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Galactic Civilizations IV

Take command of a civilization that has just achieved faster-than-light travel in Galactic Civilizations IV, the newest entry in the award-winning space 4X strategy game series. Explore the galaxy, colonize worlds, shape cultures, make alliances, fight wars and pioneer new technologies.

Steam Page
Release
October 19, 2023
2 years and 288 days ago
Steam Reviews
Mostly Positive2,518 reviews72.7%

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Latest Contributor: IGF TeamEdit notes
Updated: Jul 13, 2026Developer scaleThe operating scale of the game's developer.
Updated: Jul 13, 2026Publisher scaleThe operating scale of the game's publisher.
Stardock Entertainment meets the large-publisher game and partner thresholds.
Updated: Jul 13, 2026Publisher statusHow the game's publishing relationship is classified.
Search Google: How is Galactic Civilizations IV and Stardock Entertainment funded?FundingThe known source of funding behind the game.
Search Google: Who controls the creative direction and IP for Galactic Civilizations IV and Stardock Entertainment?Creative controlWho appears to retain creative control of the game.
Updated: Jul 13, 2026Release statusWhether and how the game has been released.

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About the Game

Prepare yourself to explore the galaxy, research new technologies, meet new alien civilizations and develop a galactic civilization that will pass the test of time.

As leader of a fledgling interstellar species, it’s up to you to guide your people to develop new worlds, construct new kinds of starships and fight wars to ensure your civilization survives in what is often a hostile universe.

4X Meets Grand Strategy

eXplore, eXpand, eXploit and eXterminate are just the start! Our in-game storyteller is combined with a sophisticated AI strategist to ensure that the living, lore rich universe you are experiencing is also populated with opponents who follow their own agendas and wield the intellect to make good on them.


Design Your Own Cosmic Legacy

Unleash your creativity with the unrivaled power of AlienGPT by describing your civilization’s characteristics, preferences, and aspirations, and watch our AI weave them into distinctive lore, diplomatic dialogues, starship selections, and ambassador portraits.


Play Tall or Wide

Govern as few, or as many, worlds as you like with the Core World and Colony split system. Tall play is viable by linking many Colonies into just a handful of Core Worlds, greatly increasing their resource output. Alternatively, many lower class planets can be manually improved and developed for a super-wide playstyle.

Craft Custom Interstellar Fleets

Harness your creative abilities to construct interstellar armadas with the Ship Designer, a feature that allows you to design and customize your own interstellar spacecraft. With an array of options for hulls, weapons, engines, and more, you can create a fleet that perfectly suits your strategy and style.

Forge a Unique Empire

With setup options that allow the player to play games lasting less than an hour, or for months, Galactic Civilizations IV supports many viable strategies. Create or play as a civilization with deep diplomatic and cultural abilities or play as a ravenous species bent on spreading to every world in the universe: Galactic Civilizations offers a deep set of options to ensure your style of play is rewarded.

Claim Victory Your Way

Conquering your rivals with force of arms isn’t the only way to win - enlighten the galaxy with superior cultural influence, navigate treacherous diplomatic waters to unite your rivals under your leadership, or earn a Prestige Victory with difficult Galactic Challenges.

Never The Same Game Twice

Experience thrilling adventures within procedurally generated galaxies teeming with surprises. Engage with a multitude of galactic events and rival civilizations to ensure every game is a unique and exciting experience, filled with challenges and opportunities.