There are plenty of hit 4X games that successfully scratch that strategy itch, from the galaxy-spanning Stellaris to the more historical setting of Civilization 7. But there's one title in particular that has consistently stood out against Civilization over the years: Old World. And if you haven't had a chance to dive into this strategy rich title, then there's no better time as a new update has just dropped.
One of the most standout 4X games, Old World arrived on Steam in 2022 and has released some great DLCs and updates over the years, keeping content and challenges fresh for new and old players alike. The latest update is no exception, introducing support for multiple victories and succession games, as well as custom map overlays, UI tweaks, and bug fixes.
In Old World, you manage exploring, expanding, exploiting, and exterminating over generations of rule, standing against rival monarchs in a bid to secure your dynasty. Unlike some of its rivals though, it has a particular focus on narrative; in this strategy game, family matters as you'll need to keep a close eye on your family ties, relationships, and position to ensure your legacy continues.
The latest update brings some changes to the rules of the game however. Support for multiple victories includes prompting players to either accept victory or try to pursue another victory condition should they achieve a double, points, or ambition victory. Choose carefully though, as players pursuing additional victories can still experience defeat if another player satisfies a victory condition.
For players involved in succession games with others, new support has been introduced in the 'send to player' button in the in-game menu, allowing those in single player mode to more easily share their save. So if you're planning on gathering a group together to tackle a single player save between you, it now couldn't be easier - just select a friend from the dropdown or enter their platform ID to send it their way.
Design changes have also been implemented, including for religious improvements, which may now be adjacent to improvements of different religions. The goal 'Declare War on Tribes Three Times' has been added to the recently released Wrath of Gods DLC. Plus, events can no longer end a war with a tribe that has a player ally.
A new custom map overlay has also been added as part of the UI tweaks, along with map pin UI improvements, the ability to lock map overlays with right click, and so much more more.
It's a huge update from Mohawk Games, so if you fancy reading more about it, you can check it out on the Steam page.
If tactical gameplay is your cup of tea, then you should read our guide on the best strategy games available. Or you can uncover some hidden gems by checking out our best indie games list.
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