There are eight levels in Civilization V. Choose the level carefully as it will determine how easy or difficult your game will be. If you choose a level that is too easy, the game might not be enough of a challenge for you. On the other hand, choosing a level that is too hard can result in frustration as you get defeated by the enemy AI.
For your first games you should pick one of the easier levels, and once you are comfortable with the game you can advance to the higher levels. Consult the guide below and pick according to the level of challenge you want:
1- Settler: This is the easiest level. Choose this level if you are learning the game. Low starting power for AI opponents. Barbarians are almost passive, and you get lots of bonuses in happiness and maintenance costs, and great results from the Ancient Ruins.
2- Chieftain: Good level for beginners. Barbarian aggressiveness is very low, many happiness bonuses and low maintenance costs. Very good results from Ancient Ruins.
3- Warlord: Easy level. Barbarians are less aggressive and less smart. Bonuses in happiness and maintenance costs,
and better results from Ancient Ruins. It will be easy for you to grow your civilization.
4- Prince: Normal level. This is the medium, or "neutral" difficulty. Neither side gets any bonuses. Barbarians have the default aggressiveness level.
5- King: Here things start to heat up. You are at a slight disadvantage compared to the AI opponents, who receive small advantages to improve their play. Barbarians are slightly more aggressive.
6- Emperor: Very hard. AI players receive many advantages, leaving you at a big disadvantage. Barbarians are more aggressive.
7- Immortal: Extremely difficult. AIs receive increasing bonuses in city growth, production, and technology. They may also get additional starting units and free techs to boot.
8 - Deity: Only the best players in the world will beat this level! This is the hardest and most challenging level in the game. AI players receive huge bonuses in production, technology, and city growth. They also get a lot more starting units and a lot of free techs.
