Deal | This turn-based strategy icon is currently just 99 cents on Steam

Sid Meier's Civilization III is a true classic of turn-based strategy. Released back in 2001, the game lets players turn a small group of settlers into a mighty empire. The journey begins in 4000 BC, with the Complete Edition offering a total of 31 civilizations to choose from, including the Romans, Egyptians, Greeks and Germans. Where things go from there is entirely up to the player. Perhaps the small settlement will grow into a peaceful trading power – or a vast empire that simply conquers its neighbors.

To achieve this, players establish cities, explore new territories, research technologies and build trade relationships. And if peaceful negotiations with neighboring civilizations fail, there's always the option of sending in an army. Unlike in newer entries in the series, multiple units can occupy the same tile, allowing players to assemble enormous military forces. A newly researched technology can suddenly open up entirely new possibilities, while a seemingly peaceful neighbor might turn into a bitter enemy from one turn to the next. This unpredictability is a big part of what makes the game so engaging.

Civilization III Complete normally costs just under $5 on Steam, but it's currently 80% off until November 19, bringing the price down to just $0.99. According to SteamDB, this matches the game's previous all-time low, which was last reached during the Steam Autumn Sale.

Judging by the Steam reviews, the classic "just one more turn" effect still works just as well today as it did back then. Many players particularly praise Civilization III for its strategic depth, large-scale campaigns of conquest and high replay value. Some even consider the third installment the best game in the series to this day. However, the classic is also showing its age. The user interface feels rather outdated, the learning curve is steep and technical issues can arise on modern systems. Even so, 89% of more than 7,800 Steam reviews are positive. The game also holds up well on Metacritic, with a Metascore of 90 and a user score of 8.4.

Civilization III certainly isn't for players expecting modern graphics and plenty of quality-of-life features. Those who enjoy classic turn-based strategy, however, may still find plenty to love even 25 years after its release. The game is officially rated "Unsupported" on the Steam Deck, but according to ProtonDB, it is generally playable with a few adjustments.

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