IMHO.

Single-player games like Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword

Below are 21 single-player Steam games similar to Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword, ranked by player overlap. Every pick carries Steam's Single-player category, so multiplayer-only titles or always-online games don't sneak in. imho.run pulls the category data from Steam directly — Single-player here matches what the store labels.

Want the full alternatives list (paid + free + Steam Deck + cheaper picks)? See the parent games like Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword page.

Ranked picks

  1. 1
    Sid Meier's Civilization® IV — Steam game cover

    Sid Meier's Civilization® IV

    Single-player alternative to Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Strategy with Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword.

    With over 6 million units sold and unprecedented critical acclaim from fans and press around the world, Sid Meier's Civilization is recognized as one of the greatest PC game franchises of all-time. Now, Sid Meier and Firaxis Games will take this incredibly fun and addictive game to new heights by adding new ways to play and win, new...

    2006Strategy3.99 USDDeck PlayableSingle-playerSimilar games →
  2. 2
    Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization — Steam game cover

    Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization

    Single-player alternative to Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Strategy with Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword.

    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...

    2008Strategy4.99 USDDeck PlayableSingle-playerSimilar games →
  3. 3
    Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI — Steam game cover

    Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI

    Single-player alternative to Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Strategy with Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword.

    Expand your empire, advance your culture and go head-to-head against history’s greatest leaders. Will your civilization stand the test of time?

    2016Strategy5.99 USDDeck PlayableSingle-playerSimilar games →
  4. 4
    Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword — Steam game cover

    Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword

    Single-player alternative to Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Strategy with Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword.

    Sid Meier's Civilization IV®: Beyond the Sword is the second expansion pack for Civilization IV - the 2005 PC Game of the Year that has become a worldwide hit.

    2007Strategy5.99 USDSingle-playerSimilar games →
  5. 5
    Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete — Steam game cover

    Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete

    Single-player alternative to Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Strategy with Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword.

    Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete, the latest offering in the Sid Meier's Civilization III franchise, provides gaming fans with Sid Meier's Civilization III, the highly-addictive journey of discovery.

    2006Strategy0.99 USDSingle-playerSimilar games →
  6. 6
    Civilization IV®: Warlords — Steam game cover

    Civilization IV®: Warlords

    Single-player alternative to Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Strategy with Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword.

    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...

    2007Strategy4.99 USDDeck PlayableSingle-playerSimilar games →
  7. 7
    Old World — Steam game cover

    Old World

    Single-player alternative to Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Strategy with Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword.

    Old World is a revolutionary new historical strategy game where you lead your dynasty over generations of rule against rival kings and queens. Wage massive wars, manage your court, and build a dynasty — or watch your empire crumble to dust. What legacy will you leave behind?

    2022StrategySimulationRPG39.99 USDDeck PlayableSingle-playerSimilar games →
  8. 8
    Sid Meier's Civilization® V — Steam game cover

    Sid Meier's Civilization® V

    Single-player alternative to Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Strategy with Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword.

    Create, discover, and download new player-created maps, scenarios, interfaces, and more!

    2010Strategy7.49 USDDeck PlayableSingle-playerSimilar games →
  9. 9
    HUMANKIND™ — Steam game cover

    HUMANKIND™

    Single-player alternative to Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Strategy with Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword.

    Rewrite history by shaping a civilization as unique as you are. Combine 60 cultures from the Ancient Era to the Modern Age to lead your empire to victory. Build thriving cities, outsmart rivals in epic battles, spread your influence and leave your mark on HUMANKIND™.

    2021Strategy49.99 USDDeck PlayableSingle-playerSimilar games →
  10. 10
    Rise of Man — Steam game cover

    Rise of Man

    Single-player alternative to Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Strategy with Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword.

    Rise of Man is a pre historic strategy game with city building and survival elements. Can you guide your people through the ages and conquer all the challenges ahead of them.

    2017StrategyIndieSimulation9.99 USDSingle-playerSimilar games →
  11. 11
    Dawn of Man — Steam game cover

    Dawn of Man

    Single-player alternative to Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Strategy with Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword.

    Command a settlement of ancient humans, guide them through the ages in their struggle for survival. Hunt, gather, craft tools, fight, research new techs and face the challenges the environment will throw at you.

    2019StrategyIndieSimulation24.99 USDDeck PlayableSingle-playerSimilar games →
  12. 12
    Heroes of Might & Magic V — Steam game cover

    Heroes of Might & Magic V

    Single-player alternative to Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Strategy with Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword.

    Witness the amazing evolution of the genre-defining strategy game as it becomes a next-generation phenomenon, melding classic deep fantasy with next-generation visuals and gameplay. In the renowned Might & Magic universe, demon swarms spread chaos over the land in a relentless assault.

    2008Strategy9.99 USDSingle-playerSimilar games →
  13. 13
    Slipways — Steam game cover

    Slipways

    Single-player alternative to Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Strategy with Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword.

    Weave isolated planets into a vast trade empire. Hatch plans. Research game-breaking technologies. Still be done in time for lunch. Enjoy the endless possibilities of a space grand strategy game in 60 minutes flat.

    2021Strategy16.99 USDDeck PlayableSingle-playerSimilar games →
  14. 14
    Crusader Kings III — Steam game cover

    Crusader Kings III

    Single-player alternative to Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Strategy with Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword.

    Love, fight, scheme, and claim greatness. Determine your noble house’s legacy in the sprawling grand strategy of Crusader Kings III. Death is only the beginning as you guide your dynasty’s bloodline in the rich and larger-than-life simulation of the Middle Ages.

    2020StrategySimulationRPG49.99 USDDeck PlayableSingle-playerSimilar games →
  15. 15
    Tiny Civilization — Steam game cover

    Tiny Civilization

    Single-player alternative to Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Strategy with Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword.

    This is a historical simulation game that promotes the development of civilization based on the match-3 Game. You'll need to gather resources, use skills, discover new technology, and lead humanbeing through a 10,000-year journey to the cosmos.

    2022Strategy1.99 USDSingle-playerSimilar games →
  16. 16
    XCOM® 2 — Steam game cover

    XCOM® 2

    Single-player alternative to Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Strategy with Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword.

    XCOM 2 is the sequel to XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the 2012 award-winning strategy game of the year. Earth has changed and is now under alien rule. Facing impossible odds you must rebuild XCOM, and ignite a global resistance to reclaim our world and save humanity.

    2016Strategy2.99 USDDeck PlayableSingle-playerSimilar games →
  17. 17
    Sid Meier's Civilization VII — Steam game cover

    Sid Meier's Civilization VII

    Single-player alternative to Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Strategy with Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword.

    The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter. Sid Meier's Civilization® VII empowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known!

    2025StrategySimulation69.99 USDDeck VerifiedSingle-playerSimilar games →
  18. 18
    XCOM: Enemy Unknown — Steam game cover

    XCOM: Enemy Unknown

    Single-player alternative to Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Strategy with Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword.

    The XCOM: Enemy Unknown - Slingshot Pack is Now Available!

    2012Strategy5.99 USDDeck PlayableSingle-playerSimilar games →
  19. 19
    XCOM®: Chimera Squad — Steam game cover

    XCOM®: Chimera Squad

    Single-player alternative to Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Strategy with Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword.

    XCOM: Chimera Squad delivers an all-new story and turn-based tactical combat experience in the XCOM universe.

    2020Strategy2.99 USDDeck PlayableSingle-playerSimilar games →
  20. 20
    Marvel's Midnight Suns — Steam game cover

    Marvel's Midnight Suns

    Single-player alternative to Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Strategy with Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword.

    FIGHT AND STRATEGIZE LIKE A SUPER HERO IN THE DARKER CORNERS OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE. Play as The Hunter, a legendary demon slayer who must lead a team of Super Heroes and supernatural warriors facing apocalyptic threats.

    2022StrategyRPG8.99 USDDeck PlayableSingle-playerSimilar games →
  21. 21
    Sid Meier's Civilization®: Beyond Earth™ — Steam game cover

    Sid Meier's Civilization®: Beyond Earth™

    Single-player alternative to Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword — playable solo, no multiplayer required. Shares Strategy with Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword.

    Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth is a new science-fiction-themed entry into the award winning Civilization series. As part of an expedition sent to find a home beyond Earth, lead your people into a new frontier, explore and colonize an alien planet and create a new civilization in space.

    2014Strategy9.99 USDSingle-playerSimilar games →