Millennia
Create your own nation in Millennia, a historical turn-based 4X game that challenges your strategic prowess across 10,000 years of history, from the dawn of humanity to our possible futures.
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Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition on Steam - User reviews, Price & Information
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Get the complete GalCiv II saga including Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords, the expansion pack Dark Avatar, and the newest expansion pack Twilight of the Arnor!
Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition is a 4x, grand strategy and turn-based game
developed and published by Stardock Entertainment.
Released on December 02nd 2011 is available in English only on Windows.
It has received 1,650 reviews of which 1,269 were positive and 381 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. 😊
The game is currently priced at 10.25€ on Steam, but you can find it for 0.80€ on G2A.
The Steam community has classified Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition into these genres:
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System requirements
These are the minimum specifications needed to play the game. For the best experience, we recommend that you verify them.
Windows
- Operating system: Windows® XP SP3 / Vista™ SP2 / Windows® 7 / 8.1 / 10
- Processor: Intel® Pentium® III 1 GHz (or AMD equivalent)
- Memory: 512 MB (1 GB for Windows 7 / Vista)
- Hard disk space: 2 GB
- Video:64 MB DirectX 9.0c Compatible Video Card
- Sound: DirectX® 9.0c Compatible Sound Card
- DirectX®: DirectX® 9.0c
- Other Requirements: Broadband Internet connection, also to activate this game you must create a Stardock account while launching the game on Steam.
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User reviews & Ratings
Explore reviews from Steam users sharing their experiences and what they love about the game.
TLDR: Get the SWvsST mod and follow the instructions below - this is the best 4X ever! ---------------- original review --------------- I've played Galactic Civilizations II (at least 100 hrs) and Galactic Civilizations III (20 hours), and I like GC2 the best, and that's because I feel like I've come up with a strategy that uses the technology tree a certain way. As an aside: I might have even played GalCiv 1 - I'm not sure though. I do remember being really disappointed when GC2 first came out that it was missing "death stars", so I think i got the impression that it should have those because I must have played GC1 first. Later GC2 came out with the "Ultimate Edition" and that did have death stars, and at that point I understood that StarDock loves to milk the player base with DLCs, which they continue to do to this day. Hey we all have to eat right? When I tried GC3, it didn't hook me because I could see the technology tree had been changed a LOT from what I was used to. I still tried to like it and play it, but it never hooked me and it felt like they had just made everything more even. I couldn't find a huge advantage in the tech tree and my playstyle anymore. Mind you I never play at a very high difficulty. Maybe I could. But I'd rather have fun blowing things up. This game (and maybe all of the GalCiv games) really shines at pushing your luck and winning battles with only 1 or 2 hitpoints left on some ships. It's wonderful fun that way! GC2 also had the SWvsST Mod, which was just the absolute best game I've ever played. If Stardock wanted to knock everyone's socks off they should be licensing rights from both Disney for Star Wars and whoever else for Star Trek, and bring that mod out as a real game. It was just so fantastically good. But they'd probably mess with the technology tree and I would still be disappointed - sometimes you just have to take what you can get. And this game I'm very happy to be playing again even as it is right now. It may just be the best Space 4X ever. UPDATE: Looks like that mod may still be available and working, albeit I'll have to apply a 4GB patch to all 3 of GalCiv's exes (GC2.exe, Twighlight.exe, etc) to use it. This is a common patch used in a lot of older 32-bit games (like Sid Meier's Railroads and others): https://forums.galciv2.com/511761/star-wars-vs-star-trek-mod Good news! When I applied the 4gb_patch to ALL 3 exe files (galciv.exe, galcivDarkAvatar.exe and galcivTwilightArnor.exe - and those files can be found in 3 different directories, the game's root directory and the 2 DarkAvatar and Twilight subdirectories) - then this mod works at full resolution on an immense map with 9 opponents (i.e. it works with everything maxed out). It really looks like everything is working and the only real issue was applying the 4GB patch to all the exes.
This game is great, I had no isseus playing on a modern PC and ran smoothly with only one crash after something like 10 hours playing. the freedom given here is immense, sure, I can be clunky at times but it is an old game. The simplicity and the vibe are really worth your time, the presentation is also top notch. Bonus points for the music, there's not a big selection but what's available is very good. One of the songs feels like a Lord of the Rings rip off tho, but it could just be me Absolutely recommended
Galactic Civilizations II: Ultimate Edition, developed and published by Stardock Entertainment, remains one of the most accomplished and enduring examples of the 4X strategy genre, offering a deeply layered experience that prioritizes thoughtful decision-making over spectacle. By combining the original Dread Lords with its major expansions Dark Avatar and Twilight of the Arnor, this edition represents the game in its most complete form, refining its mechanics into a cohesive and highly replayable whole. Even years after its release, it continues to stand as a benchmark for how single-player strategy games can be both challenging and rewarding without relying on shortcuts or superficial complexity. The game embraces the classic 4X structure—exploration, expansion, resource exploitation, and conflict—but distinguishes itself through the freedom it grants players in how they pursue success. Rather than funneling every campaign toward military domination, it supports a wide range of viable strategies. Players can focus on cultural influence, technological advancement, economic strength, or diplomatic maneuvering, with each path offering its own set of challenges and opportunities. This flexibility ensures that no two playthroughs feel identical, as the shape of your empire is defined not only by your choices but also by the dynamic interactions with rival civilizations. One of the most impressive aspects of the game is its artificial intelligence, which remains notable even by modern standards. Opponents are not simply boosted by hidden advantages; instead, they react intelligently to the player’s actions, adapting their strategies and even designing ships to counter emerging threats. This creates a sense of genuine competition, where victories feel earned rather than handed out. The absence of a multiplayer mode may initially seem like a limitation, but it becomes clear that the experience has been carefully tailored to deliver a rich and engaging single-player environment, with the AI serving as a worthy substitute for human opponents. Empire management is handled with a level of detail that encourages careful planning without becoming unnecessarily convoluted. Each planet functions as a unique resource hub, with limited space forcing players to make meaningful decisions about specialization. Balancing industrial output, scientific research, and economic growth becomes a constant consideration, and the ripple effects of these choices can shape the course of an entire campaign. The addition of features such as espionage, trade, and political influence further deepens the strategic landscape, ensuring that players are always juggling multiple priorities. Ship design is another standout feature, offering a blend of creativity and practicality. Players can construct their own fleets by combining various components, tailoring vessels to suit specific roles within their broader strategy. While combat itself is largely automated, the preparation leading up to engagements—researching technologies, optimizing ship designs, and positioning fleets—provides a satisfying sense of control. This approach reinforces the game’s focus on high-level strategy rather than moment-to-moment tactics, though it may not appeal to players who prefer direct involvement in battles. From a presentation standpoint, the game shows its age, but it remains functional and easy to navigate. The visuals are straightforward, prioritizing clarity over visual flair, which helps keep the focus on the strategic elements. The interface is particularly well-constructed, managing to present a large amount of information in an accessible way—a crucial factor for a game of this complexity. While it lacks the visual polish of more modern titles, it compensates with strong usability and a design that supports long play sessions without becoming overwhelming. The game is not without its challenges. Its depth comes with a steep learning curve, and new players may find themselves overwhelmed by the number of systems at play. Large-scale maps can lead to lengthy campaigns that demand sustained attention, making it less suitable for those seeking shorter, more casual experiences. Additionally, while the campaign mode provides some structure, it is the sandbox gameplay that truly shines, with the narrative elements taking a back seat to emergent storytelling driven by player decisions. Ultimately, Galactic Civilizations II: Ultimate Edition is a masterclass in strategic design, offering a rich and deeply satisfying experience for those willing to invest the time to understand its systems. It excels not through modern presentation or accessibility, but through its commitment to meaningful choice, intelligent AI, and player-driven outcomes. For fans of the 4X genre, it remains an essential title, demonstrating how depth and flexibility can create a lasting and memorable strategy experience. Rating: 8/10
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Frequently Asked Questions
Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition is currently priced at 10.25€ on Steam.
No, Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition is currently not on sale. You can purchase it for 10.25€ on Steam.
Yes, Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition received 1,269 positive votes out of a total of 1,650 achieving a rating of 7.40.
😊
Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition was developed and published by Stardock Entertainment.
Yes, Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition is playable and fully supported on Windows.
No, Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition is not playable on MacOS.
No, Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition is not playable on Linux.
No, Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition is not playable on Steam Deck.
No, Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition is not playable on Steam Machine.
No, Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition does not support VR.
Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition is a single-player game.
No, Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition does not currently offer any DLC.
No, Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition does not support mods via Steam Workshop.
No, Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition does not support Steam Remote Play.
Yes, Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition is enabled for Steam Family Sharing. This means you can share the game with authorized users from your Steam Library, allowing them to play it on their own accounts. For more details on how the feature works, you can read the original Steam Family Sharing announcement or visit the Steam Family Sharing user guide and FAQ page.
You can find solutions or submit a support ticket by visiting the Steam Support page for Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition.
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Additionally, we incorporate data from the SteamSpy API, which offers insights into game sales and player statistics. This helps us present a comprehensive view of each game's popularity and performance within the gaming community.
Last Updates| Steam data | 11 September 2026 13:10 UTC |
|---|---|
| SteamSpy data | 04 September 2026 19:33 UTC |
| Steam price | 12 September 2026 02:45 UTC |
| Steam reviews | 11 September 2026 10:06 UTC |
If you'd like to dive deeper into the details about Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition, we invite you to check out a few dedicated websites that offer extensive information and insights. These platforms provide valuable data, analysis, and user-generated reports to enhance your understanding of the game and its performance.
- SteamDB - A comprehensive database of everything on Steam about Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition
- SteamCharts - Analysis of Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition concurrent players on Steam
- ProtonDB - Crowdsourced reports on Linux and Steam Deck Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition compatibility
Game modes
Features
Online players
14
Developer
Stardock Entertainment
Publisher
Stardock Entertainment
Release
02 Dec 2011
Platforms
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