A 2010 turn-based strategy game by Firaxis Games in which players guide a civilization from ancient origins to spaceflight, war, diplomacy, or cultural dominance.
Change
Civilization V replaced the long-standing stacked unit system with hex-based tiles and one-unit-per-tile combat. City-state diplomacy added a layer of small-power negotiations between major civilizations.
Expansions
The Gods and Kings expansion restored religion and espionage. Brave New World added trade routes, cultural tourism, and the World Congress.
Legacy
Civilization V is widely regarded as the most accessible mainline 4X strategy game. It led directly into Civilization VI in 2016 and the more recent Civilization VII in 2025.