Civilization IV — How to Play
What it is
Civilization IV (2005) is, for many players, the high point of the classic Civ formula: square tiles and stacks of units, with religions, great people and civics added, and a world that feels alive. Warlords (2006) and Beyond the Sword (2007) complete it.
Getting the game
- Civilization IV: The Complete Edition (the game, both expansions and Colonization) is sold on Steam.
- Beyond the Sword is the version almost every player and every major mod uses.
The basics
- Cities work the tiles around them; workers improve those tiles.
- Seven religions can be founded; sharing a religion makes friends, and a holy city earns gold.
- Great People — prophets, scientists, engineers, merchants, artists, and in Warlords great generals — can be settled for permanent bonuses or used once for a big boost.
- Civics replace the old governments: you pick one per category, such as Slavery or Caste System.
- Victory by conquest, domination, space race, culture, diplomacy at the United Nations, or score.
Starting out
- Play the tutorial, then a game at Settler or Chieftain difficulty.
- Watch city health and happiness — both limit how large cities can grow.