Sid Meier's Civilization VII is an upcoming 4X strategy simulation game and the latest addition to Sid Meier’s legendary Civilization series. Read on to learn how it plays, what it’s about, and everything else we know so far.

Sid Meier's Civilization VII Gameplay

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII isn’t just another 4X game; it’s the iconic title that defined the genre’s essential features and mechanics. Set on an expansive hexagonal grid, Civilization VII invites you to lead a civilization of your choice as an influential historical leader. By allocating resources wisely, strategically placing infrastructure, skillfully navigating trade and diplomacy, and deploying units with tactical precision, you’ll shape your civilization’s legacy and make a lasting impact on the course of history.

Civilization VII also brings bold new mechanics to the classic Civilization formula, setting itself apart from its predecessors in exciting ways. Staying true to Firaxis' "Rule of Thirds" design philosophy, the game retains a third of the series' traditional gameplay features, enhances another third by improving systems from the previous title, and dedicates the final third to introducing fresh, innovative elements.

Recommend the game to:
　⚫︎　People who’ve played the previous Civilization games
　⚫︎　People who enjoy 4X strategy games
　⚫︎　People who want immense customization in their strategy
　⚫︎　People who enjoy semi-realistic historical designs

Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern Ages

Civilization VII shakes up the series with one of its boldest changes yet, streamlining its timeline into three main eras: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. Gone are the intricate age-specific bonuses of past games, making way for a new approach where leader and civilization bonuses grow more powerful with each era passed.

This refined progression system offers players a more strategic, less RNG-driven way to develop their civilizations, adding depth while maintaining a dependable path forward.

Mixing and Matching Civs and Leaders

Civilization VII takes customization to new heights, letting players freely pair any leader with any civilization’s bonuses. No longer bound by tradition, leaders can now bring their unique skills to different civilizations, opening up countless strategic possibilities.

Civilizations themselves are now unlocked by age, with distinct options available as players advance. For example, Xerxes isn’t limited to Persia—he can start there in Antiquity and evolve into the Abbasid civilization in the Exploration Age.

Navigable Rivers, Independent Powers, and Influence

Civilization VII introduces three groundbreaking map features: Navigable Rivers, Independent Powers, and Influence.

Navigable Rivers are new tile types with unique yields, standing out from smaller, non-navigable rivers by allowing naval units to embark and travel along their courses, opening up fresh strategic movement and trade possibilities.

Barbarians and City-States now fall under Independent Powers, entities that players can persuade to join their empire through trade and diplomacy—or conquer outright to absorb their resources.

The third addition, Influence, is a new resource that certain structures and tiles generate. Influence fuels diplomatic interactions with other civilizations, providing a key advantage for those who excel in negotiation and alliances.

Sid Meier's Civilization VII Story

Sid Meier's Civilization VII Story Plot

In Civilization VII, Firaxis reshapes the classic 4X strategy by introducing a fresh narrative framework, the three-age system, which breaks human history into distinct periods. The story now revolves around navigating through these ages, making impactful decisions that define your civilization’s progression. You’ll face new historical "Crisis" moments that will add high-stakes events where every choice can dramatically shape your empire’s fate.

It is possible for global conflicts to erupt, fueled by the unpredictable actions of AI leaders. Wars break out, and unexpected alliances are forged, as players advance through the eras to create their own versions of history that will rival the legacies of real-world civilizations.

Sid Meier's Civilization VII Setting

In Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, players dive into a randomly generated world, a vast map divided into hundreds of hexagonal tiles, each offering unique patches of land and sea, diverse biomes, natural wonders, and the structures each civilization constructs to leave its mark.

Each civilization, depending on its leader and historical strengths, benefits from a starting map bias, positioning them closer to biomes that mirror their real-world origins. This strategic placement allows players to tap into their civilization’s historical technologies and cultural advantages, bringing new depth and authenticity to each playthrough.

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Aaron Bruce Albert..

A massive fan of roguelikes, turn-based RPGs, and open world adventure games. His gold standard games include The Binding of Isaac, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, and Dragon Quest Monsters Joker.