Civilization VII: Eras of Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern Age on a timeline

Awakening on a Hexagonal Tile: Exploring the World of Civilization VII

You awaken on a hexagonal tile. The year is 4,000 B.C. Around you, the world is a mystery waiting to be uncovered. To the north, an endless desert. To the south, the whisper of ocean waves. To the east, a towering volcano belching smoke into the sky. Beyond this, the unknown. Your journey begins here, expanding tile by tile, carving out an empire, forging alliances, waging wars, and ushering humanity through the ages.

This familiar premise is the core of Sid Meier’s Civilization series, a staple in the turn-based strategy genre since 1991. The latest installment, Civilization VII, released on Tuesday for PCs, Macs, and consoles, promises to redefine the franchise’s classic formula while retaining its core mechanics. The game’s creators at Firaxis Games have introduced sweeping changes, reimagining historical progression and leadership dynamics in ways never before seen in the series.

A Game of Three Ages

One of Civilization VII’s biggest innovations is its division into three distinct Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. Each Age introduces new dynamics and gameplay mechanics, ensuring that no two eras feel the same. Players will navigate the rise and fall of civilizations, dealing with challenges unique to each period.

A key change is that historical leaders are now decoupled from their traditional civilizations. Ever wanted to see Benjamin Franklin lead Meiji Japan? Or Charlemagne at the helm of the Shawnee? In Civ VII, you can. The game expands beyond traditional heads of state, introducing figures with specialized skills: Ibn Battuta, the master of exploration; Machiavelli, the diplomat; Confucius, the governance expert.

A New Approach to Historical Transitions

The game introduces a unique Age Transition system, where players must choose a new civilization when advancing between Ages. This mechanic forces players to adapt and evolve, selecting which cultural and technological legacies to carry forward while abandoning others. As the world transforms, so too must your empire.

But where does history end? Unlike previous Civ titles that stretched into the space age, Civilization VII concludes at the end of World War II. According to lead designer Ed Beach, this decision was made to keep each Age grounded in historical turning points. However, hints of an unannounced fourth Age, possibly covering the Cold War and beyond, have emerged from dataminers scouring the game’s code.

The Atomic Age and Future Expansions

Firaxis Games has teased that Civilization VII is built to expand. Dataminers have unearthed references to an “Atomic Age,” suggesting that future updates or DLC may extend the timeline. Executive Producer Dennis Shirk was coy when pressed about this, stating, “You can imagine the possibilities... we’re excited for where this is going to go.”

Community Reactions and the Road Ahead

Despite high expectations, Civilization VII has had a mixed reception at launch. Players have raised concerns about certain mechanics, balancing issues, and missing features. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick remains optimistic, insisting that the “legacy Civ audience” will embrace the game once they delve deeper into its mechanics. Meanwhile, Firaxis is actively working on addressing community feedback.

For those diving into Civilization VII, there’s a world of strategy to master. Whether you’re aiming for a military conquest, a diplomatic victory, or an empire that stands the test of time, every decision shapes history. And with the potential for new Ages on the horizon, this latest installment is just the beginning of another epic journey.

Looking for tips? Check out our guides on winning every victory type, navigating the biggest changes from Civ VI, and avoiding crucial mistakes that could doom your empire before it even starts.