The next OGame? Free online 4X strategy game launches on Steam

Nexus Legacy could be just the thing for players who once logged into OGame intending to “just send out the fleet” – only to spend the rest of the night calculating resources, construction timers and attack windows. Like OGame, it is built around a persistent online world with 4X strategy elements. The game launched in free Early Access on Steam on June 5 and has received mostly positive feedback so far. According to the developers at Nexus Legacy Team, Early Access is expected to last around one year. The title is also planned to remain free after its full release.

Players start with a single planet, where they build mines, laboratories, shipyards and defensive structures. From there, the empire gradually expands through new colonies, outposts and space stations. These provide more resources and strategic options, but also increase the area that needs to be defended. All players share the same persistent universe, developing their empires in parallel, observing rivals, raiding weaker targets and forming alliances. When it comes to politics, diplomacy and trade, Nexus Legacy also appears to take some inspiration from EVE Online.

Players have praised the strategic depth and the clear influence of classic browser-based 4X games. Another positive point is the restrained monetization, which currently avoids paid gameplay advantages. The universe is described as large and offers several progression paths, allowing players to specialize as warlords, industrialists or diplomats. Criticism mainly concerns the extensive use of AI-generated artwork. It is also worth noting that Nexus Legacy does not play like a traditional 4X strategy game such as Civilization VII or Stellaris. The game is largely built around menus, images and text, with barely any animations. Of the roughly 30 user reviews currently available on Steam, 80% are positive. Steam Deck compatibility is still listed as “Unknown.”