Summary: In this article, we’ll look at the best civ-like games that let you enjoy strategy gaming on the go.

Sid Meier’s Civilization series has dominated the turn-based strategy (4X) genre for decades. Players love the challenge of guiding a civilization from ancient times into the future, managing diplomacy, warfare, economy, and cultural advancements. However, if you’re looking for a fresh experience, there are plenty of other games that offer similar mechanics with unique twists.

In this article,  we’ll explore 15 PC and console games like Civ 6 and 5 mobile games that bring the strategy experience to your fingertips.

Table of Contents：

Part 1: What is a Civilization-Type Game?

Part 2: 15 Best Games Like Civ 6 in 2025

Part 3: 5 Mobile Games Like Civilization

Part 4: How to Enhance Your Civilization Gaming Experience

What is a Civilization-Type Game?

Civilization-type games, often referred to as 4X games, are a subgenre of strategy games where players build and manage empires. The term “4X” stands for eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate. These games typically feature turn-based gameplay, resource management, diplomacy, and technological advancement. Players start with a small settlement and guide their civilization through history, competing against AI or other players to achieve victory through military conquest, cultural dominance, scientific breakthroughs, or diplomatic alliances.

15 Best Civ-Like Games in 2025

1. Old World

Developed by the lead designer of Civ IV, Old World brings a fresh perspective to 4X strategy games by integrating character-driven leadership and historical realism. Instead of a single ruler throughout the game, players must manage dynastic succession, family politics, and court intrigue while expanding their empire. Unique orders-based movement mechanics force players to make tough strategic choices each turn. The game also includes deep event chains that shape the world dynamically. This mix of historical storytelling, challenging decision-making, and traditional empire management makes Old World an excellent alternative to Civ 6.

2. Humankind

As Amplitude Studios’ answer to Civilization, Humankind offers a unique take on historical progression. Instead of selecting a single civilization, players can mix and match different cultures across six eras, creating highly customized societies. The game features territory-based city expansion, where districts influence growth and efficiency. Combat takes place on a tactical battlefield, adding another layer of strategy. With a strong emphasis on fame as the ultimate victory condition, Humankind challenges players to think beyond military conquest, encouraging diplomatic, cultural, and technological success to claim dominance.

3. Endless Space 2

This sci-fi 4X strategy game takes Civilization’s core mechanics into space, where players guide unique factions with distinct playstyles. Players colonize planets, engage in trade and diplomacy, research futuristic technologies, and command fleets in epic space battles. The game’s asymmetrical faction designs mean every playthrough offers a different experience. Political systems add another layer of depth, as internal factions influence governance and decision-making. With its stunning visuals, deep mechanics, and replayability, Endless Space 2 is a must-play for fans looking to take 4X strategy beyond Earth.

4. The Battle of Polytopia

A minimalist yet engaging 4X game, The Battle of Polytopia simplifies the grand strategy experience while retaining depth. Players lead one of several tribes, each with unique abilities, to explore, expand, and conquer a randomly generated world. The game features turn-based mechanics with quick, accessible gameplay, making it ideal for newcomers to the genre. Despite its simple, blocky art style, Polytopia offers strategic depth with different tech trees, terrain effects, and unit positioning. It’s perfect for players seeking a streamlined but rewarding Civ-like experience.

5. Age of Wonders: Planetfall 

A sci-fi twist on the Age of Wonders formula, Planetfall combines turn-based empire management with tactical combat. Players choose from a variety of factions, including cyborg amazons, militaristic humans, and robotic collectives, each with unique strengths. Exploration, city-building, diplomacy, and research play key roles, while battles unfold in tactical, turn-based skirmishes reminiscent of XCOM. The combination of a rich narrative, strategic depth, and engaging combat makes Planetfall an excellent alternative to traditional historical 4X games.

6. Tropico 6

For those who enjoy Civilization’s city-building mechanics, Tropico 6 offers a more personalized approach. Players take on the role of El Presidente, ruling over a Caribbean island nation across different eras. Managing an economy, developing infrastructure, and handling political opposition are central to success. The game allows for creative leadership—players can be benevolent rulers or ruthless dictators. The addition of multiple islands to manage and deeper political simulation makes Tropico 6 the most ambitious entry in the series.

7. Warlock: Masters of the Arcane

A fantasy take on Civilization, Warlock introduces spellcasting, mythical creatures, and multi-dimensional portals into 4X gameplay. Players build empires, research powerful magic, and engage in large-scale tactical battles against rival wizards and supernatural beings. The game’s hex-based movement, city-building, and diplomacy systems will feel familiar to Civ fans, but its fantasy elements, such as summoning dragons and wielding destructive spells, set it apart. Warlock is perfect for those who want Civ-style strategy with a magical twist.

8. FreeCiv

An open-source, fan-made alternative to Civilization, FreeCiv stays true to the classic Civ 2 formula while offering extensive customization options. Players guide their chosen civilization from prehistoric times to the space age, making strategic decisions on expansion, research, and diplomacy. The game supports multiplayer, allowing for large-scale battles and cooperative play. With its modding capabilities and active community, FreeCiv is a fantastic free-to-play option for those who want a classic Civ experience with modern enhancements.

9. Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri

A spiritual successor to Civ 2, Alpha Centauri takes 4X strategy to an alien planet, where factions led by ideological leaders compete for survival. The game introduces deep storytelling, complex diplomatic interactions, and unique unit customization. Players must navigate an ecosystem filled with alien threats while managing resources and technological advancements. Its philosophical and narrative depth set it apart from traditional Civilization games, making it a must-play for fans of sci-fi and strategy.

10. Europa Universalis IV

For a grand strategy experience rooted in real-world history, Europa Universalis IV offers deep nation-building, diplomacy, and warfare from the late Middle Ages to the early modern period. Unlike Civilization, which spans all of human history, EU4 focuses on managing a country through centuries, dealing with trade, colonization, and geopolitical conflicts. With complex mechanics and real-time strategy elements, this game is perfect for history buffs who enjoy deep strategic planning and alternate history scenarios.

11. Anno 1800

Anno 1800 is a rich blend of city-building, trade, and industrial-era strategy, immersing players in the dawn of the modern age. While it lacks traditional turn-based mechanics, its deep economic systems, logistics chains, and resource management make it an excellent choice for fans of Civilization. Players must balance workforce needs, industrial expansion, and diplomacy while navigating technological advancements and political intrigue. The game’s sandbox mode allows for endless creativity, while the campaign and multiplayer modes provide structured challenges. With stunning visuals and complex mechanics, Anno 1800 offers an engaging experience that rewards strategic planning and adaptability.

12. Rise of Nations

Rise of Nations is a real-time strategy game that masterfully combines Civilization-style empire-building with fast-paced combat. Players begin with a small settlement and progress through different historical ages, from the Ancient Era to the Information Age, unlocking new technologies, units, and structures. Unlike traditional RTS games, Rise of Nations includes territory control mechanics, making strategic expansion a key gameplay element. Players must balance economy, military strength, and technological progress while managing resources efficiently. With its deep strategic layers, varied nations, and dynamic gameplay, Rise of Nations offers a thrilling mix of tactical warfare and long-term empire development.

13. Total War: Three Kingdoms

Total War: Three Kingdoms brings the legendary Three Kingdoms era of China to life with a blend of turn-based empire management and real-time tactical battles. Players control powerful warlords, each with unique abilities, and engage in diplomacy, trade, espionage, and military conquest. The game’s character-driven approach adds a new layer of strategy, as generals and officers form relationships that impact gameplay. While the Total War series is known for its real-time combat, the turn-based grand strategy elements make it an excellent choice for Civilization fans who enjoy both empire-building and large-scale warfare.

14. Galactic Civilizations III

Galactic Civilizations III is a deep and expansive 4X space strategy game that challenges players to build and manage an interstellar empire. With advanced AI diplomacy, large-scale battles, and an extensive tech tree, the game offers endless strategic possibilities. Players can explore uncharted space, colonize planets, form alliances, and engage in space combat. The game’s customization options allow for the creation of unique civilizations, while the AI adapts to different playstyles, providing a fresh experience with every playthrough. For fans of Civilization looking for a space-based alternative, Galactic Civilizations III offers deep empire management and strategic depth.

15. Imperator: Rome

Imperator: Rome is a grand strategy game that immerses players in the ancient world, focusing on the rise and fall of empires. Developed by Paradox Interactive, it offers detailed mechanics for governing vast territories, managing populations, conducting diplomacy, and waging war. Players must handle cultural integration, loyalty of generals, and the complexities of trade and economy while expanding their influence. With diverse nations, deep political systems, and dynamic events, Imperator: Rome challenges players to navigate the intricacies of ancient civilization-building. Its strategic depth and historical scope make it an excellent choice for those who enjoy grand strategy and empire management.

5 Mobile Games Like Civilization

1. Civilization Revolution 

A mobile-friendly version of the classic Civ formula, Civilization Revolution 2 offers streamlined gameplay and shorter sessions. It’s perfect for on-the-go gaming.

2. Polytopia

As mentioned earlier, Polytopia is a lightweight 4X game that’s perfect for mobile devices. Its simple mechanics and quick matches make it ideal for casual gamers.

3. Unciv

Unciv is an open-source mobile game inspired by Civilization V. It’s free to play and offers a surprisingly deep 4X experience.

4. Rome: Total War

Rome: Total War brings the classic PC strategy game to mobile devices. While it lacks the depth of Civilization, it offers a similar sense of empire-building and tactical combat.

5. Northgard

Northgard is a Viking-themed strategy game that combines 4X mechanics with real-time gameplay. Its mobile version offers a streamlined experience for strategy fans.

How to Enhance Your Civilization Gaming Experience

If you’re looking to elevate your Civilization gaming experience, tools like Xmod can be a game-changer. Xmod is a versatile app that allows you to customize your gameplay, access cheats, and enhance your single-player experience. Whether you’re exploring the vast world of Civ 6 or preparing for future titles, Xmod ensures every session is exciting and immersive.

Why Xmod is Perfect for Gamers:

• Ease of Use: Xmod’s simple interface makes it accessible even for beginners.
• Expansive Features: Unlock hidden elements, boost your abilities, and access unique cheats.
• Future-Proof Gaming: Experiment with mods and prepare for upcoming strategy games.

Getting Started with Xmod:

Step 1. Download Xmod: Visit the official website to install the app on your device.

Step 2. Locate Civilization VI: Open Xmod’s library and select the game.

Step 3. Launch via Xmod: Start Civilization VI through the app to activate its features.

Step 4. Enable Mods: Customize your gameplay by enabling options like enhanced graphics or unlimited resources.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a die-hard Civ fan or a newcomer to the 4X genre, there’s no shortage of great games to explore. From PC titles like Old World and Humankind to mobile games like Polytopia and Unciv, these alternatives offer fresh takes on the classic Civilization formula. With tools like Xmod, you can further enhance your gaming experience and take your strategy skills to the next level. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into these Civ-like games and start building your empire today!