Galactic Civilizations IV: Federations & Empires is here—four governments, four new games

The expansion Galactic Civilizations IV: Federations & Empires is now available and completely overhauls the government system of the 4X strategy game. A free update is available for all owners.

Until now, choosing a government in Galactic Civilizations IV was primarily a matter of advancing to the next stage on the same path. With the Federations & Empires expansion (available for a limited time with a 30% release discount on Gamesplanet), developer Stardock is fundamentally changing that: You can now choose between five completely different ways to lead a civilization. Every game starts with the Colonial Charter, a flexible beginner government that’s already available to all owners via the free Version 4.0 update. The expansion adds four advanced government types on top of that, each with its own resource, its own mechanics, and its own hero ship.

As an empire, you govern vassal worlds and issue decrees, supported by the mine-laying ship Dominator. The Federation, on the other hand, relies on consensus with its member worlds, led by the Vanguard. Those who prefer an economic approach choose the Oligarchy: Council members for trade, industry, and administration transform worlds into investments, supported by the Invisible Hand. The Technocracy, in turn, replaces traditional politics with an optimization grid and sends optimizer units, along with a hero ship, on a course toward the Singularity.

Free Update for Existing Players

All owners of Galactic Civilizations IV will receive the Version 4.0 update for free. In addition to the Colonial Charter, it includes a map editor for custom-built galaxies, a mini-map, revamped diplomacy and trade screens, institutions for assigning leaders, and a noticeably improved AI in exploration, warfare, and diplomacy.