If you’re a fan of 4X strategy games, it’s tough to argue against the Civilization series being the best of the best. Mark your calendars for February 11, as a new installment is set to arrive, allowing strategy enthusiasts to rewrite history: Sid Meier’s Civilization 7.
Civilization 7 brings a host of new features that dedicated fans will need to adapt to, including shifts in the game’s eras, victory scoring, combat mechanics, and the overall functioning of civilizations. With the release just around the corner, fans can start forming their expectations for the launch and the upcoming year.
A Revolution for the Civs
Over the years, players of Civilization have come to assume that a leader and their culture go hand in hand. For instance, if someone chooses Gandhi, they naturally expect to represent India; the same goes for George Washington with America or Dido with Carthage. However, this assumption doesn’t hold in Civilization 7.
Civilization 7 introduces a unique twist where leaders and nations are not permanently linked. Players will not be steering a single nation throughout the entire game. Just as Rome transformed into Italy, players pick a leader, and the nation they command evolves with each era. For example, Hatshepsut can lead the Maya in Antiquity, the Ming Dynasty during the Age of Exploration, and France in the Modern Age, all while never returning to her native Egypt.
This has opened the door for a wider range of leaders. Individuals who are undoubtedly among history’s greats, such as Harriet Tubman, Ibn Battuta, and Benjamin Franklin, who never held the title of head of state, can now be included in the leader lineup for Civilization 7.
The transformation of nations is rarely a seamless journey. For Italy to emerge, Rome had to meet its end. Transitioning from the ancient nation a player controlled to the one they will guide during the Age of Exploration inevitably involves facing a crisis at this pivotal moment. As this transition approaches, players are presented with various challenges that their civilization might encounter, foreshadowing their own version of Rome’s decline.
The new method brings two significant benefits compared to previous titles. Firstly, it provides a crucial opportunity for course correction at the beginning of each age, allowing players to refine or swap out strategies that may not have been effective in the early stages of the game. Secondly, it tackles the problem of civilizations having strengths tied to specific eras, which can limit their effectiveness throughout the game. Historically, a civilization’s unique combat unit has only been advantageous during a narrow timeframe.
Civilization 7 Combat Evolved
In Firaxis’ next game, combat continues until every order has been given. The new combat system introduces facing, enhancing realism with features like flanking and well-defined battle lines. Additionally, there are numerous visual improvements in this continuous combat system, such as distinct appearances for similar units from various nations, making it easier to navigate the intense battles it aims to support.
Winning military victories in Civ is no longer just about defeating all other players. Now, taking over and maintaining enemy cities is crucial for achieving the milestones necessary for a military win. Many of these milestones focus on expanding your empire, with captured cities carrying more significance than those you originally founded. This shift means that military strength is more about establishing yourself as a dominant superpower throughout history rather than simply being the last player left. This trend is also evident in the more intricate victory conditions for other strategies.
Expecting the Game Itself
Civilization 7 is generating a lot of buzz, especially with its release date set for February 11, 2025. Fans will be thrilled to know that it will be available on multiple platforms, marking a new chapter for the franchise. The game will also feature a continuation of its legacy of distinctive voice talent, with Gwendoline Christie stepping in to join the likes of Sean Bean and the late Leonard Nimoy. Christie is celebrated for her performances as Captain Phasma in Star Wars, Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones, and Larissa Weems in Wednesday.
Upon its release, players will enjoy a rich selection of leaders and nations, and considering Firaxis’ track record, this variety will likely increase as time goes on. Civ 6 offered a wealth of DLC leaders, gameplay expansions, and wonders, so it’s reasonable to anticipate that Civ 7 will provide similar content. Fans should stay tuned for more information regarding its post-launch strategy in the next few months. Furthermore, it’s expected that Steam Workshop content will start rolling out by late 2025, introducing additional wonders, leaders, and nations during the life of the new Sid Meier game.
Civilization 7 marks an exciting new chapter in the beloved 4X series. With its early 2025 release, players will soon discover whether this game will shine on its own or require additional content to navigate its era transitions.