Play takes place from an overhead, tile-based perspective. Players found cities, improve surrounding terrain, produce military and civilian units, research technologies, trade resources, negotiate with rival civilizations, and fight for territory.

The campaign advances through successive historical eras. New technologies unlock units, improvements, wonders, governments, and strategic options. Victory can be pursued through military conquest, population and territorial dominance, or completing a spaceship project, while poor diplomacy, economic strain, or unmanaged corruption can weaken an otherwise successful empire.

Expand carefully rather than founding cities without regard for terrain. Prioritize food and production near the capital, then connect useful resources and luxury goods as roads and infrastructure become available.

Research should support the current plan: military technologies are vital during conflict, while trade, government, and infrastructure technologies strengthen a peaceful empire. Monitor rival attitudes, keep defensive units near vulnerable borders, and avoid allowing corruption to make distant cities unproductive.