Sid Meier's Civilization VI is a strategy game in which the player controls one of eighteen unique historical civilizations and builds and researches technologies in order to improve his civilization. In this game, each player can build one city in each of the eighteen available slots, and each city has its own population, economy, military, and other characteristics.

In addition to the cities, each player can explore the world map and build research labs, libraries, and other buildings.

As in previous games, the player can develop his country's culture by performing various tasks, such as researching technologies or building various types of units. However, in this game, each task is a little more difficult, as the map is much larger, and the terrain is much more varied. In order to successfully complete each task, the player must have a good understanding of the characteristics of his country and of the units available to him.

Sid Meier's Civilization VI introduces a new game mechanic that has not been seen in previous games of this series.