7 Best Gaming Laptops For Civilization 6 in 2023

So, your friend has been telling you about this awesome 4X strategy game, and now you want to get in on the action. Or perhaps your laptop is aging and simply cannot take the heat of gaming anymore.

This article will help you find a good laptop that can run Civilization 6 smoothly, suitable for your needs and budget. Not only that, we’ll also go over the main things you need to consider before making a purchase.

Your world domination begins by selecting the right gaming companion. 

So let’s explore. 

Minimum & Recommended System Requirements

Note

Minimum system requirements pre-defined by Firaxis Games might cause lag and stutters. Instead, we list the minimum and recommended system requirements for a satisfactory and decent game-playing experience, respectively.

As a bonus, picking something featuring our recommended specs will also make a good laptop for World of Warcraft and other more demanding games.

Top 7 Gaming Laptops for Civilization 6

And now, without further ado, let’s unveil our top picks for Civilization 6.

1. Cheapest Option: Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3

Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3

• CPU: 3.3GHz AMD Ryzen 5 6600H
• RAM: 8GB DDR5
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
• GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
• Battery: Up to 5 hours

$658.00

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If you’re interested in a laptop for Civ 6 only, then Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is a great choice. Super affordable, powerful, and durable, this laptop will surely last until 2050 (gamewise, of course, though you never know with Lenovo).

I like Lenovo’s budget laptops, because the brand always prioritizes performance. With a great Ryzen 5 and a dedicated RTX 3050, IdeaPad Gaming can pull respectable fps in most games. Since Civ 6 in itself is not a demanding title, Gaming 3 works like a charm.

And all those gorgeous settlements look amazing on a 15.6” panel. If you happen to also play shooting games, you’ll appreciate the high refresh rate as well.

IdeaPad sports a DDR5, which is the latest and fastest version of RAM. 8GB RAM is quite enough for Civilization 6, but I’d upgrade it to 16GB and future-proof your gaming laptop. It’ll also make the game much smoother.

The overall portability is ok, considering this is a budget gaming laptop. At 5 lbs, this is one of the lighter gaming machines, and 5 hours of juice isn’t bad at all, though it could have been a little higher.

I’m also a fan of Lenovo’s design. The chassis isn’t what you’d call typically gamer — it’s very elegant, sturdy and surprisingly durable.

Overall, if you don’t want to overspend but still like to get your money’s worth, Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is easily one of the best budget laptops for Civ 6 you can get.

2. Mid-Range from HP: HP Victus

HP Victus

• CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i5-12450H
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• Storage: 512GB SDD
• Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
• GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
• Battery: Up to 5 hours

$699.00

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Maybe you want a mid-range gaming laptop for Civilization 6 and similar titles. HP’s budget machine, Victus, fits the bill — with a polished design, strong CPU and RAM, and an elevated display.

Victus packs a strong i5 processor and a dedicated GPU. While the GTX 1650 is a low-tier graphics card, it is still a dedicated one. Coupled with ample RAM and 12th Gen. Intel processor, I was able to get pretty good performance with Civ, but the GPU will limit the output on more demanding AAA titles.

Design is one of Victus’ forte, and I don’t mean just the sleek, polished exterior. I happen to appreciate Victus’ screen a lot — similarly to ASUS TUF — because the elevated panel lets you completely focus on gameplay.

I also like the bottom deck. HP’s known for very compact yet functional keyboards and trackpads, and Victus — just like HP Spectre’s layout — is no different.

The overall portability is ok. I mean, 5 hours of battery life and 5 lbs of weight still give you relatively good mobility when you want to roam around, but Victus is no ASUS ROG or a MacBook.

Many people have noticed a screen wobble, and yes, it’s there. Luckily, I didn’t get the wobble all the time; it’s usually triggered by a bump on a desk, though not by typing.

Overall, for all you Civ 6 leaders who want a sleek laptop for their crusades, HP Victus is an amazing, polished choice — and an affordable one.

3. Best for Gaming & Streaming: ASUS ROG Strix G16

ASUS ROG Strix G16

• CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-13650HX
• RAM: 16GB DDR5
• Storage: 512GB SDD
• Display: 16-inch FHD (1920 x 1200)
• GPU: 8GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
• Battery: Up to 8 Hours

$1,247.64

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ROG Strix G16 is among the ultimate laptops for Civ 6. A gorgeous display, crazy-good internals, and beautiful gamer design make this beast one of my top picks.

Strix is among the few gaming laptops that come with a color-accurate display. Not only that, but the hi-res panel with great contrast and high refresh rate paints a clear, crispy and vivid picture of nations rising.

Under the hood, you’ll find the best of the best: Strix packs a 13th Gen. i7 and one of the latest NVIDIA’s GPUs. This combo handles the much more demanding titles with ease, so just imagine what it does with Civ 6.

And if you’re a gamer at heart, I’m sure you’ll love the sleek RGB design with ASUS’ logo.

Where Strix shines is the portability. With 8 hours of juice, it’s one of the longest-lasting gaming laptops on the market, bested only by the likes of ROG Zephyrus.

Granted, 5.5 lbs of weight isn’t the lightest out there, but I’d say it’s still pretty good for a 16” laptop.

However, because of all the power, Strix does get hot every now and then, so make sure to get a good cooling pad.

Still, that’s hardly a deal-breaker for me. I’d say — if you want to marvel at your Civ 6 laptop, get Strix. It’ll serve you a long time and let you enjoy many great titles.

4. Best Overall: Sager NP8875D

Sager NP8875D

• CPU: 2.2 Ghz Intel Core i9-13900HX
• RAM: 32GB DDR5
• Storage: 1TB SSD
• Display: 17.3-inch QHD (2560 x 1440)
• GPU: 8GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
• Battery: Up to 5 hours

$1,679.00

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If Strix G16 were the enticing Cleopatra among Civ 6 leaders, Sager would definitely have to be Abe Lincoln. Super-powerful, sleek and very reasonably-priced, this Clevo laptop is fit for 12 labors of Hercules.

Just look at the specs: you get the same GPU as Strix, but a much more powerful processor and more RAM. 13th Gen. i9 is the Deity-level of this list; it’s also great for heavy tasks like 3D modeling and video editing.

This power translates onto a beautiful 17.3” display with a whopping 240Hz. Seeing that it also follows a DCI-P3 protocol (cinema-grade), it’s one of the most color-accurate gaming displays on the market.

Sager is not a flashy gamer, but I actually like the polished, sturdy chassis with a yellow-lit keyboard. I’d easily take it to the office as I would show it off to fellow gamers.

In terms of portability, Sager is pretty much what you’d expect from a laptop this powerful. Similarly to HP Victus, 5 hours of battery life is still considered ok for a gaming beast.

Still, 6.17 lbs of weight is no walk in the park, but again — this is a 17.3” laptop.

For this price, Sager beats much more expensive laptops for numerous reasons. If you want to unlock many achievements and blast through Civilization 6, this laptop is well-worth considering.

5. Best for Students: Acer Nitro 5

Acer Nitro 5

• CPU: 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5-12500H
• RAM: 8GB DDR4
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
• GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
• Battery: Up to 6 Hours

$693.00

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Acer’s Nitro lineup has been one of the go-to budget gaming laptops for years now. Powerful performance, sturdy build and great cooling system make Nitro 5 a great pick for Civ 6.

For a very affordable price, Nitro packs pretty good specs: a 12th Gen. i5 and an RTX 3050 are an awesome combo, fit for much heavier tasks and games. This is no surprise: Acer’s been known to prioritize performance over everything else.

Plus, the large panel comes with a high refresh rate, and offers clear, precise visuals.

The concern here is the RAM. 8GB RAM is quite ok for general tasks, and enough for games like Civ 6, but if you’re also dabbling with heavier tasks — say, photo editing or hefty multitasking — I’d upgrade to 16GB.

I’m always pleasantly surprised with Nitro’s cooling system. Fans do a great job at keeping the machine cool throughout the usage.

Plus, Nitro’s signature-red keyboard feels great. Coupled with a spacious and responsive trackpad, it’s a joy to game on.

With 6 hours of battery life, Nitro 5 outranks some of the more expensive gaming laptops. It’s a pretty good number for a gaming laptop, but if you’re taking it to an office, bring a charger.

If you want a great bang for the buck, Nitro 5 might just be the thing. It’s a very versatile laptop for Civ 6, students, and young professionals. Just upgrade the RAM, and you’re golden.

Watch our Acer Nitro 5 Review

This YouTube review was created by the Not Just Laptops team. The specs may slightly differ from the laptop in the article.

6. Great Value for Civilization 6: ASUS TUF Gaming F15

ASUS TUF Gaming F15

• CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Core i5-11400H
• RAM: 8GB DDR4
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
• GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050
• Battery: Up to 5 hours

$779.80

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The second-cheapest laptop for Civ 6 on this list, ASUS TUF Gaming has a lot going for it. Awesome design, strong performance and hi-res display are just the most prominent.

TUF looks sleek and polished, and just by looking at it, most people would think that it’s much more expensive. Design-wise, it is a lot like HP Victus — only sturdier.

I love the backlight on this thing. Odd thing to say in light of more important specs, I know, but the keyboard feels awesome and it’s beautifully backlit.

TUF’s display is elevated and it gives you space to focus completely while forging new empires. The 15.6” panel with a 144Hz refresh rate brings life to visuals, and I enjoyed gaming on it.

Performance-wise, the specs are mid-path: an 11th Gen. i5 and an RTX 2050 bring a lot of firepower, though they’re no match for 30- and 40-series GPUs on this list and only slightly better than Victus’ GTX 1650. You’ll still run Civ 6 and other games effortlessly.

As with few other laptops, 8GB RAM is solid for Civilization, but I’d future-proof your investment and upgrade to 16GB.

Though the machine weighs 5 lbs, I have to say it fits easily into backpacks. Still, if you’re out and about, make sure to bring a charger, since I got around 5 hours of juice max.

If you want a sleek, modern gaming laptop for Civ 6, and pretty affordable one at that, TUF Gaming should be on your list.

7. Play at Max Settings: MSI Thin

MSI Thin

• CPU: 2GHz Intel Core i7-12650H
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
• GPU: 6GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
• Battery: Up to 7 hours

$845.00

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MSI Thin is among the biggest surprises on this list. Awesome performance, great portability, and a very reasonable price make this Civ 6 laptop one of the top choices.

Thin packs a 12th Gen. i7 and an RTX 4050, making it easily one of the most affordable laptops with a 40-series GPU. In my tests, the machine blasted through Civ 6 and AAA titles. Seriously, a champ.

I also like the MSI Thin’s display. I mean, sure, the bezels could have been thinner, but the contrast on this 15.6” panel is amazing. It’s a great display for entertainment and gaming.

What sets the MSI apart, beside the GPU, is its portability. At 4 lbs of weight and clocking in 7 hours of battery life, this is the most portable laptop on this list. It’s super rare to see a laptop like this bring such good mobility features.

Additionally, the MSI Thin’s cooling system is pretty good. Of course, it will revv up a bit with heavy tasks, but it’s nothing a cooling pad won’t solve.

I’m very particular to keyboards, so a flat keyboard like Thin’s doesn’t sit too well with me. This is a personal preference — you might like it just fine.

To some, the overall design may feel a little outdated, but honestly — I’d get it anytime for these specs and portability. MSI Thin is a great laptop for not only Civ 6, but many tasks, and will serve you a long time.

Buying Guide for Gaming Laptops for Civilization 6

Here are a few things to consider before buying a new laptop to play Civilization 6.

1. Get a Laptop With a Good CPU

Civilization 6 has been around for several years, and most new laptops have enough CPU power to run the game. Even a base Intel Core i3 processor or an AMD equivalent would be enough. But if your budget allows it, I’d recommend going for the mid-range Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5. After all, the more processing power, the better. 

2. A Dedicated GPU is Vital for Gaming

You probably already know this — a powerful graphics card is the most important thing for gaming. Civ 6 however, doesn’t require a high-end GPU, so even the integrated Intel Iris Xe could run it at lower graphics settings. 

But I’d personally recommend going for a mid-range gaming laptop with a discrete GPU. These days you could get great deals on laptops featuring 20 or even 30-series NVIDIA GPUs.

3. Get a High-Quality Display

Besides performance, a high-quality display means a better gaming experience. For my personal taste, a larger display is always better, so I recommend going for a 15″ or 17″ FHD display. A high refresh rate wouldn’t mean much for turn-based strategy games like Civ 6, but it would be great if you also play fast-paced games like CS:GO or Forza Horizon.

4. Don’t Forget About the RAM 

The makers of Civilization 6 recommend 8GB RAM, but these days 16GB RAM is the gold standard for most users. So for a more future-proof solution, get a laptop that packs at least 16 gigs of RAM or comes with an extra slot for upgrades.

5. Efficient Cooling System is Beneficial for Gaming

Gaming puts an excessive load on the hardware, so you want to make sure to get a laptop with an efficient cooling system. Civ 6 is unlikely to scorch your machine, but you still don’t want loud fans and high temperatures ruining your world domination plans.

6. Define Your Budget

Truth be told, pricing on gaming laptops can get a bit crazy. But luckily, Civilization 6 doesn’t require the highest specs to run smoothly. And yes, there are great budget-friendly gaming laptops for under $800 that can perform well with many older titles and less demanding new ones.  

7. Battery Life and Portability Are Always Worth Considering

Gaming drains the battery quickly, but if you want to use your laptops for other activities like browsing or work, getting a laptop with enough battery juice is essential. These days, 6-8 hours of battery life is considered standard, though power-hungry gaming laptops usually hover around 3-5 hours.

Last but not least, portability can be important if you travel a lot. Just note that gaming laptops are usually heavier and larger than regular laptops. They are usually somewhere around 5-6 pounds, though there are cases when they go as low as 3.5 lbs.

Keep these things in mind when buying a laptop for Civilization 6, and you should be able to find a nice gaming machine that combines the specs and pricing we mentioned above.

FAQs about Gaming Laptops for Civilization 6

Verdict

As you probably realized by now, there is no single best laptop to play Civilization 6. The right choice should go along with your specific budget, needs, and preferences. 

Luckily, you don’t need to splash your cash to get a decent-performing machine that can handle the game. However, since you probably won’t be using your new laptop only for playing Civ 6, investing in a more capable machine is worth considering. 

Still reluctant to make your pick? Here is a quick recap for you:

• If you’re looking for one of the best gaming machines, packed with the latest generations of hardware available, we recommend the Sager NP8875D. 
• As a more affordable option that can still handle the game at max settings, check out the MSI Thin. 
• If you are looking for a combo of power and durability for the lowest price, we can’t think of anything better than the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3.  

If you feel like you need more information before choosing the right option for you, our in-depth laptop buying guide might help. Finally, if our list of recommended laptops is above your budget, you might want to check out our favorite picks for under $700. And yes, those would handle games like Civilization 6 just fine.