Download & Installation

Download & Installation for Sid Meier's Civilization VI

Overview

Sid Meier's Civilization VI is available on multiple platforms including PC (Windows, Mac, Linux), consoles (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch), and mobile devices (iOS and Android). This guide covers official download sources, step-by-step installation for each platform, system requirements, account prerequisites, common errors, and post-installation verification.

---

System Requirements

PC (Windows)

Mac

Linux

Console (PlayStation / Xbox / Switch)

• Storage: ~10 GB (varies by platform and DLC)


• Internet: Required for online multiplayer and some features. The base game can be played offline after initial installation.


• Account: PlayStation Network (PS4/PS5), Xbox Live (Xbox), Nintendo Account (Switch).




Mobile (iOS / Android)



• iOS: iPad with iOS 12.0 or later, 4 GB RAM recommended, ~5 GB free space. (Not supported on iPhone.)


• Android: Tablet with 4 GB RAM, Android 8.0 or later, GPU: Adreno 530 / Mali-G71 / equivalent, ~5 GB free space.


---



Official Download Sources





PC



• Steam: [store.steampowered.com](https://store.steampowered.com)


• Epic Games Store: [store.epicgames.com](https://store.epicgames.com)


• Windows Store (also via Xbox Game Pass for PC): [Microsoft Store](https://www.microsoft.com/store)


• Mac App Store (for macOS): [App Store](https://apps.apple.com)


• Linux: Via Steam (Proton enabled by default)




Consoles



• PlayStation 4 / PlayStation 5: PlayStation Store


• Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S: Microsoft Store (Xbox)


• Nintendo Switch: Nintendo eShop




Mobile



• iOS: App Store (iPad only)


• Android: Google Play Store (tablets only)

---

Step-by-Step Installation

PC – Steam

1. Create or log in to your Steam account using the Steam client or website.
2. Open the Steam client and go to the Store tab.
3. Search for "Sid Meier's Civilization VI" and select the game.
4. Click Add to Cart and complete purchase (or click Install if already owned).
5. Navigate to your Library and find Civilization VI in your list.
6. Click Install – choose the installation directory (default is `C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\`).
7. Launch the game from your Library after installation completes.

PC – Epic Games Store

1. Download and install the Epic Games Launcher from [epicgames.com](https://www.epicgames.com).
2. Log in or create an Epic Games account.
3. Go to the Store tab and search for Civilization VI.
4. Click Get (or Buy if not free) and complete the transaction.
5. The game will appear in your Library. Click Install and choose a folder.
6. After installation, click Launch.

PC – Windows Store / Xbox Game Pass

1. Open the Microsoft Store app or Xbox app (if subscribed to Game Pass).
2. Search for "Civilization VI" and select the game.
3. Click Install (or Get – if you own a license or have Game Pass).
4. Installation will begin automatically to your default drive (can be changed in Windows Settings > Storage).
5. Once done, click Play from the Microsoft Store or Xbox app.

PlayStation 4 / PlayStation 5

1. Ensure your console is connected to the internet and you are signed in to PlayStation Network.
2. Go to the PlayStation Store from the home screen.
3. Search for "Civilization VI".
4. Select the game and the edition you want (Standard, Digital Deluxe, or Platinum Edition).
5. Click Download (or Purchase first if not already owned).
6. The game will download and install automatically. Monitor progress from the Downloads section.
7. Once finished, the game icon will appear on your home screen – launch it.

Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S

1. Sign in to your Xbox Live account.
2. Open the Microsoft Store (or the Game Pass app if applicable).
3. Search for "Civilization VI".
4. Select the desired edition and click Install (or Get if using Game Pass).
5. The game will download to your console. You can monitor progress in My games & apps > Manage > Queue.
6. After installation, launch from the home screen or My games & apps.

Nintendo Switch

1. Connect your Switch to the internet and sign in to your Nintendo Account.
2. Open the Nintendo eShop from the home menu.
3. Search for "Civilization VI".
4. Choose the edition (Standard, Platinum, etc.) and select Proceed to Purchase (or Download if already bought).
5. Enter your payment details if required and confirm.
6. The game will download automatically. You can see progress on the home screen.
7. Once fully downloaded, the game icon will display normally – tap to launch.

iOS (iPad)

1. Open the App Store on your iPad.
2. Search for "Civilization VI".
3. Tap the Get button next to the game (price will appear; may require Touch ID/Face ID).
4. Wait for the download to complete. The app icon will appear on your home screen.
5. Tap the icon to launch. Ensure your iPad meets the minimum specs (see requirements above).

Android (Tablets)

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android tablet.
2. Search for "Civilization VI".
3. Tap Install (if free or after purchasing).
4. Accept permissions if prompted.
5. Wait for the download and installation. Launch from the Play Store or app drawer.

---

Account Requirements

---

First Launch Setup

1. Language Selection: On first launch, the game may prompt you to choose a language. This can be changed later in Options > Interface > Language.
2. Graphics Options: PC users can adjust resolution, quality preset, and other settings. Console/mobile users typically have auto-detection.
3. Account Linking (PC/Console): Some platforms (e.g., Steam) may link to a 2K account for cloud saves and cross-progression (only between Steam versions, not across platforms).
4. Tutorial: The game offers an interactive tutorial. It's recommended for new players.
5. Mods (PC): If you intend to use mods, subscribe via Steam Workshop or manually install from reputable sites. Enable mods from the main menu > Additional Content.
6. Online Multiplayer: You may be asked to create a 2K account or sign in to enable multiplayer features.

---

Common Installation Errors and Fixes

Error: "Missing MSVC Runtime" (PC)

• Fix: Install the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable from [Microsoft's official site](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/the-latest-supported-visual-c-downloads). Restart your PC and relaunch the game.




Error: "Insufficient Disk Space"



• Fix: Free up at least 15 GB (more with DLC). Check your installation drive. Delete temporary files or move other games to external storage.




Error: "Game fails to launch / black screen on startup" (PC)



• Fix:

1. Update your graphics drivers.
2. Disable overlays (Steam overlay, Discord overlay).
3. Verify game files (see Post-Installation Verification below).
4. Run the game as administrator (right-click exe > Properties > Compatibility).



Error: "DirectX Error"



• Fix: Reinstall DirectX. In Windows, run `dxdiag` to check version. Install the DirectX End-User Runtimes from Microsoft.




Error: "Unable to connect to server for authentication" (Console/Mobile)



• Fix: Check your internet connection. Restart the console/device. Ensure your accounts (PSN, Xbox Live, Nintendo Account) are signed in properly.




Error: "Download stuck at 99%" (Steam/Epic)



• Fix: Pause and resume the download. If that fails, restart the launcher. Verify game files.




Error: "The game is not compatible with your device" (Mobile)



• Fix: Ensure your device is on the supported list (iPad only for iOS; Android tablets with 4GB RAM minimum). Check OS version updates.


---



Post-Installation Verification





PC – Steam


1. In your Steam Library, right-click Sid Meier's Civilization VI.
2. Select Properties > Local Files.
3. Click Verify integrity of game files. Steam will check and repair any corrupted files.



PC – Epic Games Store


1. Open Epic Games Launcher, go to Library.
2. Click the three dots (…) under Civilization VI and select Verify. The launcher will scan and fix issues.



PC – Windows Store / Xbox App


1. Open the Xbox app or Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
2. Find Civilization VI, select Advanced options.
3. Scroll down to Reset and click Repair or Reset (reset will not delete saves but may require reconfiguring settings).



PlayStation


1. From the home screen, highlight Civilization VI and press the Options button.
2. Select Check for Update to ensure the latest version is installed.
3. If you experience issues, go to Settings > Storage > System Storage > Applications > Civilization VI, then choose Delete and reinstall (saves are stored separately).



Xbox


1. Press the Xbox button to open the guide, go to My games & apps > See all > Games.
2. Highlight Civilization VI, press the Menu button and select Manage game and add-ons.
3. Under File info, you can check for updates. For repair, you can uninstall and reinstall.



Nintendo Switch


1. From the home menu, highlight the game, press the + button.
2. Select Software Update > Via the Internet to check for updates.
3. If bugs occur, archive the game (Settings > Data Management > Archive Software) and redownload.



Mobile (iOS/Android)



• The App Store/Google Play Store automatically verifies installation. To check for updates, go to the store, search for Civilization VI, and see if an Update button appears.


• If the app crashes, try uninstalling and reinstalling (back up saves via cloud after linking your account).


---



Additional Tips



• Cross-Platform Saves: Not supported between different platforms. However, Xbox and Windows Store (Microsoft Store) versions share saves via Xbox Play Anywhere.


• DLC and Add-ons: Purchase DLC from the same store as the base game. Steam Workshop mods are only compatible with the Steam version.


• Backup Saves: On PC, save files are located at `Documents\My Games\Sid Meier's Civilization VI\Saves` (Windows) – back them up regularly.


• Performance: If the game runs slowly on PC, lower graphics settings or disable fog of war animations. Mobile devices may benefit from closing background apps.

This guide covers all major legitimate platforms. Always download from official storefronts to avoid malware and ensure updates.