4000 A.D. is an exciting variation on the familiar 4X strategy game - eXplore, eXpand, eXploit and eXterminate. By spreading your empire across the galaxy, maximizing resource production and researching new technologies, you can destroy your enemy and take your rightful place as ruler of the known universe.

The game is turn-based, with each player completing their turn and emailing the resulting file to their opponent. Besides a copy of this program, you will need access to internet email to send turns back and forth. Hot-seat play on a single computer is also available, but not the best way to spend an evening. The game was designed so that a turn can be completed and emailed within 5-10 minutes. Why? So you can play it at work without being fired, and because most people don't have 3-5 (or more) hours at a time for the more intensive strategy games out there (Homeworld, Starcraft, Age of Empires II etc.).

At the start of each new game, the planets are re-initialized with a random level of resource production, so no two games will have the same distribution of resources. As well, the alien Melnikons never behave the same way twice, adding more variety to each new game.

Games are usually open-ended with the players deciding when the game ends, usually by total conquest or humiliating surrender. If you prefer, you can select from a number of victory conditions to determine when the game is won. These conditions are set and modified by Player 1 when setting up a new game.