Is Civilization 5 free?
No, Sid Meier‘s Civilization 5 is not free. It is a paid game released in 2010 that transformed the turn-based strategy genre. According to Steam charts, Civ 5 still averages over 37,000 concurrent players daily, demonstrating its lasting popularity. But how can you get this classic game cheaply in 2024?
How Much Does Civilization 5 Cost?
The base Civilization 5 game costs $29.99 from digital retailers like Steam and Amazon. Sales drop it to $7.49-14.99 periodically.
The Civilization 5: Complete Edition bundle with all DLCs is $49.99 full price but often $12.49-24.99 on sale. I highly recommend this version to get the full Civ 5 experience.
Finding Civ 5 Discounts in 2024
Here are tips for getting Civ 5 Complete cheaply:
- Steam Sales: Wait for big seasonal sales where Civ 5 drops 75-90% off. The next are Lunar New Year (Jan 23rd) and Spring (March 16th).
- Epic/Amazon Promotions: Platforms like Epic Games Store have temporarily given away Civ 5 free. Watch for future promos.
- Key Sellers: CD key sites like Eneba often sell Steam keys for Civ 5 Complete under $15 year-round.
- Bundles: Occasional Civ 5 bundles offer the Complete Edition + DLC civs discounted.
So while not permanently free, there are ample opportunities to buy Civ 5 Complete Edition for under $15.
What is Civilization 5 Gameplay Like?
Civilization 5 is a turn-based 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) strategy game. As leader of a historical civilization, you build cities, research technology, wage war, conduct diplomacy and craft cultural works to achieve one of several victory conditions before 2050 AD:
- Domination – Conquer all other civilizations‘ capitals
- Culture – Fill out 5 social policy trees
- Science – Be the first to construct a spaceship to Alpha Centauri
- Diplomatic – Gain support of city-states and civilizations
- Score – Have highest score
Core Gameplay Elements
Key things you manage:
- Cities – Central to growing population, economy, science, culture
- Units – Military, civilian and naval units to explore, defend, attack
- Tech Tree – Unlocking new units, buildings, wonders
- Policies – Sharpen strengths of your civilization
- Wonders – Special constructs providing big bonuses
- Resources – Strategic, luxury and bonus resources boosting output
It‘s addictively fun evolving your empire turn-by-turn while facing threats from rivals.
How Civilization 5 Compares to Other Titles
Let‘s see how Civ 5 stacks up to others in the legendary Civilization series developed by Sid Meier:
| Civilization 5 | Civilization 6 | Civilization 4 | Civilization 3 | |
| **Release Year** | 2010 | 2016 | 2005 | 2001 |
| **Review Scores** | 90% | 85% | 94% | 83% |
| **Key Features** | Hex tiles, 1 unit per tile combat, expanded city mechanics, smarter AI | Districts, active research, customizable governments | Religion, espionage, enhanced AI | Culture splitting, more in-depth city management |
| **Current Players** | *37,000* | *28,000* | *5,000* | *800* |
While the newer Civ 6 does innovated in areas like cities and research, Civ 5 remains the quintessential Civilization experience for many fans and still boasts an impressive, enduring player base.
Why Civilization 5 Stays So Popular
Let‘s analyze key reasons why Civ 5 continues shining as one of gaming‘s greatest strategy titles:
1. Addictive Core Gameplay Loop
At its heart, Civ 5 simply offers an incredibly rewarding and replayable gameplay formula – no two games unfold the same way. The "one more turn" compulsion remains as strong as ever.
2. Accessible yet Deep Mechanics
Civ 5 finds a sweet spot between complexity and approachability. Its systems are intuitive yet offer immense strategic depth if you want to dive in fully.
3. Stellar Presentation
An immersive world brought to life through beautiful graphics, stirring music by composer Michael Curran and an excellent user interface. Top notch execution.
4. Customization & Mods
Want to lead Genghis Khan‘s Mongols in a war against George Washington‘s America over Middle Earth? Civ 5 mods allow endless customization and unpredictability.
5. Reasonable System Requirements
Most gaming rigs produced in the last 5+ years can easily run Civ 5 well, enabling countless to still freshly enjoy this modern classic.
6. Value Proposition
For $15 or often less during sales, Civ 5 Complete Edition provides hundreds if not thousands of hours of epic world-building strategy gaming backed by good DLC support.
In summary, Civ 5 remains a rewarding and complete package that hits the right notes for fans even after a decade-plus.
Beginner‘s Guide to Civilization 5
For those about to dive into Civ 5 for the first time, here is my best advice:
Difficulty – Play your first game on Settler or Chieftan – higher difficulties introduce complexity before you grasp basics.
Early Game – Focus growth on 2-4 cities while building some key wonders in your capital. Prioritize science techs to accelerate progress. Leave your warrior close by to fend off barbarians.
Mid Game – Establish your specialties through policies and wonders while continuing city development. Field some offensive troops. Meet the other major civilizations and city-states.
Late Game – Make a push for your chosen victory condition once you enter the Industrial Era or beyond. Know your strengths!
Have Fun – Follow what intrigues you rather than chasing a strict path. Go wage war against Montezuma or race Korea to alpha Centauri – enjoy charting your civilization‘s journey!
I wish you glorious adventures awaiting in this storied franchise! May the hills echo with the sounds of your civilization‘s great achievements.
