X4: Foundations

The main pros of the game

• Deep and Complex Gameplay: Players appreciate the vastness and complexity of the game, which allows for various play styles, including trading, combat, and empire building.
• Fully Simulated Universe: The game features a living, dynamic economy and universe where factions operate independently, providing a more immersive experience.
• Visuals and Sound: Many users praise the graphics and audio, noting the stunning visuals of space and the engaging soundtrack.
• Empire Management: Players enjoy the ability to manage fleets, build stations, and create self-sufficient empires, with the game offering a high degree of freedom in how to approach gameplay.
• Active Developer Support: Egosoft is recognized for regularly updating the game and adding new content, which keeps the community engaged.

The main cons of the game

• Poor AI: A significant number of reviews highlight the game's AI as frustratingly incompetent, with ships often failing to follow commands or making poor tactical decisions.
• Clunky User Interface: The UI is frequently described as unintuitive and cumbersome, making navigation and command execution a chore rather than an enjoyable experience.
• Steep Learning Curve: New players often find the game overwhelming due to its complexity and the lack of clear tutorials, leading to a frustrating initial experience.
• Technical Issues: Some users report performance problems, bugs, and crashes that detract from the overall experience, particularly in newer expansions.
• Mission Design: Many missions are criticized for being vague or poorly designed, leading to confusion and frustration for players.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Improved AI: Many players express a desire for a more competent AI that can execute commands effectively and make intelligent decisions in combat and trade scenarios.
• User-Friendly Interface: Users call for a complete overhaul of the UI to make it more accessible and easier to navigate, especially for managing large fleets and stations.
• Better Tutorials: There is a consensus that the game needs more comprehensive tutorials to help new players understand its mechanics without feeling lost.
• Multiplayer Mode: Some players express a wish for a multiplayer feature, allowing friends to play together in the expansive universe.
• Dynamic Faction Interactions: Users would like to see more dynamic interactions between factions that can lead to spontaneous conflicts or alliances without player intervention.

Summary

• Overall, while X4: Foundations offers a rich and immersive space simulation experience, it is hindered by significant AI and UI issues, a steep learning curve, and some technical problems that detract from its potential as a top-tier game in the genre.

Summary generated on: October 8, 2025