Civilization games have been around for quite some time. And while there are newer releases, Civ 4 is credited as the turning point that eventually made the series so successful.
Civilization IV took what was good about the first three games and made everything much more accessible to newcomers.
If you feel like going back to the roots of what paved the way to modern titles, Civ 4 is definitely a good place to start.
And while you’re at it, you might want to check out some of these mods. They’re sure to help make your Civ 4 experience a bit more interesting.
It gives tons of new content to explore, mostly in the form of new civilizations to play as.
The mod adds at least 30 new civilizations and 24 new leaderheads to the mix.
It actually combines some of the most popular civilization mods together, but improves on things a bit to make everything fit together well.
Some of the new civilizations you’ll have access to include Belgium, Serbia, and the Philippines.
You’ll even have some of the more well-known leaders like Kim Jong Il, Alexander the Great, Philip II, and President Reagan. Imagine Reagan in Civ 4, what a time to be alive.
While there are tons of smaller mods you can end up spending hours playing with, there are also a number of options when it comes to overhauls for Civ4.
If you’re looking for a completely new experience of the game, or want to play specific scenarios, you might want to take a look at mods like this one.
Dune Wars is actually based on the popular science-fiction novel Dune, which sees you fighting for control of the planet of the same name.
The mod features nine playable factions, each with unique abilities, and of course the famous sandworms you’ll have to battle across the desert.
Caveman2Cosmos is another huge mod, which actually combines the work of over 100 modders to create one of the most expansive overhauls for the game.
Really, you’ll wanna check this out.
The title Caveman2Cosmos actually comes from the fact that it covers everything from discovering fire in the Prehistoric Ages, to successfully launching rockets into outer space during the Galactic Era.
The mod adds in loads of new content, from new units to tech trees and even terrain.
Rhye’s and Fall of Civilization is one of the most popular overhaul mods for CIv 4, and gives you an interesting premise right off the bat.
The team explains that the mod aims to transform your game into an “Earth Simulator”.
Instead of adding tons of new units and features, Rhye’s and Fall focuses on building an exciting alternate reality through random event triggers throughout the campaign.
The mod also features an adaptive AI, a plague mechanic, and unique win conditions for each civilization.
Fall from Heaven is one other popular Civilization IV mod, this time putting a dark fantasy twist on the otherwise realism-based game.
The setting places you just towards the end of the age of ice, and those left behind from the once-great empires are struggling to survive & rebuild in a new world.
The mod features magic (of course that’s expected in a fantasy world) where different units are able to cast spells in battle.
There are also a couple of interesting changes to gameplay, including a buff given to veteran units, unit upgrading, and unique heroes.
Neoteric World takes a completely different approach to modding, trying to stay within the realism and historical accuracy as much as possible.
This mod can also be defined by simplicity rather than overwhelming players with tons of new units and mechanics, only focusing on two specific eras of the game.
Neoteric World expands on both the modern and future eras of the game, where the expanded future era is even optional to play.
Tech trees have been reworked for both eras, as well as unit upgrade paths – which allow you to pretty much upgrade WWI tanks all the way up to modern ones.
It also includes 14 new civilizations and over 50 new events to make your next playthrough all the more exciting.
If you enjoy things that are more along the lines of historical accuracy, Realism: Invictus is the answer you’re looking for.
The mod is a community effort that combines different mods to create the most realistic Civ 4 experience possible.
The mod makes many changes here and there, so that things in-game just make more sense, touching on almost everything from buildings to units.
Included are over 140 new techs across all eras, 160 new leaders, and at least 3000 new units – all based on careful research and testing to make sure balance is maintained.
Seriously, this mod is absolutely massive. You’ll be busy for weeks.
Probably one of the most interesting concepts I’ve come across in modding, Earth 2010 actually aims at letting you play through a simulation of a more current state of the world, rather than events of the past.
Though the mod is set a little over 10 years ago, it’s still an interesting concept to be able to play a game of Civ 4 with modern tech and leaders.
The mod features 35 playable factions, including all G20 members.
Oh, and nuclear power is also a thing here.
So you’re probably going to be much more careful when it comes to diplomatic relations. I hope.
