Sick of your social life? Why not play a few games like Civilization?
Nothing has made us lose more sleep than Sid Meier’s Civilization franchise. Thanks to its ridiculously addicting turn-based strategy, the phrase “just one more turn” has become an indelible part of the PC gamer culture. You just aren’t the same after playing a Civilization game.
Good news is, there are lots of other strategy games out there that have the same kind of appeal, not to mention the potential to keep us glued to our computers until our eyes bleed. And so we’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Games Like Civilization – games you’ll love, if you, like us, adore Civilization to bits.
10. Endless Space
Beautiful starships or kitchen appliances?
Looking for games like Civilization that are set in space? Dive into Endless Space, and expand your empire beyond the stars!
The year is 3000. You select one of nine civilizations – each with its own unique strengths and abilities – then attempt to establish an interstellar empire. From a single space system, you extend your reach to the rest of the galaxy. There are technologies to research and ships to unlock, and you’ll even be able to recruit powerful hero units you can level up, RPG-style.
Like Civilization, victory can be achieved through several means, namely warfare, diplomacy, or economic supremacy.
A 4X, turn-based, empire-building strategy game with a sci-fi flavor? Count us in!
That world doesn't look friendly to life!
Some of the strangest starships in the universe...
9. Age of Wonders III
Aerial view of paradise
Want your empire-building with fantasy flair? Look no further than Age of Wonders III.
In the Blessed Continent, races vie for supremacy. The human Commonwealth Empire desire the assimilation of the entire world under their rule. Opposing them are the High Elven Court, who wish to marshal the ancient races in opposition to the Empire’s expansionist ambitions.
After choosing one of the six races, you pick a leader, whom you level up like you would an RPG character – through questing and monster-slaying.
There’s an enormous world to explore, filled with secrets that can either help or destroy you. Expansion is achieved through conquest or diplomacy; exploitation of resources and opportunities; the strategic use of your forces; and, of course, the annihilation of rival powers.
One of the most enthralling games like Civilization on the market!
That thing likes hot baths
Trouble with monsters
8. Distant Worlds: Universe
Ring wars
Put down your magic wand and hop into a star cruiser, because we’re going galaxy-jumping in Distant Worlds: Universe!
You have the entire cosmos to explore, which means mind-boggling numbers of galaxies, star systems, planets, and space phenomena such as supernovae, black holes, gas clouds, and asteroid fields.
And because we’re not alone in the universe, you’ll find yourself dealing with alien empires and colonies, not to mention pirates, traders, and space monsters.
To expand your civilization to the stars and beyond, you’ll need to research technologies such as the warp drive; manage your economy; engage in politics and diplomacy; and, of course, go to war.
Engrossing 4X-based gameplay and an incredible sense of scale make Distant Worlds: Universe one of the best games like Civilization you can play today.
That's a lot of space debris
Here comes the swarm
7. Might & Magic Heroes Online
Tile-based combat
With Might & Magic Heroes Online, the beloved fantasy franchise goes online as a browser game.
But don’t let that fact fool you – this game looks stunning, with gorgeous graphics, animations, and special effects. The gameplay’s laudable, too, thanks to the intricate mechanics governing its addicting turn-based strategy.
You choose to side with either the Haven or the Necropolis, then explore the map with your units. Like an RPG, heroes can equip gear and adopt pets, and have a variety of skills at their disposal. Combat takes place on a battlefield comprised of hexagonal tiles.
Aside from combat, you build and manage towns, upgrade technology, and train your troops.
It’s one absorbing title – and it’s even free to play!
Explorers of the unknown
Don't fall into the abyss
6. Anno 2070
From catastrophe arises paradise
Thanks to humanity’s douchebaggery, the ocean levels have risen, drastically changing the surface of the Earth. Your job in Anno 2070 is to serve as the architect of the world’s future.
There are two factions to select from: The Ecos – environmentalists who use ecological technology to sustain the Earth; and the industrious Tycoons, who aim for mass consumption. A third faction, the Techs, are present to help you and your chosen side by providing technological advancements.
You shape your new world by dealing with “World” and “Current events – challenges brought about by climate change such as pollution, global recession, and the necessity of expanding habitable areas under the ocean. Of course, there are also destructive forces such as pirates and nuclear weapons to worry about, so it’s there’s never a dull moment.
Future harbor
The last of the world's greenery
5. Beyond Earth
Founding a city in an alien world
Sure, it’s a Civilization game, but it’s different enough to deserve a spot on this list.
Beyond Earth is set 600 in the future, when we’ve screwed Earth up so bad that we’re forced to flee it to find another planet to live on. Only upon finding such a place, we begin fighting amongst ourselves again like the petulant brats that we are.
You’re responsible for the growth of one of several alliances, ranging from the American Reclamation Corporation to the People’s African Union. Navigating a map consisting of hexagonal tiles, you then explore your new home, expand your territory, and deal with the other factions. There are also technologies to research, cities to found, and many other activities.
Then there are the Affinities – philosophies you can develop which then influence your technological advancement. For example, Harmony prioritizes co-existence with nature, awarding you the ability to domesticate indigenous life forms and genetically alter your people’s DNA. Purity is all about perfecting mankind, so their military units use mechanical exoskeletons and powerful energy weapons.
An excellent game that, like a black hole, will suck away hundreds of hours of your life.
Terror from the deep
Pillar of light
4. Crusader Kings II
It's all yours for the taking
If you like your games like Civilization with a Game of Thrones flavor, Crusader Kings II is for you.
In Crusader Kings II, your task entails becoming the supreme dynasty between 1066 and 1454. Aside from economy management and city-building, achieving victory involves blood, barbarism, and lots and lots of backstabbing!
Offspring play a vital role in the game. As they can be educated, and inherit the skills, religion, and culture of their parents, political marriages can be arranged to produce children boasting augmented attributes – which, in turn, improve your chances of victory.
A multitude of other systems exist to influence your game, such as tax laws, gender laws, religion, and intrigue. Well-executed and complex, it’s one of the most satisfying strategy games ever made!
There will be blood
Conquering Europe through blood and diplomacy
3. Endless Legend
Taking the high ground
Few 4X turn-based strategy games like Civilization are as fun as Endless Legend.
As the overseer of one of eight factions, you are charged with saving your dying world, the fantasy realm of Auriga.
The game boasts some truly exotic factions. There are the plague-spreading Necrophages – insectoid creatures sharing a hive mind; the Drakken, a long-lived race of wise, ancient dragons; and the Broken Lords; ghosts of honorable knights who now dwell within their suits of armor.
Though you can expect plenty of war, you’ll also have to micromanage your cities, and prepare for Seasons, which drastically alter the climate and, consequently, the abilities of your units.
An excellent game!
They just get bigger and bigger
Rivals
2. Galactic Civilizations III
The fleet has arrived
When it comes to building empires, why limit yourself to a single planet?
Galactic Civilizations III challenges you to take that empire and stretch it across the galaxy. And it doesn’t have to be solely through bloodshed. Victory can be found through other means, such as technological superiority, cultural dominance, and diplomacy.
The best thing about the game is the amount of customization options it gives you. Everything from victory conditions and the size of your map to the appearance of your units can be customized to your liking. Even the races – who already posses diverse personalities that affect their behavior towards you – can be tweaked.
And, for the first time in the franchise, there’s online multiplayer, allowing cooperation or interstellar feuds among friends.
Though the game isn’t the most innovative on this list, it takes what’s tried and tested and raises it to a level that’s difficult to parallel. For that alone, this is one quality game that has to be experienced to be believed!
Massive space battle
Interstellar war has never been this fascinating!
1. Europa Universalis IV
Naval vessel mayhem
In the grand strategy game Europa Universalis IV, the entire world is at war.
You can play as the sovereign of any country that existed between November 11, 1444 and January 2, 1821 – the date the game ends. Conquering the planet involves a balance of economy, diplomacy, and military. Just remember it’d be unwise to make enemies of everyone – you’ll need your allies, too.
Religion’s role in the game is significant, allowing you to convert provinces and even giving you control of the influential Pope. On the other side of the coin, there’s technology, which can be upgraded to give you more powerful military units.
Striving for world domination, however, is the least of your worries – this history simulator will have you contending with real events such as the Discovery of the New World, the rise of Napoleon, and the Protestant Reformation.
A top-notch game, and one of the best games like Civilization in existence!
Plotting the course
War on land and at sea
Honorable Mentions
Those ten games not enough? Why not try the excellent browser games, Anno Online and The Settlers Online? Also, check out Warlock: Master of the Arcane for more fantasy goodness!
That’s about it for our list! How about you, readers? What do you think are the best games like Civilization?
