Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 37
  2. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. Warlords adds even more to a game that started out great and only continues to be an excellent turn based strategy game.
  3. Prepare to get addicted all over again.
  4. A great example of what an expansion should be - fix problems with the original game, add a lot of features that makes the original game more interesting and sends you back to replay it even more, while also adding new and unique content that challenges you in different ways to the original game. Warlords executes all of this beautifully.
  5. Warlords isn't as huge an expansion pack as some of the previous Civilization titles have had, but it's the best balanced, most refined expansion pack a Civilization title has ever had, and it carries more than enough new content to justify the purchase price.
  6. Expands the Great People Points system of Civilization IV to the battlefield and adds vassalage, a new lopsided relationship between states. The new features are conservative and scarce but fit the whole perfectly. [Sept 2006]
  7. Warlords is just the kind of expansion that a game as open-ended and infinitely replayable as Civilization IV needs: one that adds enough new stuff, while also changing up the basics so thoroughly, that you might as well be playing a whole new game.
  8. In fact, the reason to get Warlords is for the scenarios. It's worth noting that there are already plenty of scenarios available for free, thanks to the generous modability Firaxis built into Civilization IV. [Oct. 2006, p.65]
  9. Civilization IV Warlords will please all but the most pacifistic of Civilization players.
  10. A great addition to an already phenomenal computer game. It makes one of the most addictive games on the market that much more engaging.
  11. The multiplayer definitely benefits the most but all in all, one of the best and most disturbingly addictive games ever has just upped the stakes once again.
  12. What feels missing are any additions to the late game modern units or buildings.
  13. Warlords adds six new civilizations and other enhancements to Civilization IV, but the cool new scenarios are the real treat in this expansion.
  14. If you already have Civilization IV and have played it to no end, you're probably interested in one question: Are the upgrades worth it? My response: The scenarios are what makes this worth it.
  15. An outstanding game due to it's updated graphics, the widely varied choices you can make, and the wholly engrossing nature of the gameplay.
  16. This expansion is as fun as its predecessor, and that’s saying a lot. All the new stuff fits in seamlessly with the existing game, and manages to incorporate new features with the old in a way that offers a change in scenery, but doesn’t distract from the original intent of the game.
  17. There's not a whole lot you couldn't live without if you stayed with the original and passed on the upgrade. However, those enhancements and fixes combined with the elaborate, well-researched and intriguing scenarios just manage to put this sub-product over the top.
  18. Pick it up if you’re a Civ-freak. You’ll love it. But if long, epic strategy games aren’t your thing, Warlords won’t change your mind.
  19. The reason it falls short of a fantastic expansion is that it does not influence the main single player game as much as I would have liked.
  20. 85
    Warlords does a great job of fleshing out some of the minor problems that persisted through the original, and also adds some exciting new features that does the series no harm. However, some gamers may not be happy with the lack of new content at hand, especially at its price.
  21. Manages to repeat Civ IV's trick of delivering something that's hugely playable and yet dares to be profound and intelligent. It's an invigorating complement to the original and adds some essential refinements. [Sept 2006, p.86]
  22. 84
    We're a little disappointed that there's not more going on in the modern era. Triremes, Great Walls, and Numidian Horsemen are all well and good, but once the game hits the Renaissance, you've pretty much run out of cool new toys.
  23. If you're sick of beating swords into ploughshares in plain-Jane Civ IV campaigns, Warlords is the cure. [Oct. 2006, p.72]
  24. It’s Civilization IV, only better. The inclusion of new nations, including the welcome return of the Zulu’s along with a general tweaks for the others adds to the overall strategy of the game.
  25. The real meat of the expansion though are the new scenarios which offer plenty of variety and interesting gameplay nuances. However they do tend to be rather tricky, even for experience players.
  26. Even when things get repetitive, there's something undeniably awesome about waging war on a grand scale. Warlords may not be the most multifaceted expansion pack ever made, but it is an exceedingly addictive one that adds new content and a new style of play to Civ IV.
  27. For Civ players, Warlords will be a great addition. [Sept. 2006, p.99]
  28. The main benefits are the intriguing single-player scenarios and the tweaks to make warfare a more feasible strategy.
  29. 80
    If you enjoyed your time with what was undoubtedly the best strategy game of 2005, but eventually moved on to other things, Warlords is enough to get you hooked all over again.
  30. If you like a challenging preconstructed scenario, some with historical overtones to them, you will find this expansion pack a great addition to a great game.
  31. 80
    The added scenarios, especially the alternate history ones are just icing on an already sweet, sweet cake.
  32. There's certainly enough here to keep you busy for months, and if anything, it's a great excuse to return to what is an undeniable classic.
  33. 80
    From the moment you begin playing both the open-ended campaign and individual scenarios, it's clear that Firaxis used this expansion to fine-tune and upgrade the game's Artificial Intelligence. A.I. opponents are noticeably more aggressive now, particularly towards the end of a game.
  34. Not so much an expansion - more six little intricate waterfalls of complexity that siphon hours of gameplay from the vast Civ reservoir. It's a success, but one that runs far deeper than some might like. [Oct 2006, p.62]
  35. A luxury item, unless you've already gorged yourself on Civ's online modes. [Sept 2006, p.98]
  36. 70
    People who play mostly single-player games and aren't interested in scenarios won't find much new stuff in Warlords. At the end of the day, the expansion pack brings some great new stuff to the table. We just wish Firaxis could have taken some chances and offered us more of it.
  37. In short, there's a lot of game here but none of it immediately demands you buy it, unless you just need a few new things to insert into Civ 4 to justify returning to it. In which case, hey - go do it. Civ 4's awesome.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Jun 4, 2011
    Another solid addition to the game series. Very good value for the money. Something we certainly can't say with the deluge of DLC these days. Highly recommended. Full Review »
  2. Aug 31, 2011
    There is not many updates in this "expansion pack", but it makes the game perfect. It became more realistic, more enjoyable and more addictive. Everyone should try it, it's worth it. It's recommended for everyone. Full Review »
  3. BalazsC
    Jul 7, 2008
    Excellent update for an awesome game. Just the right amount of new content in it.