Civilization
- Players
- 2-7
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 7 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 360 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.6 / 5
- Year
- 1980
About the game
Civilization is a landmark strategy game covering the rise of ancient civilizations from roughly 8000 BC to the height of Rome. Two to seven players guide a nation across the Eastern Mediterranean, balancing expansion, trade, and cultural advancement rather than direct military conquest. It pioneered the technology tree, letting players unlock advancements like Literacy or Metalworking that build toward ever more powerful capabilities. Victory comes from overall civilization development rather than eliminating rivals.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli regards Civilization as a genuinely historic design, the game that introduced the tech tree concept now found across countless other games. It's a monumental undertaking best reserved for a group ready to commit an entire session to it.
What we like
- Pioneered the technology tree mechanism still used widely today.
- Rich trading and negotiation between players.
- Deep, long-term strategic civilization development.
- Iconic historical theme spanning the ancient world.
Keep in mind
- Extremely long playtime, often up to six hours.
- High complexity and rules overhead for newcomers.
- Significant downtime with a full player count.
Who it's for
Dedicated strategy gamers with a full day to spare, ages 12 and up, playing in groups of two to seven, will get the most from this classic.
