Games Like Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword

Old World is a revolutionary new historical strategy game where you lead your dynasty over generations of rule against rival kings and queens. Wage massive wars, manage your court, and build a dynasty — or watch your empire crumble to dust. What legacy will you leave behind?

Why similar: 4X 29.3% ★, Turn-Based 16.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 15%, Historical 9.8%, Moddable 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: It blends the core 4X mechanics of Civilization with character-driven narrative and a unique order-based turn system.

Create, discover, and download new player-created maps, scenarios, interfaces, and more!

Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 29.3%, 4X 19.4% ★, Turn-Based 18.5%, Strategy 14%, Historical 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: It introduced the hexagonal grid and one-unit-per-tile combat that modernized the series' tactical depth.

Rewrite history by shaping a civilization as unique as you are. Combine 60 cultures from the Ancient Era to the Modern Age to lead your empire to victory. Build thriving cities, outsmart rivals in epic battles, spread your influence and leave your mark on HUMANKIND™.

Why similar: 4X 32.9% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 20.1%, Strategy 16.6%, Turn-Based 10.3%, Historical 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a fresh take on the historical 4X formula by allowing players to combine different cultures across eras to build a unique civilization.

Expand your empire, advance your culture and go head-to-head against history’s greatest leaders. Will your civilization stand the test of time?

Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 23.4%, 4X 20.5% ★, Strategy 17.7%, Turn-Based 14.9%, Historical 10%

Why You'll Like It: The latest entry in the series features district-based city building that adds a new layer of strategic planning to the map.

Create your own nation in Millennia, a historical turn-based 4X game that challenges your strategic prowess across 10,000 years of history, from the dawn of humanity to our possible futures.

Why similar: 4X 33.6% ★, Turn-Based 18.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 18%, Strategy 10%, Historical 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: This 4X game focuses on alternate history and distinct ages, providing a deep sense of progression similar to the Civ series.

Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri™ Planetary Pack includes the original Alpha Centauri and the expansion, Alien Crossfire.

Why similar: 4X 58.2% ★, Strategy 17.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 16.3%, Multiplayer 6.4%, Singleplayer 1.4%

Why You'll Like It: Often considered the spiritual successor to the Civ formula, it offers unparalleled depth in sci-fi world-building and social engineering.

ENDLESS Legend™ is a 4X turn-based fantasy strategy game by the creators of ENDLESS Space™ and Dungeon of the ENDLESS™. Control every aspect of your civilization as you struggle to save your homeworld Auriga. Create your own Legend!

Why similar: 4X 37.7% ★, Turn-Based 22.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 17.9%, Strategy 17.5%, Multiplayer 2.6%

Why You'll Like It: A highly polished fantasy 4X that features distinct faction mechanics and a beautiful, immersive world.

Get the complete GalCiv II saga including Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords, the expansion pack Dark Avatar, and the newest expansion pack Twilight of the Arnor!

Why similar: 4X 36.6% ★, Turn-Based 23.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 18.9%, Strategy 10.2%, Grand Strategy 7.8% ★

Why You'll Like It: A classic space-based 4X that emphasizes deep diplomacy and ship customization within a turn-based framework.

Age of Wonders III is the long anticipated sequel to the award-winning strategy series. Delivering a unique mix of Empire Building, Role Playing and Warfare, Age of Wonders III offers the ultimate in turn-based fantasy strategy for veterans of the series and new players alike!

Why similar: 4X 29.8% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 24.7%, Strategy 23.1%, Turn-Based 16.4%, Multiplayer 2.4%

Why You'll Like It: It masterfully combines empire-level 4X management with deep, turn-based tactical combat in a fantasy setting.

Rule your land and dominate the world with unparalleled freedom, depth and historical accuracy. Write a new history of the world and build an empire for the ages.

Why similar: 4X 40.5% ★, Historical 16.5%, Moddable 14.5%, Strategy 14.1%, Grand Strategy 10.8% ★

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for historical grand strategy, offering immense complexity in trade, diplomacy, and warfare.

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization is the third offering in the award winning Civilization IV series. A re-imagining of the classic Colonization game Sid Meier created in 1994, Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization is a total conversion of the Civilization IV engine into a game experience in which players will lead a European...

Why similar: 4X 28.8% ★, Turn-Based 20.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 17.8%, Strategy 16.5%, Historical 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: Built on the same engine as the seed game, this title offers a focused, challenging experience centered on colonial expansion.

Explore a galaxy full of wonders in this sci-fi grand strategy game from Paradox Development Studios. Interact with diverse alien races, discover strange new worlds with unexpected events and expand the reach of your empire. Each new adventure holds almost limitless possibilities.

Why similar: 4X 54.7% ★, Strategy 17.3%, Grand Strategy 12.8% ★, Moddable 10.3%, Multiplayer 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: While grand strategy, its 4X exploration and empire customization offer a massive scale that appeals to fans of deep strategy.

Love, fight, scheme, and claim greatness. Determine your noble house’s legacy in the sprawling grand strategy of Crusader Kings III. Death is only the beginning as you guide your dynasty’s bloodline in the rich and larger-than-life simulation of the Middle Ages.

Why similar: 4X 30.4% ★, Strategy 22.4%, Historical 17.6%, Grand Strategy 12.3% ★, Moddable 12.1%

Why You'll Like It: It provides an incredibly deep historical simulation that focuses on dynasty management and political intrigue.

ENDLESS Space™ is a turn-based 4X strategy game, covering the space colonization age in the ENDLESS Universe™, where you can control every aspect of your civilization as you strive for galactic domination.

Why similar: 4X 41.5% ★, Strategy 21.7%, Turn-Based 17.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 15.4%, Multiplayer 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: A sleek, turn-based space 4X that features unique faction traits and a highly intuitive interface.

Forge an empire in a universe where population growth is stripping away planetary resources. Colonize unknown planets and trade with other races for their knowledge.

Why similar: 4X 44.7% ★, Turn-Based 23.6%, Strategy 17.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.8%, Classic 3.9% ★

Why You'll Like It: A foundational space 4X title that remains a benchmark for empire management and research trees.

Paradox Development Studio invites you to build your ideal society in the tumult of the exciting and transformative 19th century. Balance the competing interests in your society and earn your place in the sun in Victoria 3, one of the most anticipated games in Paradox’s history.

Why similar: Historical 27.9%, Strategy 22.3%, Moddable 21.2%, Grand Strategy 20% ★, Multiplayer 7%

Why You'll Like It: This game excels in economic and political simulation, perfect for players who enjoy the management aspects of 4X games.

Rule a fantasy realm of your own design! Explore new magical realms in Age of Wonders’ signature blend of 4X strategy and turn-based tactical combat. Control a faction that grows and changes as you expand your empire with each turn!

Why similar: 4X 41% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 21.3%, Strategy 12.8%, Moddable 11.5%, Grand Strategy 7.9% ★

Why You'll Like It: The latest in the series, it offers deep customization of your race and magic, blending 4X strategy with tactical battles.

Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete, the latest offering in the Sid Meier's Civilization III franchise, provides gaming fans with Sid Meier's Civilization III, the highly-addictive journey of discovery.

Why similar: 4X 24.2% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 22.6%, Turn-Based 17.7%, Strategy 17.6%, Historical 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: The predecessor to the seed game, it provides a classic, challenging 4X experience that defined the series for years.

Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection is the original Sword of the Stars games and the three expansions Born of Blood, A Murder of Crows and Argos Naval Yard. It is the year 2405, and human scientists have discovered a new technology that allows travel from star to star at speeds faster than light.

Why similar: 4X 48.9% ★, Turn-Based 20.8%, Strategy 19.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 7.9%, Multiplayer 2.4%

Why You'll Like It: It features unique research mechanics and a distinct approach to space-based 4X warfare.

Field of Glory: Empires is a grand strategy game in which you will have to move in an intricate and living tapestry of nations and tribes, each one with their distinctive culture.

Why similar: 4X 28.1% ★, Turn-Based 20.5%, Strategy 16%, Turn-Based Strategy 13.1%, Historical 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: A historical grand strategy game that focuses on the rise and fall of empires with a deep management system.

Raise mighty armies, wield ancient magic and forge an empire. This turn-based strategy adventure game fuses strategic decision making, tactical combat and kingdom management.

Why similar: 4X 55.7% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 29.2%, Strategy 15%

Why You'll Like It: A turn-based strategy game that captures the spirit of classic empire-building with beautiful pixel art.

Shadow Empire is a deep turn-based 4X wargame with a unique blend of military focus, procedurally generated content and role-playing features. Players take the seat of the supreme ruler of a small nation, with the goal of reconquering a devastated planet.

Why similar: 4X 35.9% ★, Turn-Based 22.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 18.5%, Strategy 10.8%, Grand Strategy 7.3% ★

Why You'll Like It: A complex, gritty wargame-4X hybrid that offers an immense amount of detail for hardcore strategy fans.

Build a civilization that will stand the test of time in the largest space-based strategy game ever! Choose from dozens of unique races and make a name for yourself across the galaxy through diplomacy, espionage, technological advances, and more.

Why similar: 4X 33.6% ★, Turn-Based 18.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 17.5%, Moddable 12.5%, Strategy 9%

Why You'll Like It: A modern iteration of the classic space 4X, featuring updated visuals and deeper tech trees.

The award-winning Space Empires IV Deluxe is the latest edition in the Space Empires series. A grand strategy title in the space 4X (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate) genre, Space Empires has already found a place in the heart of strategy gamers everywhere.

Why similar: 4X 52% ★, Strategy 21.3%, Turn-Based 14.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 12.2%, Singleplayer 0.4%

Why You'll Like It: A deeply complex space 4X game that offers unparalleled control over ship design and empire logistics.

The cataclysmic conclusion to the Total War: WARHAMMER trilogy is here. Rally your forces and step into the Realm of Chaos, a dimension of mind-bending horror where the very fate of the world will be decided. Will you conquer your Daemons… or command them?

Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 45.7%, Strategy 29.9%, Grand Strategy 17.8% ★, Multiplayer 5.6%, Singleplayer 1%

Why You'll Like It: While it features real-time battles, the turn-based campaign map provides the deep empire management that 4X fans crave.

Rise of Nations is back! Play the updated classic with full Steamworks integration and enhanced features!

Why similar: Strategy 50%, Historical 22.6%, Classic 17.1% ★, Multiplayer 9.2%, Singleplayer 1%

Why You'll Like It: It bridges the gap between real-time strategy and 4X, offering a fast-paced historical progression system.

Welcome to Age of Wonders, the authentic turn based fantasy strategy classic that started the hit series. Age of Wonders’ intimate atmosphere with painterly graphics still shines today. The game’s fully patched up, start building your fantasy empire today!

Why similar: 4X 26.6% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 21.7%, Strategy 21.5%, Turn-Based 21.3%, Classic 5.8% ★

Why You'll Like It: The classic title that established the series' signature blend of empire management and tactical combat.

Lead empires that evolve or endure through the Ages. Build something you believe in with Sid Meier's Civilization® VII.

Why similar: 4X 40.5% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 17.8%, Historical 13.9%, Strategy 11.7%, Grand Strategy 9.7% ★

In a time of chaotic upheaval, the player takes the role of a great mage, a warlord vying for ultimate power.

Why similar: 4X 32.4% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 25.5%, Turn-Based 22.9%, Strategy 16.6%, Multiplayer 2.1%

Why You'll Like It: It essentially applies the Civilization formula to a high-fantasy setting with a focus on magical combat.

Pandora: First Contact is a science fiction 4X turn-based strategy game on a planetary scale. Our Earth has been exhausted and colonial attempts on other planetary bodies have been in vain. Finally, after decades of exploration, an interstellar probe has brought promise of a new world.

Why similar: 4X 47.2% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 20.5%, Strategy 17.8%, Turn-Based 11.2%, Multiplayer 2.7%

Why You'll Like It: A spiritual successor to Alpha Centauri that focuses on planetary colonization and survival.

With over 6 million units sold and unprecedented critical acclaim from fans and press around the world, Sid Meier's Civilization is recognized as one of the greatest PC game franchises of all-time. Now, Sid Meier and Firaxis Games will take this incredibly fun and addictive game to new heights by adding new ways to play and win, new...

Why similar: 4X 26.3% ★, Turn-Based 19.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 19.5%, Strategy 14.7%, Historical 7.7%

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Warlords is the first expansion pack for the award-winning game that has become an instant world-wide hit. Paying homage to some of history's greatest military leaders, the expansion delivers six unique and interesting scenarios, giving players the chance to change the course of history with the help of their...

Why similar: 4X 33.3% ★, Turn-Based 22.9%, Strategy 20.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 16.8%, Historical 4.9%

Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth is a new science-fiction-themed entry into the award winning Civilization series. As part of an expedition sent to find a home beyond Earth, lead your people into a new frontier, explore and colonize an alien planet and create a new civilization in space.

Why similar: 4X 29.7% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 25.2%, Turn-Based 18.3%, Strategy 15.8%, Grand Strategy 3.5% ★

SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition includes the bestselling SimCity 4 and the all-new SimCity 4 Rush Hour Expansion Pack. Create the most massive region of cities ever, with a farming town, bedroom community, high-tech commercial center, and industrial backbone.

Why similar: Strategy 49.5%, Moddable 27.9%, Classic 11% ★, Multiplayer 9.5%, Singleplayer 2%

Take command of a civilization that has just achieved faster-than-light travel in Galactic Civilizations IV, the newest entry in the award-winning space 4X strategy game series. Explore the galaxy, colonize worlds, shape cultures, make alliances, fight wars and pioneer new technologies.

Why similar: 4X 40.3% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 19.3%, Moddable 13.4%, Strategy 11.5%, Grand Strategy 9.1% ★

Rome: Total War - Alexander is the second official expansion pack to Rome: Total War. An entirely new campaign map that stretches from Macedonia to Greece and into the heart of the ancient Persian Empire New campaign game that tasks players with matching the exploits of Alexander the Great as he swept across Central Asia and dominated...

Why similar: Strategy 37.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 17.3%, Turn-Based 16.7%, Historical 16.3%, Grand Strategy 6.8% ★

MEDIEVAL: Total War™ - Collection Edition is the compilation of the critically-acclaimed Medieval: Total War and its official expansion pack - Viking Invasion.

Why similar: Strategy 37.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 20.6%, Historical 16.7%, Turn-Based 13.5%, Classic 5.5% ★

The ascendant spacefaring 4X strategy game returns! A new chapter in the epic Master of Orion saga is poised to once again capture the imaginations of millions of gamers.

Why similar: 4X 51.7% ★, Strategy 21.2%, Turn-Based 18.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 2.5%, Multiplayer 2%

Europa Universalis III Complete includes the original Europa Universalis III as well as the expansions In Nomine and Napoleons Ambition Europa Universalis III delves deeply into the areas of exploration, trade, warfare and diplomacy.

Why similar: Strategy 35.5%, Historical 32.9%, Grand Strategy 28% ★, Multiplayer 2.9%, Singleplayer 0.7%

Total War: ROME REMASTERED lets you relive the legacy that defined the award-winning strategy game series. Remastered to 4K with multiple improvements to visuals as well as refinements to gameplay, it’s time to revisit a true classic. Not everyone gets a second chance to conquer the Roman Empire.

Why similar: 4X 37.7% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 21.8%, Strategy 16.6%, Historical 11.1%, Grand Strategy 9.8% ★

Medieval II: Total War Kingdoms is the official expansion to last year's award-winning Medieval II: Total War, presenting players with all-new territories to explore, troops to command, and enemies to conquer.

Why similar: Strategy 29.2%, Historical 15.9%, Turn-Based 13.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 12.3%, Moddable 12.2%

Sid Meier's Railroads! marks the return of the watershed title in simulation/strategy gaming that launched the popular "tycoon" genre, and inspired a new generation of games. Sid Meier's Railroads!

Why similar: Strategy 80.6%, Multiplayer 10%, Classic 6.6% ★, Singleplayer 2.7%

The Enhanced Edition contains Sword of the Stars II: The Lords of Winter and the first expansion, the End of Flesh. The new expansion introduces the new playable race, the Loa. All previous DLCs containing new avatars, new combat music, alternate voices, skins, and new badges for the warships are also included.

Why similar: 4X 55% ★, Strategy 22.4%, Turn-Based 9.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 9.7%, Multiplayer 2.6%

The New World lies before you with all its peril, promise and infinite possibility. Your colonists anxiously follow you to shore. The treasures of an entire continent await you.

Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 34.5%, 4X 30.1% ★, Strategy 16.8%, Classic 10% ★, Historical 7.9%

Company of Heroes®: Tales of Valor™ is the expansion to the Game of the Year winner and highest rated real time strategy franchise Company of Heroes®. Featuring new campaigns to overcome, units to command, and battlefields to conquer, Company of Heroes®: Tales of Valor™ delivers evolved gameplay mechanics and 3 episodic adventures...

Why similar: Strategy 77.5%, Multiplayer 12.6%, Historical 7.3%, Singleplayer 2.5%

Spanning the most turbulent era in Western history, your quest for territory and power takes you through Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and even onto the shores of the New World.

Why similar: Strategy 24%, Turn-Based Strategy 22.3%, Historical 15.4%, Turn-Based 11.9%, Grand Strategy 8.1% ★

Celebrating its first year of delighting millions of global players, the award-winning and best-selling strategy franchise continues with Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition, putting you at the center of even more epic historical battles that shaped the world.

Why similar: Strategy 55%, Historical 23.7%, Multiplayer 14.1%, 4X 4.4% ★, Singleplayer 2.7%

Use war, trade or diplomacy to satisfy your grandest ambitions and dominate five centuries of history in the newest version of Europa Universalis, Paradox Interactive's flagship historical grand strategy game.

Why similar: 4X 47.2% ★, Historical 18.4%, Strategy 15.9%, Grand Strategy 12.2% ★, Multiplayer 5.1%

Carefully guide your nation from the era of absolute monarchies in the early 19th century, through expansion and colonization, to finally become a truly great power by the dawn of the 20th century. Victoria II is a grand strategy game played during the colonial era of the 19th century, where the player takes control of a country, guiding...

Why similar: Historical 29.6%, Strategy 28.8%, Grand Strategy 26.3% ★, Moddable 10.5%, Multiplayer 3.8%

Europa Universalis Rome Gold combines the epic strategy title Europa Universalis Rome with the expansion pack Vae Victis. Experience one of the most defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy.

Why similar: Strategy 47.5%, Historical 29%, Grand Strategy 23.5% ★

Age of Wonders II is the wildly anticipated sequel to the award-winning strategy phenomenon. Delivering an invigorating mix of Empire Building, Role-playing, and Warfare, Age of Wonders II brings s turn-based strategy to new heights.

Why similar: Strategy 26.8%, 4X 24.9% ★, Turn-Based 24%, Turn-Based Strategy 21%, Classic 2.8% ★

ENDLESS Space™ 2 is a Strategic Space Opera, featuring the compelling “just one more turn” gameplay, set in the mysterious ENDLESS Universe™. As the leader of your civilization, will you impose your vision and build the greatest stellar empire?

Why similar: Strategy 80.9%, 4X 9.6% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 3.6%, Turn-Based 3.5%, Multiplayer 0.9%

Lead your people to victory on an ever-evolving world in this strategy game featuring asymmetric factions led by powerful heroes. Build your empire, wield political influence, and raise grand armies to wage war in a race to uncover dark secrets buried within the planet.

Why similar: 4X 29.4% ★, Turn-Based 16.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 15.1%, Moddable 9.7%, Historical 9.6%

SHOGUN: Total War™ is the first, original title in a 15 year series of award-winning strategy games. This Collection Edition also includes the Mongol Invasion Expansion Pack.

Why similar: Strategy 54.2%, Historical 18.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 14.3%, Classic 6.3% ★, Grand Strategy 5.5% ★

Explore one of the defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 38.2% ★, Strategy 25.2%, Historical 24.4%, Moddable 7.3%, Multiplayer 4.2%

Space Empires V is the latest edition in the Space Empires series. This new chapter completely updates the UI and takes the player into a real-time rendered 3D universe. Watch space battles played out in glorious detail and realistic effects. Expand, Explore, Exploit, and Exterminate in a huge living breathing galaxy.

Why similar: 4X 48.6% ★, Strategy 21.6%, Turn-Based 19.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 9.3%, Singleplayer 0.6%

Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic is the third entry in the award winning fantasy strategy series. This fan-favorite enhances the series' praised fusion of empire building, role-playing and tactical combat with the eerie Shadow World and battle with races never before seen, across new and diverse landscapes.

Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 26.1%, 4X 26.1% ★, Turn-Based 21.2%, Strategy 19%, Classic 3.8% ★

Includes Hearts of Iron II plus the two expansions, Doomsday and Armageddon When Germany is defeated in 1945, the Allies and the new Soviet alliance fight for supremacy. World War III is drawing closer. Play as the ruler of one of 175 countries through World Wars II and III.

Why similar: Strategy 52.3%, Historical 24.9%, Grand Strategy 22.8% ★

A mix of deep gameplay and rich historical flavor, Aggressors: Ancient Rome lets you relive history as the ruler of one of the mighty civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean. Choose one of twenty available factions and conquer the world.

Why similar: 4X 36.2% ★, Strategy 16.4%, Historical 12.6%, Turn-Based 11.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 11%