Sid Meier's Civilization VI is a strategy game based on the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean basin. The player can control one of eighteen different civilizations, including the Romans, the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Chinese, the Indians, the Aztecs, the British, the French, and the Spanish. Each of them has a different history, culture, and unique architecture.

The game is based on a map of the world, where the land is divided into regions, such as Europe or the Middle East. Each region has a specific terrain type that affects the way you can build your cities and improve your economy. You can construct buildings, improve them, and use them to produce goods and services. The game also introduces a new type of building, called a "wonder". These are places of great importance, and you can discover them by exploring the map. You can also build a "mystical" building, which is a place of special importance, and which you can visit only when you are at the highest level.