Freeciv
Open-source empire-building strategy game inspired by the history of civilization
In our rankings
Scores on the open-source turn-based strategy games criteria
Evaluated Nov 5, 2026- Single-player content ×3 4
4/5 means: Computer opponents plus two or more of a tutorial, bundled scenarios or a choice of rule sets
Computer opponents, an interactive tutorial scenario and several bundled rule sets (including Civilization 1 and 2 compatibility modes). There are no story campaigns.
3 quotes - Multiplayer modes ×3 3
3/5 means: Two of online, local network or hotseat play
Documents two modes, Internet play (with a metaserver listing of servers run by third parties) and local network play. Hotseat play is not documented in the captured pages.
4 quotes - Map editor and mods ×2 5
5/5 means: All of level 4, plus a documented way for players to create their own scenarios or campaigns
A built-in map editor, rule sets and modpacks, a Modpack Installer download, and a documented way to save your own scenarios.
4 quotes - Release activity ×2 5
5/5 means: Less than 2 months old
Stable 3.2.7 was announced on 6 November 2026 and 3.2.6 on 4 September 2026; the latest stable release is less than two months old.
2 quotes
Evidence (19 quotes)
- 1
“It has support for multiplayer games locally or over a network, and an AI which gives most people a run for their money.”
- 2
“The game comes with an interactive tutorial scenario.”
- 3
“Several different rulesets come with the Freeciv distribution, including a civ1 (Civilization 1 compatibility mode), and civ2 (Civilization 2 compatibility mode).”
- 4
“To join a network game, choose Connect to Network Game and then Internet Metaserver. A list of active servers should come up; double-click one to join it.”
- 5
“If all players are on the same LAN, they should launch their clients, choose Connect to Network Game and then Local Area Network.”
- 6
“(The Freeciv project does not currently run any game servers, so any servers you find are likely to be run by third parties who have decided to advertise them.)”
- 7
“World maps can be created using the built-in map editor in the GTK clients.”
- 8
“You can create rulesets or "modpacks" - alternative sets of units, buildings, and technologies.”
- 9
“Freeciv-fcmp-gtk4-3.2.7-x86_64.AppImage Modpack Installer”
freeciv.org/download.html · checked - 10
“Freeciv saves current game situation as a scenario file, with the full [scenario] section, when one saves by the /scensave server command or uses "Save Scenario" from the client Edit -menu.”
- 11
“06th Nov 2026 - 3.2.7 is a generic bugfix release in the stable 3.2 series.”
freeciv.org · checked - 12
“04th Sep 2026 - 3.2.6 fixes two security vulnerabilies in savegame/scenario file handling, and other bugs.”
freeciv.org · checked - 13
“Freeciv can load savegames saved by older versions. How far back this is supported depends on version.”
- 14
“The online browser version of Freeciv using HTML5”
freeciv.org · checked - 15
“Pick one. You can play the same Freeciv games with them; only the user interface is different.”
freeciv.org/download.html · checked - 16
“The best way to support the Freeciv project is to make a donation here:”
freeciv.org · checked - 17
“Freeciv has been implemented completely independently of Civilization; you do not need to own Civilization to play Freeciv.”
- 18
“Freeciv-3.2.7-msys2-win64-10-gtk4-setup.exe Mainstream client, with map editor”
freeciv.org/download.html · checked - 19
“Freeciv is a Free and Open Source empire-building strategy game inspired by the history of human civilization.”
freeciv.org · checked