Master of Orion
Also known as Master of Orion 1, MOO1
Master of Orion is a 1993 4X strategy game developed by Simtex. Players lead one of ten distinct alien civilizations in a quest to explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate across a procedurally arranged galaxy, colonizing planets, managing populations and pollution, researching a branching technology tree, conducting diplomacy, and designing custom warships for turn-based tactical battles.
Widely credited with helping define the space 4X genre and even lending it that name, it combined accessible presentation with genuine strategic depth, from race traits that shaped each playthrough to multiple paths to victory through conquest, diplomacy, or a council vote. Its balance and replayability made it hugely influential and a template for many later strategy titles.
The series continued with sequels and a later reboot, and Master of Orion remains a touchstone reference point for anyone studying or enjoying the 4X strategy genre today.
Where can you play Master of Orion today?
Device by device, which of the 5 alternatives below you can play on it.
- PC
- Stellaris (€ 39,99 + in-app purchases), Interstellar Space: Genesis (€ 29,99), Master of Orion (2016) (€ 29,99) and 2 more.
- Mac
- Stellaris (€ 39,99 + in-app purchases), Interstellar Space: Genesis (€ 29,99), Master of Orion (2016) (€ 29,99) and 1 more. All 4 on Mac
- Linux
- Stellaris (€ 39,99 + in-app purchases) and Master of Orion (2016) (€ 29,99).
- iPhone
- None of the alternatives to Master of Orion runs on iPhone.
- iPad
- None of the alternatives to Master of Orion runs on iPad.
- Android phone
- None of the alternatives to Master of Orion runs on Android phone.
- Android tablet
- None of the alternatives to Master of Orion runs on Android tablet.
- PlayStation
- Stellaris (€ 39,99 + in-app purchases).
- Xbox
- Stellaris (€ 39,99 + in-app purchases).
- Switch
- None of the alternatives to Master of Orion runs on Switch.
- Steam Deck
- Stellaris (€ 39,99 + in-app purchases), Interstellar Space: Genesis (€ 29,99), Master of Orion (2016) (€ 29,99) and 1 more. All 4 on Steam Deck
Games like Master of Orion
Modern alternatives to Master of Orion, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
Stellaris
€ 39,99 + in-app purchasesParadox's enormous, deep space grand-strategy 4X.
Stellaris is also an alternative to 2 other classics
Stellaris runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Switch. It is Steam Deck Verified.
Interstellar Space: Genesis Indie
€ 29,99An indie space 4X built as a love letter to Master of Orion.
Interstellar Space: Genesis is also an alternative to 1 other classic
Interstellar Space: Genesis runs on PC, Mac. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Master of Orion (2016)
€ 29,99A modern, voice-acted remake of the classic 4X formula.
Master of Orion (2016) is also an alternative to 1 other classic
Master of Orion (2016) runs on PC, Mac, Linux. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Endless Space 2
€ 39,99A beautiful, story-rich space 4X with distinctive factions and a strong turn-based combat layer.
Endless Space 2 is also an alternative to 1 other classic
Endless Space 2 runs on PC, Mac. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Galactic Civilizations IV
€ 40,99A turn-based space 4X with deep ship design and diplomacy, the closest living relative of Master of Orion.
Galactic Civilizations IV is also an alternative to 1 other classic
Galactic Civilizations IV runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Unsupported.
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