Civilization VII is here, and with it comes a new era for 4X strategy games. Traditionally, Civ games 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.
10
Age of Wonders 4
Age of Wonders 4 takes the 4X strategy approach that defines Civ, 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 the Civ VII launch window) the game is heavily discounted on Steam.
9
Civilization V
The thing about Civilization is that the formula is timeless. Even 15 years after its release, Civilization V is 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 V or 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 consider Ciivilization VI, if you can spend a bit more. While many detractors complain about the changes Firaxis made in this iteration, Civ VI might just be one of the smoothest onboarding points for new players (just wait for a sale).
8
Humankind
Humankind may be the closest direct competitor to the Civilization throne as it follows the formula so closely. That said, the game departs from recent Civ outings with changes like a “fame” score system that introduces a new win condition and an arguably superior art style.
Humankind also handles combat, factions, and terrain differently to Civ, though a common complaint is that such changes hurt its replay value. Perhaps the best reason to jump into Humankind is that it’s currently (during the Civ VII launch window) completely free on the Epic Games Store.
7
Old World
Old World is the project of former Civilization IV lead designer, Soren Johnson. Visually, it looks quite similar to a modern Civ title 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 to Civ VI, especially those who like to combine their strategy with a bit of emergent storytelling.
6
Battle of Polytopia
If you like the idea of Civ or some of the other more involved games on this list but feel like you lack the time to commit to a whole campaign, Battle of Polytopia might 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 and leaderboards 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.
5
Stellaris
Stellaris is 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 can 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: Stellaris is 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.
4
Endless Legend
Endless Legend is 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 consider Endless Space 2, which describes itself as a “strategic space opera” and is from the same developers.
3
Crusader Kings III
If diplomacy is your favorite part of Civ, you’d do well to give Crusader Kings III a shot. The game can feel more like a “menu simulator” than a game of digital Risk, 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.
2
Europa Universalis IV
Does Civilization feel 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?
Enter Europa 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. While Civ plays like a board game, Europa Universalis is more like a sandbox, or a history simulator. There are no win conditions, just a lot of systems to prod and explore.
1
Freeciv
If you really want to scratch the Civ itch, you can do so in the purest form, completely free of charge. The Freeciv project 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 can play right now in your browser at Freeciv-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 out Dorfromantik, a game that looks a lot like Civilization while playing nothing like it. It’s a casual city builder with strategy elements, and it’s one of the best games to chill out with.
