Galactic Civilizations III is the definitive 4X space strategy game, coming exclusively to 64-bit PCs. Galactic Civilizations III stays true to the core mechanics while adding more depth and options for players to create their own immortal legacy as rulers of the galaxy.

Galactic Civilizations III puts players in charge of one of several fantastical sci-fi races (including 23rd-century humans) about to begin interstellar colonization. Spreading your empire throughout the galaxy, unlocking the secrets of creation through radical scientific research, and building massive fleets of starships to defend your way of life is only the beginning.

As the age of expansion ends and the age of war dawns, you must navigate the waves of conflict crashing through the galaxy. Diplomatic channels may secure your borders, cultural imperialism might expand them peacefully, or you could do things the old-fashioned way through military conquest. Finally, the age of transcendence brings the struggle for galactic dominance to a fever pitch as mighty empires bring titanic forces to bear in the race for final victory.

Custom faction creation allows players to choose from dozens of abilities, technology focuses, and starship styles. The Thalan Contingency and Iconian Refuge have joined the struggle for galactic dominance, bringing the roster of pre-made races up to full strength at eight factions. The new planetary invasion system puts tactics from orbital bombardment to tectonic destabilization in players’ hands. Many more features, from a new 3D diplomacy overview to the largest Excessive and Insane map sizes (you’ve been warned), are also available with today’s Beta 5 update.

Galactic Civilizations III is the next installment in one of the highest-rated strategy series of all time, created by the original developers at Stardock. Players expand their space empires across galaxies that range up to enormous maps only possible thanks to Galactic Civilizations III's 64-bit engine. Unique tech trees for each of the game's eight races and multiple victory conditions give a huge number of ways to play – not even counting custom races, ships, maps, and franchise-first online multiplayer.

Galactic Civilizations III Beta 5 carries through on Stardock’s promise to let players enjoy the game in whatever manner they see fit. New Game Pacing and Research Rate sliders can alter the progression of a game, minor factions offer new opportunities for friendship or conquest, Trade Resources are valuable in their own right as well as excellent diplomatic trade chips, and support for modding has been dramatically extended.

Galactic Civilizations III Beta 5 is available now via Steam Early Access.

Galactic Civilizations III gives players far more detail in the textures, models, and overall look of everything from the planets they colonize to the fleets they command. New interstellar terrain elements on the hex-based map like black holes and mysterious Precursor relics change the way players explore the galaxy. A completely overhauled ship builder puts nearly every element of starship design in players’ hands, while the new resource system creates fresh opportunities to explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate.

Key Features:

• Incomparable scale: 64-bit architecture allows players to experience unprecedented graphical fidelity and variety, an entirely new level of scale, and opens the door for modders to add a virtually unlimited amount of content to the game.
• Completely redesigned ship builder: An overhauled ship builder puts nearly every element of starship design in players’ hands.
• All-new map features: Interstellar terrain from black holes to enigmatic Precursor relics change the way players explore the map and build their economies.
• Greater political intrigue. The all-new diplomacy system tests players’ cultural, ideological and diplomatic skills as they pursue the many non-military routes to victory.
• Multiplayer: For the first time, Galactic Civilizations players will be able to compete against each other via the Internet.

Galactic Civilizations III is available now through Steam Early Access for $49.99