Sid Meier's Civilization IV

Sid Meier’s Civilization IV is a single-player and multiplayer turn-based strategy game. As in earlier entries in the series, players begin with a single settlement in the ancient era and guide their civilization through millennia of history. Starting from simple tools and huts, the goal is to expand territory, establish cities, manage resources, and interact with rival nations through diplomacy, trade, or war until one empire achieves dominance. Victory can be achieved in several ways, such as military conquest, technological advancement, cultural influence, or through diplomatic success on the world stage.

A major addition in this installment is the introduction of religion as a gameplay system. Founding and spreading religions becomes a significant factor in diplomacy, trade, and domestic stability, influencing how civilizations interact with one another. Earlier features such as cultural borders remain important, but religion provides a new axis for alliances and rivalries to form. The presentation was also redesigned with a fully 3D map, animated units, and environmental details such as terrain effects and natural sounds.

Gameplay systems have been streamlined compared to earlier titles. Long-standing mechanics like corruption and pollution have been removed to reduce late-game complexity. Combat has been overhauled: units now feature a single strength value rather than separate attack and defense ratings, and they gain experience points from battles that can be spent on player-selected promotions. This allows for greater tactical flexibility, with specialized units adapting to different roles on the battlefield.

Civilizations are led by historical leaders, each with unique traits that influence strategy, such as favoring rapid expansion, diplomatic maneuvering, or military aggression. The game also introduces a civics system, allowing players to tailor their government through policies such as slavery, free speech, or environmentalism. This system replaces the older model of rigid government types and enables players to adapt to changing conditions throughout the game.

Sid Meier’s Civilization IV includes both single-player campaigns against computer-controlled leaders and multiplayer matches supporting a variety of modes. Online and LAN play allow for cooperative or competitive sessions, with options for simultaneous or turn-based pacing.