

Though many strategy games, like Total War or Starcraft that do focus almost solely on military conflict, can technically fit the 4X design formula, they are not treated as such, because 4X strategy games have a very particular game structure and gameplay loop. Because of this design approach, most 4X games end up heavily focusing on conflict (see the last of the X principles) and military development and action. 4X games follow a common game design formula based on four features: eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate.

The 4X strategy game is one of the most prolific and well known sub-genres of the greater strategy game umbrella.
