# Star Traders 4X Empires Elite > Turn-based space strategy game to rebuild a galactic civilization from survivors. (iPhone/iPad app by Trese Brothers.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-traders-4x-empires-elite/id887028491 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Trese Brothers](https://appshunter.io/developer/528949265) - Category: Games, Role Playing, Strategy - Price: $4.99 with in-app purchases - Rating: 4.90/5 from 23 App Store ratings · 29 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 12+ - Requires: iOS 8.0 · 72 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2014-06-22 - Data updated: 2026-08-29 - Monetization: free with in-app purchases - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-traders-4x-empires-elite/id887028491/reviews.md ## What is Star Traders 4X Empires Elite? Take command of humanity’s last survivors and rebuild an empire among the stars. In this immersive turn-based strategy game, you must lead the refugees of the great Exodus to a new home in hostile space and build a new galaxy-spanning civilization. To survive in the dark reaches of space, you will have to fight to protect your people, control rival factions, and unlock lost technology. This challenging civilization-building game expands upon the universe of the original Star Traders RPG. As the leader of a splinter group who have fallen behind the main fleet, you have no choice but to settle nearby habitable worlds, stake your claim and try to prosper. Your forces will face hostile aliens at every turn and your fleets will do battle in a challenging tactical conflicts across the solar systems. As the waves of stellar conflict wash across your empire, you’ll face invasions, devastating planetary bombardments and need to exact the same on alien infestations to expand your empire. Within your own imperium, you must manage your economy, political realm, and technological research. The squabbling factions vie for power, unable to lay old rivalries to rest. Only your deft political maneuvering can build treaties and harmony over discord and war. From the helm, you must also construct a mighty economy, one capable of surviving the devastation of war and the attacks of political adversaries. A sprawling technology tree lies before you and your choice of technologies will determine the strategy of your galactic civilization. To survive, you’ll need to overcome some of these challenges, to succeed you must master them all. Take control through the strategic use of spies, economics, politics, technology and advanced weaponry in the most engaging, expansive and intense turn-based sci-fi title. Rebuild the human civilization from the ashes of interstellar war to become the galaxy’s ultimate leader in Star Trader 4X Empires. FEATURES: * Grow a ragtag band of survivors into a new galactic empire. * Protect your colonies of galactic refugees from alien attack. * Employ devious political and economic machinations to expand your domain. * Use spies and espionage to get the upperhand on your enemies. * Research and build incredible new ships, weapons and technologies. * Trade with a vast universe full of rich, dynamic characters. * Explore the galaxy and uncover its many secrets. * Multiple difficulty levels and customizable map sizes. * Risk everything to rescue refugees and keep them safe. The Star Traders 4X Elite experience allows you to: * Play on more than twice the maps, including large and huge Quadrants * Play the Great Houses & Clans - Thulun, Javat, and Steel Song * Unlock the Elite tech tree and gain access to hundreds of new upgrades * Battle against twice the alien enemies and AI types * Research 180 Technologies, 100 Weapon Types and 9 unique Hull Variants Get ready for the fight of your life in Star Traders 4X Empires. Star Traders 4X Empires is on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startraders Join the Community Forum: http://startradersrpg.proboards.com/#category-7 Twitter: https://twitter.com/TreseBrothers Try our Other Top RPGs ----------------------- Star Traders RPG Heroes of Steel RPG ## Key features - Build a galactic empire from survivors - Defend colonies from alien attacks - Utilize political and economic strategy - Employ spies and espionage - Research new technologies and weapons - Explore the galaxy and trade ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: $4.99. **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | Hyperion Ship Skin Pack | $0.99 | one-time | | Alta Mesa Ship Skin Pack | $0.99 | one-time | | Faction Expansion: Great Clans | $1.99 | one-time | ## Chart rankings - #198 in Top Paid · Role Playing (US App Store) ## Recent user reviews (10 of 29) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-traders-4x-empires-elite/id887028491/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Best Space Empire 4x on Mobile *2026-05-10* I’m so surprised that 4x Games hasn’t taken off on mobile. But with such a limited selection this is by far the best! ### 3/5 — Amazing game abandoned *2025-11-13* This developer likes to abandon their games on other platforms, leaving people who paid for them without the product they bought functioning. I don’t expect it to work for a lifetime, but they truly love abandoning games. ### 5/5 — Closest game on iPhone to Stellaris *2025-09-15* Great game, I have been playing on and off over the years and there still isn’t a better space strategy game on iPhone. Wish they would do an update! ### 5/5 — Fun Streamlined 4X *2020-09-09* This game has a very nicely judged design. Just enough of an economic system to be interesting without getting bogged down. Cool ship design system, and engaging tactical combat. It very much reminds me of StarTrek Birth if the Federation, without being a clone. Best mobile 4X I’ve tried so far. The visuals are a little retro by modern standards, but for me that’s part of it’s charm. ### 5/5 — Another Trese Winner *2020-07-30* The Trese Brothers don’t make bad games, full stop. ST4X is a mighty fine 4X experience, mobile or otherwise, with some cool innovations around multi-faction colonies, and some seriously awesome user interface design. They have built a rich universe with the Star Traders property, full of lore that is fun to dive into across multiple excellent titles. When you purchase a TB game, you aren’t just getting the software. In spite of always working on something new, these guys actively engage with their players, listen to the feedback, and update games that are sometimes years old. I sincerely am baffled at where they find the time. Trese fan for life. Buy this game and support a couple of cool guys who care deeply about their fans and the hobby. ### 5/5 — Great Space Game!!! *2020-05-06* Very fun, Very addictive! A great space game to play. This game can give you long lasting saves that you can take your time on. The game offers colonization, politics, exploration, space battles, and research for new technologies. ### 5/5 — Great game, lots of depth! *2018-06-25* I don't often write good reviews - either a game is good and it gets lots of good comments or it doesn't. But I am making an exception in this case. This is a good game - tons of technology developments to research, extensive development potential of your planets, all kinds of ship design possibilities, etc. Also, the player's "race" is broken into three factions (which you can choose in the full version) - all of which have their own special bonuses. But the political infighting among your factions brings a whole new level to the "develop and conquer" genre. Don't take my word for it - try the free version and then purchase the full version after you have experienced it! My only real complaint is that the game can "drag" at the end. It would be nice if the developers would add a "mercy" ending whereby you have the option of accepting victory when you control a certain percentage of the galaxy and perhaps also have a certain advantage in number/technology level of existing ships. It would also be nice if there were a random map generator, but there are enough pre-set maps to keep a person entertained for years. I look forward to future updates of this game! ### 5/5 — Deep Thoughtful Turn-based 4X Game *2017-09-07, version 2.6.27* Single Player 4X. Unique in that the game has 3 factions under your control (and they tend to dislike each other), and you must expand, explore, exploit, and research technologies while one or more enemy races are trying to exterminate you. Imaging trying to fend off an invasion while 2 of your factions have trade embargoes against your strongest ship builder. Will your trade summit be successful in time to turn around the economy? So many maps, so little time. Active forum helps you decide on the type of game you enjoy as well. 5 stars! Helpful forums, and continual upgrades/balancing/improvements from the developers. What it is: 1. Thought provoking 4X, with internal politics as a major component of gameplay 2. Deep Tech Tree 3. Heavy Ship Customization - Start with x amount of mass, add to your hearts content within these constraints; engines, weapons, shields, crew training, etc… 4. Tons of random maps, choice of number and strength of enemies, choice of 6 factions (and $2 IAP to get 3 more); very replayable, great value 4x game. 5. Playable on iPhone or iPad (but cannot start on one and finish on another). Also available for desktop play via Steam. What it is NOT: 1. Easy to learn. Tutorial is eh. Someone FINALLY made a let’s play series on youtube which explains the ins outs and helped this player learn. Once over that hump, it is a very deep, very satisfying, infinitely re-playable game. Player forum is active as well. 2. Multiplayer.. Single player only 3. Demonstration of Unreal 3D. Simple 2D graphics actually suit this game very well. The recent performance improvements, continual growing tech tree, and amazing strategy sharing on their forum make this must-have 4X game! New maps, ships, weapon improvements from constant updating from the developer make this a must have for 4X space games. ### 5/5 — AMAZEBALLS *2017-01-13* Great game!! Plays like MOO, but better!!!! ### 2/5 — Broken *2016-09-21* So I start the game and get about an hour in, all of a sudden spy battle after spy battle hits me and i'm in debt. I wait for a while to get more income, but by now my worlds are over populated and cost more to maintain than they bring in and I can't do anything. There needs to be something done about this. ## Frequently asked questions about Star Traders 4X Empires Elite ### What is Star Traders 4X Empires Elite? It is a turn-based strategy game where players lead the last survivors of humanity to rebuild a galactic empire. You will manage resources, engage in political maneuvering, research technologies, and battle hostile alien forces to ensure your civilization's survival and expansion. ### What are the key features of this game? Key features include growing a band of survivors into a galactic empire, protecting colonies from alien attacks, using political and economic machinations, employing espionage, researching new technologies and weapons, trading with diverse characters, and exploring the galaxy. The Elite version offers larger maps, new factions, an expanded tech tree, and more alien enemies. ### How is the game monetized? The game is free to download and play but offers in-app purchases. These purchases likely provide access to additional content, features, or advantages within the game, such as the Elite experience. ### What kind of gameplay can I expect? You can expect deep, turn-based strategic gameplay focused on empire building, resource management, diplomacy, technological advancement, and tactical combat. The game challenges players to make difficult decisions across economic, political, and military spheres to succeed in a hostile galaxy. ### Who is the target audience for Star Traders 4X Empires Elite? This game is designed for players who enjoy complex, long-term strategy games, particularly those with a science fiction theme. Fans of 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) genres and intricate simulation elements will find this app engaging. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 2.6.27 — 2016-11-07 This update from Apple will improve the functionality of this app. No new features are included. - New Map for Free "The Rim: 100x50 Map (50 Worlds)" - Added New "Superscale Manufacturing 3" Tech - Added New "Factory 8" Upgrade - Improved Turn Recent Events List - Improved UI of Tech Tree, summary display - Fixes for "Degla: 100x100 Map (150 Worlds)" - Fixes for "Degla: 80x80 Map (90 Worlds)" - Tech Tree Updates and RP Cost Balancing - Improved Xeno Colonization Planner AI - Minor Performance Improvements / Fixes - Fixed crashes in Research Project List and Technology List ### 2.6.19 — 2016-08-17 - New Map: Degla 80x80 Map (90 Worlds) - New Tech: Orbital Habitation 4 - New Upgrade: Orbital Platform 6 - Rebalanced 8000 Mass Reactors - Xeno Strategic AI Updates for Large Maps (50+) - Added "Go To" button to uncolonized Worlds list - List displays Enemy Team State (Aggressive, Neutral) - Fixed Manufacturing Treaty Politics - Degla Zone Map Cleanups, Improved AI with Asteroids - Made positive Exploration results slightly more likely - New Research Tech: 'Deep Crust Mining 2' - Fixed Mine 8, Increased RP Bonus - Improved Templar Advisor screen - Fixed bugs in the Uncolonized Worlds screen - Fixed issue with invaded worlds not being visible in fog ### 2.6.13 — 2016-06-28 - Major Performance Improvements - Xeno Colonization Stategic AI Improved - Mining Economy Balancing Updates - Balanced Maintenance Costs for Exchanges - Slightly Reduction in Conflict Generation on Normal Difficulty - Xeno Ship Armor increased by 10% - Xeno Ship Resistance decreased by 10% - New Sources of Radiation Damage: Invasion, Exploration - Improved Xeno Torpedo Ship AI - Slight increase in Maintenance Cost for Spice Hall 3 - Balanced Mine 7 Maintenance Cost, Added New "Mine 8" Upgrade - Balanced Maintenance Cost of Palace 5, Exchange 6 - Fixed Bugs with Defeated Colony Green Space - Replaced "Spy" with "EP" in Colony UI - Added AP remaining total to Confirm End Turn - Improved Terrox AI Planning Routines - Fixed some bugs in Ship Designer Training - New Refueling Spots in Garden & 100x100 Degla - Improved Pathing Rules based on Player Feedback - Fixed Issues with "Colony -1" and All Projects Screen - Fixed End Turn Confirm Option w/ Enter Key - Fixed Text Displays for Ship Upgrades with long descriptions - Map Updates and Improvements for Degla Maps - Small Reduction in chance of Solar Wars in early game ### 2.6.5 — 2016-04-15 - Add Path Tracing for Player Ships - Add “Fast Enemy Turn” Option - AI Optimization & Improvements (look out!) - Fixed Text Wrapping in Ship Designer - Fixed Build Costs For Heavy Reactor 19+ - Fixed RP Costs for late game Orbital Tech - Adjusted Maint. Costs for Orbital Defense - Added Progress Bar for AI Turn - Fixed bug, colony build queue now updates after re-ordered - New Option: Confirm End Turn - New Techs: Ultra Heavy Reactors - New: Heavy Reactors 18 to 20 (Max Mass 10,000!) - AI and help file improvements - Fixed Reported Issues & Typos - Major Performance Improvements - Improved Invasion Results Messages - Improved Options Screen - Fixed Talent Menu Layout Bugs - Fixed Sound Effects for some ship engines - FASTER! =) ### 2.5.9 — 2016-02-05 - Adds Factory Counts to Colony List - Improves Defense Display on Colony List - Invasion Results declare Scout vs. Full Invasion - Display Faction Defense Force levels in Icons - All Colony Upgrade icons upgraded to include level (1-9) - Added "Go To" button on Ship and Colony lists - Improved game rendering on small screen devices - Fixed bugs in Manage Games ## Apps similar to Star Traders 4X Empires Elite | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Queen's Wish 2: The Tormentor](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/queens-wish-2-the-tormentor/id1636368718) | 4.7 (19) | $9.99 | Games | | [Crying Suns](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crying-suns/id1511788295) | 4.8 (2,136) | $8.99 | Games | | [Songs of Conquest Mobile](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/songs-of-conquest-mobile/id6740487579) | 3.7 (124) | $11.99 | Games | | [Uciana](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/uciana/id1659168505) | 4.7 (42) | $0.99 | Games | | [Starbase Orion](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starbase-orion/id438375580) | 4.7 (329) | $7.99 | Games | | [Star Command](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-command/id632079234) | 4.0 (905) | $2.99 | Games | ## More apps by Trese Brothers - [Heroes of Steel RPG](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heroes-of-steel-rpg/id730818431) - [Heroes of Steel RPG Elite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heroes-of-steel-rpg-elite/id840230884) - [Star Traders 4X Empires](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-traders-4x-empires/id872458628) - [Templar Battleforce RPG HD](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/templar-battleforce-rpg-hd/id991176230) - [Templar Battleforce Elite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/templar-battleforce-elite/id991176888) All apps by Trese Brothers: https://appshunter.io/developer/528949265 ## Related topics [the elite series](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/the-elite-series) --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-29.*