Building a civilization from the ground up
Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game on a hex grid. You start with a small settlement and work through the technology and civics trees to unlock new units, buildings, governments and policies. Cities physically expand across the map, and each district, wonder and improvement takes up its own hex, so you choose where to place a Commercial Hub, a Spaceport or anything else based on what your empire needs. Progress through history comes from more than science alone: the Civics tree runs in parallel and unlocks governments and cultural policies, and you can boost your research by exploring, developing your environment and discovering new cultures. Rival leaders act on agendas drawn from their historical traits, so their behavior shifts as the game goes on, and your diplomatic relationships develop from early conflict into later alliances and negotiations. You can also earn the allegiance of nearby city states for their bonuses, and use spies for intelligence, stealing resources and toppling governments. There are five routes to victory in the game.
Playing together with friends
The game supports multiplayer in several forms: online PvP, LAN PvP and shared/split screen PvP, with cross-platform multiplayer available so your group does not need to be on the same platform. Being a turn-based game, everyone plays in sequence, which suits a group that wants to think through moves rather than react in real time. Remote Play Together and Remote Play on Tablet are listed among the supported features, and Steam Turn Notifications help you keep track of when your turn comes around. Steam Workshop support means custom content made by the community can be brought into your games.
Before you start
Expect a long game that rewards planning several turns ahead: placement of districts matters, and the choice between pushing science or civics shapes what is available to you. Because leaders pursue their own agendas, other civilizations are not static opponents, so diplomacy is worth attention alongside military strength. The game includes Steam Achievements and Steam Trading Cards, and supports Family Sharing. Note that In-App Purchases are listed as a feature, and that some content related to the wider series requires an internet connection and a linked 2K Account, so check what you are getting into if you plan to take part in that.