Sid Meier’s Civilization VI Is Free On Epic & It’s Blowing Up Strategy Charts in 2025

Epic Games has done it again. The Summer Sale is here, and the crown jewel of this week’s giveaway? Nothing less than Civilization VI, one of the best turn-based strategy games in history. As of 17 July 2025, fans and newcomers alike can grab it for the unbeatable price of exactly $0 on the Epic Games Store — but only for a limited time.

One of the biggest PC strategy games is now completely free

This unexpected yet welcome promotion (first reported by Eurogamer) has instantly triggered a spike in traffic, and yes, players are scrambling to make their claim. As part of the Epic Games Store’s ongoing Summer Sale, players can log in and add the game to their library permanently before the offer expires on 25 July 2025.

Civilization VI free download queries have surged as a result, and rightly so. Developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K, Civ 6 remains one of the most played modern strategy titles on PC and consoles since its launch. With its endlessly replayable gameplay loop, competitive multiplayer, and engaging single-player content, the game’s value only increases with time, and now it costs nothing.

You’ll play as historical leaders from real-world civilisations like Cleopatra, Gandhi, or Genghis Khan, building cities, expanding territory, researching tech, and engaging in diplomacy (or domination). If you’ve never tried turn-based strategy games before, this is undoubtedly one of the best to start with.

What’s included? The free version available on the Epic Games Store is the base game, but here’s a clever catch: it’s the ideal gateway drug. The game’s expansions and additional leader packs, which were previously sold separately, are now heavily discounted as part of the Summer Sale event. This includes Rise and Fall, Gathering Storm, and the New Frontier Pass — many of which receive rotating promotions, so don’t be surprised if Epic tries to upsell you once you fall deep into your first full campaign.

Epic’s Summer Sale also slashes dozens of major titles

If Civ 6 isn’t quite your preferred cup of tea, Epic has far more in store. Their Summer Sale is slashing prices across a wide range of genres. Though prices and titles vary, the discounts run deep — some AAA games are seeing up to 75% off during the event. From third-person RPGs to stylish new indie drops, there’s something for everyone.

Some notable mentions include recent hits like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, now going viral on social media for its surreal design and French fantasy aesthetic. While not free, the discount puts the game within reach for players curious about fresh, visually rich, story-driven adventures. And with support for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, the sale is relevant whether you prefer keyboard and mouse or DualSense haptics.

The wave of new content, combined with a revamped UI for the Epic Games Launcher this July, seems intended to refresh interest among seasoned PC gamers frustrated with digital storefront clutter. And it’s working, Epic’s traffic numbers are climbing higher thanks to bait like free strategy games and limited-time giveaways.

Make no mistake: this isn’t just generosity. It’s brilliant marketing. Epic continues using its massive wallet to compete with Steam, offering up polished gems like Civilization 6 for no cost to entice players into its ecosystem, hoping they stay (and spend).

For fans of Sid Meier’s legendary series or curious players hesitant to dive into strategy-heavy experiences, the current offer removes all risk. There’s literally no better price to pay than ‘free’. Add the game to your cart, download at your convenience, and enjoy one of the finest examples of strategy games PC history has to offer, whether you’re going for a Culture Victory or a full-on tank blitz.

Act quick though, once 25 July rolls around, that ‘Free’ button is gone… and then you’ll be stuck paying actual real-world money again. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.