Freeciv

In turn, you build up a civilization with cities, research, diplomacy and military choices.

Version 3.2.6 · Open source · Windows · Linux

Looking for an alternative to Freeciv?Compare The Battle for Wesnoth.Compare alternatives

Freeciv is a strategy game in which you guide a civilization through time. You create cities, develop technology and distribute resources between growth and defense. Because the game is in turn, you can think before making decisions.

Rulesets determine a lot of the gaming experience. A party may therefore use other units, technology or conditions. There are several clients; first choose a regular desktop version and learn the basics before trying online variants.

Which software suits you?

Compare Freeciv with alternatives

If you want to plan a strategy quietly in turn, compare the scale: a civilization over centuries or an army in a campaign. Also see how long a pot lasts and whether you want to play alone or with others. The shared turn system does not yet make these games identical in substance.

Differences between Freeciv and The Battle for Wesnoth
Software	What can it do?	Platform and licence
FreecivYou are viewing this app	You build a civilization with cities, research and diplomacy in turn. You play on a larger economic and historical scale than a loose tactical battle.	Windows, LinuxOpen source
The Battle for WesnothView this alternative	You guide units through tactical battles on a hexagonal playing field and play campaigns or multiplayer. The terrain and properties of units are important.	Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source

Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.

Who is it for?

You like turn strategy and want to combine urban planning, research and diplomacy.

Getting started

Download a regular client for your system or install it via Linux package manager. Start with the standard set of rules.

Privacy

Local parties run on your own computer. When playing online, player name and network data are used for connection.

Good to know

Clients and rulesets can offer different functions. Multiplayer requires customized rules and versions.

Please note

Check the rule set and turn settings before you start a long multiplayer game.

Advantages

Extended turnaround strategy Adjustable rules Local and online parties

Things to consider

Lots of rules to learn Parties may take a long time Different clients and rulesets can be confused

Download Freeciv

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Official download page

Provider’s website · www.freeciv.org

Download Freeciv

Version history

3.2.6

You get stable version 3.2.6 of Freeciv.

This edition maintains the stable 3.2 series. Choose a client and set of rules that match your existing party and save saves before switching.

Report a new version

Our verdict

Freeciv fits well if you like to make plans about multiple turns. Your choices about cities and research work through a long time, making the game more about build-up than about reaction speed. The open rules give room to choose a game form that suits you.

For beginners it is wise to keep that choice small first. Use an ordinary client and standard rules, otherwise you will learn the game and a special variant at the same time. A short exercise will help you understand the connection between food, production and research. If you like that kind of strategic considerations, Freeciv offers a lot of room for manoeuvre without a commercial game license.