Civilization 6, with its blend of diplomacy, intricate city building, and complex tech trees, has long been the king of 4X games. However, Frostpunk stands out with its unique vision and style in the strategy genre, offering a gripping and heartfelt experience in a bleak, apocalyptic world where every decision carries weight. Now, a new contender has entered the arena, challenging the likes of Civilization, Frostpunk, and other heavyweights such as Cities Skylines 2 and Crusader Kings. This massive new 4X game is available for a free trial on Steam, combining substance and style, intricate strategy with a distinctive concept.
Meet Zephon, created by Proxy, the developers behind Warhammer 40k Gladius. Zephon is a true 4X game, encompassing the elements of exploration, expansion, exploitation, and extermination. It immerses you in a hostile and often terrifying future, where Eldritch horrors roam the landscape, and your adversaries possess powerful cyberpunk weaponry, capable of obliterating you at any moment. Zephon offers a unique take on the typical elements of strategy simulation.
With over 50 distinct units for combat and the ability to select and combine various technology and construction paths, Zephon provides a diverse range of strategic options. Each leader you choose will grant your armies different abilities, and you can deploy an array of unique and unconventional weapons.
In terms of construction, you have access to multiple architectural styles and can strategically choose locations based on available resources. Zephon boasts over 150 different technologies to research, and its in-game timeline extends from the immediate post-apocalypse into a distant, post-human future, demanding careful management.
Zephon’s standout feature is its generational gameplay. Starting with a society barely holding on, akin to Frostpunk, you shape the planet’s future across multiple generations through leader-specific quests and spontaneous events. Skillfully managing crises is essential, as your chosen faction—Humans, Machines, or Eldritch horrors—strives to fulfill their respective prophecies and emerge as the victor. However, the journey from survival to transcendence is fraught with challenges, including economic crashes, wars, and poverty. Zephon offers a dynamic and unpredictable experience, ensuring no two games are alike.
For those interested, a free Zephon demo is currently available on Steam, while the full game is anticipated to launch in 2024, with a specific release date yet to be announced.
Alternatively, you might explore other top grand strategy games or delve into the best management games available on PC.