Civilization VIIis here, and with it comes a new era for 4X strategy games. Traditionally,Civgames need a bit of post-launch love to earn a full-throated recommendation, so here are some cheaper titles to play if you’ve decided to wait.
10Age of Wonders 4
Age of Wonders 4takesthe 4X strategy approachthat definesCiv, adds a side of tactical turn-based-combat, and drops you into a beautiful high fantasy setting. What sets the game apart is the freedom you have to craft which race you play and the world you encounter, making each game different from the last.
The game integrates role-playing elements, a morale system to add depth to combat, and (of course) multiple ways to win. At the time of writing (during theCiv VIIlaunch window) the game is heavily discounted onSteam.
9Civilization V
The thing aboutCivilizationis that the formula is timeless. Even 15 years after its release,Civilization Vis just as compelling as it was on day one. And because the game isn’t that old, you don’t have to jump through too many hoops to get it working on a modern PC.
There are endless back-and-forth discussions on the internet about which is the better game:Civ Vor its sequel. Those who prefer the former cite a more realistic art style, a greater sense of challenge, and more meaningful gameplay changes in post-launch add-ons.
Also considerCiivilization VI, if you can spend a bit more. While many detractors complain about the changes Firaxis made in this iteration,Civ VImight just be one of the smoothest onboarding points for new players (just wait for a sale).
8Humankind
Humankindmay be the closest direct competitor to theCivilizationthrone as it follows the formula so closely. That said, the game departs from recentCivoutings with changes like a “fame” score system that introduces a new win condition and an arguably superior art style.
Humankindalso handles combat, factions, and terrain differently toCiv, though a common complaint is that such changes hurt its replay value. Perhaps the best reason to jump intoHumankindis that it’s currently (during theCiv VIIlaunch window) completely free on theEpic Games Store.
7Old World
Old Worldis the project of formerCivilization IVlead designer, Soren Johnson. Visually, it looks quite similar to a modernCivtitle but puts some distance between the two games with its unique character-driven dynasty system. Managing your family unit forms a large part of the game, as does dealing with the fallout when your flawed family members eventually take charge.
Another key difference is that the game treats orders like a resource that is used to move units, rather than limiting each unit to a set number of moves per turn. Many consider the game superior toCiv VI, especially those who like to combine their strategy with a bit of emergent storytelling.
6Battle of Polytopia
If you like the idea ofCivor some of the other more involved games on this list but feel like youlack the time to commit to a whole campaign,Battle of Polytopiamight just be what you’re looking for. The game combines 4X strategy with a charming polygonal art style and an intentionally less-involved gameplay loop for a faster, casual experience.
Pick one of 16 civilizations and explore, invade, farm, build, and research your way to the top. There’s even online multiplayer andleaderboards for those who are especially competitive. Not only is the game dirt cheap, but it’s also available on iPhone and iPad, Android, and even the Switch.
5Stellaris
Stellarisis a lot more than just “Civlization in space,” but that’s not a bad way of introducing it. If ever you wanted to take the 4X formula to the stars, this is the game for you. Explore a huge procedurally-generated universe in which you may tell your own unique stories, master deep mechanics, and play however you like.
Design your empire to define your faction’s ethics and philosophy, and get creative with your race, preferred habitat, or how you travel through space. Be warned:Stellarisis a notoriously complex game that will not hold your hand. But the tools you are handed to create your own civilization and make a go of it also make it one of the most rewarding games of its kind.
4Endless Legend
Endless Legendis getting on a bit now, having initially released in 2014 (yes, there’s a sequel in development). Despite this, the game is still heralded by the 4X community as one of the best examples of its kind. It’s notable for its ability to let you create your own factions (even using the existing ones as templates) while integrating quests and story elements into the gameplay.
These quests give you another reason to explore the map beyond the usual 4X fare and offer a different route to victory compared to its contemporaries. Cities look particularly good, sprawling across the map as you add extra districts. Being a 16-year-old game, it’s cheap to pick up (and often discounted).
Also considerEndless Space 2, whichdescribes itself as a “strategic space opera” and is from the same developers.
3Crusader Kings III
If diplomacy is your favorite part ofCiv, you’d do well to giveCrusader Kings IIIa shot. The game can feel more like a “menu simulator” than a game of digitalRisk, but there’s a lot to love here that has earned the game its critically acclaimed reputation.
The game’s most interesting aspect is its insistence that “death is only the beginning,” a nod to the fact that your bloodline is of paramount importance. The game bestows you with a ridiculous amount of freedom to make as many silly mistakes as you like, and it’s easy to pick up and play since much of it takes the form of a cause-and-effect series of prompts.
2Europa Universalis IV
DoesCivilizationfeel too easy to you? Do you wish you could jump into something a bit more complex, where it’ll take many failed attempts to even feel like you have a semblance of what you’re doing? Are you a sucker for historical accuracy?
EnterEuropa Universalis IV, a game that lets you command any nation on Earth during the medieval period. Navigate historical events, technological advancement, and the fine line between war and peace. WhileCivplays like a board game,Europa Universalisis more like a sandbox, or a history simulator. There are no win conditions, just a lot of systems to prod and explore.
1Freeciv
If youreallywant to scratch theCivitch, you can do so in the purest form, completely free of charge. TheFreecivproject is an actively maintained open-source recreation of the game that started it all, complete with online multiplayer and a heap of options for setting up custom games.
Best of all, you may play right now in your browser atFreeciv-web. The game includes a variety of classic rulesets, AI difficulty settings, and the ability to set up LongTurn games with others (where you play a single turn, each day).
Lastly, I wanted to shout outDorfromantik, a game that looks a lot likeCivilizationwhile playing nothing like it. It’s a casual city builder with strategy elements, and it’s one of thebest games to chill out with.
