Play Freeciv online — free, open source Plays great — but on Freeciv's own site, not embedded here
Guide updated July 2026 · Runs via Wine 1.7.55 (Win32) + WebAssembly · Requires your own copy
Freeciv is a free, open-source empire-building strategy game inspired by Civilization — and there is an excellent browser version, Freeciv-web, that needs no download at all.
We link to it rather than embedding it. We used to run Freeciv-web inside a frame on this page, but browsers block third-party storage inside frames, so the game could not create a session — instead of a single-player match you got a "please enter a name to join the game" prompt with no way forward. Opened directly it works properly, so that is where we send you.
Runs in your browser tab with WebAssembly + Wine — nothing is uploaded. Click the screen to capture input; press Esc to release the mouse.
How to start a single-player game
Open Freeciv-web, type any player name when prompted (creating an account is optional — it's only needed to save games), then press START in the toolbar. SETUP lets you change the ruleset, map size and number of AI opponents first.
What Freeciv is
Freeciv began in 1996 as an open-source take on Civilization and is still actively developed. You build cities, research technologies, negotiate or fight with AI nations, and try to win by conquest, space race or score. The web client runs the same rulesets as the desktop game, including a Civ2-style "Classic+" default.
Prefer something that plays right here?
If you want strategy without leaving this tab, Scorched Earth is a turn-based artillery game hosted here, and Hearts is a trick-taking card game with three AI opponents. Both start instantly.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I start a game on this page any more?
We removed the embed because it was broken. Browsers block third-party storage inside frames, so Freeciv-web couldn't create a session and showed a "please enter a name to join the game" prompt instead of starting a single-player match. On its own site it works correctly, so we link there.
Is Freeciv free?
Yes — it's open source under the GPL, and Freeciv-web is free to play in any modern browser with no account required. An account is only needed if you want to save games.
Do I need to download anything?
No. Freeciv-web runs entirely in the browser. The desktop version is a separate download if you prefer a native client.
How do I pick a nation or change the map?
Use SETUP before pressing START to choose the ruleset, map size, and how many AI players you face. NATION lets you pick your civilisation.