What is 4x402?
4x402 is an async multiplayer strategy game built for the Farcaster community. Four players compete to dominate a network of interconnected nodes, expanding territory, managing resources, and outmaneuvering opponents over the course of several days.
4X Strategy
Explore unknown sectors. Expand your territory. Exploit resources. Exterminate opponents.
Status 402
Built on x402 protocol. Real micropayments power mercenaries and intel.
Think Neptune's Pride meets Bloomberg Terminal. A dark, data-dense interface where nodes pulse with activity, and every decision matters. Games are slow and strategic—check in a few times a day to issue orders.
Getting Started
Account Creation
Use Sign In With Farcaster to connect. Your FID, username, and PFP are automatically imported into the game ecosystem.
Your First Game
When a match begins, you start with:
- 1 NexusYour home base. Lose it and you lose the game.
- 1 NodeStarting territory adjacent to your Nexus.
- 125k CreditsStarting capital for expansion.
- 0 StrengthMilitary power regenerates over time.
Core Concepts
The Map & Fog of War
The game takes place on a network graph. Neutral nodes fill the center, and uncharted territory surrounds you. You can only see nodes you have scouted. Unexplored nodes appear as dim, unknown markers—their value and potential danger hidden until revealed.
The Tick System
Time advances in 30-minute ticks. You can issue orders at any time, but they resolve when the tick processes.
- Resource Generation (Credits)
- Military Regeneration
- Action Resolution (Combat, Movement)
- Loyalty Updates
- Win Condition Check
Node Types
Knowing your territory is key. Prioritize high-value targets.
NEXUS
Home Base
Lose this and you are eliminated. Provides loyalty aura to your network.
EXTRACTOR
Economic Engine
The primary source of income. Capture these early to snowball your economy.
RELAY
Network Amplifier
Connect to multiple extractors to maximize value.
FORTRESS
Defensive Stronghold
Buffs itself and adjacent nodes. Reduces enemy siege effectiveness.
Actions
| Action | Cost | Duration | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCOUT | 5,000 cr | 2 Ticks | Reveal node stats. Essential before capture. |
| CAPTURE | 2x Output | 4 Ticks | Take control of neutral node. |
| ATTACK | 10k + STR | 6 Ticks | Assault enemy node. Success depends on defense. |
| FORTIFY | 5,000 cr | Instant | +20% Defense (Stacks 3x). Decays over time. |
| SUPPLY | 2,500 cr | 1 Tick | Connect two friendly nodes manually. |
Mercenaries (x402)
Mercenaries are distinct from normal units. They are hired using USDC via the x402 protocol and provide powerful, instant effects.
SCOUT
$0.25Reveal 1 unexplored node instantly.
RAIDER
$0.50Disrupt enemy supply lines. Slows economy.
SIEGE
$1.00Direct attack (40% success rate). Desperation move.
Intel Marketplace
Information is power. The marketplace allows players to trade scouting data for real money. Sellers receive 80% of the sale price.
Buying & Selling
Selling
After scouting a node, you can list it for sale ($0.10 - $0.25). It remains listed until sold or expired.
Buying
Browse listings manually or set Standing Orders (e.g., "Auto-buy intel within 3 hops").
Strategic Value
- Early Game: Profitable for active scouts mapping the board.
- Mid Game: Information dries up as borders harden.
- Late Game: Espionage. Is that listing real, or a trap? (Note: Server validates stats, so sellers can't lie, only selectively reveal).
Win Conditions
Domination
Control 60% of all nodes.
Elimination
Be the last player with a Nexus.
Economic
Maintain 500k cr/hr income for 24 hours.
Social Layer
4x402 is built for Farcaster. The social layer isn't in the game—it is the game.
Diplomacy
There are no in-game alliance mechanics. All deals happen via DMs or public Casts. Betrayal is possible, but your reputation persists across games.
Casting
Notable events are cast-worthy. "Just captured @dwr's Gateway." or "$5 USDC bounty on @rival". The drama generates content.
Reputation
Your history is public: Win/loss record, betrayal count, and abandonment rate. Frequent backstabbers will find it harder to make deals in future games.