4X

What Does 4X Mean in a Text?

4X means eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate in an online gaming context.

In gaming, the abbreviation 4X refers to a popular subgenre of strategy games�in which players control an empire and "eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate" to progress through the game.

4X games are distinguished by their complexity and scale. They typically offer detailed control over an empire's economy, whilst focusing less on combat-oriented gameplay.

Popular 4X games include Civilization, Endless Space and Age of Wonders.

Image for 4X

When I write 4X, I mean this:

"eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate"

Summary of Key Points

"eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate" is the most common definition for 4X on online gaming forums.

4X
Definition:	eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate
Type:	Abbreviation (Initialism)
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of 4X in Sentences

Here is an example of 4X being used in an online conversation:

Jo: Do you play 4X?
Anne: No way! Life's too short.

Using Numbers in Texts

This video shows the different ways that numbers are used in "text speak":

Example of 4X Used in a Text

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4X