Acken
Deity
Acken's Minimalistic Balance Mod (scroll down to Installation for official version)
NEW VERSION 8
Balance changes
Detailed list for v8:
Detailed list for v7:
Detailed list for v6:
Detailed list for v5:
Detailed list for v4:
Detailed list for v3:
Steam workshop has been updated and if you use the workshop your game will be updated automaticly.
You can find the .civ5mod version there (treat it as a .rar file):
Dropbox
Build 8 Stable stage

This mod rebalances many aspects of the game with a minimalistic approach. It will feel like the same game, with mechanics mostly untouched but with a lot of subtle changes that rebalance things and provide additional, usualy neglected, options. It also tries to streamline the gameplay and make the game more fun overall ! If you are looking for an overhaul with huge changes and a totally new experience then you should look into the Community Balance Patch mod which is a bigger mod with talentful modders (it's available on civfanatics). Minimalistic Balance is aimed for people wishing for some sort of unofficial balance patch and is therefore a lot of small changes rather than drastic ones.
The mod also works on the AI and improves it in multiple way. The AI is (a bit) smarter but also more opportunistic and agressive. Some of this was achieved by integrating some of the changes (mostly tactical AI) made by Delnar_Ersike's Artificial Unintelligence mod that you can find there.
Most of the changes are made with a singleplayer frame and this is probably the best way to enjoy the mod. If you're interested into playing multiplayer I suggest you look into the NQMod by Fruitstrike there.
This mod increases the difficulty of the game. The combination of nerfs, buffs, bug fixes, AI improvements and agressiveness will make your experience harder. If you are looking for a mod diminishing the difficulty this is not it. However, if some mechanics always frustrated you like the inefficiency of wide empires or early warmongering hate, you may really like this !
If the mod as a few follower I may organize some challenges similar to Deity/Immortal challenges.
The mod uses also a partial integration of Whoward's PickNMix DLL (and more to come as needed) that you can find there. A modification of the NQMapScript by HellBlazer is included in the mod, it is a very friendly pangea and continents script usually resulting in good starts for every players and gentle terrain. You can find the original version on the NQMod subreddit.
Big thanks to Whoward, Delnar_Ersike, Fruitstrike and HellBlazer for their work on their respective mods from which I took some parts.
The mod changes the following aspects of the game (detailed list below):
What to expect in the current version:
List of current changes:
Presentation video (1hour) detailing all changes (version 1):
Note that a couple changes in this video are outdated (rationalism mostly):
Link to video.
Let's play with the mod in action:
Link to video.
Byzantium v4 Acken's balance mod. Demigod difficulty Culture:
Link to video.
List: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6c7hZkRjew&index=1&list=PL5IXV43xjKWSgiNbvNkz2z_x1PrITTrQC
Installation:
Use the Workshop link.
or
Simply follow this link to dropbox and get the mod:
Dropbox Link
Click "No thanks" if asked to register. This should allow you to download a .rar file.
Find that file in your computer and put it in your:
"C:\Users\YourName\Documents\My Games\Sid Meier's Civilization 5\MODS"
Note that YourName should be your user name.
Then simply extract the file there using WinRar for example. If you don't have a MODS directory in "C:\Users\YourName\Documents\My Games\Sid Meier's Civilization 5" then simply create it.
Link to video.
Languages:
It is strongly suggested to play the game in English (you can change your language in game or with steam in the properties). Translations will come later on. Right now only German, French and Polish texts databases have been "implemented". You will see the changed texts in English if you play with these languages. Other language will see the old texts (but the effects will have changed).
If you play in another language than German, French, Polish or English please let me know and I'll try adding your language for the next version.
Finally I am looking for translators so if you want the texts to be in your language then simply send me a MP and I will send you the list of code you will have to translate (no coding knowledge required).
A partial japanese version has been made by one player.
Compatibility:
Enhanced User Interface should be 100% compatible.
It is suggested to use this mod as a standalone, with a minimum of other mods for the best experience. This is a mod designed for balancing the game while staying close to the original game after all !
However, simple XML/LUA mods like JFD should still be compatible with it (extra civs, extra units, buildings, UI stuff etc) but I cannot guarantee they'll fit in since they are likely balanced for the base game or may simply be unbalanced to begin with.
The mod is know to work with EUI, InfoAddict, QuickTurns.
Note that this mod changes the DLL so any mod also changing the DLL will not be compatible.
Troubleshooting:
If you map is generated with no luxury make sure you are not running any extra map script like NQMap or Communitas. If the problem persists try deleting the Map folder from the Misc directory in the mod and tell me of the problem.
If the mod doesn't appear in the game while the installation was made correctly try deleting C:\Users\YourName\Documents\My Games\Sid Meier's Civilization 5\cache\Civ5ModsDatabase.db
If the mod crashes, please try using only the mod first. If it crashes with other mods please make sure they are compatible first (see compatibility section).
If your late game turns are slower this is due to more computing done by the AI. There is a tradeoff between AI decisions and turn speed. Sadly not much can be done about it. Delnar_Ersike will probably keep optimising his code but it will remain slower. The fact that Civ5 is a single-thread game does not help.
If the game crashes when loading a game make sure you are using a save game compatible with the current version
If the game crashes after selecting the mod (stuck on updating data) make sure you're using the latest version 1.0.3.279
If a lot of mechanics do not work make sure you have the .dll file in your mods directory. If you did a manual install it's possible the extraction of the dll file was blocked by an antivirus. To solve this you will have to tell your AV to not block the file or you can simply use the workshop version.
Rights:
If you want to use all or part of the original content of this mod for your own published mod please mention it in your description and provide a link here.
Known Bugs:
All +culture from buildings doesn't show on the buildings but show in the city's culture details in the line "+X from policies".
When you select difficulty from the setup the choices are "old" difficulties (7. is still immortal and 8. deity) but when you have selected, it shows the "new" one on the screen.
There is currently a very rare crash in 2.1 involving great merchant escorts by the AI. It will be fixed in v3. Meanwhile you can use IGE to fix it by deleting the merchant and its escort that may cause the bug.
NEW VERSION FOR MAC AND LINUX ONLY (old stuck at v2 for now)
This version removes the DLL and changes policies. It's a bit rough as I don't spend as much time on it.
It can be used by windows user but I suggest the better balanced, with more features, normal version with DLL changes.
Dropbox Link for Mac and linux version:
Link
List of missing/different features for Mac and Linux users (compared to main mod changes):
NEW VERSION 8
Balance changes
Detailed list for v8:
Spoiler :
Detailed list for v7:
Spoiler :
Detailed list for v6:
Spoiler :
Detailed list for v5:
Spoiler :
Detailed list for v4:
Spoiler :
Detailed list for v3:
Spoiler :
Steam workshop has been updated and if you use the workshop your game will be updated automaticly.
You can find the .civ5mod version there (treat it as a .rar file):
Dropbox
Build 8 Stable stage

This mod rebalances many aspects of the game with a minimalistic approach. It will feel like the same game, with mechanics mostly untouched but with a lot of subtle changes that rebalance things and provide additional, usualy neglected, options. It also tries to streamline the gameplay and make the game more fun overall ! If you are looking for an overhaul with huge changes and a totally new experience then you should look into the Community Balance Patch mod which is a bigger mod with talentful modders (it's available on civfanatics). Minimalistic Balance is aimed for people wishing for some sort of unofficial balance patch and is therefore a lot of small changes rather than drastic ones.
The mod also works on the AI and improves it in multiple way. The AI is (a bit) smarter but also more opportunistic and agressive. Some of this was achieved by integrating some of the changes (mostly tactical AI) made by Delnar_Ersike's Artificial Unintelligence mod that you can find there.
Most of the changes are made with a singleplayer frame and this is probably the best way to enjoy the mod. If you're interested into playing multiplayer I suggest you look into the NQMod by Fruitstrike there.
This mod increases the difficulty of the game. The combination of nerfs, buffs, bug fixes, AI improvements and agressiveness will make your experience harder. If you are looking for a mod diminishing the difficulty this is not it. However, if some mechanics always frustrated you like the inefficiency of wide empires or early warmongering hate, you may really like this !
If the mod as a few follower I may organize some challenges similar to Deity/Immortal challenges.
The mod uses also a partial integration of Whoward's PickNMix DLL (and more to come as needed) that you can find there. A modification of the NQMapScript by HellBlazer is included in the mod, it is a very friendly pangea and continents script usually resulting in good starts for every players and gentle terrain. You can find the original version on the NQMod subreddit.
Big thanks to Whoward, Delnar_Ersike, Fruitstrike and HellBlazer for their work on their respective mods from which I took some parts.
The mod changes the following aspects of the game (detailed list below):
- AI. Through the (in progress) implementation of Artificial Unintelligence and some adjustments made by myself the AI should be once again a force to reckon with.
- Culture acquisition has been changed and you should have a bit more policies to play with throughout the game.
- Wide game is less punishing while still trying to maintain some efficiency of tall empires.
- Warfare is more volatile and melee units make a comeback ! Warring is rewarding, more diverse and will punish undefended territories.
- Policies have been revamped to improve balance between them. No longer feel obligated to play a boring 4 city Tradition into Secularism and explore more options to help you to victory.
- Religious beliefs have been rebalanced
- New difficulty level called DemiGod between Immortal and Deity
- The tech progression is now a lot smoother reducing the big jumps in the mid games. Games should take a bit longer to complete and make the Renaissance+ eras more interesting.
- Many more small changes (details below in video and spoiler tag).
What to expect in the current version:
- Deity is tough. Really. You may want to play one level below what you are used to to begin with and then try your old level.
- Bugs. Even though I have tried my best to find them there is bound to be a few of those. Note that I have already listed a couple in the detail list. Please report them.
- Imbalances. Don't expect the first version to be perfectly balanced ! There are some major changes in there and I have limited time for testing. Please report your experience. Note that civs changes will happen later on so yes I know Rome's Legion is overpowered.
- Stuff you'll disagree with. People don't really agree on what is or is not balanced in the original game so I don't expect players to agree with all changes. You must view this as my own vision of the game and what needed changes. Try it first and I hope you will have fun above all else
- A different game. Even though I have a minimalistic approach to this, not changing the mechanics deeply, the changes are numerous enough that you will have to adapt and some playstyle may become obsolete as a result.
List of current changes:
Spoiler :
Presentation video (1hour) detailing all changes (version 1):
Note that a couple changes in this video are outdated (rationalism mostly):
Link to video.
Let's play with the mod in action:
Link to video.
Byzantium v4 Acken's balance mod. Demigod difficulty Culture:
Link to video.
List: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6c7hZkRjew&index=1&list=PL5IXV43xjKWSgiNbvNkz2z_x1PrITTrQC
Installation:
Use the Workshop link.
or
Simply follow this link to dropbox and get the mod:
Dropbox Link
Click "No thanks" if asked to register. This should allow you to download a .rar file.
Find that file in your computer and put it in your:
"C:\Users\YourName\Documents\My Games\Sid Meier's Civilization 5\MODS"
Note that YourName should be your user name.
Then simply extract the file there using WinRar for example. If you don't have a MODS directory in "C:\Users\YourName\Documents\My Games\Sid Meier's Civilization 5" then simply create it.
Link to video.
Languages:
It is strongly suggested to play the game in English (you can change your language in game or with steam in the properties). Translations will come later on. Right now only German, French and Polish texts databases have been "implemented". You will see the changed texts in English if you play with these languages. Other language will see the old texts (but the effects will have changed).
If you play in another language than German, French, Polish or English please let me know and I'll try adding your language for the next version.
Finally I am looking for translators so if you want the texts to be in your language then simply send me a MP and I will send you the list of code you will have to translate (no coding knowledge required).
A partial japanese version has been made by one player.
Compatibility:
Enhanced User Interface should be 100% compatible.
It is suggested to use this mod as a standalone, with a minimum of other mods for the best experience. This is a mod designed for balancing the game while staying close to the original game after all !
However, simple XML/LUA mods like JFD should still be compatible with it (extra civs, extra units, buildings, UI stuff etc) but I cannot guarantee they'll fit in since they are likely balanced for the base game or may simply be unbalanced to begin with.
The mod is know to work with EUI, InfoAddict, QuickTurns.
Note that this mod changes the DLL so any mod also changing the DLL will not be compatible.
Troubleshooting:
If you map is generated with no luxury make sure you are not running any extra map script like NQMap or Communitas. If the problem persists try deleting the Map folder from the Misc directory in the mod and tell me of the problem.
If the mod doesn't appear in the game while the installation was made correctly try deleting C:\Users\YourName\Documents\My Games\Sid Meier's Civilization 5\cache\Civ5ModsDatabase.db
If the mod crashes, please try using only the mod first. If it crashes with other mods please make sure they are compatible first (see compatibility section).
If your late game turns are slower this is due to more computing done by the AI. There is a tradeoff between AI decisions and turn speed. Sadly not much can be done about it. Delnar_Ersike will probably keep optimising his code but it will remain slower. The fact that Civ5 is a single-thread game does not help.
If the game crashes when loading a game make sure you are using a save game compatible with the current version
If the game crashes after selecting the mod (stuck on updating data) make sure you're using the latest version 1.0.3.279
If a lot of mechanics do not work make sure you have the .dll file in your mods directory. If you did a manual install it's possible the extraction of the dll file was blocked by an antivirus. To solve this you will have to tell your AV to not block the file or you can simply use the workshop version.
Rights:
If you want to use all or part of the original content of this mod for your own published mod please mention it in your description and provide a link here.
Known Bugs:
All +culture from buildings doesn't show on the buildings but show in the city's culture details in the line "+X from policies".
When you select difficulty from the setup the choices are "old" difficulties (7. is still immortal and 8. deity) but when you have selected, it shows the "new" one on the screen.
There is currently a very rare crash in 2.1 involving great merchant escorts by the AI. It will be fixed in v3. Meanwhile you can use IGE to fix it by deleting the merchant and its escort that may cause the bug.
NEW VERSION FOR MAC AND LINUX ONLY (old stuck at v2 for now)
This version removes the DLL and changes policies. It's a bit rough as I don't spend as much time on it.
It can be used by windows user but I suggest the better balanced, with more features, normal version with DLL changes.
Dropbox Link for Mac and linux version:
Link
List of missing/different features for Mac and Linux users (compared to main mod changes):