Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization

Strategy· Turn-Based Strategy· Turn-Based· 4X

Released Sep 2008

86% positive · 1,572 reviews

Done

All announced content has been released

High confidence

Done

All announced content has been released

High confidence

Where to buy

Steam Updated 12 Oct 2026 $19.99

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Evaluation

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization launched on September 23, 2008 as a standalone, self-contained strategy game — a reimagining of the 1994 classic built on the Civilization IV engine. There is no DLC, no expansion pass, and no post-launch content of any kind associated with this title. The developer's news activity on this game's Steam page consists of a 2014 bug fix post for a macOS compatibility issue (which was subsequently resolved) and a 2016 announcement for Civilization VI — neither of which indicates any new content for Colonization itself. Firaxis moved on to developing subsequent entries in the Civilization franchise, and Colonization shipped and remained a finished, complete product from its release date. No further content has ever been announced or delivered.

Evidence

Game description presents Colonization as a complete, standalone total conversion of the Civilization IV engine with no mention of DLC, expansions, or post-launch content plans.

store metadata · Sep 23, 2008 source content shipped

high

Announcement of Civilization VI posted to the Colonization Steam page. Confirms Firaxis's focus has moved to the next franchise entry, with no mention of continued Colonization development.

news post · May 11, 2016 source development ending

medium

Media

Details

Developer

Firaxis Games

Publisher

Achievements

—

Platform

Windows, macOS

Controller

—

Steam Deck

Playable

Players

Single-player · Multiplayer

Strategy Turn-Based Strategy Turn-Based 4X Historical Moddable Simulation Grand Strategy Economy Remake Management City Builder Resource Management Colony Sim

About this game

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization is the third offering in the award winning Civilization IV series. A re-imagining of the classic Colonization game Sid Meier created in 1994, Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization is a total conversion of the Civilization IV engine into a game experience in which players will lead a European nation on their quest to colonize and thrive in the New World. Players will be challenged to guide their people from the oppressive motherland, discover a New World, negotiate, trade and fight as they acquire great power and battle for their freedom and independence.

Classic Game Design Rebuilt for the Modern Era: Usher forth a new generation of Sid Meier's Colonization gameplay built on the award-winning Civilization IV engine, providing the beautiful visuals, famously addictive gameplay and endless fun that are synonymous with Sid Meier strategy games.
Fight the Homeland and Establish a New Nation: Play as the English, Spanish, French or the Dutch and journey to a brave new world in search of freedom from your oppressive homeland.
Improved Diplomacy: Sustain peace and support your followers as you engage in advanced negotiations with natives, other colonists and the hostile homeland - Trade resources, gold and land as you build the foundation for a self-sufficient and powerful colony.
Historical Figures Provide Adaptive Gameplay: Acquire founding fathers such as John Smith, Patrick Henry and Samuel Adams who will help guide your nation to freedom based on your gameplay style.
Brand New Interface: Both Civilization IV fans and players new to the series will feel right at home with an interface that Firaxis has built to be accessible and easy to navigate.
Multiplayer Offers Endless Replay Value: Compete with friends from all over the world via the Internet and Play by Email modes or compete locally via the Hotseat and LAN modes, offering endless ways to conquer the New World.
Mods & Community Tools: Players will have limitless options for modifying the game to suit their needs. Firaxis will ship the game with modding tools including a map editor using XML and Python.