Galactic Civilizations IV has 18 major factions to choose from, and several of these have already appeared in past games in the series. Although the races have a few similarities, certain key facets such as abilities, traits, and cultures lead to more variety. Here’s our Galactic Civilizations IV guide to help you with the major factions, civilizations, and races that you can choose during your campaign.

Note: We’ll have a Galactic Civilizations IV guides and features hub soon, so stay tuned.

 

Galactic Civilizations IV – Major factions and civilizations guide

Abilities – All 18 races in Galactic Civilizations IV start with one Colony Ship and one Survey Ship. However, there are perks related to the faction or its citizens that will make their playstyles fairly unique.

Ideology – The chosen perk here will affect how quickly a civilization will earn or unlock Ideologies in a campaign.

Biology – The biology of a race determines colonization opportunities and citizen growth. Here are some examples:

  • Carbon-based – Uses water and hydrocarbons as the basis of chemistry; requires food to grow.
  • Aquatic – Has unique Aquatic techs; can colonize Oceanic worlds with no penalties.
  • Silicon-based – Made from rocks or minerals; have no need for food; slow growth unless they have access to Promethion.
  • Synthetic – Robotic lifeforms that don’t require food; can operate in a variety of environments; can fabricate/manufacture its citizens.

Galactic Civilizations IV – Major factions breakdown

Civilization Traits

Next up are the traits for each major faction in Galactic Civilizations IV. Based on a limited number of points, you can assign an effect’s threshold from these options (i.e., from -2 to +2):

  • Clever – Research speed.
  • Productive – Manufacturing speed.
  • Influential – Spread of borders.
  • Explorers – Distance that ships can travel from your borders.
  • Veteran – XP gain for ships.
  • Courageous – Resistance to invasions.
  • Intimidation – Increased chance to use intimidation options during events or via diplomacy.
  • Rich – How quickly credits are gained.
  • Militant – Determines starting Control.
  • Likable – The attitude of other factions.
  • Fast – Distance that ships can travel each turn.
  • Brutal – Success of planetary invasions.
  • Deception – Increased chance to use deception options during events or via diplomacy.
  • Persuasive – Increased chance to use persuasion options during events or via diplomacy.

Custom civilizations

Although there are some fan-favorite major factions in Galactic Civilizations IV, you can still make your own. In fact, some races from the previous games do appear with their own leader image and background.

Simply click on the “Create Civilization” button and check the available picks. You may also click on the ellipsis buttons to open a selection list/drop-down list. From there, you can choose the race’s ideology, biology, traits, and abilities.

Galactic Civilizations IV is available via the Epic Games Store.