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Difference between revisions of "Sid Meier's Civilization III"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
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|developers  =  
 
|developers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Firaxis Games}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Firaxis Games}}
{{Infobox game/row/macporter|Aspyr Media}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/developer|BreakAway Games|Conquests expansion}}
{{Infobox game/row/osxporter|Aspyr Media}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/porter|Westlake Interactive|Mac OS}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/porter|Westlake Interactive|OS X}}
 
|publishers  =  
 
|publishers  =  
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|2K Games}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Infogrames|2001-2003}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Atari|2003-2005}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|2K Games|2005-present}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Sold Out Software|Re-release}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Aspyr Media|Mac OS}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Aspyr Media|macOS (OS X)}}
 
|engines      =  
 
|engines      =  
 
|release dates=  
 
|release dates=  
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|October 30, 2001}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|October 30, 2001}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|October 30, 2001}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Mac OS|October 30, 2001}}
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|2006}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|January 12, 2006}}
 +
|taxonomy    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase, Expansion pack }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer, Multiplayer }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Turn-based }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | Bird's-eye view, Isometric }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Point and select }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | 4X, TBS }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports            | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Historical }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Civilization }}
 +
|reception    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|sid-meiers-civilization-iii|90}}
 
|steam appid  = 3910
 
|steam appid  = 3910
|gogcom page  =  
+
|gogcom id    = 1471405734
|strategywiki = Civilization III
+
|official site= https://web.archive.org/web/20040701071646/http://www.civ3.com/
 +
|hltb        = 8501
 +
|igdb        = sid-meier-s-civilization-iii
 +
|lutris      = sid-meiers-civilization-iii-complete
 +
|strategywiki = Sid Meier's Civilization III
 +
|mobygames    = 5289
 
|wikipedia    = Civilization III
 
|wikipedia    = Civilization III
 
|winehq      = 426
 
|winehq      = 426
 +
|license      = commercial
 
}}
 
}}
{{Series|Civilization}}
 
  
'''Key points'''
+
{{Introduction
{{--}} Online server browser for non-Steam versions has stopped working due to [[GameSpy]] services being shut down.<ref name="GameSpy">[http://2kgam.es/2KOnlineMigration 2K Online Server Migration from GameSpy Technology – 2K Support]</ref>
+
|introduction      =
{{ii}} Non-Steam versions can be migrated to Steam by contacting [http://support.2k.com/hc/en-us/requests/new 2K Support].<ref name="Steamworks">[http://steamcommunity.com/games/3910/announcements Civilization III Multiplayer Update Now Available Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete]</ref>
+
 
 +
|release history  = The game received two expansion packs: '''''Play the World''''' in October 2002, and '''''Conquests''''' in November 2003. ''Play the World'' was the first iteration of the game which included multiplayer, while ''Conquests'' includes the former on its disc. Both expansions included a range of new units, game modes and scenarios. They were combined with the base game in the '''''Complete''''' edition as of September 2004, and this compilation is the only version of the games available on digital stores; however, in the mentioned digital releases, only the ''Conquests'' executable is present.
 +
 
 +
On March 16, 2015, the Steam release was updated to replace the [[GameSpy]] multiplayer infrastructure with that of [[Store:Steam|Steamworks]],<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/ogg/3910/announcements/detail/230020838706799840|title=Steam :: Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete :: Civilization III Multiplayer Update Now Available|date=2024-03-03}}</ref> but aside from removing LAN, the game has had reports of lower stability compared to prior releases.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gog.com/forum/sid_meiers_civilization_series/stability_of_civ_iii_in_windowns_10|title=Stability of Civ III in Windowns 10, page 1 - Forum - GOG.com|date=2023-08-11}}</ref>
 +
 
 +
|current state    = [[#Unofficial|Unofficial patches]] exist to resolve the game's inherent bugs. An audio glitch has been reported which mutes audio in the diplomacy screen (often with a garbled noise preceding it), which can be resolved by [[#No music or sound effects during diplomacy|using IndirectSound]] to fix the underlying cause.
 +
}}
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
{{mm}} [http://www.civ3.com/ Official game site]
+
{{mm}} [https://civilization.fandom.com/wiki/Civilization_Games_Wiki Civilization Wiki] - A detailed wiki for all Civilization games and their spin offs
{{mm}} [http://civilization.wikia.com/wiki/Civilization_Games_Wiki Civilization Wiki] - A detailed wiki for all Civilization games and their spin offs
+
{{mm}} [https://apolyton.net/forum/civilization-series/civilization-iii Apolyton Civilization Site's Civ III section] - A huge forum dedicated to all Civilization games and their spin offs. Modifications for the game can be found here
{{mm}} [http://apolyton.net/forumdisplay.php/17-Civilization-III Apolyton Civilization Site's Civ III section] - A huge forum dedicated to all Civilization games and their spin offs. Modifications for the game can be found here
 
 
{{mm}} [http://www.civfanatics.com/civ3 Civilization Fanatics Center's Civilization III Page]
 
{{mm}} [http://www.civfanatics.com/civ3 Civilization Fanatics Center's Civilization III Page]
{{mm}} [http://steamcommunity.com/app/3910/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
+
{{GOG.com links|1471405734|sid_meiers_civilization_series|for game series}}
{{mm}} [http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=221 Steam Users' Forums for game series]
+
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/3910/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc | [[Digital rights management (DRM)|DRM]]: SafeDisc or SecuROM disc check (varies by release). | | Windows, Mac OS }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc | {{DRM|SecuROM|4}} for North America. {{DRM|SafeDisc|2}} for Europe.<br>Applies for the base game and the "Conquests" expansion.<br>"Play the World" expansion uses {{DRM|SecuROM|4}} for all regions.| | Windows, Mac OS }}
{{Availability/row| Direct2Drive | 150880 | DRM-free | | | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Gamesplanet | 2607-1 | Steam | Complete | | Windows }}
{{Availability/row| GamersGate | DD-CIV3 | activation | [[DRM]]: [[SecuROM]]. | | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | sid_meiers_civilization_iii_complete | DRM-free | Complete | | Windows }}
{{Availability/row| Gamesplanet | 2607-1 | Steam | | | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| GMG | sid-meiers-civilization-iii-complete | Steam | Complete | | Windows }}
{{Availability/row| GMG | sid-meiers-civilization-iii-complete | Steam | | | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Steam | 3910 | Steam | Complete | | Windows }}
{{Availability/row| Steam | 3910 | Steam | Complete version. | | Windows }}
+
{{Availability/row| Gamersgate | sid-meiers-civilization-iii-complete-edition | Steam | Complete | | Windows | unavailable }}
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{ii}} A free trial version of the Gold Edition is available from [https://www.gamefront.com/games/civilization-3/file/civilization-iii-gold-edition-trial-client GameFront].
  
 
===Version differences===
 
===Version differences===
{{ii}} Civilization III Complete is a complete version with both expansion packs.
+
{{ii}} The '''Game of the Year Edition''' contains the base game with a bonus CD containing additional maps and behind-the-scenes videos.
{{ii}} Gold Edition contains Civilization III and Play The World.
+
{{ii}} The '''Gold Edition''' contains the base game and Play The World.
{{ii}} Play the World adds additional civilizations, game modes, and multiplayer support.
+
{{ii}} '''Civilization III Complete''' is a complete version with both expansion packs.
{{ii}} Conquests adds additional civilizations and scenarios to the game, as well as new government types and other features.
+
{{--}} Digital releases omit the executables for the base game and Play the World, leaving only the Conquests executable with a Complete-themed menu and icon. The base game and Play the World can, however, be played by including no-CD versions of their respective fully patched executables, as no other assets are missing.
{{ii}} The Game of the Year Edition contains the original game with a bonus CD containing additional maps and behind-the-scenes videos.
+
 
 +
==Monetization==
 +
{{Monetization
 +
|ad-supported          =
 +
|dlc                    =
 +
|expansion pack        = Expansion packs include multiple civilizations, scenarios, and secondary game modes. Unlike the base game, they include multiplayer support.
 +
|freeware              =
 +
|free-to-play          =
 +
|one-time game purchase = The game requires an upfront purchase to access.
 +
|sponsored              =
 +
|subscription          =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{DLC|
 +
{{DLC/row| Play the World | | Windows }}
 +
{{DLC/row| Conquests | Contains all content from Play the World. | Windows }}
 +
}}
  
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
 +
===Patches===
 +
{{ii}} v1.29f (base game), v1.27f (Play the World), v1.22 (Conquests) are available [https://forums.civfanatics.com/resources/categories/civ3-official-patches-updates.64/ here].
 +
{{ii}} [http://web.archive.org/web/20140916110716/http://files.aspyr.com/support/Civilization3MacRevA.dmg Patch v1.22 Rev A] is the latest patch for the OS X version.<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20100512192640/http://support.aspyr.com/index.php/kb/article/000573|title=Aspyr Support Center|date=2011-05-12}}</ref>
 +
====Unofficial====
 +
{{ii}} [https://forums.civfanatics.com/resources/c3x.28759/ C3X] - multiple bugfixes and QoL improvements to v1.22 Conquests (tested only with digital versions). Later versions use changes from [https://github.com/Antal1987/C3CPatchFramework Antal's patch framework] as well.
 +
{{ii}} [https://forums.civfanatics.com/resources/fitted-irrigation-with-farm-houses.376/ Fitted Irrigation with Farm Houses] - makes irrigation look more natural and not jut out into the water.
 +
{{ii}} [https://forums.civfanatics.com/resources/river-deltas.384/ River Deltas] - covers up the problem where some deltas are too far out to sea and others are too recessed
 +
{{ii}} [https://forums.civfanatics.com/resources/fixed-transport-window-leftovers.854/ Fixed Transport Window Leftovers] - fixes left over artifacts from the transport window
 +
 
===Skip intro videos===
 
===Skip intro videos===
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Edit configuration file|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2022-03-31}}</ref>|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Delete/rename video files|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}}}
+
# Open the [[#Configuration file(s) location|configuration file]].
# Go to <code>{{p|game}}\Art\Movies\</code>
+
# Add the following line at the end of the file: <code>PlayIntro=0</code>.
# Delete or rename <code>CivComplete.bik</code> and <code>intro.bik</code>.
+
# Save the changes.
# Repeat for expansion folders, if applicable.
 
 
 
'''Notes'''
 
{{ii}} Video file loaded depends on the game version and expansions used.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 +
{{ii}} The configuration file is generated only after the first time the game is started.
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
{{Game data/row|Windows|{{p|game}}\Conquests}}
+
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|game}}\Civilization3.ini<br>{{p|game}}\Civ3PTW\Civilization3X.ini<br>{{p|game}}\Conquests\Conquests.ini}}
{{Game data/row|Mac OS|}}
+
{{Game data/config|Mac OS|}}
{{Game data/row|OS X|}}
+
{{Game data/config|OS X|}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===Save game data location===
 
===Save game data location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
{{Game data/row|Windows|{{p|game}}\Conquests\Saves}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|game}}\Saves<br>{{p|game}}\Civ3PTW\Saves<br>{{p|game}}\Conquests\Saves}}
{{Game data/row|Mac OS|}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Mac OS|}}
{{Game data/row|OS X|}}
+
{{Game data/saves|OS X|}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
|origin               =  
+
|discord                  =
|origin notes         =  
+
|discord notes            =
|steam cloud           = false
+
|epic games launcher      =
|steam cloud notes    =  
+
|epic games launcher notes =
|uplay                =  
+
|gog galaxy                = false
|uplay notes           =  
+
|gog galaxy notes          =
 +
|origin                   =  
 +
|origin notes             =  
 +
|steam cloud               = false
 +
|steam cloud notes        =
 +
|ubisoft connect          =
 +
|ubisoft connect notes    =  
 +
|xbox cloud                =  
 +
|xbox cloud notes         =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Video settings==
+
==Video==
 
{{Image|Sid Meier's Civilization III Options.png|In-game options menu.}}
 
{{Image|Sid Meier's Civilization III Options.png|In-game options menu.}}
{{Video settings
+
{{Video
|wsgf link                  = http://www.wsgf.org/dr/civilization-iii
+
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/civilization-iii
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = silver
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = silver
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = silver
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = silver
Line 113: Line 175:
 
|antialiasing              = n/a
 
|antialiasing              = n/a
 
|antialiasing notes        =  
 
|antialiasing notes        =  
 +
|upscaling                  = unknown
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 
|vsync                      = unknown
 
|vsync                      = unknown
 
|vsync notes                =  
 
|vsync notes                =  
Line 119: Line 184:
 
|120 fps                    = unknown
 
|120 fps                    = unknown
 
|120 fps notes              =  
 
|120 fps notes              =  
 +
|hdr                        = unknown
 +
|hdr notes                  =
 
|color blind                = unknown
 
|color blind                = unknown
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
Line 124: Line 191:
  
 
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]===
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Set KeepRes mode|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2021-09-15|comment=Works on retail, GOG.com and Steam releases.}}</ref>|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Set KeepRes mode|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}}}
+
# Open the [[#Configuration file(s) location|configuration file]].
# Open the configuration file (<code>Civilization3.ini</code> or <code>Conquests\conquests.ini</code>).
+
# Add the line <code>KeepRes=1</code>
# Add the line <code>KeepRes =1</code>
+
# Save the changes. The game will now run at the desktop resolution as borderless fullscreen.  
# Save your changes. The game will now run at the desktop resolution as borderless fullscreen.  
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===[[Glossary:Windowed|Windowed]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Windowed|Windowed]]===
{{Fixbox|1=
+
{{Fixbox|description=Set windowed mode|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2022-03-31}}</ref>|fix=
{{Fixbox/fix|Set windowed mode|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}}}
+
# Open the [[#Configuration file(s) location|configuration file]].
# Open the configuration file (<code>Civilization3.ini</code> or <code>Conquests\conquests.ini</code>).
+
# Add the line <code>KeepRes=1</code>
# Add the line <code>KeepRes =1</code>
 
 
# Add the line <code>Video Mode=1152</code>
 
# Add the line <code>Video Mode=1152</code>
# Save your changes.
+
# Save the changes.
{{ii}} <Code>Video Mode</code> is the horizontal window size, with the vertical height calculated based on the 4:3 aspect ratio.  
+
{{ii}} <Code>Video Mode</code> is the horizontal window size, with the vertical height calculated based on the 4:3 aspect ratio, unless <code>1280</code> is entered, in which case it will use the 5:4 aspect ratio for 1280x1024.
{{ii}} The game window will have no border.
+
{{ii}} The game window will have no border.  
{{ii}} The game area can't be resized after the game is launched - doing so causes graphic corruption and may crash the game.
+
{{ii}} The game area can not be resized after the game is launched - doing so causes graphic corruption and may crash the game.
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Input settings==
+
==Input==
{{Input settings
+
{{Input
 
|key remap                = false
 
|key remap                = false
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|key remap notes          =  
 
|acceleration option      = false
 
|acceleration option      = false
|acceleration option notes = Uses OS cursor.  
+
|acceleration option notes = Uses OS cursor.
|mouse sensitivity        = unknown
+
|mouse sensitivity        = false
 
|mouse sensitivity notes  =  
 
|mouse sensitivity notes  =  
 
|mouse menu                = true
 
|mouse menu                = true
Line 155: Line 220:
 
|invert mouse y-axis      = n/a
 
|invert mouse y-axis      = n/a
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
 +
|touchscreen              = unknown
 +
|touchscreen notes        =
 
|controller support        = false
 
|controller support        = false
 
|controller support notes  =  
 
|controller support notes  =  
Line 165: Line 232:
 
|invert controller y-axis  = unknown
 
|invert controller y-axis  = unknown
 
|invert controller y-axis notes=  
 
|invert controller y-axis notes=  
|touchscreen               = unknown
+
|xinput controllers        = unknown
|touchscreen notes        =  
+
|xinput controllers notes  =
|button prompts           = unknown
+
|xbox prompts              = unknown
|button prompts notes     =  
+
|xbox prompts notes        =
 +
|impulse triggers          = unknown
 +
|impulse triggers notes    =
 +
|dualshock 4               = unknown
 +
|dualshock 4 notes        =
 +
|dualshock prompts        = unknown
 +
|dualshock prompts notes  =
 +
|light bar support        = unknown
 +
|light bar support notes  =
 +
|dualshock 4 modes        = unknown
 +
|dualshock 4 modes notes  =
 +
|tracked motion controllers= unknown
 +
|tracked motion controllers notes =
 +
|tracked motion prompts    = unknown
 +
|tracked motion prompts notes =
 +
|other controllers         = unknown
 +
|other controllers notes  =  
 +
|other button prompts     = unknown
 +
|other button prompts notes=  
 
|controller hotplug        = unknown
 
|controller hotplug        = unknown
 
|controller hotplug notes  =  
 
|controller hotplug notes  =  
 
|haptic feedback          = unknown
 
|haptic feedback          = unknown
 
|haptic feedback notes    =  
 
|haptic feedback notes    =  
|light bar support        = unknown
+
|simultaneous input        = unknown
|light bar support notes   =  
+
|simultaneous input notes  =
 +
|steam input api          = unknown
 +
|steam input api notes    =
 +
|steam hook input          = unknown
 +
|steam hook input notes    =
 +
|steam input presets      = unknown
 +
|steam input presets notes =
 +
|steam controller prompts  = unknown
 +
|steam controller prompts notes =
 +
|steam cursor detection    = unknown
 +
|steam cursor detection notes =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Audio settings==
+
==Audio==
{{Audio settings
+
{{Audio
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume notes    =  
 
|separate volume notes    =  
|surround sound          = n/a
+
|surround sound          = false
 
|surround sound notes    =  
 
|surround sound notes    =  
 
|subtitles                = n/a
 
|subtitles                = n/a
|subtitles notes          = No spoken text.  
+
|subtitles notes          = No spoken text.
|closed captions          = false
+
|closed captions          = n/a
 
|closed captions notes    =  
 
|closed captions notes    =  
|mute on focus lost      = true
+
|mute on focus lost      = always on
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|eax support              =  
 
|eax support              =  
 
|eax support notes        =  
 
|eax support notes        =  
 +
|royalty free audio      = always on
 +
|royalty free audio notes =
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 201: Line 298:
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
  |fan notes =  
+
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = French
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Retail only; [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1696129885 download for digital versions].
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = German
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Retail only; [https://www.compiware-forum.de/downloads/file/251-sid-meier-s-civilization-iii-complete-german-patch/ download for digital versions]
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Hungarian
 +
|interface = hackable
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Fan translation, [https://magyaritasok.hu/magyaritasok/civilization-3/civilization-3/12 link #1], [https://magyaritasok.hu/magyaritasok/civilization-3-conquest/civilization-3-conquest/387 link #2].
 +
|fan      = true
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Italian
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Retail only.
 +
  |fan       =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Japanese
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes     = Retail only.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Spanish
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Retail only, [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=283417523 download].
 +
|fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Network==
 
==Network==
 +
{{ii}} Either expansion pack is required, as the base game does not have multiplayer support.
 
{{Network/Multiplayer
 
{{Network/Multiplayer
 
|local play          = true
 
|local play          = true
Line 213: Line 358:
 
|lan play            = true
 
|lan play            = true
 
|lan play players    = 8
 
|lan play players    = 8
|lan play modes      =  
+
|lan play modes      = Versus
|lan play notes      =  
+
|lan play notes      = Removed from Steam version after the Steamworks update.
|online play          = true
+
|online play          = limited
 
|online play players  = 8
 
|online play players  = 8
|online play modes    =  
+
|online play modes    = Versus
|online play notes    = Online server browser no longer works in non-Steam versions. Steam version has been updated to fix this.<ref name="GameSpy"/><ref name="Steamworks"/>
+
|online play notes    = The official [[GameSpy]] service has been shut down; Steam version has been updated with Steamworks support.<ref name="Steamworks">[https://steamcommunity.com/games/3910/announcements Civilization III Multiplayer Update Now Available Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete]</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=http://2kgam.es/2KOnlineMigration|title=2K Online Server Migration from GameSpy Technology – 2K Support|date=9 June 2023}}</ref>
 
|asynchronous        = true
 
|asynchronous        = true
|asynchronous notes  = Possible option. Used by default.
+
|asynchronous notes  = Simultaneous turns, "turnless" mode (default), play-by-email (PBEM).
}}{{Network/Connections
+
}}
 +
 
 +
{{Network/Connections
 
|matchmaking        = false
 
|matchmaking        = false
 
|matchmaking notes  =  
 
|matchmaking notes  =  
Line 232: Line 379:
 
|direct ip          = true
 
|direct ip          = true
 
|direct ip notes    = Removed from the Steam version.<ref name="Steamworks"/>
 
|direct ip notes    = Removed from the Steam version.<ref name="Steamworks"/>
}}{{Network/Ports
+
}}
 +
 
 +
{{Network/Ports
 
|tcp  = 3783, 6500, 6667, 28900, 29900, 29901
 
|tcp  = 3783, 6500, 6667, 28900, 29900, 29901
 
|udp  = 2302-2400, 6500, 6515, 13139, 27900
 
|udp  = 2302-2400, 6500, 6515, 13139, 27900
|upnp =  
+
|upnp = unknown
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==
===Compatibility settings===
+
===Compatibility settings for Steam version===
Issues with the game may be corrected with compatibility settings. For the Steam version go to <code>{{p|game}}\Conquests\</code> and right click on <code>Civ3Conquests.exe</code>.  Select properties and set the compatibility settings.
+
{{Fixbox|description=Run the game in [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility mode]] for Windows XP SP2.|ref={{cn|date=March 2022}}|fix=}}
 +
 
 +
===No music or sound effects during diplomacy===
 +
{{ii}} This is an error caused by a Windows 10 update limiting sound to two channels.
 +
{{ii}} The diplomacy screen may at times be preceded by a brief garbled noise.
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Install IndirectSound|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/3910/discussions/0/1473095331503895056/#c1484358860957169045|title=Steam Community|date=9 June 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=https://forums.civfanatics.com/threads/no-sound-during-diplomacy.615825/#post-14898115|title=forums.civfanatics.com|date=9 June 2023}}</ref>|fix=
 +
# Download and extract [http://www.indirectsound.com/ IndirectSound].
 +
# Copy the two files, {{file|dsound.dll}} and {{file|dsound.ini}}.
 +
# Paste into {{folder|{{p|game}}}}, {{folder|{{p|game}}\Civ3PTW}}, {{folder|{{p|game}}\Conquests}}.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Other information==
 +
===API===
 +
{{API
 +
|direct3d versions      =
 +
|direct3d notes        =
 +
|directdraw versions    =
 +
|directdraw notes      =
 +
|opengl versions        = 1
 +
|opengl notes          =
 +
|glide versions        =
 +
|glide notes            =
 +
|software mode          =
 +
|software mode notes    =
 +
|mantle support        =
 +
|mantle support notes  =
 +
|vulkan versions        =
 +
|vulkan notes          =
 +
|dos modes              =
 +
|dos modes notes        =
 +
|shader model versions =
 +
|shader model notes    =
 +
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 +
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 +
|windows arm app        = unknown
 +
|windows exe notes      =
 +
|mac os powerpc app    = true
 +
|mac os 68k app        = false
 +
|mac os x powerpc app  = true
 +
|macos intel 32-bit app = hackable
 +
|macos intel 64-bit app = false
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 +
|macos app notes        = Install the [[#Patches|version 1.22 Rev A]] patch for Intel support.
 +
|linux 32-bit executable=
 +
|linux 64-bit executable=
 +
|linux arm app          = unknown
 +
|linux executable notes =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Middleware===
 +
{{Middleware
 +
|physics          =
 +
|physics notes    =
 +
|audio            = Miles Sound System
 +
|audio notes      =
 +
|interface        =
 +
|interface notes  =
 +
|input            =
 +
|input notes      =
 +
|cutscenes        = Bink Video
 +
|cutscenes notes  =
 +
|multiplayer      = GameSpy
 +
|multiplayer notes= Removed in Steam update.
 +
}}
  
 
==System requirements==
 
==System requirements==
Line 248: Line 460:
 
|minOS    = 98
 
|minOS    = 98
 
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium II 400 MHz
 
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium II 400 MHz
|minRAM  = 128 MB
+
|minRAM  = 32 MB (base game), 128 MB (Conquests)
 
|minHD    = 1.8 GB
 
|minHD    = 1.8 GB
 
|minGPU  =  
 
|minGPU  =  
|minDX    = 9.0b
+
|minDX    = 8.0a (base game), 9.0b (Conquests)
  
 
|recOS    = ME, 2000, XP
 
|recOS    = ME, 2000, XP
|recRAM  = 256 MB  
+
|recCPU  =
 +
|recRAM  = 256 MB
 +
|recHD    =
 +
|recGPU  =
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}

Latest revision as of 13:45, 3 March 2024

Sid Meier's Civilization III
Sid Meier's Civilization III cover
Developers
Firaxis Games
Conquests expansion BreakAway Games
Mac OS (Classic) Westlake Interactive
macOS (OS X) Westlake Interactive
Publishers
2001-2003 Infogrames
2003-2005 Atari
2005-present 2K Games
Re-release Sold Out Software
Mac OS Aspyr Media
macOS (OS X) Aspyr Media
Release dates
Windows October 30, 2001
Mac OS (Classic) October 30, 2001
macOS (OS X) January 12, 2006
Reception
Metacritic 90
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase, Expansion pack
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Turn-based
Perspectives Bird's-eye view, Isometric
Controls Point and select
Genres 4X, TBS
Themes Historical
Series Civilization
Sid Meier's Civilization III on HowLongToBeat
Sid Meier's Civilization III on IGDB
Sid Meier's Civilization III guide on StrategyWiki
Sid Meier's Civilization III on MobyGames
Sid Meier's Civilization III on Wikipedia
Sid Meier's Civilization 1991
Freeciv (unofficial) 1996
Sid Meier's Civilization II 1996
Civilization II: Test of Time 1999
Sid Meier's Civilization III 2001
Sid Meier's Civilization IV 2005
CivCity: Rome 2006
Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization 2008
Sid Meier's Civilization V 2010
Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth 2014
Sid Meier's Civilization VI 2016

Warnings

GameSpy online services have been shut down (see Network for solutions).

Sid Meier's Civilization III is a singleplayer and multiplayer bird's-eye view and isometric 4X and TBS game in the Civilization series.

The game received two expansion packs: Play the World in October 2002, and Conquests in November 2003. Play the World was the first iteration of the game which included multiplayer, while Conquests includes the former on its disc. Both expansions included a range of new units, game modes and scenarios. They were combined with the base game in the Complete edition as of September 2004, and this compilation is the only version of the games available on digital stores; however, in the mentioned digital releases, only the Conquests executable is present.

On March 16, 2015, the Steam release was updated to replace the GameSpy multiplayer infrastructure with that of Steamworks,[1] but aside from removing LAN, the game has had reports of lower stability compared to prior releases.[2]

Unofficial patches exist to resolve the game's inherent bugs. An audio glitch has been reported which mutes audio in the diplomacy screen (often with a garbled noise preceding it), which can be resolved by using IndirectSound to fix the underlying cause.

General information

Civilization Wiki - A detailed wiki for all Civilization games and their spin offs
Apolyton Civilization Site's Civ III section - A huge forum dedicated to all Civilization games and their spin offs. Modifications for the game can be found here
Civilization Fanatics Center's Civilization III Page
GOG.com Community Discussions for game series
GOG.com Support Page
Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
SecuROM 4 DRM for North America. SafeDisc 2 DRM[Note 1] for Europe.
Applies for the base game and the "Conquests" expansion.
"Play the World" expansion uses SecuROM 4 DRM for all regions.
Windows
Mac OS
Gamesplanet logo.svg
Icon overlay.png
Complete
Windows
GOG.com
DRM-free
Complete
Windows
Green Man Gaming
Icon overlay.png
Complete
Windows
Steam
Icon overlay.png
Complete
Windows
GamersGate (unavailable)
Icon overlay.png
Complete
Windows
SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later (see above for affected versions).
A free trial version of the Gold Edition is available from GameFront.

Version differences

The Game of the Year Edition contains the base game with a bonus CD containing additional maps and behind-the-scenes videos.
The Gold Edition contains the base game and Play The World.
Civilization III Complete is a complete version with both expansion packs.
Digital releases omit the executables for the base game and Play the World, leaving only the Conquests executable with a Complete-themed menu and icon. The base game and Play the World can, however, be played by including no-CD versions of their respective fully patched executables, as no other assets are missing.

Monetization

Type Notes
Expansion pack Expansion packs include multiple civilizations, scenarios, and secondary game modes. Unlike the base game, they include multiplayer support.
One-time game purchase The game requires an upfront purchase to access.

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
Play the World
Windows
Conquests Contains all content from Play the World.
Windows

Essential improvements

Patches

v1.29f (base game), v1.27f (Play the World), v1.22 (Conquests) are available here.
Patch v1.22 Rev A is the latest patch for the OS X version.[5]

Unofficial

C3X - multiple bugfixes and QoL improvements to v1.22 Conquests (tested only with digital versions). Later versions use changes from Antal's patch framework as well.
Fitted Irrigation with Farm Houses - makes irrigation look more natural and not jut out into the water.
River Deltas - covers up the problem where some deltas are too far out to sea and others are too recessed
Fixed Transport Window Leftovers - fixes left over artifacts from the transport window

Skip intro videos

Edit configuration file[6]
  1. Open the configuration file.
  2. Add the following line at the end of the file: PlayIntro=0.
  3. Save the changes.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

The configuration file is generated only after the first time the game is started.
System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\Civilization3.ini
<path-to-game>\Civ3PTW\Civilization3X.ini
<path-to-game>\Conquests\Conquests.ini
[Note 2]
Mac OS (Classic)
macOS (OS X)
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/3910/pfx/[Note 3]

Save game data location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\Saves
<path-to-game>\Civ3PTW\Saves
<path-to-game>\Conquests\Saves
[Note 2]
Mac OS (Classic)
macOS (OS X)
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/3910/pfx/[Note 3]

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
GOG Galaxy
Steam Cloud

Video

In-game options menu.
In-game options menu.

Widescreen resolution

Set KeepRes mode[7]
  1. Open the configuration file.
  2. Add the line KeepRes=1
  3. Save the changes. The game will now run at the desktop resolution as borderless fullscreen.

Windowed

Set windowed mode[8]
  1. Open the configuration file.
  2. Add the line KeepRes=1
  3. Add the line Video Mode=1152
  4. Save the changes.
Video Mode is the horizontal window size, with the vertical height calculated based on the 4:3 aspect ratio, unless 1280 is entered, in which case it will use the 5:4 aspect ratio for 1280x1024.
The game window will have no border.
The game area can not be resized after the game is launched - doing so causes graphic corruption and may crash the game.

Input

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Mouse acceleration
Uses OS cursor.
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
Controller types

Audio

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound
Subtitles
No spoken text.
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
French
Retail only; download for digital versions.
German
Retail only; download for digital versions
Hungarian
Fan translation, link #1, link #2.
Italian
Retail only.
Japanese
Retail only.
Spanish
Retail only, download.

Network

Either expansion pack is required, as the base game does not have multiplayer support.

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
Local play
8 Hot seat
LAN play
8 Versus
Removed from Steam version after the Steamworks update.
Online play
8 Versus
The official GameSpy service has been shut down; Steam version has been updated with Steamworks support.[9][10]
Asynchronous multiplayer
Simultaneous turns, "turnless" mode (default), play-by-email (PBEM).

Connection types

Type Native Notes
Matchmaking
Peer-to-peer
Dedicated
Self-hosting
Direct IP
Removed from the Steam version.[9]

Ports

Protocol Port(s) and/or port range(s)
TCP 3783, 6500, 6667, 28900, 29900, 29901
UDP 2302-2400, 6500, 6515, 13139, 27900
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support status is unknown.

Issues fixed

Compatibility settings for Steam version

Run the game in compatibility mode for Windows XP SP2.[citation needed]

No music or sound effects during diplomacy

This is an error caused by a Windows 10 update limiting sound to two channels.
The diplomacy screen may at times be preceded by a brief garbled noise.
Install IndirectSound[11][12]
  1. Download and extract IndirectSound.
  2. Copy the two files, dsound.dll and dsound.ini.
  3. Paste into <path-to-game>, <path-to-game>\Civ3PTW, <path-to-game>\Conquests.

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
OpenGL 1
ExecutablePPC16-bit 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Install the version 1.22 Rev A patch for Intel support.
Mac OS (Classic)

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Audio Miles Sound System
Cutscenes Bink Video
Multiplayer GameSpy Removed in Steam update.

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 98
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium II 400 MHz
System memory (RAM) 32 MB (base game), 128 MB (Conquests)
Hard disk drive (HDD) 1.8 GB
Video card (GPU) DirectX 8.0a (base game), 9.0b (Conquests) compatible


Notes

  1. SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows 10[3] or Windows 11 and is disabled by default on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 when the KB3086255 update is installed.[4]
  2. 2.0 2.1 When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below %PROGRAMFILES%, %PROGRAMDATA%, or %WINDIR% might be redirected to %LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore on Windows Vista and later (more details).
  3. 3.0 3.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:

References