As in all previous games of this series, you control one of eighteen unique civilizations. You can play as a single-player, or you can have a multiplayer game with friends. You can build your cities, explore the map, research technologies, build your country, and develop its culture. The game includes a sandbox mode, where you can build your cities in a random mode.

The game includes a map that is hexagonal, with eighteen different civilizations. The game also includes an empire mode, which allows you to play as one of the most powerful civilizations in the game.

You can use a lot of different units in your country, such as soldiers, soldiers, archers, archers, catapults, bombs, etc. You can also use special units, such as the ones that help you in your military battles.

You can develop your country in three different ways. You can improve the buildings in your city, the roads and railways, or you can improve the country's cultural achievements, such as Opera or Drama.