Since 1991, Civilization games have appealed to gamers looking for alternatives to more frantic RTS titles. Its turn-based gameplay allows players to contemplate critical military or diplomatic actions. After a nine-year wait, Civilization 7 will soon delight strategy game fans again, whether they prefer building a strong military or methodically developing economies.
Although steeped in history, Civilization 7 is ready for the modern gaming age, where pre-ordering is commonplace. Gamers have several ways to ensure they are the first to experience dramatic gameplay changes before the Civilization 7 release date. Also, bonus DLC educates players about new civilizations and leaders who have dramatically impacted history. From a standard price to an option costing several hundred dollars, The Best War Games has recommendations for anxious buyers.
Civilization 7 Standard Edition
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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
Civilization VII is one of the most popular real-time strategy games of all time and is returning after a nine-year hiatus. The latest edition, due out on February 10th, 2025, will introduce some dramatic changes to the series. Players can now guide the same leader through multiple ages and civilizations. The Civilization VII Standard Edition includes the Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack for a more unique gameplay journey. This version of Sid Meier's famous strategy franchise will be released on the PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch, with physical editions available for console players.
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Sid Meier's Civilization
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Genre(s)
- Grand Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy, 4X
- Includes bonus leader and civilization
- Physical disc versions available on consoles
- Plenty of content without buying more expensive editions
- No early access period
Civilization 7 introduces fundamental gameplay changes, all accessible in the Standard Edition. One new Civilization 7 feature that affects game progression is that leaders guide multiple civilizations through three distinct ages. This allows players to experiment with more units and buildings, although choices are limited by how chosen civilizations evolve. Consequently, having even more cultures to pick from is more beneficial in the upcoming release.
Civ 7: How Leaders and Ages Work
Leaders and Ages work a little differently this time around with Civilization 7, with a focus on modeling 'emerging cultures' throughout time.
The Standard Edition will be released on February 10th, 2025, with no early access period. However, at the regular asking price, this version comes with the Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack. Fans of Native American history will enjoy the presence of Tecumseh, who bravely resisted the expansion of the U.S. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Tecumseh excels at diplomacy, but not surprisingly, he also inspires his people to defend their lands. The Shawnee civilization appears during the Exploration Age and is a good choice for players focusing on economic development through trade.
The Civilization 7 Standard Edition will be available on PCs and consoles, including the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch. It's also advertised as PS4 compatible, indicating there will be an appropriate digital version. While bonuses are light with this configuration, console players can collect physical copies of the game or download it digitally. We don't know exactly how many civilizations the base game will offer, but if past versions are any indication, players won't be lacking content.
Civilization 7 Deluxe Edition
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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
Civilization is finally returning for its seventh installment, allowing players to experience more cultures and leaders in the same game. The Deluxe Edition ships with the Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack included in the Standard Edition, the Crossroads of the World Collection, and the Deluxe Content Pack. Gamers will gain access to additional civilizations, leader personas, and profile customization items. Another advantage of the Civilization VII Deluxe Edition is players can start advancing their chosen people on February 6th, 2025, five days ahead of the standard release date.
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Sid Meier's Civilization
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Genre(s)
- Grand Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy, 4X
- Decent number of bonus leaders, personas, and civilizations
- Early access starting on February 6th
- Digital and physical versions available for consoles
- Most specific bonus items are unknown
Gamers can spend countless hours advancing civilizations in the Standard Edition of Sid Meier's upcoming strategy title. Still, more choices never hurt, so the most dedicated players will consider the Civilization 7 Deluxe Edition. Like the least expensive version, the Deluxe Edition will be sold in digital and physical forms on the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch. PC players are limited to a digital download on the Steam or Epic Games Store but will receive the same bonus items.
Buyers don't yet have many specifics about these bonuses. Nevertheless, the Civilization 7 Deluxe Edition is bundled with the Crossroads of the World Collection and the Deluxe Content Pack. Firaxis Games is also promising additional content that has not yet been revealed.
The Crossroads of the World Collection will consist of:
- Two new leaders
- Four new civilizations
- Four new wonders
- Unique cosmetic item
Leaders in Civilization 7 are depicted with more graphical detail as they talk with allies and enemies on screen. In Civilization 7, leaders will work differently, since they will lead multiple civilizations during the course of one game. The historical figures will also have skill trees that develop and advance leaders in diplomacy, economic expertise, and military might. Each historical figure will still have unique abilities that benefit flourishing civilizations, so players will want to choose a leader that matches their play style. The Crossroads of the World Collection also features four new wonders that celebrate the progress of a people. These wonders significantly boost civilization, so players will want to strive to build as many as possible.
The Deluxe Content Pack will offer:
- Two leader personas
- Four profile customizations
- One alternate scout skin
Personas are another intriguing aspect of Civilization 7 that adds more depth to leaders. Throughout history, different interpretations of leaders have emerged, questioning exactly how they ruled over their empires. Civilization 7 will allow players to experiment with either more brutal or tolerant leaders with different personality traits. Some figures appearing in pre-release videos include Napoleon Bonaparte, Augustus, and Benjamin Franklin. Gamers who sign up for a 2K account will receive the Emperor Persona for Napoleon, so it will be interesting to see what other alternate representations of these historical icons players can experiment with.
The additional items in the Deluxe Content Pack won't have the same impact on gameplay. Buyers of the Civilization 7 Deluxe Edition can add more customization and badges to their player profile. Also, the all-important scout units will boast additional skins as they explore new lands and encounter unknown civilizations.
Like the Standard Version, the Deluxe Edition ships with the Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack. Another major appeal of this version is the early access period, which starts on February 6th, 2025, five days before the standard Civilization 7 release date.
Civilization 7 Founders Edition
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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 Civilization VII Founders Edition is aimed at the most dedicated fans of Sid Meier's famous strategy franchise. This version bundles all the bonus items of the Standard and Deluxe editions plus the Right to Rule Collection and Founders Content Pack. These additional DLC releases include leader personas, profile customizations, a fog of war tile set, and unique palace skin. Also, players can access the digital-only Civilization VII Founders Edition for the PC and consoles five days early on February 6, 2025.
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Sid Meier's Civilization
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Genre(s)
- Grand Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy, 4X
- Custom fog of wars tiles and palaces
- Only modestly more expensive than Deluxe Edition
- Tons of extra civilizations and personas
- Digital only release available for a limited time
For the most part, in terms of bonuses, the Civilization 7 Founders Edition is more of the same. Even so, diehard players may find it a worthy upgrade as they create their Civilization 7 legacy. The Founders Edition will be released on most platforms, but only as a digital download. Also, it's a limited-time buying opportunity expiring on February 28th, 2025. Here is the complete breakdown of what this version includes:
- Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack
- Crossroads of the World Collection
- Right to Rule Collection
- Deluxe Content Pack
- Founders Content Pack
The unique DLCs for the Founders Edition are the Right to Rule Collection and Founders Content Pack. Players can access plenty of extras with two new leaders, four new civilizations, four new wonders, and a cosmetic bonus item. Of more interest is the Founders Content Pack, which includes two leader personas and four profile customizations, as well as an exclusive fog of war tile set and palace skin.
In Civilization 7, the artists have paid more attention to unexplored regions that appear as obscured tiles in the game. The tile set included in the Founders Edition changes how these mysterious regions look before scouts chart them. Also, palaces in the strategy series are symbolic buildings in capital cities. In addition to looking majestic, palaces provide economic and production bonuses to a civilization. The Civilization 7 Founders Edition gives players more ways to decorate these critical buildings.
As with the Deluxe Edition, gamers can access much of this content early on February 6th, 2025.
Civilization 7 Collector's Edition
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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 Civilization 7 Collector's Edition is loaded with keepsakes for buyers who enjoy physical collectibles. Available with or without a Founders Edition PC Steam code, this edition includes a decorative clock, scout figure, logo pin, art print, patch set, and much more. All these items are high-quality pieces that can become permanent editions in gaming rooms.
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Sid Meier's Civilization
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Genre(s)
- Grand Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy, 4X
- Includes functioning timepiece
- Many Civilization 7-themed collectibles
- Ships in deluxe packaging
- Console gamers must purchase this version separately
While some gamers prefer as much in-game content as possible, collectibles can enhance decor as gaming room accessories. The Collectors Edition is jam-packed with limited-edition artwork to commemorate the long-awaited Civilization 7 release date. This version is sold both with and without the PC Steam code for the Founders Edition. While this bundle is not an option for console players, they can purchase the collectibles separately. Unfortunately, PC gamers don't save money compared to ordering the Founders Edition and collectibles individually.
The number of collectible items is impressive:
- "The Passage of Time" Decorative Clock
- Scout Figure
- Logo Pin
- Challenge Coin
- Civilization Postcards
- High-Quality Art Print
- Yield Icon Patch Set
The package's highlight is perhaps "The Passage of Time," a fully functional timepiece. This clock is mostly gold and represents the constant advancement of civilizations in the game. Joining the clock is a pewter figure of a scout and his dog as he studies unexplored land in the distance.
Gamers looking for artwork that's easy to display on walls will appreciate the postcards and a print with a consistent theme. All the items included in the Civilization 7 Collectors Edition will ship in premium packaging with a design inspired by the game.
Which Version of Civilization 7 Should You Buy?
Gamers intent on pre-ordering Civilization 7 do not lack options. Many bonus items in the Standard, Deluxe, Founders, and Collector's Edition directly relate to the latest title's gameplay changes. The Standard Edition will serve gamers well who aren't desperate to start playing before the Civilization 7 release date. This configuration still includes a bonus leader and civilization with trade, diplomacy, and military defense strengths.
The Deluxe Edition and Founders Edition are packed with more leaders, civilizations, and cosmetic items that enhance the Civilization experience. Finally, the Collector's Edition consists of the Founders Edition plus a vast array of physical collectibles and artwork.
Firaxis Games plans to release more details regarding some DLC packs in the coming weeks and months. Since this information could impact purchase decisions, The Best War Games will inform readers of any announcements.
Civ 7 Dev Details Brand New Crisis System
Firaxis Games' Civilization 7 is introducing a brand new gameplay mechanic called the Crisis System, and here's how it works in the game.
FAQ
Q: Who is the narrator for Civilization 7?
For Civilization 7, Firaxis Games enlisted Gwendoline Christie, an accomplished actress previously starring in Game of Thrones and Star Wars films. In addition to appearing in cinematics related to the game, narrators in the strategy series usually provide commentary on developing civilizations.
Q: Can Civilization 7 be endless?
While we don't have specific details about Civilization 7, past games allow players to activate the "no turn limit" option. However, the game will still eventually end depending on specified victory conditions. For the longest gameplay experience, players can try turning off as many victory types as possible, like domination, score, and culture.