Sid Meier's Colonization: 2 Open Source Clones Compared
cc94 is an early-preview (v0.2.0) remake that runs directly on Colonization's original graphics files, playable in a browser or as a native Linux build, and includes a built-in map editor accessible via an in-game console for setting terrain biome, altitude, and features like rivers or roads. FreeCol is a mature, actively developed GPL project that needs no original assets at all — it ships its own free content — and rather than aiming to be a strict byte-for-byte clone, it adds an isometric map and built-in multiplayer while intending to keep the core rules identical to the original.
Comparison table
Availability
- Status
- Playable
- Platforms
- Windows, OSX, Linux
- Play in browser
- No
- Mobile
- No
Project health
- Development status
- Active
- Last updated
- 1d ago
- Stars
- 711
- Contributors
- 86
- License
- GPL-2.0
Compatibility
- Requires original assets
- NoAll content is original free/open source; no original game assets required.
Availability
- Status
- Unplayable
- Platforms
- Web
- Play in browser
- Mobile
- No
Project health
- Development status
- Halted
- Last updated
- 9y ago
- Stars
- 22
- Contributors
- 6
- License
- AGPL-3.0
Compatibility
- Requires original assets
- YesA copy of Colonization is required to play, as it uses original graphics files.
| Title | FreeCol | cc94 |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Playable | Unplayable |
| Platforms | Windows, OSX, Linux | Web |
| Play in browser | No | |
| Mobile | No | No |
| Project health | ||
| Development status | Active | Halted |
| Last updated | 1d ago | 9y ago |
| Stars | 711 | 22 |
| Contributors | 86 | 6 |
| License | GPL-2.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Compatibility | ||
| Requires original assets | NoAll content is original free/open source; no original game assets required. | YesA copy of Colonization is required to play, as it uses original graphics files. |
| Preview | | |
Frequently asked questions
Are the Sid Meier's Colonization clones on this page open source?
Yes — every clone catalogued here is an open-source project. Availability, license, and development-status details for each one are listed in the comparison table above.
What license do these Sid Meier's Colonization clones use?
FreeCol (GPL-2.0); cc94 (AGPL-3.0).
Do I need to own the original Sid Meier's Colonization to play these clones?
FreeCol runs standalone, no original files needed; cc94 requires original game assets to play.
Can I play any of these Sid Meier's Colonization clones directly in a browser?
Yes — cc94 has a browser-playable build linked in the comparison table above, no install required.
Which Sid Meier's Colonization clone is the most actively maintained?
FreeCol is currently under active development, based on recent commit activity. See the "Development status" row above for every clone's current status.
See the full write-up for each clone, or go back to Sid Meier's Colonization.