Civilization II
Civilization II is a 1996 turn-based strategy game developed by MicroProse. Players lead a civilization from antiquity into the future, founding cities, researching technologies, managing diplomacy and building an empire that can triumph through military conquest, cultural dominance or winning the space race to Alpha Centauri.
The game deepened the acclaimed formula with an isometric view, richer diplomacy, government types ranging from despotism to democracy, and a sprawling technology tree, offering enormous strategic breadth. Animated advisors, wonders of the world and detailed city management added personality and depth, while its addictive "one more turn" pull and endless replayability across randomly generated maps made it a defining entry in the strategy genre.
Civilization II is often cited among the finest strategy games of its decade and helped cement the series as a genre pillar. The franchise thrives on modern platforms, while the original endures as a classic of empire-building design.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Civilization II, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
Sid Meier's Civilization VI
€ 29,99 + in-app purchasesA very approachable, content-rich entry that also runs on mobile.
Sid Meier's Civilization VI runs on PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Steam Deck.
Sid Meier's Civilization VII
€ 69,99The latest entry in the flagship 4X series, playable across desktop and consoles.
Sid Meier's Civilization VII runs on PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Steam Deck.
Freeciv
FreeA free, open-source Civ-style strategy game.
Freeciv runs on PC, Mac, Linux. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Steam Deck.
Humankind
€ 49,99A historical 4X where you swap cultures each era instead of picking one civilisation for the whole game.
Humankind runs on PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Old World Indie
€ 39,99A critically adored indie historical 4X with a character-driven twist.
Old World runs on PC, Mac. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Millennia
€ 39,99A turn-based historical strategy game with branching ages, closer to the old Civ pacing than recent entries.
Millennia runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
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