Summary
- The creative director at Firaxis Games encourages all players, including seasoned franchise veterans, to use Civilization 7's tutorial.
- The game will introduce a new Ages system, along with many other gameplay tweaks and changes.
- Civilization 7 will be released on February 11, with the Deluxe Edition giving players access to the game beginning February 6.
Whether or not players have experience with Sid Meier's long line of tactical strategy games, the Civilization 7 team is encouraging everyone to start their journey with the game's tutorial. Every new game in the franchise comes with new features, tactics, and options, and this remains true for Civilization 7, which seeks to shake up the tried and true formula in a number of ways. Due to these changes, Ed Beach, creative director at Firaxis Games, says he wants all players to have as positive of an experience as possible going into Civilization 7, promoting the use of the game's tutorial for both those just starting out as well as for fans who already have years of experience under their belt.
Despite 2025 being a packed year for video game releases, Civilization 7 certainly holds the top spot for a lot of players, acting as the long-awaited next installment in Sid Meier's legendary strategy franchise. Civilization 7 will not only allow for even more gameplay encounters and strategic planning, but the game will also come with an updated art style, something that previous Civilization games have been criticized for. Players also have new win conditions and upgrade paths to look forward to. However, as fans eagerly await the release of Civilization 7 in February, one of the game's leads is urging players to take it slow at first.
Civilization 7 Going Gold Likely Means Firaxis' Work Has Only Just Begun
Firaxis has confirmed that Civilization 7 has gone gold ahead of its February release date, but this is probably just the beginning for Civ 7.
In a post on Steam, Firaxis creative director Ed Beach offered a few tips for how players may want to approach their first few games of Civilization 7. “Civilization 7 is a big game, with many new systems and mechanics that differentiate it from earlier games in our series,” said Beach. “There's a lot to learn, so we felt that it was important that we provide some suggestions to ensure everyone has a successful first experience.” Beach is likely referencing Civilization 7's completely new Ages system, which marks a significant change for the series. A full Civilization 7 campaign will span through three Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. During the transition between Ages, players choose a new civilization. This new system fundamentally changes how players will have to think about their Civilization 7 games.
Civilization 7 Lead Designer Recommends Players Utilize Tutorial
Beach also explained why Civilization 7's default map size is small. “We know that many veteran Civ players love to play on the largest map size and see the maximum number of empires battle it out,” wrote Beach. “However, there's a very deliberate reason that we chose Small as the default map size. With three other empires on your home continent and a few more to discover later in the game, Small Maps make for a very comfortable experience while you are learning the ins and outs of Civ 7." The Firaxis team obviously anticipates Civilization 7's new systems and gameplay tweaks to be both exciting and somewhat confusing at first, encouraging players to take things step by step. “We especially recommend this map size as you get your feet wet with our new Diplomacy system," continued Beach. "Tracking your relationship and ongoing diplomatic activities with a manageable number of opponents makes it way easier to get the hang of how you want to spend and manage your Diplomatic Influence."
Each new entry in the Civilization series has introduced new features and options, expanding on the core gameplay that made the first few games so addictive in the first place. Beach wraps up his statement by talking about players' expectations for Civilization 7. “Fans experienced with earlier Civ titles may scoff at the idea of playing with the Tutorial on, but with so many of our game systems having received upgrades and revisions, we really do recommend sticking with the Tutorial for your first full campaign through our three Ages." Civilization 7 releases on February 11, with the Deluxe Edition giving players access to the game beginning February 6.
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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
