The Best and Worst Civilization Games Ranked Based on Aggregated Metascores

Civilization is one of the best turn-based strategy game series in history. This is a game series in which players expand civilizations throughout the ages by researching technologies and civics. There have been several mainline entries in the Civilization series, dating back to the 1990s. This is how the best and worst Civilization games rank based on aggregated Metascores.

1. Civilization II: (Metascore 94)

Civilization II, directed by Brian Reynolds, is the most highly-rated Civilization game in history alongside the fourth instalment. This was a landmark game for the isometric viewpoint it introduced. It was a significant leap over its predecessor in terms of presentation, with full-motion video sequences and life council advisors that brought the game to life.

This sequel expanded the franchise with a revamped combat system, new governments, redesigned rivers and trade, extended unit roster, and enhanced diplomacy. The hit points and firepower ratings for combat were a big game changer in Civilization II, establishing a core mechanical blueprint in the franchise.

2. Civilization IV (Metascore 94)

Civilization IV, primarily designed by Soren Johnson, shares the franchise’s best game crown alongside Civ II. This game represented a huge leap forward for Civilization as the first to incorporate a 3D engine. It was one of the best Civilization games because of its iconic presentation and more streamlined gameplay. Civilization IV eliminated micromanagement bloat without compromising its strategic depth.

The modular civics system was the standout gameplay feature Civilization IV introduced. It enabled more flexible policymaking. It also introduced unit promotions and great people.

3. Civilization III (Metascore 90)

Civilization III is one of the more highly-rated Civ games for how it transformed the formula of the series with deeper geopolitical, cultural, and economic gameplay layers. It swept in numerous landmark innovations that remain a part of the series today. Civilization III also modernized the series with crisper visuals and animated leader portraits.

Cultural borders were the most significant gameplay innovation that Civilization III introduced. That was a revolutionary addition that gave civilizations clear territorial borders. Civilization III also debuted strategic and luxury resources, which added a whole new gameplay dimension.

4. Civilization V (Metascore 90)

This fifth instalment was generally as highly rated as Civilization III. Civilization V introduced some bold mechanical changes, but those modifications made the game all the better. The Civ V game struck an ideal balance between accessibility and strategic depth.

Civilization V introduced hexagonal tiles and the one unit per tile gameplay mechanic, which eliminated unit stacking. That one drastic change transformed Civilization’s military warfare into tactical battles spread out across the map. Aside from that innovation, Civilization V also introduced city-states, which added more strategic diplomacy to trade and diplomacy.

5. Civilization VI (Metascore 88)

Although not quite as highly rated as Civilization IV, this sixth instalment was still a worthy addition to its franchise. Most players loved Civilization IV because of its more strategic geographical gameplay, adaptable governments, distinct civilizations, tangible empire growth, and strong replay value. Although Civilization VI had some AI flaws, it was one of the most complete vanilla releases in the franchise’s history.

What set Civilization VI apart from its predecessors was the districts it introduced. It enabled players to build a wide variety of specialized city districts. District adjacency bonuses added a new geographical dimension to the game. The new religion and expanded cultural victory conditions also added more gameplay variety.

6. Civilization VII (Metascore 79)

Civilization VII is the latest addition to the franchise that has fallen slightly short of previous Civilization games, with the lowest aggregated Metascore of 79. This is still a decent Civ game with great visual splendour, enhanced tactical combat, and simplified town management. However, there was a slight backlash to the clunky user interface and forced civilization switching in Civilization VII.

Civilization VII broke the traditional Civ formula with the introduction of three playable ages. Players switch civilizations for each new age. That might have been a bridge too far for some Civilization traditionalists who remain convinced the core appeal of the series is to guide one nation throughout history. However, a Test of Time update made civilization switching optional in Civ 7.

What About Civilization I?

The original Civilization I started the phenomenon. Although it’s a tad basic today, it laid the basic gameplay template for the series to refine. It received numerous Game of the Year awards and remains one of the most influential video games historically. However, this entry in the series doesn’t have an official Metascore to rank it by because it predates Metacritic.

Although regular evolution has been applied to the Civilization game series, the core appeal of the franchise has always remained strong. Civilization games are among the most cherished because they enable players to make history with classic empire-building gameplay. It is one of the most accessible historical sandbox game series with a gripping one-more-turn gameplay loop.