The Nebula’s Civilization

Description

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Lost World.

A game where you can become a god and build a fantasy civilization.

Choi Sung-Woon, the number 1 player of the game, realized that everything he had been doing so far was nothing more than practice for the real thing.

Associated Names
One entry per line
Nebula’s Civilization (Official Webtoons Manhwa)
슬기로운 문명생활
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
One Planet for Everyone! Building Science and Technology Civilization at the Beginning (1)
The Evil God Beyond the Smartphone (1)
Way of Heaven (1)
The Demon King’s World Invasion (1)
Absolute Dweller (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Fantasy World/Aristocracy/European Ambience/Sword ...
  2. God/Creator
  3. Unmatched Adventure Gems 4.4+
  4. oops, i started a religion
  5. Shining Gems and Hidden Gems

Latest Release

Date Group Release
04/22/23 Wuxiaworld c5
04/22/23 Wuxiaworld c4
04/06/23 Wuxiaworld c3
04/06/23 Wuxiaworld c2
04/06/23 Wuxiaworld c1
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18 Reviews sorted by


Zxebunhe
Zxebunhe rated it
March 5, 2024
Status: c310
Now that it's nearing the end, I can safely say this is a 5 star for me. It's an atypical format and writing style for webnovels, with more focus on the ensemble cast rather than the protagonist himself, something I really like because of how well the author weaves everything together. Despite the protagonist literally being a god and the best player, there's none of that 'I'm the center of the world everybody loves/reveres me' shtick so many webnovel authors unfortunately love to pull. Every single character important enough to... more>> be named has their own distinct thoughts and opinions and personality, which is very impressive considering the pretty large cast.

All in all a very good read, maybe not for those who crave continuous action or instant gratification or the likes, but a read that won't leave you feeling frustrated or s*upid due to glaring plot holes or sudden nonsensical developments or repetitively endless plot points. Great translation as well, although there have been plenty of minor errors in the last twenty or so chapters. <<less
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fangyuan
fangyuan rated it
June 18, 2024
Status: Completed
Very different from other sandbox novels. I can say with confidence that this is the best.

MC is an intelligent god that excels even with power restrictions. In fact, he is not arrogant and is willing to cooperate with others, making him a likable character. To be honest, the other characters are also very likable, minor and major ones.

Story is consistent and the final two arcs are probably the best. Highly recommended!
10 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Kitsanapong315
Kitsanapong315
March 31, 2024
Status: c318
This is super underrated

The logic and story is nice

Very well-rounded politic and strategy genre I've ever read (Not that I've read that much of this genre)
7 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Ochads
Ochads rated it
March 23, 2024
Status: --
Highly recommended. Consistency and continuity of the story, character development, point of view of the MC and other characters. And the most enjoyable thing is that the ending didn't disappoint and actually made me want to read the continuation of the journey of MC and other constellations.
6 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
RedsBlue
RedsBlue rated it
December 29, 2023
Status: c114
the first arc of this book does not miss. It's heart felt in it's own way. You care.. You really end up caring and it suprises the hell out of you when that happens. It isn't simply a good civ which are hard to write in general it's a solid story. And in it's own nerdie way it has heart.

The problem is the second part of the book after the huge time skip. Instead of rebuilding our new next gen characters it does a really poor job. But it does... more>> do a good job of building the players out a bit better. Since we spend a lot of time in the POV of the new gen players not really fleshing them out as thinking beings just brings the story down. The's so much less kingdom building and civ improvement stuff so you get a bit bored. Overall though it's well excuted story but boy it could have been better if it didn't lose it's connection halfway into it. But I think of this book two different stories if that makes sense. And 1 part is nearly a 5 and other part is a solid 3ish. <<less
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kkgoh
kkgoh rated it
January 7, 2026
Status: c65
Boring.

The premise is about yet another avid Korean gamer (yawn) transmigrating into the game after being top ranked. He gets put into a competitive situation with other players as Gods/Avatars to lead various civilizations and unite the lands (which I'm assuming it means there's only 1 Victory Condition = War).

Some originality given that this novel was written in 2020. It might have been one of the earliest to adopt God-like, across-the-ages Civilization style management. The world building for these types of novels is pretty easy to copy from the plethora... more>> of 4x-Civ games out there (Civ6, Endless Legends, Warhammer, Heroes of Might & Magic). I think there's where lots of readers initially gave it high ratings.

Ultimately how well this genre of novels does depends ENTIRELY on the sub-characters the protagonist manages. E.g. A memorable secondary protagonist actively interacts with the God-like protagonist and makes you invested in their relationship.

And this where it's just utterly boring.

Imagine a random hero-like Conan appears in one of your Civ games. You treat it as just a game, and he's an expendable (but valuable) piece. This Conan suddenly has random traits and abilities added on, for no reason. These abilities just appear on his Status window, for no reason. He's suddenly smarter, more cunning than a STR-based warrior. So again, he just randomly powers up, for no reason. But he's a one-dimensional Conan. He has no distinct, interesting personality. That's who you (and readers) have to follow the entire game.

Even his subjects and enemies are one-dimensional caricatures. A greedy god/king. A ruthless violent god/king. A supposedly manipulative but ultimately clumsy tribal chiefs/god/king. All share the same characteristic. Being utterly s*upid in the face of the protagonist's simple machinations. His plots aren't even that clever!!

Other reviewers appear to have noted how boring the characters are as well.

It sucks even more because there are similar KR/CN/JP novels out there with much better characters. Blanking out on the names. Something about play-to-win mobile games which are directly connected to real alternate worlds. <<less
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Rudem7r57i
Rudem7r57i rated it
June 17, 2024
Status: c145
It's a novel that's very different from any I've ever read. I can say that I've been reading novels for over 10 years and this was a novel that positively surprised me.

I'm not going to give an explanation of what this novel is like because all the comments here already do that, I'm going to do it differently and say what bothered me about this novel.

At the beginning we are shown that everyone there is playing with their lives, which gives a dark tone to the story, but in the... more>> middle of the story this dark tone is lost, it doesn't seem like people are fighting but playing a game because they were just bored.

I also didn't like how human beings adapted so quickly to being Gods and completely disregarding the lives of others, they seem to feel that it's all just a game. They don't mind doing absolutely anything to achieve their goals, even though it is completely contrary to what a normal human being would find acceptable. This made me think they were chosen because they were psychopaths.

I feel weird abandoning this novel because I know it's very good and that it's hard to find other good novels after 10 years of reading novels, but I hated the fact that the story lost its dark tone I hated how a fight for life became a game played by bored children, I hated that all the players will escape after causing the death of hundreds of thousands of people in that world and in the end they will not suffer any kind of penalty.

I blame the author for showing us that the people in that world are not NPCs but beings with consciousness and personality, this made me hate how the players treated these beings. I would think it was acceptable if they did this because players believed it was the best way to stay alive, but it doesn't seem like they treat it like a game that dictates your life or death. <<less
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Stardust555
Stardust555 rated it
April 13, 2024
Status: Completed
One of my FAVORITE EMPIRE BUILDING NOVELS. It's a complete speedrun from the Bronze Age to modern times with magical realism too! Look, neither realism nor logic are the point here.

I MTL'd this because it was so good. It's exactly the kind of empire-building novel that is my weakness. It features a calculating and intelligent MC who is still moral and upright, a cast of intelligent and heroic characters, and a cast of silly but also intelligent and kind competitors for the MC.

Perhaps my favorite part of this is how... more>> much you grow to care about the side characters who are part of the MC's empire. Their stories are complex and interesting and the author never truly forgets characters, even after they've died.

General warnings:

Spoiler

Humans are not the dominant species in this, so beware if that turns you off. Violence but not much gore. Parasitism

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Premise:

MC is a human in a "normal" and "modern" world like Earth. There is a very popular game in which the characters play as Gods to a world in chaos. There are many ways to win the game, but in the end, there should be one religion. MC is the number one player of the game with the highest ranking. He's undefeated. After a game against the 2nd ranked player, MC and 31 players are transported into a dark space where an entity approaches them and tells them that they were selected as players of the game to go to the real world the game is based on. They will have the opportunity to play the game for real and be Gods to this world. The winner will then be able to have all their wishes fulfilled.

Spoiler

Except five of the 32 players decline and "evil gods" take their place.

[collapse]

  1. Is the MC Op? Yes and no. He is very observant and intelligent with a unique personality. Other than that, no.
    Spoiler

    MC does face several challenges, but he's the kind of person to have plans within plans so that he's always prepared. He's also fairly manipulative.

    [collapse]
  2. Is there romance?
    Spoiler

    No. None. MAYBE could be something with the 2nd ranked player but it's more like they understand each other. MC is highly logical and confident while 2nd is more fiery and spontaneous but still meticulous.

    [collapse]
  3. Is there more to this story than empire-building? Yes.
    Spoiler

    Questions about divinity, fate, old and new gods, exploitation, self-determinism, the danger of religion

    [collapse]
  4. Is this easy to MTL? Yes, very easy.
Final rating would be 4.5~/5 <<less
4 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Kittybob
Kittybob rated it
March 15, 2024
Status: c319
4.5 stars! An exceedingly unique novel that had a lot of interesting ideas, but had a weaker ending than I would have liked (but at least it has an ending at all!!)

The majority of the story is consistent and fun to follow, with one of the final player battles being the peak of the story for me.

However, towards the last 60 or so chapters, I felt like the author continually introduced too many new concepts and threats that weren't properly built up, so the conclusion wasn't entirely satisfying.

Still, this... more>> novel is so unique in its concept and was executed well enough that the positives definitely outweigh the negatives, especially considering how good the first 2/3 of the novel are. <<less
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qegos
qegos rated it
August 27, 2023
Status: c130
It's good but could have been even better.

It just feels like there is no planning and author's making up things on the fly. Other than that some questionable pacing sections are also there.

Though overall still an entertaining read if you can get past those.
4 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
whitepawn03
whitepawn03 rated it
March 14, 2024
Status: c318
Great world building, reasonable MC and cast of characters with character development and personality.

One of light novel that I read worth recommending and be remembered.
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
OmniscientJess
OmniscientJess rated it
November 5, 2025
Status: Completed
I love novels where MC has godly powers, and in this one he truly is like a god so it was right up my alley. Loved the characters and loved the ending. The MC is very smart and knowledgeable and always finds a way to win. Not to mention the character Lakrak who was the star of the show. An amazing character that I was always excited to see pop up in chapters.

Unfortunately, because this is a story about building a civilization, there had to be multiple time-skips to show... more>> the development of countries, but it also made the readers feel disconnected to the story sometimes as we miss the old characters. But really, this is from the MC's point of view who is a god so there has to been time-skips or the novel would never end.

Spoiler

In the ending arc though, luckily almost all the favorite characters are present to fight and have their moments to shine. And in the side stories Lakrak is involved which made me happy

[collapse]
<<less
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ONIZUKA
ONIZUKA rated it
July 5, 2025
Status: c332
Loved it. It has a fresh approach, might even be one of a kind. The whole story was engaging and never boring. I've always wanted to read a novel where the MC plays god, and this fulfilled that in a really interesting way. The side characters were great too. If you're looking for something different, you should definitely give this one a try.

I love it when the MC is both clever and calm in difficult situations. Doesn't panic and stays confident in his strategies. One of the best aspects was... more>> how he started preparing well in advance for fights that were still far off, even paying attention to the smallest details. It reminded me a bit of NGNL <<less
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SYNCrasy
SYNCrasy rated it
April 9, 2024
Status: Completed
Mind games. Thats it.

MC is the kind that doesn't fail unless purposely. This kind of trope might seems problematic since the arcs will be predictable yet even thought you know the MC will be winning the game, it's the process on how he achieve it that makes it a delight to read. It's quite logical and not just some sloppy plot armor shenanigans.

MC isn't the main focus since he is a just like a manager, but That isn't a caveat since the other characters doesnt have a personality of cardboard.... more>> One of the uncommon writing style amid the clichés.

If you think you found a plot hole, but turns out it's a plot twist. Great Detail but not to the point of overwhelming info dumping. Over all it's a Joy to read, reminds me of 31st Piece Turns the table with the premise of Gods playing with the fate of the world <<less
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Shaiole
Shaiole rated it
December 24, 2023
Status: c177
Something like a litrpg version of the bible.

It is fun to read but it's hard to get used to time skips. However it is totally part of the story coz it tells you stories of different generations, different protagonists. (Eg 80 years/ 200 years later~) The characters you get attached too gets poofed. They are gone or dead of old age. But it still fun to read but tedious at times.
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digitalword
digitalword rated it
April 4, 2026
Status: Completed
4-5/5 but I give it a 5

Not bad writing in term of civilization building. Also good writing at characters as a god where they didn't have their hands on everything and the fact that people didn't always love and revered them. I enjoy this one more than Game of World Tree.

I feel like the author probably has intensive gameplay in CIV and Age of wonder. The gameplay in the game is a mix of both with their flavor in. Starting, middle game, end game has a similar pacing of what... more>> author described in the story. Funnily enough, middle game in the CIV also like this so I don't really mind abruptly change of generation even if he write it a bit pooly (but it's not like he write first generation better. It is just that we saw their struggles and building from ground up, making time for reader to like them.)

I could follow the logic behind actions and there's not much of loose tie just to make a plot or unnecessary drama or make me too frustrated.

If you didn't put much thought into it. It is one of the nicest civilization building which deviate from usual 'magic let it happened' 'I have knowledge from modern world'

However, you could also feel that the author has a very limited understanding of how cultural and political work. Race is just there for the fantasy sake not that there's any intrigue development from humanity which is kind of a lost opportunity. But yeah, it is kind of an expected when the development is almost 1-1 from the game.

It's not a perfect story but good enough for simple enjoyment.

Below this is more of nitpick from me.

1. The MC isn't exactly smart, the author dumbdown other Characters so he feels smart. Or he just rolled the rng right in favor of him.

For example, why others has so limited action compared to our MC?

Spoiler

During start the game, no other players could lay a ground work like what MC do for unknown reason.

During middle game MC explained it as 'you guys try to put everything in your hand make it out of control in late game. Like... when? If they could play everything in their hand then MC wouldn't win during prophecy instigating no? (During first 3 opponent where he use units to make prophecy to make two race fight each other.)

[collapse]

I could tell author probably or hardly play actual competitive gameplay or maybe a little bit of harder mode in these game before. Because all of misplay from other players are what bots in CIV or AOW do. For example, Sudden war from failed negotiations. Bots do that because they has a set of number to do so not human.

Here is the actual experience if you ever play competitive.

Spoiler

Exchanging resources for instant gold is common. No permanent alies or enemies is also common.

The story spin the mid game alliance as if they can't talk to each other about their real resources because they fear of betrayal. This isn't true. Because throwing war at weaker one who is in the alliance while in the middle of the war isn't worth it.

There is an interesting play at sacrificing to make high tier unit but MC just win because NPCs dumb in actual war.

Ok, they maybe target a weak one after war but actual human who would think ahead won't make decision with these logical gap. And how they spins the pantheon afterward just make these fear even more weird.

Then the sudden input of 'betrayal build' which is also weird because, it is also common to betray in competitive play when you know that there's only one winner in the game until you formed true alliance. It is more of a mindset on author's side to think otherwise. If there is a betrayal build, it wouldn't be 'niche' like how the story trying to put it.

[collapse]

Everything just rolled into MC's hand you wouldn't feel a stake.

Spoiler

Especially after that Laklak converted to apostle. Even if he send a unit to a possible death den, he still got a unit he wanted.

[collapse]

Also the story try to put MC as top gamer but he really lack of what top gamer should have: 'logic'+'intuition'.

When MC gain apostles or domains, he would be like. 'No one knows how to gain this. I don't know how I gain this.'. It is a very common writing in these novel where author want to explained MC greatness because they just top players but they don't understand how top gamers can be top gamers.

A gap between 1st and 2nd players is unreal. Top players are metas setters not because they are playing metas that they become top.

Spoiler

Why wouldn't anyone trying to experimented on how to gain unique domain anyway? How magic domain gain in the story isn't that much of a complex objectives to do either.

[collapse]

'Top Players' in competitive gaming are Min-Maxers. They would make a spreadsheet in finding a hidden variable if they try something. In reality, if a game has been out for years. The MC's cluelessness actually contradicts his status as a pro.

2. Cultural and political development is a basic copy of what korean is and not exactly a good copy at that too since author doesn't understand how one history effects cultural development. I guess author doesn't understand why joseon can be joseon and developed that way either.

Spoiler

Considering lizardman as amphibians who is a hunter with constant war, heavily involvement with magic since ancient even to the point of exterminate a god. It is unlikely for them to develop a politics in korean way. The author suddenly want them to adhere to alchemist and it just become that way to boost an archivement that they can gain magic unlike other players.

There also a sudden hatred to horn in another generation which is weird. If their leader once the one with horn who push them for a better future. With world with heavy faith toward mythical. It doesn't make sense for them to suddenly be 'cursed one'.

[collapse]

However, in essence, I find how NPCs weird logic or leap of logic as 'how it is in game' than actual bad point of a weak story. (I probably blur it if not for the author wanted to spins it like they are actual person or something...)

Since, it is like story translated from a game. I don't mind the above point I made much.

Overall, it's not bad. Maybe it is because I love playing these games myself too. I also wanted to experience the game in this novel as well. <<less
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Sumam
Sumam rated it
February 18, 2026
Status: c1
This story is excellent, it's not just focused on the main character. All the characters have personalities, not the one-dimensional characters that are often found in web novels.

The engaging and plausible development of the story makes it very memorable. Now I'm worried I won't find another story that will satisfy me after reading this one😵‍💫😵‍💫😭
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Miercing
Miercing rated it
April 5, 2025
Status: Completed
This is masterpiece. Different than other kingdom-god building novel, this one gives a new perspective about this kind of genre.

Storytelling: 5/5

Character: 3.9/5

Could've been better

Pace: 4.5/5

Too fast, but still okay
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
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