dislike managing research, ship designs, and rebellions

What players say

87% of 270 reviews are positive

Players praise its strategic depth and modding options.

Players over time

▲ +24% vs a month ago

Players online on Steam, one sample a day.

Highest since Sep 2026: 24 players on Nov 5, 2026.

Show the data
DayPlayers
Nov 7, 202623
Nov 6, 202618
Nov 5, 202624
Nov 4, 202613
Nov 3, 202617
Nov 2, 202622
Nov 1, 202621
Oct 31, 202615
Oct 30, 202611
Oct 29, 202616
Oct 28, 202614
Oct 27, 20268
Oct 27, 202612
Oct 26, 202615
Oct 25, 202615
Oct 24, 202619
Oct 23, 202618
Oct 22, 20260
Oct 21, 202618
Oct 20, 202622
Oct 19, 202616
Oct 18, 202615
Oct 17, 20265
Oct 16, 202615
Oct 15, 20269
Oct 14, 202615
Oct 13, 202616
Oct 12, 202618
Oct 11, 202622
Oct 10, 202620
Oct 9, 202616
Oct 8, 202614
Oct 7, 202613
Oct 6, 202613
Oct 5, 202613
Oct 4, 202614
Oct 3, 202610
Oct 2, 202614
Oct 1, 202611
Sep 30, 202614
Sep 29, 202611
Sep 28, 202616
Sep 27, 202612
Sep 26, 202612
Sep 25, 202614
Sep 24, 202620
Sep 23, 202618
Sep 23, 202621
Sep 22, 202620
Sep 21, 202617

Screenshots and trailer

Space Empires IV Deluxe screenshot 1

Space Empires IV Deluxe system requirements

As published by the developer.

Can my PC run Space Empires IV Deluxe?

The published requirements do not name a graphics card we can compare.

Set up my PC →

Minimum

Pentium Processor; Windows XP; 128MB RAM; 800x600 screen resolution; 16bit colour; 300 MB hard drive space; DirectX 8.1 or higher, Windows Compatible Sound Card.

Does Space Empires IV Deluxe have co-op or multiplayer?

Yes: multiplayer (mode not specified). It also has a single-player mode.

Does Space Empires IV Deluxe run on Steam Deck?

Playable Playable: it runs on Steam Deck with some adjustments.

  • Some in-game text is small and may be hard to read
  • All functionality is accessible with the default controller configuration
  • Shows Steam Deck controller icons
  • Default graphics settings perform well on Steam Deck

PC version details

DRM
None declared on Steam
Controller
Keyboard and mouse
Platforms
Windows
Steam features
Family Sharing
Languages
Text only: English.

Does Space Empires IV Deluxe use AI-generated content?

No AI-generated content is disclosed on the game's Steam page.

Self-reported by the developer under Steam rules: it covers AI content that ships in the game, not tools used to make it. Steam page checked on Oct 25, 2026. How to filter AI games on Steam

Tags

Games like Space Empires IV Deluxe