# Civilization

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1980
- **BGG Rating**: 7.5
- **BGG Rank**: #534
- **Players**: 2-7 (Best with: 7)
- **Duration**: 360 min
- **Weight**: 3.64 / 5
- **Designers**: Francis Tresham
- **Artists**: Charles Kibler, Dale Sheaffer, Ed Dovey, Francis Tresham, Guillaume Rohmer, Rodger B. MacGowan
- **Publishers**: Hartland Trefoil Ltd., ACE Pelit Oy, The Avalon Hill Game Co, Compendium Games, Descartes Editeur, Gibsons, Joc Internacional, Piatnik, Spiel & Kunst, Welt der Spiele
- **Categories**: Ancient, Civilization, Economic, Negotiation
- **Mechanics**: Area Majority / Influence, Area Movement, Automatic Resource Growth, Hand Management, Set Collection, Simulation, Tech Trees / Tech Tracks, Trading, Turn Order: Stat-Based

## Verdict
A must-play for history buffs and strategy lovers; the grandfather of the tech tree.Revolutionary technology tree mechanicImmersive historical simulationGreat balance of culture and warDeep strategic layersExtremely long playtimesSteep learning curveFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
Ever wondered what it takes to guide humanity from the dawn of agriculture to the rise of Rome? In Civilization, you take command of an ancient nation in the Eastern Mediterranean and Near East, striving to carve out a lasting legacy for your people and culture. But here's the twist: while battles and territorial disputes are certainly present, this isn't your typical wargame. You don't win through mere conquest or elimination; instead, victory is achieved by reaching a peak of overall advancement across cultural, economic, and political spheres. Conflicts are the result of rivalry and land scarcity, not a desire to wipe other players off the map.

The game acts as a society simulator where every role is vital. From nomads and farmers to warriors, merchants, artisans, and citizens, each contributes to the growth of your civilization. The key to victory lies in your ability to pivot your focus between these different outlooks, finding the perfect balance to outpace your rivals.

One of the most influential aspects of Civilization is its pioneering use of the 'technology tree.' This game introduced the concept that certain abilities and items can only be acquired after specific prerequisites are met—such as needing Literacy before moving on to more complex advancements. This groundbreaking mechanism has since been adopted by countless board games, card games, and video games. It's a game of skill and foresight, where your technological path determines how your empire handles crises and how it evolves over the centuries. If you love grand strategy and the feeling of watching a society grow from a small settlement into a powerhouse, this is your game.

## FAQ
### Is the game very long?
Yes, be prepared! Games can last several hours (averaging 6h), making it ideal for groups who enjoy long sessions or campaigns.

### Is it a wargame?
Not exactly. While there is combat, the goal is overall progress (cultural, economic, and political). War is a means to an end, not the goal itself.

### Is it hard to learn?
It has considerable complexity (weight 3.64), making it best suited for experienced gamers or those who enjoy detailed rulebooks.

### How many people can play?
The game supports 2 to 7 players, making it great for large groups looking for an epic challenge.

### Is there a lot of reading during the game?
No. There is very little text, meaning the gameplay is accessible regardless of the language.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 57.30 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6680800&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
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