Sid Meier's Civilization 7 is one of the most anticipated titles of early 2025, and we continue to see information being offered about what the game represents in terms of visuals, hardware requirements, and gameplay options for a range of PC and console players alike.
The title recently saw its developer, Firaxis Games, publish its hardware requirements in a bid to allow PC gamers to build a gaming PC that can hold its own for what will be the most demanding Civilization game yet in terms of hardware when the settings are turned up across the board.
Sid Meier's Civilization 7 PC Requirements Revisited
While Sid Meier's Civilization 7 comes with relatively low hardware requirements to start, the requirements above show that the game scales well with higher-end hardware, especially at more demanding resolutions on PC.
Sid Meier's Civilization titles are generally perceived to be CPU-intensive versus more recent releases, which are often more GPU-intensive given the significant amount of computation that occurs in the background between turns.
Based on the hardware requirements, that does seem to be the case as the hardware requirements scale up considerably when it comes to ultra requirements with the recommendations pulling up all the way to a 16-core AMD or a 20-core Intel CPU offering to get the job done.
The Best Gaming CPUs in 2024
The best CPUs for gaming have to stand out in an increasingly competitive space. These are the best you can buy right now.
Memory and Storage Requirements
Interestingly, while the title does work with 8GB of RAM as a minimum, it does push all the way up to 32GB at a more demanding resolution or graphics preset, which could indicate that higher-resolution textures, in particular, have significant memory requirements.
The game itself requires 20GB of storage but does not state if users can use an HDD or an SSD, but it would be optimal to use the latter, especially for a title due for release in early 2025.
All of this brings one question to the table: What gaming PC should one build to allow them to play Sid Meier's Civilization at different hardware presets as stated by the developer?
The team at The Best War Games has responded to this by suggesting 3 current-generation PC builds that cover Civilization 7's hardware requirements at the recommended, ultra, and minimum hardware preset respectively below.
The Empire-Builder's Recommended Spec PC Build For Civilization 7
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Display card main info widgetAMD Ryzen 5 7600
$182 $229 Save $47Display card main info widget end- Brand
- AMD
- CPU Model
- Ryzen 5 7600
- CPU Socket
- AM5
- Cores
- 6
- Threads
- 12
The Ryzen 5 7600 is the entry-level, yet very capable, gaming CPU from AMD that features 6 cores, 12 threads, and 32MB of L3 cache. It has a base clock speed of 3.8GHz and a boost clock speed of 5.1GHz. The Ryzen 5 7600 is an unlocked processor with a default TDP of 65W. It also has integrated RDNA 2 graphics and is the cheapest offering in the lineup with an iGPU.
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Display card main info widgetG.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB (AMD Expo)
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- G.Skill
- Size
- 2x 16GB
- Technology
- DDR5
- Speed
- 6000 MT/s
- Compatible Devices
- Intel and AMD AM5 motherboards
- RGB
- Yes
G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo RGB series is a specialized RAM kit for the AM5 platform with up to 6000 MT/s speed. The RAM kit brings exceptional RGB lighting on top of the heat spreaders and works at low latency. It's decently stable at the advertised speed and makes an ideal choice for gaming builds.
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Display card main info widgetGigabyte B650M D3HP AX
$130 $150 Save $20Display card main info widget end- Brand
- Gigabyte
- Graphics Card Interface
- PCIe 4.0
- Memory Slots
- 4
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- Form Factor
- Micro ATX
The Gigabyte B650M D3HP AX is an affordable yet decent choice for budget builders with entry-level Ryzen CPUs. While lacking some high-end features of pricier models, it packs core upgrades like DDR5 memory support, PCIe 4.0 for graphics cards and SSDs, and compatibility with the latest AM5 socket. This makes it a great micro ATX motherboard for building a compact and capable gaming PC.
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Display card main info widgetSamsung 990 EVO SSD 1TB
$80 $90 Save $10Display card main info widget end- Storage capacity
- 1 TB
- Hardware Interface
- PCIe 5.0
- Brand
- Samsung
- Transfer rate
- Read: 5,000 MB/s, Write: 4,200 MB/s write
- TBW
- 600TB
The Samsung 990 EVO SSD is a PCIe 5.0 compatible 1 TB storage drive that brings speeds that are not the fastest in the industry, but still at the peak of the PCIe 4.0 standard. It is capable of up to 5,000 MB/s read and 4,200 MB/s write speeds. It uses V-NAND TLC technology and is rated for 600TB TBW.
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Display card main info widgetZOTAC GeForce RTX 4060 8GB Twin Edge OC
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- Zotac
- Cooling Method
- Dual-fan with Active Fan Control
- Slot Size
- 2 slot
- Interface
- PCIe 4
- Boost Speed
- 2475 MHz
- CUDA Cores
- 3072
The ZOTAC GeForce RTX 4060 8GB Twin Edge OC is a budget-friendly GPU that can deliver an impressive gaming experience thanks to its dual-fan cooling system, a boost clock speed of 2475 MHz, and 8GB of VRAM. It also supports the latest Nvidia technologies that further improve the gaming experience.
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Display card main info widgetThermaltake Toughpower GX2 600W
$64 $70 Save $6Display card main info widget end- Brand
- Thermaltake
- Output
- 600W
- Modular Cabling
- No
- 80 Plus Efficiency Rating
- 80 Plus Gold
Thermaltake Toughpower GX2 600W is a highly affordable GPU with excellent power efficiency. Its 600W capacity is sufficient for most budget or even mid-range builds and this PSU makes sure users get all the needed cables for their components. The GX2 comes with a 5-year warranty and various protection features to keep the components safe.
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Display card main info widgetCooler Master MasterBox 600 ATX Mid-Tower Case
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- Cooler Master
- Material
- Steel, Plastic, Tempered Glass
- Motherboard Size (Max.)
- ITX, Micro ATX, ATX, E-ATX
- Graphics Card Size (Max.)
- 360 mm, 410 mm (without front radiator)
- 3.5" Drive Slots
- 2
- 2.5" Drive Slots
- 6
Affordable but built for modern components like reverse-connect motherboards, the Cooler Master MasterBox 600 impresses with its looks and expandability. The mid-tower case showcases three included 140 mm ARGB SickleFlow fans behind a breathable front panel using fine mesh. With another 120 mm fan on its rear, builders can swap the front cooling configuration for a massive 420 mm liquid cooling radiator. The MasterBox 600 boasts more space than the average mid-tower case, with room for many E-ATX motherboards and graphics cards up to 410 mm long.
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Target Preset: Recommended (FHD, 60Hz, High Graphics Preset)
The build above aims to offer a high playable frame rate when graphics are pushed to a high preset at an FHD resolution. To do so, it adds much-needed muscle to both the CPU and the GPU end of the spectrum, throwing in more recent offerings from AMD and Nvidia than the guide recommends to get the job done.
The hexacore AMD Ryzen 7 7600 offers a capable 12-threaded juggernaut to handle all but the most demanding of Civilization sessions with ease, even as the RTX 4060 in a Zotac trim offers an entry-level take on Nvidia's cheapest Ada Lovelace-based GPUs so far.
The Gigabyte B650M D3HP AX offers an entry-level B650 option that offers support for the mix of hardware suggested, including its G.Skill Neo 32GB DDR5 RAM kit and Samsung 990 Evo SSD drive.
All of this is powered by a Thermaltake Toughpower GX2 PSU that offers 600W of reliable gold-rated power and is housed in a mid-tower Cooler Master Masterbox 600 case that allows for great airflow, easy upgrades, and plenty of expansion down the line.
Note: For those looking for more horsepower on the GPU end, the team at The Best War Games recommends upgrading to an RTX 4070 SUPER GPU, which adds another $300 to the build estimate below, but does offer a more well-rounded (if slightly overkill) option for one's Civilization 7 games in the near future.
Estimated Build Cost: Approximately $950-1000
The Best Gaming PC Builds For $1000
Building a gaming PC individually just became easier as The Best War Games showcases three of the best and most balanced PC builds.
The Visionary's Ultra Spec PC Build For Civilization 7
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Display card main info widgetAMD Ryzen™ 9 7950X3D 16-Core, 32-Thread Desktop Processor
$620 $700 Save $80Display card main info widget end- Socket
- AMD AM5
- Brand
- AMD
- TDP
- 120W
- Cores
- 16
- Threads
- 32
The 16-core, 32-thread desktop AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D processor is AMD's answer to a resurgent Intel 13th generation processor lineup as it attempts to wrest back the gaming crown with the same technology that made the last generation 5800X3D such a powerful CPU.
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With 128MB of L3 cache on offer, the Ryzen 9 7950X3D leverages its 3D V-Cache muscle in gaming as well as its powerful new Zen 4-based cores in productivity to make for a potent enthusiast-grade CPU in the offing. -
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Display card main info widgetASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB AIO Liquid Cooler
$330 $360 Save $30Display card main info widget end- Brand
- ASUS
- Cooling Method
- Liquid
- Integrated Lighting
- ARGB Fans, 3.5-Inch LCD Display
- Noise Level
- 36.45dBA
- Fan Speed
- 600 - 2200 RPM +/- 10%
The ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB AIO Liquid Cooler is ASUS's latest premium tri-fan AIO that offers better cooling, an upgraded LCD, and a new Asetek 8th generation pump as some of its salient features. Thanks to a thicker radiator and a new cold plate, it can reduce temperatures drastically versus both its predecessor and its competition.
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Display card main info widgetG.Skill Trident Z5 NEO Series (AMD Expo) 64GB Kit CL30
$205 $210 Save $5Display card main info widget end- Brand
- G.Skill
- Size
- 64GB
- Technology
- DDR5
- Speed
- 6000 MHz
- Compatible Devices
- DDR5 Compatible AMD and Intel chipset-based motherboards
The G. Skill Trident Z5 NEO sticks are a pair of 32GB RAM sticks that conform to AMD's more stringent EXPO memory requirements for overclocking. With tight timings and a CAS latency of just 30-40-40-96.
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With a subtle RGB effect and a premium feel, the Trident Z Neo is one of the best premium RGB RAM sticks money can buy that is designed for AMD-based systems. -
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Display card main info widgetAsus ROG Strix X670E-E WiFi
$445 $480 Save $35Display card main info widget end- Brand
- Asus
- Graphics Card Interface
- PCIe 5.0
- Memory Slots
- 4
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- Form Factor
- ATX
Asus ROG Strix X670E-E Wi-Fi is an overclocking master that stands out for its powerful VRM that is sufficient for intensive overclocking. The board features an ATX form factor with a black theme and brushed aluminum heatsinks for quick heat dissipation. The I/O shroud features a mesmerizing RGB lighting zone that can be controlled via Asus Aura Sync and the I/O itself is filled with plenty of fast USB ports, Wi-Fi, and BIOS buttons.
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Display card main info widgetCrucial T700 2TB PCIe Gen5 SSD
$205 $230 Save $25Display card main info widget end- Storage capacity
- 2TB
- Hardware Interface
- PCIe 5.0
- Brand
- Crucial
- TBW
- 1200TB
- Warranty
- 5-year limited warranty
The Crucial T700 2TB PCIe Gen5 SSD is a blazing fast latest generation SSD that can reach read speeds of up to 12,400 MBps and write speeds of up to 11,800 MBps. It is one of the fastest SSDs on the market and has a solid endurance of 1200TB TBW. Crucial also offers a 5-year limited warranty with this SSD.
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Display card main info widgetASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super OC
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- ASUS TUF Gaming
- Cooling Method
- Tri-Fan Air Cooled Vapor Chamber
- GPU Speed
- 2340 MHz
- Interface
- PCI Express 4.0
- Memory
- 16GB GDDR6X
- Power
- 285 W
The ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super OC is a factory-overclocked RTX 4070 Ti SUPER GPU offering an excellent tri-fan cooler with a vapor chamber.
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With a 10% bump in CUDA cores over its predecessor, high boost clocks, and the TUF gaming lineup's penchant for reliability in tow, the ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super OC is the complete package for gamers looking to play games in 2K at a high refresh and occasionally dabble with 4K in some titles with ease. -
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Display card main info widgetThermaltake GF1 (2024) Fully Modular ATX 850W Power Supply
$89 $104 Save $15Display card main info widget end- Brand
- Thermaltake
- Output
- 850W
- Modular Cabling
- Full
- 80 Plus Efficiency Rating
- Gold
The updated Thermaltake GF1 850W PSU is a gold-rated PSU that offers a completely modular solution for gamers looking for a reliable solution that can keep up with some of the most demanding PCs in 2024.
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It comes with comprehensive protection for users, excellent build quality, quiet operation and an extensive warranty from Thermaltake in tow. -
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Display card main info widgetHYTE Y60
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- Hyte
- Material
- Steel/Tempered Glass
- Motherboard Size (Max.)
- Micro ATX / ATX / ITX / E-ATX
- Graphics Card Size (Max.)
- 375 mm
- 3.5" Drive Slots
- 2
- Viewing Window
- Yes
There is no better mid-tower case to show off gaming rigs than the Hyte Y60. With three tempered glass panels, the Y60 case provides a nearly unobstructed view of the components. A dual chamber design enables builders to keep PSUs and cables tucked behind motherboards to avoid interfering with other components. The Y60 ships ready to vertically mount graphics cards with an included PCIe riser cable. Even with solid glass panels, the case still promotes airflow with extensive vents that wrap around the right side, top, and back of the chassis.
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Target Preset: Recommended (4K/UHD, 60Hz, High Graphics Preset)
The build above leverages one of the fastest core-heavy CPUs in the business that specializes in gaming in particular, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D, and pairs it to an RTX 4070 Ti SUPER to build what is a gaming PC that should hold its own through much of 2025 with ease at a sub-4K resolution in most titles.
The build does take liberties on the budget end, pushing for a much more powerful CPU and GPU combination than the one recommended by Firaxis Games in a bid to be more future-proof, especially for a title that might have hardware requirements change in the future (one revision downwards has already happened since the original hardware requirements were posted).
It leverages a capable, expansion-friendly ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E Wi-Fi motherboard, a fast PCI-E 5.0 SSD drive from Crucial in a 2TB trim, and a mammoth 64GB of RAM under the hood to get the job done even as it opts for an ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 4070 Ti SUPER with 16GB of VRAM to handle its GPU needs.
All of this is housed in the aesthetic Hyte Y60 case and powered by a Thermaltake GF1 Gold-rated PSU with 850W of power that allows it to handle up to an RTX 4080 SUPER with ease.
Estimated Build Cost: Approximately $2900-2950.
The Best RTX 4080 SUPER GPUs in 2024
Nvidia is upping the ante by addressing some of the major complaints about the RTX 4080 with the Super. Here are the best models in 2024.
The Settler's Minimum PC Build For Civilization 7
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Display card main info widgetIntel Core i3-14100F
$90 $140 Save $50Display card main info widget end- Brand
- Intel
- CPU Model
- Core i3 14100F
- CPU Socket
- LGA 1700
- Cores
- 4
- Threads
- 8
Intel Core i3-14100F is a refreshed version of the i3 13100F, now with higher clock speeds that go to as much as 4.7 GHz. Based on Intel's older Alder Lake architecture rebadged as a Raptor Lake Refresh offering, the CPU brings 4 performance cores and a total of 8 threads to get started with any small or medium-scale application. With its capable single-core performance, it holds its own versus most entry-level processors in gaming and productivity alike.
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Display card main info widgetPatriot Viper Venom DDR5 16GB (2 x 8GB) Kit
$57 $64 Save $7Display card main info widget endThe Patriot Viper Venom DDR5 16GB kit is an entry-level DDR5 kit that clocks in at 5600MHz, offering relatively low latency and excellent value for money to gamers and users needing as much as 16GB of storage.
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Display card main info widgetGigabyte B760M DS3H AX
$140 $150 Save $10Display card main info widget end- Brand
- Gigabyte
- Memory Slots
- 4
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- Form Factor
- M-ATX
- Wi-Fi
- Intel WiFi 6E
The B760M DS3H AX is adequate for budget-centric who are looking for a feature-packed board for their Intel CPUs. Without compromising on functionality, the board offers multiple ports and slots for expansion while providing an appealing look with minimal accents on the PCB and heatsinks. Moreover, the built-in WiFi allows users to access wireless networks without investing in an adapter.
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Display card main info widgetKingston NV2 500G M.2 2280 NVMe Internal SSD
Display card main info widget endThe Kingston NV2 500G SSD uses Gen 4x4 NVMe PCIe technology. This drive delivers read speeds up to 3,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 2,800 MB/s. It's designed for systems requiring fast performance, in both laptop and desktop builds. It is suitable for most applications thanks to the compact, single-sided M.2 2280 design. And the low power requirements mean that it produces minimal heat.
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Display card main info widgetMSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 8GB GDRR6
Display card main info widget end- Brand
- MSI
- Cooling Method
- Dual fan air cooling
- GPU Speed
- 1552MHz
- Slot Size
- 2
- Interface
- PCI-E 4.0
- Memory
- 8GB GDDR6
MSI Gaming RTX 3050 Ventus 2X XS provides a dual-fan RTX 3050 design that offers decent cooling and good 1080p gaming performance on a budget. With 8GB GDDR6 memory and 2560 Cuda Cores, the card is ready to take on some modern titles on high settings. With a low power requirement, it is compatible with most budget gaming builds and requires just a single 6-pin power connector.
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Display card main info widgetThermaltake SMART 600W ATX PSU
Display card main info widget endThe Thermaltake SMART 600W ATX is a power supply unit that is designed to provide reliable and efficient power for your computer. This unit delivers 600 watts of continuous output. It complies with both Intel ATX 12V 2.31 and EPS 12V 2.92 standards, ensuring compatibility with many PC builds.
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The SMART 600W ATX has received an 80 PLUS certification, indicating 80% efficiency under a typical load. This power supply supports two PCI-E 6 plus 2-pin connectors. -
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Display card main info widgetAsus A21 Micro-ATX Case
Display card main info widget end- Brand
- Asus
- Material
- Steel / Plastic / Tempered Glass
- Motherboard Size (Max.)
- Micro ATX / Micro ATX (Back Connect) / Mini ITX
- Graphics Card Size (Max.)
- 380 mm
- 3.5" Drive Slots
- 2
- 2.5" Drive Slots
- 1
The Asus A21 is a surprisingly spacious Micro ATX case that manages to accommodate 360 mm liquid cooling radiators and graphics cards with lengths up to 380 mm. This compact mid-tower benefits from a front mesh panel, allowing ample cool air into the chassis. Focusing on cable management, the A21 supports new back-connect motherboards and boasts a 33 mm wide compartment devoted to cable management. The Asus A21 is available in black or white, with colored cabling to match.
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Target Preset: Minimum (FHD, 30Hz, Low Graphics Preset)
For users needing a more budget-friendly option, the build above cuts corners to push as close to $500 as possible without compromising on gameplay. It does push for a higher-end GPU than the suggested GTX 1050 as a result and doubles down on the minimum RAM suggested by the developer as a result.
The build opts for a 14th generation Intel Core i3 14100F CPU paired with an entry-level B760 motherboard from Gigabyte and 16GB of fast 5600MT/s DDR5 RAM from Patriot.
It pairs this to an entry-level 500GB PCI-E 4.0 NVMe SSD from Kingston and an RTX 3050 GPU from MSI to push for a lower-end config in terms of cost. An entry-level Thermaltake Smart 600W PSU delivers on the power end as an ASUS A21 M-ATX case is used to house the entire build.
All of this allows the build to cost as low as $600 - but users can push lower by downsizing on the GPU and the RAM respectively if needed to get an even lower cost Civilization 7 experience.
Estimated Build Cost: $600-650
The Best 4 Gaming PC Builds for Under $500
Those who think it's impossible to assemble a gaming PC for a console price, check out these 3 surprisingly capable budget gaming builds.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 79 /100 Critics Rec: 77%
- Released
- February 11, 2025
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+ // Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Mild Language, Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Firaxis Games
- Publisher(s)
- 2K
WHERE TO PLAY
The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter. Sid Meier's Civilization® VII empowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known!
In Civilization VII, your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire. Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement.
Construct cities and architectural wonders to expand your territory, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Pursue prosperity in an immersive solo experience or play with others in online multiplayer.
Whether you choose to follow a path rooted in history or reimagine possibilities to chart your own way forward, build something you believe in and create a legacy that echoes through the Ages in Civilization VII.
- Genre(s)
- Grand Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy, 4X
FAQ
Q: How much space does Civilization 7 need?
Civilization 7 has a suggested minimum space requirement of 20GB but that might be subject to change and may increase with future patches and DLC and/or hardware requirement updates down the line.
For reference, Civilization 6 with its major DLC packs installed occupies ~27GB of space when installed via Steam at the time of writing.
Q: When is Civilization 7 Due to Release?
Civilization 7 is due to release on Feb 11, 2025, but users with a Deluxe or Founder's Edition can get to play as early as Feb 6th, 2025 as part of an early access offering.