Every now and then, a truly exceptional game will be completely free to keep, for a limited time, on services likeSteamand Amazon Prime Gaming. Indeed, it is easy now to curate an entire library of some of the best games ever made, completely for free, so long as you get in quick enough. Fortunately, for the most part, these games are made free for at least a few weeks, giving you time to set up the necessary accounts and nab them.

Some of thebest free Steam gamesand games made available through Epic Games or Amazon Prime Gaming can become your next big obsession. Case in point isa game that has been made completely free for a handful of weeks, which is guaranteed to give you dozens, if not hundreds, of hours of entertainment. It comes from a truly legendary series and is often regarded as one of the best games within it, as well as one of the best games of its genre.

A map of numerous cities in Civilization 3.

It’s Nearly 25 Years Old, But You Should Absolutely Play Civ 3

It Still Holds Up Today

Sid Meier’s Civilization IIIis one of thebest strategy games ever madeand a nostalgic insight into how the series blossomed into the incredibly intricate and engrossing experience it is today. While not as fancy as its future counterparts,Civilization 3offers the formula fans are familiar with while dropping a lot of the bloat and complicated mechanics the later entries are known for. Its simplicity, while a drawback for some, is one of its greatest strengths, and what earned it a 90 onMetacritic.

Indeed, if you’re sick ofCivilization 7’smost hated features, then you’ll thoroughly enjoyCivilization 3.It contains all the core mechanics that have gone on to become the foundation for the series as a whole- it even introduced many of them - so you’ll be getting theCivilizationexperience you know and love. However, its quicker and slightly easier games make it a more gripping and less overwhelming game, especially for newcomers to the genre.

The player attacking a city in Civilization 3.

There’s No Reason Not To Play While It’s Free

It Is Worth A Try, Especially For Fans

Alternatively, if you’d rather own it throughSteam, it is currently reduced to just US$0.99, which is 80% off. Either way, it is absolutely worth picking up and giving a whirl, if only for a few turns. I guarantee you that that handful of turns will quickly become a several-hour-long session, and you’ll be glad you grabbed it. Whether you get it throughSteamor Amazon Prime Gaming,Civilization 3is a great game that’s worth getting for free or, frankly, at full price.

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