150 MB
Verified working 15 hours ago
Verified working 15 hours ago
Civilization III rebuilt for modern modders and platforms.
OpenCiv3 is a free strategy game released under Open Source (MIT). It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, needs about 150 MB of disk space, and requires no account, payment or trial. On a computer, the fastest route is the PlayBound Launcher. On a phone or tablet, use the official store or site instead.
One-click install
PlayBound fetches the official release — no third-party mirrors.
Install OpenCiv3 with the PlayBound launcher. The Windows zip from the C7-Game/OpenCiv3 GitHub releases runs standalone with placeholder art.
Windows
Launch OpenCiv3 and confirm it windowed. If you own Civilization III Complete, keep that install in a normal Steam or GOG folder so OpenCiv3 can detect original graphics.
This is an early remake. Read the GitHub readme for known gaps before judging it as a finished Civ III replacement.
Minimum
64-bit OS · dual-core CPU · 4 GB RAM · OpenGL 3.3 · ~200 MB (standalone)
Recommended
Civilization III Complete for original art · quad-core CPU · 8 GB RAM · modern GPU
No. OpenCiv3 runs standalone with placeholder art. A legal Civilization III Complete install is optional and unlocks original graphics when the remake finds it.
No. It is an actively developed remake. Core loops exist; presentation, completeness, and polish are still behind Civilization III itself.
The engine is an open-source remake. Original Civ III art is still Firaxis/2K property — only use it if you own a legal copy. Placeholder art needs no extra purchase.
Freeciv is a mature Civilization-inspired 4X with its own rulesets. OpenCiv3 specifically targets Civilization III’s design and assets. They scratch adjacent itches, not the same one.
Official Windows zips are published on the C7-Game/OpenCiv3 GitHub releases page. PlayBound installs that project, not a third-party fork.