head to head

Terraria cover artvsX4: Foundations cover art

TerrariavsX4: Foundations

Terraria leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); X4: Foundations leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).

EXECUTION4 /10READS0 /10VARIANCE3 /10OPTIMIZATION8 /10
TerrariaX4: Foundations

Axis by axis

Execution4 vs 3

Terraria leans harder on execution: Boss fights require dodging and aim under pressure.

Reads0 vs 0

Even - both lean on reads about the same.

Variance3 vs 2

Terraria leans harder on variance: World seeds and loot drops randomized.

Optimization8 vs 10

X4: Foundations leans harder on optimization: Station logistics and empire economics are a pure engine problem.

Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.

full breakdown

Terraria

full breakdown

X4: Foundations