Civilization VI vs Civilization V

Civilization VI is the more mechanically interesting game; Civilization V is the calmer one. VI's district system forces you to plan cities across the map rather than stack everything in one tile. V is simpler, cleaner and many long-time players still prefer it for that.

What They Have in Common

Same turn-based 4X loop — found cities, research, expand, and lose an evening you meant to spend elsewhere.

Pick Civilization VI if you want the deeper city-building.

Districts, wonders that occupy real tiles, and government cards. With Rise and Fall and Gathering Storm it is the more complete package.

More like this: games like Civilization VI.

Pick Civilization V if you want it simpler.

Brave New World is one of the best expansions in strategy, the art style is calmer, and the AI is no worse. A very easy entry point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I play Civilization VI or Civilization V first?

Civilization VI is the more mechanically interesting game; Civilization V is the calmer one. VI's district system forces you to plan cities across the map rather than stack everything in one tile. V is simpler, cleaner and many long-time players still prefer it for that.

Is Civilization VI better than Civilization V?

Better is the wrong question for these two — they are close enough that the answer depends on what you want from the next twenty hours. Pick Civilization VI if you want the deeper city-building. Pick Civilization V if you want it simpler.

Are these comparisons based on review scores?

No. There are no scores anywhere on this page. This is a written opinion about what each game is for, so you can judge whether it matches what you are after.