I think it was just the base game I played, I got a DLC in the humble bundle where I bought the rest of the series but I haven't played it with that yet.
I'll check though when I'm on my laptop later as I did have the Vaulters unlocked and they seem to be DLC in all the other games.

DLC for 4x games do tend to do that (in fact it's why I never really got into Civ 5 as I only had the base game) but I have to say I didn't feel like Endless Legends was particularly lacking anything in the couple of games I played.

Alpha Centauri on the lowest difficulty. I'm obviously not going to contradict you if you played it, but if you haven't, try. As an interactive story generator / losing is fun type of game, it's awesome and very accessible (including in the monetary sense - you don't need DLC to start playing).

^So much this. Although in my case nostalgia is mixed in since I've played this since the 90's...

Also every time I start another game (about twice a year or so) my eyes hurt and I really wish for a faithful remake - but after an hour in all the clunkiness is forgotten...

I'm finishing the excellent yet basic Knights of Honor. It introduces me a bit to the dynasty/politics perspective of grand strategy, which is a change from my good old Total Wars. Now, I'm hesitating between :

- Starting Crusader Kings 2.

- Getting some gameplay-expanding CK2 DLC (plagues? religions? life goals?...).

- Starting Crusader Kings 1, as a further introduction to dynasty-based grand strategy.

Which one is the better way to ease myself into the intimidating CK2 complexities ?

I'd personally jump straight into CK2 rather than trying the first one. I played 2 first and coming back to 1 it was one of those situations where you really noticed the sequel was an iterative improvement.

Not sure about the DLC as I haven't played any of them, but the base game is a lot of fun all by itself.

Say what you like about Paradox's DLC, but I find they actually have a pretty decent policy as they tend to add a major patch with new features along side each big DLC (meaning the base game gets improved and you only need to pay for some extra complexity if you want it).

If I may add two cents, I'd say that Endless Legend is good on its own, and better with the DLC. The DLC isn't critical, but it's nice to have. Throw the game on a wishlist so you stay updated, and next time it goes on a steep sale (aren't we about due for a summer sale soon?) pick it up with the DLC, for less than the base game costs normally.

FWIW, AoW3 was really not much fun for me, but AoW2 and AoW:Shadow Magic were both pretty high up on my list of favorite strategy games. You might find it worthwhile to go back to the older ones in that series, especially if they're cheap - I called out series numbers because some of the games are noticeably better (or at least better-received) than others in some of those series...unlike, say, Civ, where basically every game has been given glowing reviews by nearly everyone.

Alpha Centauri remains my all-time favorite 4X. Following that would be Civ 5 and then 4, but as you said, you're burned on 5 and didn't really care much for 4.

This isn't really the same genre, but I'm going to throw this out there anyway just in case.... Sometimes when I need a break from the 4X games I have but am still looking to scratch a turn-based strategy itch, I switch over to games like HoMM or King's Bounty and mess with those for a while.

Have you ever tried any of the Heroes of Might and Magic games, or King's Bounty? Not the same genre as 4X obviously, but I wanted to throw that out there as a turn-based strategy alternative to 4X games if you can't find a new one to play right away.

Other than that, everything else I can think of has already been suggested. If you can handle older graphics, I can't stress enough how amazing Alpha Centauri is, and you really ought to at least give it a solid chance as long as the game's age doesn't bother you.

I just checked, the version I played was just the base game with no expansions at all, so it definitely works without them.

Edit: And I also have a Steam key for the base game from a Humble Bundle if you want it to try :)

Wow, really? That would be very generous of you. I'd love to try it. Thank you!

I tried playing Heroes of Might and Magic 4 a couple of times, a long time ago. Can't say I remember what put me off from it. Might have been the game's pacing perhaps? I used to love a lot of games like that, but maybe I've since been spoiled by automatic/fast-forward/animation disabling features XD.

I had no idea. I figured the newer one would be the more casual one/with more quality of life features, and more suited to a beginner like me. I could wishlist one of them then, they're pretty cheap already anyway. Which one should I try? AoW2 or AoW: Shadow Magic?

No problem, I'm at work now, I'll send you it later.

No one mentioned Master of Orion yet? (The classic; not sure about the remake)

I'll throw in my hat for Master of Orion 1&2 too and for Alpha Centauri.

Just so you know, while it's sort of benefitted from a nostalgia bump in recent years, HoMM4 is widely held as by far the worst of the older HoMM games, before Ubisoft came in & ruined everything forever ;_;

AoW2. Then, if you like it, grab Shadow Magic. Unlike adalia I don't have a copy to offer, sorry :/ (cheers, adaliabooks!)

I couldn't justify MOM or MOO because they're so....damn...old. But for inventive 4x types, if we're casting that far back, I'd also offer up SSI's Stronghold. It's pausable at any time so the real-time nature is highly controllable, and it's quite an innovative mix of mechanics and features.

I admit, I do not personally own Empire At War, but I have thought about picking it up at various times. I mentioned it to you because the first review on the GOG store page for that game says this:

"It's a 4X game with everything that comes with it. The management of the systems etc is ok, a bit lite, but still enjoyable. The space battles are fun well worth playing the game for them."

I figured that would meet your criteria perfectly.

Empire At War is only good for Star Wars freaks like myself, and even then, it gets old. It looks and sounds amazing but the gameplay just doesn't hold up. If DaCosta thinks Starcraft is dull then EOW will put him into a coma.