The best civilization games 2026
Looking for a really good civilization board game? Then we have just the thing: our list of the best civilization games 2026.
What are civilization games?
In civilization games, players often develop and manage a nation or society of people. The goal of each player is usually to engage the citizens in a way that is beneficial to the society, and to advance them throughout the game so that their civilization gains superiority over others.
In civilization games, each player can build their society independently, or each player can benefit or suffer from the actions of others through warfare and diplomacy.
List of best civilization games 2026
Does this fit your game night? Who is there, how much time, what mood – Game-Night sorts this list for you.
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7 Wonders Duel
All details & rating7 Wonders Duel takes the essence of the classic 7 Wonders and refines it for an intense two-player experience. It retains the thematic elements of building a civilization through acquiring various types of cards, but it introduces unique mechanics suited for a duel.
2 30 min 10+ Easy to learn+ 2 € above the best price24 € at Amazon*Video reviews 1 -
7 Wonders -
2nd Edition
All details & rating7 Wonders (Second Edition) is an acclaimed board game known for its widespread recognition and numerous international awards. This new version rejuvenates the classic 7 Wonders game, maintaining its status as a cornerstone in the world of modern board gaming. The game is celebrated for its elegant drafting mechanics, allowing up to 7 players to participate simultaneously without downtime.
3–7 30 min 10+ Easy to learn+ 1 € above the best price40 € at Amazon* - + 8 € above the best price26 € at Amazon*
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It's a Wonderful World
All details & ratingIt's a Wonderful World is a strategic card drafting and engine-building game, where players take on the role of leaders of expanding empires. The game is designed for 1 to 5 players and offers a compelling blend of careful planning and resource management.
1–5 45 min 14+ Easy to learn -
Roll Through the Ages: The Bronze Age
All details & ratingRoll Through the Ages: The Bronze Age is a captivating dice game that immerses players in the task of building and advancing their civilizations. This game combines elements of luck, strategy, and resource management, making it an engaging experience for players who enjoy civilization-building themes.
1–4 30–45 min 8+ Easy to learn -
Tides of Time
All details & ratingImagine a world where ancient civilizations rise and fall as epochs pass. In Tides of Time, two players embark on a strategic journey through time, where they take on the roles of cunning rulers guiding their civilizations to glory. The game unfolds over three rounds, during which players must carefully draft cards from their hands to construct magnificent kingdoms, all while striving to meet specific scoring objectives. As the ages progress, the choices made by each ruler will determine the course of history. Here's a closer look at the gameplay and special features:
2 20 min 10+ Easy to learn -
Terraforming Mars
All details & ratingTerraforming Mars is a strategic board game set in the 2400s, where players, representing giant corporations, embark on the colossal task of terraforming Mars. Sponsored by the World Government on Earth, each corporation competes to contribute most effectively to raising the planet's temperature, oxygen level, and ocean coverage to make Mars habitable. While players work together in the terraforming process, they also compete for victory points awarded for their contributions to terraforming, advancing human infrastructure throughout the solar system, and other notable achievements.
1–5 120 min 12+ Medium complexity+ 15 € above the best price85 € at Amazon*Video reviews 1 -
Roll for the Galaxy
All details & ratingRoll for the Galaxy is a dice-based strategy game for 2-5 players, where dice represent the populace tasked with building a space empire. It's a dice adaptation of the popular card game Race for the Galaxy.
2–5 45 min 13+ Medium complexity -
Cyclades
All details & ratingIn this latest collaboration between Bruno Cathala and Ludovic Maublanc, players must buy the favor of the gods in their race to be the first player to build two cities in the Ancient Greek island group known as the Cyclades.
2–5 60–90 min 13+ Medium complexity -
Imperial Miners
All details & ratingPlayers use a clever card activation system to excavate mines in this light card game for 1 to 5 participants. Set in the popular Imperial Settlers universe, it features beautiful illustrations, easy-to-understand rules, and satisfying gameplay filled with chain reactions and synergies. Players create their own mines by placing cards on their personal tableau, starting from the surface and digging deeper, while strategically mixing cards from six different factions to achieve the best outcomes.
1–5 20–60 min 10+ Easy to learn+ 2 € above the best price20 € at Amazon* -
Revive
All details & ratingRevive is a post-apocalyptic strategy game set 5000 years after civilization's collapse. Players lead tribes to explore a frozen Earth, harness resources, recruit survivors, build factories, and relearn ancient technologies. Designed for 1-4 players, Revive stands out with its asymmetric player powers, highly variable setup, and a focus on strategy and rebuilding over conflict.
1–4 90–120 min 14+ Medium complexity6 € below the next retailer52 € at Amazon* -
Imperial Settlers
All details & ratingImperial Settlers is a dynamic card game where players lead one of four distinct factions - Romans, Barbarians, Egyptians, and Japanese - to build and expand their empires. It's a game of strategy and resource management, set in a newly discovered land ripe for exploration and conflict.
1–4 45–90 min 10+ Medium complexity43 % cheaper than at other retailers40 € at Amazon*Video reviews 3 -
Imperial Settlers: Empires of the North
All details & ratingImperial Settlers: Empires of the North is a fresh, standalone card game set in the vibrant Imperial Settlers universe. This game takes you to the distant, chilly realms of the north, where you can lead one of three distinct factions: the industrious Scotsmen, the resourceful Inuits, or the seafaring Vikings. Your goal? To guide your chosen faction to become the most prosperous empire in these harsh, yet bountiful lands.
1–4 45–90 min 10+ Medium complexity -
Catan: Big Box
2016
All details & ratingCatan: Big Box includes the classic Catan board game and an expansion that allows up to six players to compete. It features the scenario of the irregulars, the mini-expansion "Helpers of Catan" which grants each player a character with a bonus ability, as well as the Mallorca scenario (printed on paper) and the Germany scenario (printed on the game board, showcasing city landmarks).
3–6 75 min 10+ Easy to learn -
Eminent Domain
All details & ratingEminent Domain is a civilization-building board game where players strategically develop their civilization's abilities through a deck of Role cards. The game combines elements of strategy, resource management, and technology advancement.
2–4 45 min 10+ Medium complexity -
Deus
All details & ratingDeus is a strategic board game where players build their civilizations on a shared modular game board. Utilizing a mix of card play and tactical placement, the game requires players to smartly develop their territories, manage resources, and gain favor with the gods to emerge victorious.
2–4 60–90 min 14+ Medium complexityVideo reviews 1 -
Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition
All details & ratingEmbark on an epic journey of galactic conquest in Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition. As a leader of one of seventeen unique factions, you'll navigate the vastness of space, striving for dominance through military might, political maneuvering, and economic prowess. The game unfolds around Mecatol Rex, the central planet, where the throne of the galaxy awaits the faction that can skillfully navigate the challenges of a dynamic and strategically constructed universe.
3–6 240–480 min 14+ For connoisseurs15 € below the next retailer155 € at Amazon*Video reviews 1
Frequently asked questions
Which game ranks first on this list?
7 Wonders Duel (À la carte 2016 card game award Winner) currently tops our list. The ranking is derived from player community ratings and is recalculated continuously.
How many players do the games on this list support?
Most games on this list support 2 to 4 players. The exact player count is listed with each game.
What age are these games suitable for?
Publisher age recommendations on this list start at 8 years. Each game carries its own age rating.
How long does a game take?
A typical game takes about 45 to 75 minutes. Each game's playing time is listed individually.
Didn't find the game you were looking for?
We're positive that you'll find it in one of our other lists! To make the search easier for you, we split our website into different categories. The following board game categories will help you find the right list: