Mastering Civilization IV - Victory Conditions

It is widely known and recognized that Sid Meier's Civilization had become THE computer game when it was introduced. It was the first real turn-based strategy ever. A new genre of computer games was invented and immediately had millions of supporters. Since 1991 there have been many turn-based strategy games. The "Civilization" itself had over 7 editions, with 4 considered "mainstream" - becoming the best selling PC series ever. The latest PC playable version is Civilization IV, launched in October 2005. For a computer game 3 years is an eternity - but not for Civilization series game – it is very playable and enjoyable today. This series will guide you throughout the game.

We start with the most important thing in the game – the victory conditions. Unlike the first Civilization, where victory could be achieved by weeping all your rivals or constructing (and successfully launching) a spaceship, this advanced game has far more interesting options.

Well, of course as in all versions, the conquest is a victory. If you defeat all your rivals – you win. This may be possible when the number of rivals (that depends of the map size) is small, but very unlikely for a huge maps with 10+ opponents.

Very close to conquest, once you control 75% of the world population and 75% of world's land area – you have won the game. Once again – it is easier with small number of rivals. This option also underlines the importance of constant growth and expansion policy.

If you are the first to build all the necessary modules for a space ship – you are the winner. The required quantity of every module is predefined and becomes available after discovering certain technology.

Introduced in Civ III, the diplomatic victory is more realistic now. There is a "Secretary-General" of the UN who proposes resolutions – once in 2 years. The "World Leader Elections" are once in 5 years. If you have been nice to other nations they might vote for you.

For the first time in the series, a cultural victory is available. It is pretty hard to achieve – 4 cities with culture of 50000 and more require many World and National Wonders and certain percent of you budget going to culture.

If you are the leader by points in year 2050 – you will achieve victory. But don't count on it – probably some race will have it's spaceship ready before that…

Those are the 6 options of winning in Civilizatoin IV. Which one is easier to accomplish – depends on many factors and will be discussed in the following articles.