Civilization IV®: Warlords on Steam - User reviews, Price & Information
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Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Warlords is the first expansion pack for the award-winning game that has become an instant world-wide hit. Paying homage to some of history's greatest military leaders, the expansion delivers six unique and interesting scenarios, giving players the chance to change the course of history with the help of their...
Civilization IV®: Warlords is a strategy, turn-based and 4x game
developed by Firaxis Games
and published by 2K.
Released on April 06th 2007 is available on Windows and MacOS
in 5 languages: English, French, German, Italian and Spanish - Spain.
It has received 486 reviews of which 442 were positive and 44 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. 😎
The game is currently priced at 4.99€ on Steam.
The Steam community has classified Civilization IV®: Warlords into these genres:
Media & Screenshots
Get an in-depth look at Civilization IV®: Warlords through various videos and screenshots.
System requirements
These are the minimum specifications needed to play the game. For the best experience, we recommend that you verify them.
Windows
Minimum: 1.2GHz Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon processor or equivalent, 256MB RAM, 64 MB Video Card w/Hardware T&L (GeForce 2/Radeon 7500 or better), DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card, 1.7 GB of free hard drive space, Direct X 9.0c (included)
Recommended: 1.8GHz Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon processor or equivalent/better, 512 MB RAM, 128 MB Video Card w/ DirectX 8 support (pixel and vertex shaders), DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card, 1.7GB of free hard drive space, DirectX 9.0c (included)
SUPPORTED OPERATING SYSTEMS:
Windows 2000 (plus Service Pack 1 or higher), Windows XP (Home or Professional) (plus Service Pack 1 or higher)
*Requires Sid Meier's Civilization IV to play
Recommended: 1.8GHz Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon processor or equivalent/better, 512 MB RAM, 128 MB Video Card w/ DirectX 8 support (pixel and vertex shaders), DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card, 1.7GB of free hard drive space, DirectX 9.0c (included)
SUPPORTED OPERATING SYSTEMS:
Windows 2000 (plus Service Pack 1 or higher), Windows XP (Home or Professional) (plus Service Pack 1 or higher)
*Requires Sid Meier's Civilization IV to play
MacOS
Recommended:
- OS: Mac OS X 10.4, 10.5, and 10.6
- Processor: PowerPC G5 or Intel
- CPU Speed: 2.0 GHz
- Memory: 1GB or higher
- Hard Disk Space: 3.5 GB free disk space
- Video Card: (ATI): Radeon 9600 Video Card (NVidia): GeForce FX 5200
- Video Memory: (VRam): 128 MB
- Multiplayer: Internet (TCP/IP) and LAN (TCP/IP) play supported. Internet play requires broadband connection.
- Media Required: CD Drive
- NOTICE: Apple original CPU’s only, CPU upgrades not supported.
- NOTICE: Intel integrated video chipsets (GMA 950) are not supported. Supported Video cards: NVIDIA GeForce 5200, 6600, 6800, 7300, 7800 ATI Radeon 9600, 9650, 9700, 9800, X600, X800, X1600, X1900
- REQUIRED: FULL VERSION OF Civilization IV for Mac OS X TO PLAY
User reviews & Ratings
Explore reviews from Steam users sharing their experiences and what they love about the game.
Sid Meier’s Civilization IV: Warlords is the first expansion pack for the critically acclaimed Civilization IV, adding a wealth of new content and strategic depth to an already robust turn-based strategy experience. Released in 2006, Warlords builds upon the core gameplay that made Civ IV a favorite among strategy enthusiasts, introducing new civilizations, leaders, units, and gameplay mechanics that significantly enhance both the tactical and diplomatic layers of the game. It caters well to players seeking fresh challenges and additional complexity without deviating from the familiar Civilization formula. One of the expansion’s standout features is the introduction of Great Warlords, powerful unique units that act as both military assets and catalysts for empire-building. These units add a fresh strategic element, as they can be used to inspire your troops, conquer cities, or lead your armies more effectively on the battlefield. The Great Warlord system encourages a more dynamic military approach, rewarding players who balance expansionism with the management of their empire’s morale and military strength. This addition injects new life into the warfare aspect of the game, making combat more meaningful and nuanced. Warlords also expands the roster of playable civilizations and leaders, offering players a wider range of historical figures to choose from, each with their own unique traits and abilities. This diversification deepens replayability by allowing different strategic styles—whether through diplomacy, conquest, or economic development. The new civilizations, such as the Celts and the Mongols, bring fresh flavor and thematic authenticity, further enriching the historical tapestry that the Civilization series is known for. Another important addition is the introduction of vassal states, a diplomatic mechanic that enables players to form protectorate relationships with weaker civilizations. This system adds complexity to diplomacy and empire management, giving players alternatives to outright conquest or peaceful coexistence. Managing vassals requires political savvy, as their loyalty can fluctuate and they may bring both benefits and risks to your empire. This mechanic enhances the game’s depth by offering more nuanced options in interactions with other leaders. The expansion also includes new scenarios and maps, broadening the scope of gameplay and offering fresh challenges outside the standard “build and expand” sandbox mode. These scenarios often focus on historical conflicts or unique conditions that require players to adapt their usual strategies. They serve as excellent ways to explore specific facets of the game or to practice different playstyles in a more focused environment. Graphically and technically, Warlords maintains the polished presentation of Civilization IV, with detailed isometric maps, vibrant unit designs, and smooth animations. The user interface remains intuitive, striking a good balance between accessibility for newcomers and depth for veteran players. The expansion integrates seamlessly with the base game, ensuring a smooth experience without overwhelming complexity. While Warlords adds many positive features, it does not fundamentally overhaul the core gameplay of Civilization IV, which may be a point of contention for players hoping for major innovations. The expansion is more about refining and expanding what already worked well rather than introducing revolutionary changes. That said, the additions feel thoughtfully designed and contribute significantly to the overall richness of the game, making the strategic decisions more layered and engaging. In summary, Sid Meier’s Civilization IV: Warlords is a well-crafted expansion that successfully deepens the original game’s strategic options, particularly in military and diplomatic play. With its new civilizations, unique units, and enhanced diplomacy, it provides seasoned players with fresh challenges while remaining approachable for newcomers. For fans of Civilization IV, Warlords is a valuable addition that enriches the core experience without losing the charm and complexity that define the series. Rating: 8/10
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Expert Review Civilization IV: Warlords is the first official expansion to the critically acclaimed Civilization IV, and it brings with it a collection of enhancements, additions, and subtle refinements that deepen the core experience without altering what made the base game a strategy titan. For players on Steam — especially those with hundreds of hours already sunk into Sid Meier’s meticulously crafted historical sandbox — Warlords provides a strategic refresh that’s often subtle but meaningfully rich. Drawing from the most celebrated Steam reviews and respected gaming publications, here’s a balanced deep dive into what Warlords brings to the table, who it’s best for, and where it could have dared to do more. Gameplay: More Than Just Muscle At its core, Warlords introduces a number of features designed to make the early-to-mid game more engaging. The titular “Warlord” units, generated through Great Generals earned in combat, allow players to create powerful military stacks or bolster city defenses with elite troops. For players who lean into warfare, this is an enticing evolution that makes early aggression not only viable but often rewarding. What Players Love: Great Generals & Warlords Mechanics: The new Great General unit and the Warlord mechanics are a major highlight. They give military-minded players new incentives to engage in wars early and reward sustained combat with tangible, lasting benefits like unit upgrades and experience-sharing across entire armies. It’s a feature that adds both narrative and mechanical depth to military conquest. Unique Scenarios: The expansion includes a set of hand-crafted historical scenarios, many of which are standouts for their flavor and challenge. Scenarios like “The Rise of Rome” and “Genghis Khan” are praised by players for offering fresh strategic puzzles that deviate from the standard sandbox play — a refreshing diversion that invites replay. New Civilizations & Leaders: Warlords introduces six new civilizations and ten new leaders, each with unique traits and units that diversify gameplay. Long-time fans appreciate this added variety, as it injects new life into the familiar tech-tree and map-control loop. Leaders like Stalin and Augustus Caesar bring distinct playstyles that encourage experimentation. Vassal States System: One of the most debated — but undeniably impactful — additions is the Vassal State mechanic. When a civilization is defeated to a certain threshold, they can become a vassal to a more dominant civ, changing the flow of diplomacy and victory conditions. It gives warmongers a way to exert soft power and control without complete annihilation of foes. Where the Expansion Falters: Diplomacy Still Feels Static: While Vassal States add a new layer to diplomacy, the system overall remains somewhat undercooked compared to the depth of other mechanics. AI leaders still behave predictably, and negotiations lack nuance. Longtime players hoped for more intelligent interactions, especially given how the base game’s diplomacy was already a known weak spot. Not Essential for Every Player: For those who preferred cultural, scientific, or diplomatic victories in the base game, Warlords doesn’t add as much to their toolkit. Many of the improvements are clearly weighted toward military playstyles, which might disappoint more peace-minded players. The expansion leans heavily into war-centric gameplay, which limits its appeal for certain kinds of strategists. Feels More Like a Refinement Than a Reinvention: Some reviewers argue that while Warlords enhances the game, it doesn’t shake up the formula as much as an expansion could. It’s evolutionary rather than revolutionary — more polish than overhaul. For hardcore fans, this is fine, but players seeking dramatic changes might find themselves wanting more. Visuals and Sound: Consistent with the Base Game Since Warlords is an expansion, it retains the visual and audio design of Civilization IV. The graphical style is serviceable and clean, though by today’s standards, it certainly shows its age. The music, however — particularly the civilizational themes and in-game score — continues to be one of the series’ strongest points, creating a strong sense of atmosphere and identity for each leader. Final Verdict: Who Is Warlords For? Civilization IV: Warlords doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, and for most fans of the base game, that’s just fine. It tightens up combat, rewards military prowess, and introduces new civs, leaders, and scenarios that extend the life of Civ IV considerably. While it might not be the most groundbreaking expansion ever released, it’s a clear value-add for anyone looking to diversify their strategic approach — especially those who favor the art of war. That said, players looking for sweeping changes, richer diplomacy, or better support for peaceful victories may find it a bit too narrowly focused. Final Rating: 7.8/10 A strong expansion that refines and enhances the original in meaningful ways, particularly for military players. While not essential for everyone, it’s a worthy addition to the Civilization IV experience — just don’t expect a complete overhaul. If you liked my attempt at making a professional review of this game, please leave a like for this review and if you think I should continue doing professional game reviews, then click on "Award" in the bottom right corner. Thank you!
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teehee its the middle expansion no one ever checks (civ 4 is goated, see my beyond the sword review)
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Many variables and options to victory [or defeat] - means no two games can be the "same"
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Warlords is Fantastic and I prefer it to all other strategy games. A perfect balance between game play and graphics, plus you can play up tp 17 AI civilizations, all with customizable strengths. Best of all there is a simplified personal leaderboard so you can continually challenge your previous high score in whatever trait you chose to improve. the combinations of winning scenarios are never-ending. A major busus is there is no requirement for in-app purchases. :)
Expand the review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Civilization IV®: Warlords is currently priced at 4.99€ on Steam.
Civilization IV®: Warlords is currently not on sale. You can purchase it for 4.99€ on Steam.
Civilization IV®: Warlords received 442 positive votes out of a total of 486 achieving a rating of 8.46.
😎
Civilization IV®: Warlords was developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K.
Civilization IV®: Warlords is playable and fully supported on Windows.
Civilization IV®: Warlords is playable and fully supported on MacOS.
Civilization IV®: Warlords is not playable on Linux.
Civilization IV®: Warlords is a single-player game.
Civilization IV®: Warlords does not currently offer any DLC.
Civilization IV®: Warlords does not support mods via Steam Workshop.
Civilization IV®: Warlords does not support Steam Remote Play.
Civilization IV®: Warlords 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 Civilization IV®: Warlords.
Data sources
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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 | 26 July 2025 18:07 |
|---|---|
| SteamSpy data | 22 July 2025 11:16 |
| Steam price | 30 July 2025 04:45 |
| Steam reviews | 29 July 2025 04:03 |
If you'd like to dive deeper into the details about Civilization IV®: Warlords, 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 Civilization IV®: Warlords
- SteamCharts - Analysis of Civilization IV®: Warlords concurrent players on Steam
- ProtonDB - Crowdsourced reports on Linux and Steam Deck Civilization IV®: Warlords compatibility
Game modes
Features
Online players
169
Developer
Firaxis Games
Publisher
2K
Release
06 Apr 2007
Platforms