Civilization 5 vs. Civilization 6

Attribute	Civilization 5	Civilization 6
Release Date	2010	2016
Graphics	2D	3D
City-States	Yes	Yes
Religion	Yes	Yes
Government System	Social Policies	Civics Tree

Graphics and Visuals

Civilization 5 was released in 2010 and featured a more cartoonish art style compared to its successor, Civilization 6, which was released in 2016. Civilization 6 introduced a more vibrant and detailed visual style, with lush landscapes and intricate city designs. The graphics in Civilization 6 are more modern and polished, making the game visually appealing and immersive. In contrast, Civilization 5's graphics may appear dated to some players, especially when compared to the newer installment.

Gameplay Mechanics

One of the major differences between Civilization 5 and Civilization 6 is the introduction of districts in the latter. Civilization 6 allows players to build specialized districts in their cities, which adds a new layer of strategy to the game. These districts provide bonuses and benefits based on their placement and can greatly impact a player's overall strategy. Civilization 5, on the other hand, does not have districts and focuses more on traditional city-building mechanics.

AI and Diplomacy

AI behavior and diplomacy have also seen improvements in Civilization 6 compared to Civilization 5. The AI in Civilization 6 is more intelligent and responsive, making for more challenging and engaging gameplay. Diplomacy in Civilization 6 is more nuanced, with new options for forming alliances and negotiating deals. In contrast, the AI in Civilization 5 can sometimes be unpredictable and less strategic in its decision-making, leading to frustration for some players.

Victory Conditions

Both Civilization 5 and Civilization 6 feature multiple victory conditions for players to pursue. However, Civilization 6 introduced new victory conditions such as the Religious Victory and the Diplomatic Victory. These new victory conditions add variety to the gameplay and provide players with different paths to achieve victory. Civilization 5, on the other hand, focuses on more traditional victory conditions such as Domination, Science, and Cultural Victories.

Modding Support

Modding support is another area where Civilization 6 has improved upon its predecessor. Civilization 6 features a more robust modding system, allowing players to easily create and share their own custom content. The Steam Workshop integration in Civilization 6 makes it simple for players to browse and install mods, enhancing the game's replayability. Civilization 5 also has modding support, but it is not as user-friendly or extensive as in Civilization 6.

Expansions and DLC

Both Civilization 5 and Civilization 6 have received multiple expansions and DLC packs since their initial release. These expansions add new civilizations, leaders, mechanics, and scenarios to the base game, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Civilization 6 has been praised for its expansions, such as Rise and Fall and Gathering Storm, which have added significant depth and complexity to the game. Civilization 5's expansions, such as Gods and Kings and Brave New World, were also well-received but may not offer as much content as the expansions for Civilization 6.

Community and Multiplayer

Community and multiplayer support are important aspects of any Civilization game. Civilization 6 features improved multiplayer functionality compared to Civilization 5, with better connectivity and matchmaking options. The community around Civilization 6 is also more active, with a larger player base and more frequent updates and events. Civilization 5, while still popular among fans, may not have as active of a multiplayer community as its successor.

Overall Reception

Both Civilization 5 and Civilization 6 have been well-received by critics and players alike. Civilization 5 was praised for its addictive gameplay, deep strategy, and replayability. Civilization 6, on the other hand, was lauded for its improved graphics, new mechanics, and engaging AI. While some players may prefer the simplicity and nostalgia of Civilization 5, others may appreciate the modern updates and innovations found in Civilization 6.