The Epic Games Store’s latest weekly freebie is Stardock Entertainment’s Galactic Civilizations III. This is a sci-fi-themed, turn-based strategy game that takes players to space in the 23rd century and challenges them to explore the galaxy, research new technologies, and practice diplomacy in order to colonize new worlds. Players can design ships just like previous installments, but Galactic Civilizations III is unique in that it’s the first to introduce a multiplayer component, which allows players to wage war against one another online.
“What if one day, humans woke up to find that they weren’t alone in the galaxy?,” a game description reads. “They make their way into space and discover other alien civilizations with their own histories and motivations looking to make a name for themselves. Choose your race – Human, Drengin, Altarian, and so many more – and lead your civilization into a golden age in one of the largest 4X strategy games ever made!”
“Research new technology, design starships, and colonize new worlds as you face threats and conquer challenges from new and mysterious sources. Negotiate trade and treaties, wage wars, spy on your enemies, and promote outstanding citizens. And when you’ve finished that, play again as one of the many included alien civilizations each with its own history, technology tree, ship components, and more.”
Stardock Entertainment’s Galactic Civilizations III will be available for free on the Epic Games Store until January 28. Various expansions that introduce new stories, such as Mercenaries, Intrigue, and the recently released Retribution, are also available.