Galactic Civilizations IV

Stardock

Rank: #2 / 10
Released: 2022
Studio: Stardock
Genre: turn-based strategy video game, 4X

At a glance

Galactic Civilizations IV is a turn-based 4X strategy game from Stardock, released on Steam on October 19, 2023. You lead a species that has reached faster-than-light travel, exploring the galaxy, developing worlds, researching technology, making alliances and fighting wars. The game combines an in-game storyteller with an AI strategist whose opponents pursue their own agendas. Its Core World and Colony system supports managing a small number of productive Core Worlds or developing many lower-class planets. AlienGPT lets players describe a civilization's traits and aims to generate lore, diplomatic dialogue, starship choices and ambassador portraits. A Ship Designer lets you create fleets. Steam lists single-player as well as multiplayer features including PvP, co-op and cross-platform multiplayer; it also lists Steam Workshop and adjustable text size. The game is listed for Windows, and its Steam genres are simulation and strategy.

Who it is for

It suits strategy players interested in guiding a civilization across exploration, diplomacy, world development and warfare. The listed multiplayer modes may also fit groups seeking PvP or cooperative play.

What is good

Core World and Colony management options
Custom civilization lore through AlienGPT
Design fleets with the Ship Designer
PvP, co-op and cross-platform multiplayer listed

What to know first

Listed only for Windows
No other platform is listed

Verdict

Galactic Civilizations IV brings 4X empire management together with custom civilization creation and ship design. It offers both single-player and several multiplayer modes, but the listed platform is Windows.