Civilization 7 gameplay will break huge traditions to become more dynamic than ever

As a seasoned strategy game enthusiast with over two decades of Civilization under my belt, I must say that the announcement of Civilization 7 has sent shivers down my gaming spine. The prospect of a new age in this legendary franchise is exhilarating, and the changes they’ve announced are nothing short of groundbreaking.


Each new addition to a series requires innovation, and Civilization 7 isn’t hesitant to deviate from established patterns for the sake of progress. While Civilization 6 did bring changes compared to Civilization 5, not all of these alterations have been universally accepted, but this time around, there are significant adjustments being made that could make the game feel more dynamic and engaging than ever before.

Instead of merely being a visually enhanced version with new civilizations and leaders, Civilization 7 is set to undergo significant gameplay changes. Despite these alterations, the fundamental essence of Sid Meier’s Civilization remains robust and unwavering. In other words, Civilization 7 appears poised to outshine its predecessors, potentially maintaining or even enhancing their inherent value in the process.

Civ 7 breaks the link between civilizations and leaders

Civilization 7 gameplay will break huge traditions to become more dynamic than ever

In Civilization 7, the primary change is that you won’t be confined to playing a unique leader tied to a specific historical civilization. Instead, players can pick one leader, who will embody aspects from three distinct civilizations scattered throughout history.

For history enthusiasts, there are guides available that allow them to follow a more authentic historical route when preferred. This increases the number of possible choices for players significantly, leading to an even greater variety of innovative gameplay strategies.

So far, they haven’t revealed many details, but the confirmed leaders are Hatshepsut from Egypt, Amina from Zazzau, Augustus from Rome, Ashoka from the Maurya Dynasty, Tecumseh from the Shawnee, and Napoleon Bonaparte from France. As for civilizations, Aksum, Egypt, Maya, Maurya, Rome, and Shawnee will all be playable. However, one significant change in this update flips a previous game mechanism upside down.

The Age(s) of Civilization 7

Civilization 7 gameplay will break huge traditions to become more dynamic than ever

In contrast to earlier games that categorized timeframes using eras, Civilization 7 is streamlining and amplifying this influence. Instead of eras, Civilization 7 features three epochs: the Antiquity Era, the Exploration Era, and the Modern Era. These expansive periods encompass a broader scope than previous eras, and they also signify pivotal moments when your civilization needs to adapt.

In the game Civilization 7, as you progress through different eras – Antiquity Age and Modern Age for instance – you’ll be given an option to select a fresh civilization tailored for that specific era, each with unique characteristics such as abilities, units, civics, buildings, and improvements. Instead of civilizations and technology trees operating independently across time periods in Civ 7, they are connected to distinct ages in the game.

In Civilization 7, you can expect fresh elements such as traversable rivers, which add a new dimension to gameplay. Interestingly, a mainstay mechanic, the use of builders, will not be present in this version. While it may be bittersweet to bid farewell to these aspects, their absence will contribute to Civilization 7 feeling distinct and separate from its predecessors like Civ 6, Civ 5, or earlier editions. Instead of just moving on to the new game without a glance back, players will have the opportunity to enjoy varied experiences within Civilization 7 compared to replaying older versions.

Firaxis unveiled an abundance of information about Civilization 7 during Gamescom, and there are still six months left for further details. The game is scheduled for global release on February 11, 2025, and those who pre-order the Deluxe or Founder’s Edition can start playing as early as February 6. Brace yourself for late-night “one more turn” sessions as you usher in a new era with Civilization 7.

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2024-08-22 23:44