Have you ever dreamed about what life could be like beyond the stars? Intergalactic exploration has long been a rich topic for game developers to explore, and as games get more advanced, their visions of space become more detailed. X4: Foundations represents a big leap forward in the space simulation genre, imagining a vast universe filled with moving parts that continue to turn regardless of player involvement.
In this vast sandbox, you stand alone, with multiple paths to choose from. In an economy fuelled by mining and trading, it’s up to you to find your place among your fellow adventurers. There are a variety of gamestarts to choose from, with each offering its own roles, relationships, technologies, and ships. Whichever path you choose, you are free to develop in any direction, giving you complete freedom over your destiny.
Will you choose the path of an intrepid explorer, searching for new planets and races? Or perhaps you’ll choose a life of piracy – thieving and trading to further your own ends. For those who like to go in guns-blazing, choose the path of the fighter pilot and rise through the ranks to command a fleet of formidable ships.
A simulated universe
As you fight, trade, build, and scheme your way to interstellar success, you’ll traverse a huge variety of masterfully detailed environments. It won’t take you long to realize that the universe of X4 is more than just a mere backdrop. Behind every location you visit lies a living, breathing world populated by thousands of individual ‘agents’ who will act independently regardless of the actions of the player.
These actions can include trading, fighting, mining, or producing wares and are determined by the agents’ goals, not by predetermined scripts. This allows the universe of X4 to function with stunning realism, boasting the depth of an MMO in a single-player package. This focus on the single-player experience allows for much faster progression and more rewarding gameplay.
Ship it
Unlike some space simulators, X4: Foundations allows you to fly ships personally, from small scout ships to large carriers. Pilot from the cockpit or enjoy an external view as you traverse vast galaxies. Want a change of pace? Dock in a space station and wander over to your other ships to take it for a ride.
X4 allows you to build up a large fleet of your own ships, but to store them, you’ll want your own space station. Space station customization has been given a huge overhaul, granting you the ability to construct a variety of modules, from production modules, to living sections, docks, and more. Using the new map system, you can drag and connect new station parts, giving you the freedom to customize your ship to your taste.
Ships are highly customizable. Engines, weapons, and other components can be swapped out and upgraded, all with visual changes that can be seen on the exterior of your ship. Exercise your creativity to create a swish ship that matches your playstyle.
Building space stations is just one part of X4’s building features. You can also build your own factories and even establish your own economy which can influence the universe’s economy on a large scale.
Space race
X4’s factions are far more than just enemies for players to dispatch. These rival forces can freely build and expand their empires with the same level of freedom offered to the player. These factions will change their tactics depending on the actions of the player, so think about how your actions will influence your rivals.
When you’ve established an empire of your own, you’ll be able to command the many NPCs in your employ, ordering around ships with simple drag-and-drop commands. Plan trade routes, coordinate attacks, and send ships on missions.
Players have been loving the game so far, rating it as ‘Very Positive’ on Steam. The game has also just celebrated its fifth anniversary and has been receiving consistent updates since launch to refine its mechanics and add new features. Several paid expansions have dropped, adding tons of new content, as well as free content drops such as the 7.00 update that’s coming in 2024.
Earlier this year, the 6.00 update added lots of useful features including a new live camera mode and lots of technical improvements. The game’s fourth expansion, X4: Kingdom End, added a vast array of alien ships with fascinating designs, as well as immersive new story chapters.
With all of these incredible features and more updates on the way, there’s never been a better time to get started in X4: Foundations. The game is currently discounted in the Steam Winter sale by 60%, so don’t wait around, start your intergalactic enterprise today! Get the entire package with an extra 20% discount when you buy the X4: Community of Planets Edition which contains all four currently available expansions. All expansions will also be discounted, so existing players can complete their experience.