Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition

Turn-based space strategy with rival civilizations and multiple paths to victory

Stardock Entertainment · Released Dec 2, 2011

Reviews: Mostly Positive; 77% of 1,712
Recent reviews: Not enough recent
Playing now: 11; peak 24h 19
Steam Deck: Unsupported
Last update: 7 years ago; Aug 8, 2019

What is Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition?

This single-player, turn-based strategy game puts you in charge of a spacefaring civilization on top-down galactic maps. You colonize planets, manage research and the economy, design ships, and negotiate or fight with rivals in randomly generated galaxies or a campaign about the Dread Lords. This edition includes the Dark Avatar and Twilight of the Arnor expansions.

For you if...

+you enjoy balancing diplomacy, research, and military power
+you want a campaign and randomly generated galaxy maps
+you like pursuing different paths to victory

Not for you if...

−you want real-time action instead of turn-based planning
−you want multiplayer matches against other players

What players say

77% of 1,712 reviews are positive

Players praise the replayability, adjustable game settings, and relatively straightforward strategy. The most common complaints concern crashes and startup problems, particularly on newer computers; some players also find the presentation dated.

Screenshots and trailer

Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition system requirements

As published by the developer.

Minimum

OS: Windows® XP SP3 / Vista™ SP2 / Windows® 7 / 8.1 / 10
Processor: Intel® Pentium® III 1 GHz (or AMD equivalent)
Graphics: 64 MB DirectX 9.0c Compatible Video Card
Memory: 512 MB (1 GB for Windows 7 / Vista)
Storage: 2 GB
Notes: Broadband Internet connection, also to activate this game you must create a Stardock account while launching the game on Steam.