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

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
 
(222 intermediate revisions by 50 users not shown)
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−
{{infobox
+
{{Infobox game
−
|cover         = CivilizationIVBoxShot.jpg
+
|title        = Sid Meier's Civilization IV
−
|developer     = [[Wikipedia:Firaxis Games|Firaxis Games]]
+
|cover       = Civilization IV cover.jpg
−
|publisher     = [[Wikipedia:2K Games|2K Games]]<br/>[[Wikipedia:Aspyr Media|Aspyr Media]]
+
|developers  =
−
|engine         = [[Gamebryo]]
+
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Firaxis Games}}
−
|release dates = <sup>NA</sup> October 25, 2005<br/><sup>PAL</sup> November 4, 2005
+
{{Infobox game/row/porter|Aspyr Media|OS X}}
−
|steam         = 3900
+
|publishers  =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|2K Games}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Aspyr Media|OS X}}
 +
|engines      =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/engine|Gamebryo}}
 +
|release dates=  
 +
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|October 25, 2005}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|June 30, 2006}}
 +
|reception    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|sid-meiers-civilization-iv|94}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|sid-meier-s-civilization-iv|}}
 +
|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 }}
 +
{{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 }}
 +
|steam appid  = 3900
 +
|steam appid side  = 3990,8800,34440,34450,34460
 +
|gogcom id    = 1760534591
 +
|official site= https://web.archive.org/web/20100131062935/http://www.2kgames.com/civ4/
 +
|hltb        = 8505
 +
|igdb        = sid-meier-s-civilization-iv
 +
|lutris      = sid-meiers-civilization-iv-the-complete-edition
 +
|strategywiki = Civilization IV
 +
|mobygames    = 19710
 +
|wikipedia    = Civilization IV
 +
|winehq      = 2514
 +
|license      = commercial
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
Released in 2005, Sid Meier's Civilization IV is the fourth game in the Civilization series. Two expansions were released: "Warlords" in 2006 and "Beyond the Sword" in 2007.
+
{{Introduction
 +
|introduction      =
  
−
There is no official support for the game, with some users having issues making the game run properly on Windows 7, especially the 64-bit edition.
+
|release history  = The game received two expansion packs: '''''Warlords''''' in July 2006, and '''''Beyond the Sword''''' in July 2007. Both expansions included a range of new units, mechanics, game modes and scenarios. Multiple [[#Patches|patches]] were released for all versions.
  
−
==DirectX Issue==
+
In 2014, the Steam release was updated to replace the [[GameSpy]] multiplayer infrastructure with that of [[Store:Steam|Steamworks]] and removed LAN, but it can be downgraded to the older version through a beta branch to re-enable compatibility with retail and [[Store:GOG.com|GOG.com]] releases.
−
To get the game to run properly, [[DirectX]] 9 is required, even if you have already installed a newer version (eg. DirectX 10). DirectX 9 can be downloaded [https://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=9155 here].
 
  
−
== Compatibility Settings==
+
|current state    = The game has no notable issues with running on modern systems as of March 2024.
−
On Windows Vista/Windows 7 it is recommended to turn on the Windows XP option under compatibility settings.
+
}}
 +
 
 +
'''General information'''
 +
{{mm}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20110810112112/http://www.2kgames.com/civ4/downloads.htm Official Downloads page] (patches, SDK, etc.)
 +
{{mm}} [https://support.2k.com/hc/en-us/sections/200299763-Civilization-IV Official support knowledgebase]
 +
{{mm}} [https://civilization.fandom.com/wiki/Civilization_Games_Wiki Civilization Wiki] - A detailed wiki for all Civilization games and their spin offs
 +
{{mm}} [https://www.civfanatics.com/civ4/ Civilization Fanatics' Civilization IV section]
 +
{{mm}} [https://forums.civfanatics.com/categories/civilization-iv.143/ Civilization Fanatics' Civilization IV Forums]
 +
{{GOG.com links|1760534591|sid_meiers_civilization_series|for game series}}
 +
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/3900/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
 +
 
 +
==Availability==
 +
{{Availability|
 +
{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc | {{DRM|SafeDisc|v4}}. Can be removed from Beyond the Sword and Colonization through patches. Released on 2 CDs or 1 DVD. | | Windows, OS X }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Retail | | drm-free | Complete Edition. | | Windows, OS X }}
 +
{{Availability/row| GamersGate | sid-meiers-civilization-iv | Steam | {{store link|GamersGate|sid-meiers-civilization-iv-complete-edition|Complete Edition}} also available. | | Windows, OS X }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Gamesplanet | 1786-1 | Steam | {{store link|Gamesplanet|1786-5|Complete Edition}} also available. |  | Windows, OS X }}
 +
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | sid_meiers_civilization_iv_the_complete_edition | DRM-free | Complete Edition. Includes [[Civilization IV: Colonization]]. |  | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| GMG | sid-meiers-civilization-iv-mac | Steam |  |  | Windows, OS X }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Humble | sid-meiers-civilization-iv | Steam | | | Windows, OS X }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Steam | 3900 | Steam | {{store link|Steam-bundle|4323|Complete Edition}} also available. Default version uses Steamworks multiplayer, with a beta branch that restores the [[GameSpy]]/LAN version.<ref name="Steamworks">[http://2kgam.es/2KOnlineMigration 2K Online Server Migration from GameSpy Technology – 2K Support]</ref> Windows and OS X builds appear separately in the library. | | Windows, OS X }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Amazon.com | B00CIBCTJY | Steam | | | Windows, OS X | unavailable }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Games for Windows Marketplace | GFWL | GFWL | <ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225094219/http://www.gamesforwindows.com/en-US/?filter=New+Releases|title=Welcome to Games for Windows Marketplace - Games for Windows|date=19 August 2022}}</ref> | | Windows | unavailable }}
 +
{{Availability/row| MacApp | id435169692 | MacApp | | | OS X | unavailable }}
 +
}}
 +
{{ii}} Civilization IV Steam key exchanging services was discontinued on June 4, 2017.<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://support.2k.com/hc/en-us/articles/115005314867-GameSpy-Multiplayer-Exchange-Program-Ending|title=support.2k.com|date=9 June 2023}}</ref>
 +
{{ii}} Free demos are available from GameFront: [https://www.gamefront.com/games/civilization-4/file/sid-meier-s-civilization-iv-demo base game (Windows)], [https://www.gamefront.com/games/civilization-4/file/civilization-iv-demo-macintosh base game (OS X)], [https://www.gamefront.com/games/civilization-iv-beyond-the-sword/file/civilization-iv-beyond-the-sword-demo Beyond the Sword "Final Frontier" scenario], [https://www.gamefront.com/games/civilization-iv-beyond-the-sword/file/civ-4-beyond-the-sword-charlemagne-demo Beyond the Sword "Charlemagne" scenario].
 +
 
 +
==Monetization==
 +
{{Monetization
 +
|ad-supported          =
 +
|dlc                    =  
 +
|expansion pack        = Expansion packs include multiple civilizations, mechanics, and improvements.
 +
|freeware              =  
 +
|free-to-play          =
 +
|one-time game purchase = The game requires an upfront purchase to access.
 +
|sponsored              =
 +
|subscription          =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{DLC|
 +
{{DLC/row| Warlords |  | Windows, OS X }}
 +
{{DLC/row| Beyond the Sword |  | Windows, OS X }}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Version differences===
 +
====Retail versions====
 +
*The '''Game of the Year Edition''' contains the base game, a digital manual disc, and a bonus DVD with a documentary on the making of Civilization IV and video previews for Warlords and [[Sid Meier's Railroads!]].
 +
*'''Civilization IV: Gold''' contains the base game and Warlords. Released on 3 CDs.
 +
*'''Civilization IV: Complete''' contains the base game, Warlords, and Beyond the Sword, and was released before Colonization.
 +
*The similarly named '''Civilization IV: Complete Edition''' contains the base game, Warlords, Beyond the Sword, and [[Civilization IV: Colonization|Colonization]] on a single DVD. It contains an updated DirectX installer and contains no DRM. The individual games still require patches to the current version.
 +
 
 +
====Steam version====
 +
The tutorial for the game is only available through the base game installation, and the Warlords expansion contains exclusive scenarios which are only available through its installation. All other gameplay contents and features are included in Beyond The Sword; if you do not need the base game tutorial and Warlords scenarios, you may uninstall them respectively. Colonization is a standalone game which does not overlap with Beyond The Sword.
 +
 
 +
==Essential improvements==
 +
===Patches===
 +
* Base game: [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/995-civilization-iv-4-official-patch/ v1.61] | [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/996-civilization-iv-4-official-patch v1.74]
 +
* Warlords: [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/993-civilization-iv-4-warlords-official-patch/ v2.08] | [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/994-civilization-iv-4-warlords-official-patch/ v2.13]
 +
* Beyond the Sword: [http://forums.2k.com/showthread.php?37621-New-Beyond-the-Sword-patch-today! v3.19]
 +
 
 +
===Detailed installation steps===
 +
A very thorough set of instructions on how to install Civilization IV and its expansions are available [https://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=408537 here].
 +
 
 +
===Skip intro videos===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Instructions|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Plok|date=2022-03-31|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
 +
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].
 +
# Open {{file|CivilizationIV.ini}}.
 +
# Change 'NoIntroMovie' from 0 to 1.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Game data==
 +
{{Image|Civilization IV General.jpg|In-game general settings.}}
 +
{{Image|Civilization IV Gameplay.jpg|In-game gameplay settings.}}
 +
 
 +
===Configuration file(s) location===
 +
{{Game data|
 +
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Sid Meier's Civilization IV|
 +
{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Warlords|
 +
{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Beyond the Sword}}
 +
{{Game data/config|OS X|}}
 +
{{Game data/config|GOG.com|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Civ4}}
 +
{{Game data/config|Steam|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Sid Meier's Civilization IV\}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Save game data location===
 +
{{Game data|
 +
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Sid Meier's Civilization IV\Saves|
 +
{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Warlords\Saves|
 +
{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Beyond the Sword\Saves}}
 +
{{Game data/saves|OS X|}}
 +
{{Game data/saves|GOG.com|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Civ4\Saves}}
 +
{{Game data/saves|Steam|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Sid Meier's Civilization IV\Saves}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 +
{{Save game cloud syncing
 +
|discord                  = unknown
 +
|discord notes            =
 +
|epic games launcher      =
 +
|epic games launcher notes =
 +
|gog galaxy                = false
 +
|gog galaxy notes          =
 +
|origin                    =
 +
|origin notes              =
 +
|steam cloud              = false
 +
|steam cloud notes        =
 +
|ubisoft connect          =
 +
|ubisoft connect notes    =
 +
|xbox cloud                =
 +
|xbox cloud notes          =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Video==
 +
{{Image|Civilization IV video settings.png|Video settings.}}
 +
{{Video
 +
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/civilization-iv
 +
|widescreen wsgf award      = silver
 +
|multimonitor wsgf award    = silver
 +
|ultrawidescreen wsgf award = incomplete
 +
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
 +
|widescreen resolution      = true
 +
|widescreen resolution notes=
 +
|multimonitor              = hackable
 +
|multimonitor notes        = See the [https://www.wsgf.org/dr/civilization-iv WSGF page] for a fix.
 +
|ultrawidescreen            = true
 +
|ultrawidescreen notes      =
 +
|4k ultra hd                = true
 +
|4k ultra hd notes          = UI does not scale with resolution and is extremely small in 4K.
 +
|fov                        = n/a
 +
|fov notes                  =
 +
|windowed                  = true
 +
|windowed notes            =
 +
|borderless windowed        = false
 +
|borderless windowed notes  =
 +
|anisotropic                = false
 +
|anisotropic notes          =
 +
|antialiasing              = true
 +
|antialiasing notes        =
 +
|upscaling                  = unknown
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 +
|vsync                      = true
 +
|vsync notes                =
 +
|60 fps                    = true
 +
|60 fps notes              =
 +
|120 fps                    = true
 +
|120 fps notes              =
 +
|hdr                        = unknown
 +
|hdr notes                  =
 +
|color blind                = unknown
 +
|color blind notes          =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Input==
 +
{{Input
 +
|key remap                = false
 +
|key remap notes          =
 +
|acceleration option      = false
 +
|acceleration option notes =
 +
|mouse sensitivity        = false
 +
|mouse sensitivity notes  =
 +
|mouse menu                = true
 +
|mouse menu notes          =
 +
|invert mouse y-axis      = n/a
 +
|invert mouse y-axis notes =
 +
|touchscreen              = unknown
 +
|touchscreen notes        =
 +
|controller support        = false
 +
|controller support notes  =
 +
|full controller          = unknown
 +
|full controller notes    =
 +
|controller remap          = unknown
 +
|controller remap notes    =
 +
|controller sensitivity    = unknown
 +
|controller sensitivity notes=
 +
|invert controller y-axis  = unknown
 +
|invert controller y-axis notes=
 +
|xinput controllers        = unknown
 +
|xinput controllers notes  =
 +
|xbox prompts              = unknown
 +
|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 notes  =
 +
|haptic feedback          = unknown
 +
|haptic feedback notes    =
 +
|simultaneous input        = unknown
 +
|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==
 +
{{Image|Civilization IV audio settings.png|Audio settings.}}
 +
{{Audio
 +
|separate volume          = true
 +
|separate volume notes    = Music, Sound Effects, Speech, Ambience, Interface.
 +
|surround sound          = true
 +
|surround sound notes    = Up to 8.1.
 +
|subtitles                = true
 +
|subtitles notes          =
 +
|closed captions          = true
 +
|closed captions notes    =
 +
|mute on focus lost      = true
 +
|mute on focus lost notes =
 +
|eax support              = true
 +
|eax support notes        = EAX 4.0.
 +
|royalty free audio      = false
 +
|royalty free audio notes = Uses various licensed performances of works from Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart, and artists still under copyright.
 +
}}
  
−
==System Requirements==
+
{{L10n|content=
−
===Civilization IV===
+
{{L10n/switch
−
{{SysReq
+
|language  = English
−
|minOS = Windows 2000
+
|interface = true
−
|recOS = Windows XP
+
|audio    = true
−
|minproc = 1.2 GHz Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athalon processor or equivalent
+
|subtitles = true
−
|recproc = 1.8 GHz intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon processor or equivalent/better
+
|notes    =  
−
|minmem = 256 MB
+
|fan      =  
−
|recmem = 512 MB
+
}}
−
|minHD = 1.7 GB free
+
{{L10n/switch
−
|minGPU1 = 64 MB Video Card with Hardware T&L (GeForce 2/Radeon 7500 or better)
+
|language  = French
−
|recGPU1 = 128 MB Video Card with DirectX 8 support (pixel and vector shaders)
+
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    =  
 +
|fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
−
===Warlords Expansion===
+
{{L10n/switch
−
{{SysReq
+
|language  = German
−
|minOS = Windows 2000
+
|interface = true
−
|recOS = Windows XP
+
|audio    = false
−
|minproc = 1.2 GHz Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon processor or equivalent
+
|subtitles = true
−
|recproc = 1.8 GHz intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon processor or equivalent/better
+
|notes    =  
−
|minmem = 256 MB
+
|fan      =  
−
|recmem = 512 MB
 
−
|minHD = 1.7 GB free
 
−
|minGPU1 = 64 MB Video Card with Hardware T&L (GeForce 2/Radeon 7500 or better)
 
−
|recGPU1 = 128 MB Video Card with DirectX 8 support (pixel and vector shaders)
 
 
}}
 
}}
−
===Beyond the Sword Expansion===
+
{{L10n/switch
−
{{SysReq
+
|language  = Italian
−
|minOS = Windows 2000
+
|interface = true
−
|recOS = Windows Vista
+
|audio    = false
−
|minproc = 1.2 GHz Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athalon processor or equivalent
+
|subtitles = true
−
|recproc = 1.8 GHz intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon processor or equivalent/better
+
|notes    =
−
|minmem = 512 MB
+
|fan      =
−
|recmem = 1 GB
+
}}
−
|minHD = 1.8 GB free
+
{{L10n/switch
−
|minGPU1 = 64 MB Video Card with Hardware T&L (GeForce 2/Radeon 7500 or better)
+
|language  = Japanese
−
|recGPU1 = 128 MB Video Card with DirectX 9 support (pixel and vector shaders)
+
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    = Retail only
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Polish
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = unknown
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    = Retail only
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Russian
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = unknown
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    = Retail only
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Spanish
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =  
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Network==
 +
{{Network/Multiplayer
 +
|local play          = true
 +
|local play players  = 18
 +
|local play modes    = Hot seat
 +
|local play notes    =
 +
|lan play            = true
 +
|lan play players    = 18
 +
|lan play modes      =  
 +
|lan play notes      = Removed from Steam version after the Steamworks update.
 +
|online play          = limited
 +
|online play players  = 18
 +
|online play modes    =
 +
|online play notes    = The official [[GameSpy]] service has been shut down; Steam version has been updated with Steamworks support.<br>Steamworks version has a limit of 4 human players.<br>Large mods and multiplayer games across different countries have many de-synchronization issues. Using LAN play can alleviate this issue.
 +
|asynchronous        = true
 +
|asynchronous notes  = Play via email
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{Network/Connections
 +
|matchmaking        = false
 +
|matchmaking notes  =  
 +
|p2p                = true
 +
|p2p notes          =  
 +
|dedicated          = unknown
 +
|dedicated notes    =
 +
|self-hosting      = true
 +
|self-hosting notes =
 +
|direct ip          = true
 +
|direct ip notes    = Removed from the Steam version.<ref name="Steamworks"/> Install the beta to regain access.<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://support.2k.com/hc/en-us/articles/202544073-Direct-IP-and-Installing-Pre-Steamworks-Civilization-IV-Unsupported-on-Steam|title=Direct IP and Installing Pre-Steamworks Civilization IV (Unsupported) on Steam – 2K Support|date=9 June 2023}}</ref>
 +
}}{{Network/Ports
 +
|tcp  = 2033, 2056, 3783, 6500, 6667, 28900, 29900, 29001
 +
|udp  = 2302-2400, 6500, 6515, 13139, 27900
 +
|upnp = unknown
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==Useful Links==
+
==Issues fixed==
−
[http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=408537 Detailed Installation Steps]
+
===DirectX issues===
 +
{{ii}} To ensure the original game and its expansions run properly, install the latest [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35 DirectX End-User Runtimes]. This is not a problem with the Complete Edition, which installs the correct DirectX version automatically.
  
−
[http://www.2kgames.com/civ4/downloads.htm Official Downloads (Patch, SDK, etc.]
+
===Failed Initializing Python===
 +
{{ii}} Caused by discontinued support for Python 2.3 in OS X Yosemite 10.10.
  
−
==See Also==
+
{{Fixbox|description=Copy Python 2.3 back into OS X|ref=<ref>http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=530804</ref>|fix=
−
*[[Civilization II]]
+
#Download [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/407-bts-yosemitepython-fix7z/ BTS YosemitePython Fix.7z].
−
*[[Civilization V]]
+
#Copy the folders '2.3' and '2.5' to {{file|/Library/Python/|folder}}. Enter your administrator password.
 +
#Go to {{file|/System/Library/Frameworks/Python.framework/Versions/|folder}} and delete the aliases for '2.3' and '2.5' and copy in the '2.3' and '2.5' folders from the BTS Yosemite Python Fix.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Other information==
 +
===API===
 +
{{API
 +
|direct3d versions      = 9.0c
 +
|direct3d notes        =
 +
|directdraw versions    =
 +
|directdraw notes      =
 +
|opengl versions        = true
 +
|opengl notes          = macOS/OS X only.
 +
|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  = 3
 +
|shader model notes    = {{cn|date=December 2016}}
 +
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 +
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 +
|windows arm app        = false
 +
|windows exe notes      =
 +
|mac os x powerpc app  = true
 +
|macos intel 32-bit app = true
 +
|macos intel 64-bit app = false
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 +
|macos app notes        = 32-bit only.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://support.aspyr.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000214186|title=MacOS Catalina, 64-bit, 32-bit, and related Questions – Aspyr Support|date=9 June 2023}}</ref> ''[[Civilization IV: Colonization|Colonization]]'' does not support PowerPC processors.
 +
|linux 32-bit executable= unknown
 +
|linux 64-bit executable= unknown
 +
|linux arm app          = unknown
 +
|linux executable notes =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Middleware===
 +
{{Middleware
 +
|physics          =
 +
|physics notes    =
 +
|audio            = Miles Sound System
 +
|audio notes      =
 +
|interface        = Scaleform
 +
|interface notes  =
 +
|input            =
 +
|input notes      =
 +
|cutscenes        = Bink Video
 +
|cutscenes notes  =
 +
|multiplayer      = GameSpy, Steamworks
 +
|multiplayer notes=
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==System requirements==
 +
{{System requirements
 +
|OSfamily = Windows
 +
 
 +
|minOS    = 2000
 +
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium 4 1.2 GHz
 +
|minCPU2  = AMD Athlon 1.2 GHz
 +
|minRAM  = 256 MB
 +
|minHD    = 1.7 GB
 +
|minGPU  = Nvidia GeForce 2
 +
|minGPU2  = ATI Radeon 7500
 +
|minVRAM  = 64 MB
 +
|minDX    = 9.0c
 +
 
 +
|recOS    = XP
 +
|recCPU  = Intel Pentium 4 1.8 GHz
 +
|recCPU2  = AMD Athlon 1.8 GHz
 +
|recRAM  = 1 GB
 +
|recHD    = 3.8 GB
 +
|recGPU  =
 +
|recVRAM  = 128 MB
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{System requirements
 +
|OSfamily = OS X
 +
 
 +
|minOS    = 10.3.9
 +
|minCPU  = PowerPC G5 (970) 1.8 GHz
 +
|minCPU2  = Intel 2.0 GHz
 +
|minRAM  = 512 MB
 +
|minHD    = 3.5 GB
 +
|minGPU  = Nvidia GeForce FX 5200
 +
|minGPU2  = ATI Radeon 9600
 +
|minVRAM  = 64 MB
 +
|minother = Intel integrated video chipsets (GMA 950) are not supported.
 +
 
 +
|recOS    = 10.4.7 or later
 +
|recCPU  = PowerPC G5 (970FX or 970MP) 2.0 GHz
 +
|recCPU2  = Intel 2.0 GHz
 +
|recRAM  = 1 GB
 +
|recHD    =
 +
|recGPU  = Nvidia GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL
 +
|recGPU2  = ATI X800 XT Mac Edition
 +
|recVRAM  = 128 MB
 +
|recother = This game is not supported on volumes formatted as Mac OS X Extended (Case Sensitive).
 +
}}
  
−
[[Category:Game]]
+
{{References}}
−
[[Category:Windows]]
 

Latest revision as of 17:11, 19 April 2024

Sid Meier's Civilization IV
Sid Meier's Civilization IV cover
Developers
Firaxis Games
macOS (OS X) Aspyr Media
Publishers
2K Games
OS X Aspyr Media
Engines
Gamebryo
Release dates
Windows October 25, 2005
macOS (OS X) June 30, 2006
Reception
Metacritic 94
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase, Expansion pack
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Turn-based
Perspectives Bird's-eye view
Controls Point and select
Genres 4X, TBS
Themes Historical
Series Civilization
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Sid Meier's Civilization IV on HowLongToBeat
Sid Meier's Civilization IV on IGDB
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Sid Meier's Civilization IV guide on StrategyWiki
Sid Meier's Civilization IV on MobyGames
Sid Meier's Civilization IV on Wikipedia
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⤏ Go to series page
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

The macOS (OS X) version of this game does not work on macOS Catalina (version 10.15) or later due to the removal of support for 32-bit-only apps.
GameSpy online services have been shut down (see Network for solutions).

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

The game received two expansion packs: Warlords in July 2006, and Beyond the Sword in July 2007. Both expansions included a range of new units, mechanics, game modes and scenarios. Multiple patches were released for all versions.

In 2014, the Steam release was updated to replace the GameSpy multiplayer infrastructure with that of Steamworks and removed LAN, but it can be downgraded to the older version through a beta branch to re-enable compatibility with retail and GOG.com releases.

The game has no notable issues with running on modern systems as of March 2024.

General information

Official Downloads page (patches, SDK, etc.)
Official support knowledgebase
Civilization Wiki - A detailed wiki for all Civilization games and their spin offs
Civilization Fanatics' Civilization IV section
Civilization Fanatics' Civilization IV Forums
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)
 SafeDisc v4 DRM[Note 1]. Can be removed from Beyond the Sword and Colonization through patches. Released on 2 CDs or 1 DVD.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Retail
DRM-free
 Complete Edition.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
GamersGate
Icon overlay.png
 Complete Edition also available.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Gamesplanet logo.svg
Icon overlay.png
 Complete Edition also available.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
GOG.com
DRM-free
 Complete Edition. Includes Civilization IV: Colonization.
Windows
Green Man Gaming
Icon overlay.png
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Humble Store
Icon overlay.png
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Steam
Icon overlay.png
 Complete Edition also available. Default version uses Steamworks multiplayer, with a beta branch that restores the GameSpy/LAN version.[3] Windows and OS X builds appear separately in the library.
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Amazon.com (unavailable)
Icon overlay.png
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Games for Windows Marketplace (unavailable)
Icon overlay.png
 [4]
Windows
Mac App Store (unavailable)
Icon overlay.png
macOS (OS X)
SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later (see above for affected versions).
Civilization IV Steam key exchanging services was discontinued on June 4, 2017.[5]
Free demos are available from GameFront: base game (Windows), base game (OS X), Beyond the Sword "Final Frontier" scenario, Beyond the Sword "Charlemagne" scenario.

Monetization

Type Notes
Expansion pack Expansion packs include multiple civilizations, mechanics, and improvements.
One-time game purchase The game requires an upfront purchase to access.

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
Warlords
Windows
macOS (OS X)
Beyond the Sword
Windows
macOS (OS X)

Version differences

Retail versions

  • The Game of the Year Edition contains the base game, a digital manual disc, and a bonus DVD with a documentary on the making of Civilization IV and video previews for Warlords and Sid Meier's Railroads!.
  • Civilization IV: Gold contains the base game and Warlords. Released on 3 CDs.
  • Civilization IV: Complete contains the base game, Warlords, and Beyond the Sword, and was released before Colonization.
  • The similarly named Civilization IV: Complete Edition contains the base game, Warlords, Beyond the Sword, and Colonization on a single DVD. It contains an updated DirectX installer and contains no DRM. The individual games still require patches to the current version.

Steam version

The tutorial for the game is only available through the base game installation, and the Warlords expansion contains exclusive scenarios which are only available through its installation. All other gameplay contents and features are included in Beyond The Sword; if you do not need the base game tutorial and Warlords scenarios, you may uninstall them respectively. Colonization is a standalone game which does not overlap with Beyond The Sword.

Essential improvements

Patches

Detailed installation steps

A very thorough set of instructions on how to install Civilization IV and its expansions are available here.

Skip intro videos

Instructions[6]
  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Open CivilizationIV.ini.
  3. Change 'NoIntroMovie' from 0 to 1.

Game data

In-game general settings.
In-game general settings.
In-game gameplay settings.
In-game gameplay settings.

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Sid Meier's Civilization IV
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Warlords
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Beyond the Sword
macOS (OS X)
GOG.com %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Civ4
Steam %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Sid Meier's Civilization IV\
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/3900/pfx/[Note 2]

Save game data location

System Location
Windows %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Sid Meier's Civilization IV\Saves
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Warlords\Saves
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Beyond the Sword\Saves
macOS (OS X)
GOG.com %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Civ4\Saves
Steam %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Sid Meier's Civilization IV\Saves
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/3900/pfx/[Note 2]

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
GOG Galaxy
OneDrive
Requires enabling backup of the Documents folder in OneDrive on all computers.
Steam Cloud

Video

Video settings.
Video settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
 
Multi-monitor
 
 See the WSGF page for a fix.
Ultra-widescreen
 
4K Ultra HD
 
 UI does not scale with resolution and is extremely small in 4K.
Field of view (FOV)
Windowed
Borderless fullscreen windowed
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
Vertical sync (Vsync)
60 FPS and 120+ FPS
High dynamic range display (HDR)
See the glossary page for potential alternatives.

Input

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

Audio

Audio settings.
Audio settings.

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Music, Sound Effects, Speech, Ambience, Interface.
Surround sound
Up to 8.1.
Subtitles
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
EAX support
EAX 4.0.
Royalty free audio
Uses various licensed performances of works from Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart, and artists still under copyright.

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Retail only
Polish
Retail only
Russian
Retail only
Spanish

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
Local play
18 Hot seat
LAN play
18 Removed from Steam version after the Steamworks update.
Online play
18 The official GameSpy service has been shut down; Steam version has been updated with Steamworks support.
Steamworks version has a limit of 4 human players.
Large mods and multiplayer games across different countries have many de-synchronization issues. Using LAN play can alleviate this issue.
Asynchronous multiplayer
Play via email

Connection types

Type Native Notes
Matchmaking
Peer-to-peer
Dedicated
Self-hosting
Direct IP
Removed from the Steam version.[3] Install the beta to regain access.[7]

Ports

Protocol Port(s) and/or port range(s)
TCP 2033, 2056, 3783, 6500, 6667, 28900, 29900, 29001
UDP 2302-2400, 6500, 6515, 13139, 27900
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support status is unknown.

Issues fixed

DirectX issues

To ensure the original game and its expansions run properly, install the latest DirectX End-User Runtimes. This is not a problem with the Complete Edition, which installs the correct DirectX version automatically.

Failed Initializing Python

Caused by discontinued support for Python 2.3 in OS X Yosemite 10.10.
Copy Python 2.3 back into OS X[8]
  1. Download BTS YosemitePython Fix.7z.
  2. Copy the folders '2.3' and '2.5' to /Library/Python/. Enter your administrator password.
  3. Go to /System/Library/Frameworks/Python.framework/Versions/ and delete the aliases for '2.3' and '2.5' and copy in the '2.3' and '2.5' folders from the BTS Yosemite Python Fix.

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 9.0c
OpenGL
macOS/OS X only.
Shader Model support 3 [citation needed]
ExecutablePPC 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows
macOS (OS X)
32-bit only.[9] Colonization does not support PowerPC processors.

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Audio Miles Sound System
Interface Scaleform
Cutscenes Bink Video
Multiplayer GameSpy, Steamworks

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 2000 XP
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium 4 1.2 GHz
AMD Athlon 1.2 GHz		 Intel Pentium 4 1.8 GHz
AMD Athlon 1.8 GHz
System memory (RAM) 256 MB 1 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 1.7 GB 3.8 GB
Video card (GPU) Nvidia GeForce 2
ATI Radeon 7500
64 MB of VRAM
DirectX 9.0c compatible 		128 MB of VRAM
macOS (OS X)
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 10.3.9 10.4.7 or later
Processor (CPU) PowerPC G5 (970) 1.8 GHz
Intel 2.0 GHz		 PowerPC G5 (970FX or 970MP) 2.0 GHz
Intel 2.0 GHz
System memory (RAM) 512 MB 1 GB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 3.5 GB
Video card (GPU) Nvidia GeForce FX 5200
ATI Radeon 9600
64 MB of VRAM 		Nvidia GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL
ATI X800 XT Mac Edition
128 MB of VRAM
Other Intel integrated video chipsets (GMA 950) are not supported. This game is not supported on volumes formatted as Mac OS X Extended (Case Sensitive).


Notes

  1. ↑ SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows 10[1] 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.[2]
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:

References