You can get 4X royalty Civilization 6 with both expansions for free right now

While Civilization 7 is still very much finding its feet, it's never been a better time to play its predecessor, Civilization 6. Indeed, that's a trend I've long believed in; as much as the fresh mechanics and changes of each sequel are exciting, every new entry in Sid Meier's iconic lineup of 4X games needs time, and expansions, to truly reach the pinnacle set by its precursor. Civ 6 has now attained that high bar, making a fair case to be the strongest in the series, and now you can snag it for nothing as this week's Epic Games Store free game.

This generous giveaway not only hands you Civilization 6, which remains the de facto champion on our list of the best 4X games, but also includes the full Platinum Edition, meaning you'll get both of its expansions along with six additional DLC packs. A rousing take on the history-spanning strategy format, Robert scored the original version a mighty 9/10 in our Civilization 6 review despite noting that it would take "a few balance patches and expansions before it achieves absolute perfection."

Those balance patches and expansions have now, of course, been and gone, and you'll get them all included here. Rise and Fall embraces the natural ebb and flow of nations with Golden Ages and Dark Ages, alongside a loyalty system that monitors how valued your leadership is by the cities and people you manage. Gathering Storm, meanwhile, focuses on climate change and environmental hazards; at times, it throws a frustrating spanner in your works, but in a way that's an undoubtedly compelling and strategy-warping inclusion.

Alongside this, the Platinum Edition includes six extra civilization and scenario packs, covering the Vikings, Poland, Austria, Persia, Macedon, Nubia, Khmer, and Indonesia. That covers most of the best Civ 6 DLC, and is more than enough to keep you busy for a long, long while; work your way through the full list of Civilization 6 Civs and you'll probably still be going by the time we reach game number eight.

Sid Meier's Civilization 6 Platinum Edition is free via the Epic Games Store between Thursday July 17 and Thursday July 24, and it's yours to keep once claimed. Head here to get it while the deal lasts.

If you fancy stepping a little further outside Sid Meier's wheelhouse, we've picked out the best games like Civilization to get you started. You might also want to consider upgrading to the best gaming monitor in 2025, just to make sure those maps are displayed in their full glory.

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