What is the best Civilization game of all time?

From the turn-based original that invented the 4X genre to bold era-switching reinventions, every Civ entry brings a different flavor of just one more turn. Which is your greatest civilization?

1

Civilization

Sid Meier's 1991 original that invented the turn-based 4X strategy genre and introduced Just One More Turn addiction to PC gaming.

2

Civilization II

The 1996 sequel that refined the formula with improved diplomacy, advisors, and a legendary endgame scenario.

3

Civilization III

The 2001 entry that introduced unique civilization traits and the cultural victory condition, making each empire feel distinct.

4

Civilization IV

The 2005 classic praised for its deep religion, economics, and diplomacy systems, narrated memorably by Leonard Nimoy.

5

Civilization Revolution

The 2008 console-friendly entry that distilled the Civ experience into an accessible, faster-paced format for new audiences.

6

Civilization V

The 2010 entry whose one-unit-per-tile hex grid made combat tactical and whose expansions Brave New World brought it to legendary status.

7

Civilization Beyond Earth

The 2014 sci-fi spiritual successor to Alpha Centauri where humanity colonizes a distant planet across three ideological affinities.

8

Civilization VI

The 2016 entry with district-based city planning and a cartoonish art style that many fans consider the franchise's deepest and most replayable entry.

9

Civilization VII

The 2025 reboot introducing a bold three-ages system and a new civilization-switching mechanic between eras.