Galactic Civilizations IV
Galactic Civilizations IV, the sequel to Galactic Civilizations III, is a 4X space strategy game set in the 24th century. Humans and aliens compete against each other for domination of the Milky Way galaxy. It was released on 26 April 2022.
Introduction
Players begin on their home planet and through research, colonization, and exploration can expand their influence in the wider galaxy. Other races will likely compete for the same worlds and resources though and only through diplomacy, war, technological superiority, or unlocking the secrets of the mysterious precursors themselves can the player hope to gain dominance in a galaxy full of dangers.
Gameplay
Major Civilizations
Main article: Major Civilizations
There are many civilizations to play as or against. From returning player-favorites such as the Drengin Empire, to brand new civilizations like Baratak Grove, Festron Hunt, and Mimot Brotherhood.
Plus players have to option to editing existing civilizations or creating their own.
Spaceship Battles
Main article: Spaceship Battles
Explains Combat Basics such as Weapons, Defenses, Ship Roles, and Combat Strategies.
New Features
Galactic Civilization IV introduces a slew of new features.
{{SectionTemplate |h=h3 |title=Sectors |content= Think of it like a GalCiv III map connected to another. Each sector is connected by subspace streams that will allow the player to travel between them.
Players can set up the number of sectors and the size of their starting sector. Thus, a player who wants a “quick” game could just set up a single small sector to play in. Or if one would prefer just one very large sector to play like a classic map. Players can also set up the game with a large starting map and many other sectors, making a HUGE overall map for potentially very long, involved, and in-depth games that are much bigger than any previous gal civ games.
{{SectionTemplate |h=h3 |title=Characters |content= While the idea of citizens was introduced in Galactic Civilizations III, their role was not as distinct as it is now.
Different jobs take advantage of different traits from a leader. Thus, it’s probably not a good idea to put a character with a low Intelligence stat to be Technology ministry
Citizens have individual approval ratings and keeping them happy is important – a disloyal and unhappy governor might just take their planet and corresponding colonies with them and start a new empire if the player isn’t careful.
The story of the game changes depending on which characters are recruited and how their various backstories manifest throughout.
Each civilization has their own characters with their own perks and their own factions to deal with.
{{SectionTemplate |h=h3 |title=Core Worlds |content= Unlike previous games of the series, players only manage core worlds. Previously, players would have to manage each world they conquered individually. When a player colonizes a subpar world, it will feed into a core world that the player has already established. With this system, players will directly oversee a lower number of worlds, but still receive the benefits of colonizing and conquering as many as possible.
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Main article: Policies
Policies allow a player to shift priorities as they play by choosing between different buffs and focuses.
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Main article: Executive Orders
GalCiv IV introduces a new resource called “Control”. It represents how much direct control the player has of their civilization. It allows players to perform direct actions on the game
These actions can have consequences, but allow players more direct ways to intervene.
Additional executive orders can be unlocked via researching new technologies or experiencing other actions and events.
Once used, they have a cooldown period that is different for each one.
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Main article: Ideology
Originally, players could choose between good, neutral, and evil. Later, there were renamed to Benevolent, Malevolent, and Pragmatic.
In Galactic Civilizations IV, ideologies are much more nuanced and divided into 7 different categories. Each category has two paths:
- Authority - Liberty
- Tradition - Innovation
- Compassion - Pragmatism
- Equality - Opportunity
- Secrecy - Transparency
- Harmony - Individualism
- Cooperation - Creativity
Players will gain awareness of a particular path through their actions and choices. Adopting an ideology into one of the tenets of a civilization comes through completing missions and other events.
How different civilizations get along depends heavily on where they are ideologically. Adopting a given trait provides different benefits and consequences.
{{SectionTemplate |h=h3 |title=Prestige Victory |content= Prestige is a new victory condition. The Prestige counter - combined with the new Galactic Achievements feature - allows players to move the game to the endgame quickly.
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Main article: Galactic Achievements
With this new feature, players can take on a challenge to earn prestige points to earn a prestige victory.
Resources
There are 5 main resources in the game that can all be found only in unique locations and each offer unique benefits...
- Durantium: Found near red stars. Used for many special buildings (including growth buildings) as well as ship items such as Carrier items.
- Promethion: Found near purple stars. Used for some research buildings and missions, and used by the onyx for growth rate and a ship healing ability used by onyx commander ships.
- Antimatter: Found near black holes. Used mostly for upgraded Missiles weapons and Point Defenses.
- Thulium: Found near blue stars. Used mostly for upgraded Kinetic weapons and Armor.
- Elerium: Found in nebulas. Used mostly for upgraded Beam weapons and Shields.
Updates
Main article: Updates
Though just released the developers are working to add new features and fix bugs. A roadmap has been released showing what can be expected.
Useful Links
www.GalCiv4.com
Galactic Civilizations IV Forums
Galactic Civilizations Discord server
General FAQ
Support FAQ
Gameplay Walkthrough
Game Start Tips
Combat Basics