Galactic Civilizations IV

Turn-based space 4X with custom civilizations and starship design

Stardock Entertainment · Released Oct 19, 2023

Reviews: Mostly Positive; 72% of 2,608
Recent reviews: Mixed; 68% of 41 in 30 days
Playing now: 246; right now
Steam Deck: Unsupported
Last update: 2 weeks ago; Sep 4, 2026

What is Galactic Civilizations IV?

A turn-based 4X grand strategy game in which you lead a new interstellar civilization. Explore the galaxy, colonize and develop worlds, research technology, design ships and fleets, conduct diplomacy, and wage wars in customizable single-player or multiplayer matches.

For you if...

+you enjoy detailed, turn-based empire management in space
+you want to customize civilizations, ships, and match difficulty
+you prefer multiple victory paths and replayable sandbox matches

Not for you if...

−you dislike steep learning curves and heavy micromanagement
−you want direct control over tactical space combat

What players say

72% of 2,608 reviews are positive · 68% of 41 in the last 30 days

Players praise the deep ship designer, varied civilizations, flexible difficulty, and range of viable strategies. Common complaints include a clunky interface, heavy micromanagement, slow or repetitive campaigns, and persistent bugs; series veterans also disagree over whether it advances enough beyond earlier entries.

Screenshots and trailer

Galactic Civilizations IV system requirements

As published by the developer.

Minimum

OS: Windows 10 64-bit
Processor: Quad-Core Processor (Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen 2x00)
Graphics: 1GB VRAM Video Card
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Storage: 22 GB available space
DirectX: Version 11
Notes: 720p Minimum Screen Resolution Required

PC version details

DRM, required accounts, controller support and Steam features.

DRM: None declared on Steam
Controller: Keyboard and mouse
Platforms: Windows
Achievements: 86
Steam features: Workshop, Cloud saves, Family Sharing

Steam Deck: Unsupported

Not supported on SteamOS

Multiplayer and co-op

Languages

Full audio: English. Text only: German, French, Russian, Spanish - Spain, Polish, Spanish - Latin America, Portuguese - Brazil, Portuguese - Portugal, Italian, Simplified Chinese, Korean.