Civilization V: Versions and DLC

This is a short overview of the purchasable versions of Civilization V and its downloadable content (DLC).

Up to date as of December 14th, 2013.

Versions

Civilization V was initially released in three different versions. A normal version, a digital deluxe edition, and one special edition (not as download, only in shops).

The normal version included only the game, whereas the digital deluxe edition came with the Babylon DLC, a digital artbook, and the in game soundtrack as another separate download (23 songs).

The special edition came with a CD for the game, a real artbook, two soundtrack CDs and five tin figures.

These versions, including the Game Of The Year versions (see below) are available for PC and Mac. Civilization V is also part of SteamPlay, so if a customer purchases the PC version, he will also be able to download the Mac version. However, if a user chooses to purchase the Mac version through SteamPlay, Aspyr (who develop the Mac version of Civilization V) receive none of the revenue.

All versions, no matter if digital or bought as DVD in a shop, are bound to the digital distribution platform Steam (Steam article on wikipedia).
The only exception is the the “Campaign edition”, which is a Mac version and only available via Apples AppStore. This edition lacks multiplayer support and does not support achievements.

Besides the several DLC packs (listed below), two addons, named “Gods & Kings” and “Brave New World” have been released (the former on June 19th/21st 2012, the latter July 9th, 2013). The addon “Gods & Kings” does only include Spain from the DLC content, and no other civs, scenarios or other things released as DLC.
All the DLC packs are compatible with Gods & Kings and Brave New World.
Scenarios have not been updated to include the respective addon rules though.

DLC

Several DLC packs have been released.
Every point in the following list is one DLC, even if more than one item is listed.

  • Mongolia civilization and related scenario (free DLC)
  • Babylon (1 civilization)
  • Double Civilization and Scenario Pack: Spain and Inca (2 civilizations, 1 scenario)
  • Cradle of Civilization: Asia (1 map)
  • Cradle of Civilization: Americas (1 map)
  • Cradle of Civilization: Mediterranean (1 map)
  • Cradle of Civilization: Mesopotamia (1 map)
  • Polynesia (1 civilization and 1 scenario)
  • Denmark (1 civilization and 1 scenario)
  • Explorer’s Map Pack (5 maps [Bering Strait, British Isles, Caribbean, Eastern United States, Japanese Mainland] and 5 map scripts [Amazon, Continents Plus, Great Plains, Pangaea Plus, Sandstorm])
  • Civilization and Scenario pack: Korea (1 civilization and 1 scenario)
  • Wonders Of The Ancient World (3 new wonders)

Some of the downloadable content can be purchased as combined packages, which are cheaper than buying them separately. These are:

  • Cradle Of Civilization DLC bundle (the four separate maps Asia, Americas, Mediterranean, Mesopotamia)
  • Denmark and Explorer’s Map Pack
  • Korea and Wonders Of The Ancient World

Some of the Cradle Of Civilization maps have been included as pre-release bonuses.

Game Of The Year Versions

Two Game Of The Year (GOTY) versions have been released yet.

The first one was only released in Europe and contained besides the game, the following DLC packs:

  • Official soundtrack
  • Babylon (1 civilization)
  • Double Civilization and Scenario Pack: Spain and Inca (2 civilizations, 1 scenario)
  • Cradle of Civilization: Asia (1 map)
  • Cradle of Civilization: Americas (1 map)
  • Cradle of Civilization: Mediterranean (1 map)
  • Cradle of Civilization: Mesopotamia (1 map)
  • Polynesia (1 civilization and 1 scenario)

The second GOTY contains more packs:

  • Official soundtrack
  • Babylon (1 civilization)
  • Double Civilization and Scenario Pack: Spain and Inca (2 civilizations, 1 scenario)
  • Cradle of Civilization: Asia (1 map)
  • Cradle of Civilization: Americas (1 map)
  • Cradle of Civilization: Mediterranean (1 map)
  • Cradle of Civilization: Mesopotamia (1 map)
  • Polynesia (1 civilization and 1 scenario)
  • Denmark (1 civilization and 1 scenario)
  • Explorer’s Map Pack (5 maps [Bering Strait, British Isles, Caribbean, Eastern United States, Japanese Mainland] and 5 map scripts [Amazon, Continents Plus, Great Plains, Pangaea Plus, Sandstorm])

Main discussion threads to the DLC packs:

DLC – miscellaneous questions

What happens with my DLC if i format my HDD, buy a new computer, etc.? Do I have to save it somewhere?
No, it’s not necessary to save the DLC. The DLC is bound to your Steam account, and will be automatically redownloaded after a new installation.

Does the DLC work in multiplayer?
It is possible to use the DLC civilizations in multiplayer, but only if all players own these civilizations.
The maps and mappacks cannot be used in multiplayer games.

Are DLC packs also available for Mac?
Yes, DLC can also be purchased for the Mac versions, but is not as soon available as for the PC. Patches are normally also delayed for the Mac version.

DLC packs are not available for the already mentioned steamless “Campaign edition”.
The addon “Gods & Kings” is available for Mac, for both the Steam and App store version. Please be aware that both versions are not compatible with each other. If you own the App store version you cannot buy the addon on Steam or vice versa.