Sid Meier's Civilization V is a turn-based strategy game in which players lead a civilization from the ancient era through the future. Players found cities, research technologies, build improvements, train military units, and engage in diplomacy with AI or human opponents. Victory can be achieved through domination, science, culture, diplomacy, or by having the highest score when time runs out. The game features a hex-based tile system, city-states as minor factions, and ranged combat that prevents unit stacking on a single tile.