Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The short version
- Closest match: Sid Meier's Civilization IV, which made by the same studio, Firaxis Games.
- Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization is tagged Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy, Turn-Based, 4X, Historical, Multiplayer, Singleplayer, Moddable by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 7 are from the same studio: Sid Meier's Civilization IV, Sid Meier's Civilization V, Sid Meier's Civilization III Complete, Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword, Sid Meier's Civilization VII, Civilization IV: Warlords, Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
Sid Meier's Civilization IV
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Firaxis Games; both historical and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy and Turn-Based; released around the same time (2006).
With over 6 million units sold and unprecedented critical acclaim from fans and press around the world, Sid Meier's Civilization is recognized as one of the greatest PC game franchises of all-time. Now, Sid Meier and Firaxis Games will take this incredibly fun and addictive game to new heights by adding new ways to play and win, new...
Sid Meier's Civilization IV at a glance Released 2006 Studio Firaxis Games Player sentiment 95% positive of 57 Price $19.99 StrategyTurn-Based StrategyTurn-Based4XHistoricalModdableGrand StrategySimulation
- 2
Sid Meier's Civilization V
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Firaxis Games; both historical and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Turn-Based Strategy, Strategy and Turn-Based; released around the same time (2010).
Create, discover, and download new player-created maps, scenarios, interfaces, and more!
Sid Meier's Civilization V at a glance Released 2010 Studio Firaxis Games Player sentiment 96% positive of 210,613 Price $29.99 Turn-Based StrategyStrategyTurn-BasedHistorical4XGrand StrategyEconomyModdable
- 3
Sid Meier's Civilization III Complete
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Firaxis Games; both historical and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy and Turn-Based; released around the same time (2006).
Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete, the latest offering in the Sid Meier's Civilization III franchise, provides gaming fans with Sid Meier's Civilization III, the highly-addictive journey of discovery.
Sid Meier's Civilization III Complete at a glance Released 2006 Studio Firaxis Games Player sentiment 89% positive of 7,789 Price $4.99 StrategyTurn-Based StrategyTurn-Based4XHistoricalGrand StrategySimulationCity Builder
- 4
Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic
Why it matched: both historical and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Strategy, Simulation and City Builder.
Build a soviet republic from an impoverished country into a rich industrial superpower in a city builder with intricate production chains and a fully simulated global economy. Manage the lives of your citizens from education to work and party loyalty to criminal activity.
Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic at a glance Released 2024 Studio 3Division Player sentiment 91% positive of 27,164 Price $9.99 StrategySimulationCity BuilderManagementGrand StrategyColony SimHistorical4X
- 5
Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Firaxis Games; both historical and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy and 4X; released around the same time (2007).
Sid Meier's Civilization IV®: Beyond the Sword is the second expansion pack for Civilization IV - the 2005 PC Game of the Year that has become a worldwide hit.
Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword at a glance Released 2007 Studio Firaxis Games Player sentiment 97% positive of 67 Price $9.99 StrategyTurn-Based Strategy4XTurn-BasedHistoricalModdableGrand Strategy
- 6
Sid Meier's Civilization VII
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Firaxis Games; both historical and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Grand Strategy, Historical and 4X.
Lead empires that evolve or endure through the Ages. Build something you believe in with Sid Meier's Civilization® VII.
Sid Meier's Civilization VII at a glance Released 2025 Studio Firaxis Games Player sentiment 48% positive of 58,602 Price $49.99 Grand StrategyHistorical4XSimulationEconomyStrategyCity BuilderTurn-Based Strategy
- 7
Manor Lords
Why it matched: both historical and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Strategy, City Builder and Simulation.
Manor Lords is a medieval strategy game featuring in-depth city building, large-scale tactical battles, and complex economic and social simulations. Rule your lands as a medieval lord – the seasons pass, the weather changes, and cities rise and fall.
Manor Lords at a glance Released 2024 Studio Slavic Magic Player sentiment 84% positive of 90,905 Price $25.99 StrategyCity BuilderSimulationHistoricalManagementGrand StrategyModdable4X
- 8
HUMANKIND
Why it matched: both historical and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy and 4X.
Rewrite history by shaping a civilization as unique as you are. Combine 60 cultures from the Ancient Era to the Modern Age to lead your empire to victory. Build thriving cities, outsmart rivals in epic battles, spread your influence and leave your mark on HUMANKIND™.
HUMANKIND at a glance Released 2021 Studio AMPLITUDE Studios Player sentiment 69% positive of 28,708 Price $4.99 StrategyTurn-Based Strategy4XCity BuilderHistoricalGrand StrategyManagementTurn-Based
- 9
Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both historical and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Strategy, Historical and Turn-Based Strategy; released around the same time (2006).
Spanning the most turbulent era in Western history, your quest for territory and power takes you through Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and even onto the shores of the New World.
Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition at a glance Released 2006 Studio CREATIVE ASSEMBLY Player sentiment 96% positive of 36,357 Price $24.99 StrategyHistoricalTurn-Based StrategyGrand StrategyModdableTurn-BasedSimulation4X
- 10
Rome: Total War - Collection
Why it matched: both historical and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Strategy, Historical and Turn-Based Strategy; released around the same time (2007).
Control and conquer the greatest empire ever known to man.
Rome: Total War - Collection at a glance Released 2007 Studio CREATIVE ASSEMBLY Player sentiment 95% positive of 16,717 Price Not listed StrategyHistoricalTurn-Based StrategyGrand StrategyTurn-BasedModdableSimulation4X
- 11
Civilization IV: Warlords
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Firaxis Games; both historical and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, Turn-Based and 4X; released around the same time (2007).
Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Warlords is the first expansion pack for the award-winning game that has become an instant world-wide hit. Paying homage to some of history's greatest military leaders, the expansion delivers six unique and interesting scenarios, giving players the chance to change the course of history with the help of their...
Civilization IV: Warlords at a glance Released 2007 Studio Firaxis Games Player sentiment 90% positive of 549 Price $4.99 StrategyTurn-Based4XTurn-Based StrategyHistoricalGrand Strategy
- 12
Crusader Kings III
Why it matched: both historical and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Strategy, Grand Strategy and Simulation.
Love, fight, scheme, and claim greatness. Determine your noble house’s legacy in the sprawling grand strategy of Crusader Kings III. Death is only the beginning as you guide your dynasty’s bloodline in the rich and larger-than-life simulation of the Middle Ages.
Crusader Kings III at a glance Released 2020 Studio Development Studio Player sentiment 90% positive of 143,235 Price $49.99 StrategyGrand StrategySimulationHistoricalManagementEconomy4XModdable
- 13
Europa Universalis IV
Why it matched: both historical and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Grand Strategy, Strategy and Historical.
Rule your land and dominate the world with unparalleled freedom, depth and historical accuracy. Write a new history of the world and build an empire for the ages.
Europa Universalis IV at a glance Released 2013 Studio Development Studio Player sentiment 88% positive of 137,275 Price $49.99 Grand StrategyStrategyHistoricalSimulation4XEconomyModdableManagement
- 14
Victoria II
Why it matched: both historical and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Grand Strategy, Strategy and Historical; released around the same time (2010).
Carefully guide your nation from the era of absolute monarchies in the early 19th century, through expansion and colonization, to finally become a truly great power by the dawn of the 20th century. Victoria II is a grand strategy game played during the colonial era of the 19th century, where the player takes control of a country, guiding...
Victoria II at a glance Released 2010 Studio Development Studio Player sentiment 92% positive of 20,016 Price $19.99 Grand StrategyStrategyHistoricalEconomySimulationManagementModdable
- 15
Total War: NAPOLEON – Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both historical and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, Historical and Grand Strategy; released around the same time (2010).
Complete your Total War collection with this Definitive Edition of Total War: NAPOLEON, which includes all DLC and feature updates since the game’s release
Total War: NAPOLEON – Definitive Edition at a glance Released 2010 Studio CREATIVE ASSEMBLY Player sentiment 92% positive of 27,543 Price $24.99 StrategyHistoricalGrand StrategyTurn-Based StrategyTurn-BasedSimulationModdable
- 16
Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Firaxis Games; both strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy and 4X.
Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth is a new science-fiction-themed entry into the award winning Civilization series. As part of an expedition sent to find a home beyond Earth, lead your people into a new frontier, explore and colonize an alien planet and create a new civilization in space.
Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth at a glance Released 2014 Studio Firaxis Games Player sentiment 61% positive of 23,140 Price $39.99 StrategyTurn-Based Strategy4XTurn-BasedGrand StrategyModdableSimulation
- 17
Stronghold Crusader HD (2012)
Why it matched: both historical and strategy; shares 7 player tags including City Builder, Colony Sim and Strategy.
The highly anticipated sequel to the best-selling Stronghold, Stronghold Crusader HD throws you into historic battles and castle sieges from the Crusades with fiendish AI opponents, new units, 4 historical campaigns and over 100 unique skirmish missions.
Stronghold Crusader HD (2012) at a glance Released 2013 Studio Firefly Studios Player sentiment 97% positive of 21,059 Price $1.99 City BuilderColony SimStrategyManagementEconomyHistoricalSimulation
- 18
Total War: ROME II - Emperor Edition
Why it matched: both historical and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, Historical and Turn-Based Strategy.
Emperor Edition is the definitive edition of ROME II, featuring an improved politics system, overhauled building chains, rebalanced battles and improved visuals in both campaign and battleEmperor Edition contains all free feature updates since its release in 2013, which includes bug fixes, balancing, Twitch.
Total War: ROME II - Emperor Edition at a glance Released 2013 Studio CREATIVE ASSEMBLY Player sentiment 88% positive of 88,148 Price $59.99 StrategyHistoricalTurn-Based StrategyGrand StrategyTurn-BasedSimulationModdable
- 19
Dawn of Man
Why it matched: both historical and strategy; shares 7 player tags including City Builder, Colony Sim and Strategy.
Command a settlement of ancient humans, guide them through the ages in their struggle for survival. Hunt, gather, craft tools, fight, research new techs and face the challenges the environment will throw at you.
Dawn of Man at a glance Released 2019 Studio Madruga Works Player sentiment 87% positive of 17,830 Price $12.49 City BuilderColony SimStrategySimulationHistoricalEconomyManagement
- 20
Farthest Frontier
Why it matched: both historical and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Historical, 4X and City Builder.
Protect and guide your people as you forge a town from untamed wilderness at the edge of the known world. Harvest raw materials, hunt, fish and farm to survive. Produce crafted items to trade, consume, equip and fight with as you battle for your survival against the elements and outside threats.
Farthest Frontier at a glance Released 2025 Studio Crate Entertainment Player sentiment 86% positive of 25,411 Price $34.99 Historical4XCity BuilderStrategyManagementSimulationEconomy
- 21
Imperator: Rome
Why it matched: both historical and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, Grand Strategy and Simulation.
Dominate the classical Mediterranean in Imperator: Rome, a grand strategy game from Paradox Interactive. Navigate the dangerous waters of politics and diplomacy as you build up your provinces and conquer foreign lands. Now available with special content and the digital artbook.
Imperator: Rome at a glance Released 2019 Studio Paradox Development Studio Player sentiment 66% positive of 26,891 Price $39.99 StrategyGrand StrategySimulationHistoricalManagementEconomyModdable
- 22
Europa Universalis III
Why it matched: both historical and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Grand Strategy, Strategy and Historical; released around the same time (2007).
Europa Universalis III Complete includes the original Europa Universalis III as well as the expansions In Nomine and Napoleons Ambition Europa Universalis III delves deeply into the areas of exploration, trade, warfare and diplomacy.
Europa Universalis III at a glance Released 2007 Studio Development Studio Player sentiment 83% positive of 2,001 Price $14.99 Grand StrategyStrategyHistoricalSimulation4XModdable
- 23
Northgard: Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 8 player tags including Strategy, City Builder and Simulation.
Northgard: Definitive Edition is a critically acclaimed real-time strategy game based on Norse mythology. Lead your clan, uncover the secrets of a mysterious newfound continent and defeat your enemies to conquer the Throne!
Northgard: Definitive Edition at a glance Released 2018 Studio Shiro Games Player sentiment 85% positive of 68,673 Price $34.99 StrategyCity BuilderSimulationColony SimEconomy4XManagementModdable
- 24
Victoria 3
Why it matched: both historical and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Grand Strategy, Economy and Historical.
Paradox Development Studio invites you to build your ideal society in the tumult of the exciting and transformative 19th century. Balance the competing interests in your society and earn your place in the sun in Victoria 3, one of the most anticipated games in Paradox’s history.
Victoria 3 at a glance Released 2022 Studio Development Studio Player sentiment 70% positive of 60,969 Price $49.99 Grand StrategyEconomyHistoricalStrategyManagementSimulationModdable
Common questions
What game is most like Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization?
Sid Meier's Civilization IV, on the evidence we have. It made by the same studio, Firaxis Games. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
What else did the makers of Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization do?
Sid Meier's Civilization IV, Sid Meier's Civilization V, Sid Meier's Civilization III Complete, Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword, Sid Meier's Civilization VII, Civilization IV: Warlords, Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth are also from Firaxis Games, and appear in the list below for that reason as well as on tag overlap.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.