There are a bunch of things to consider when setting up a game in Civilization VII, from Game Speed to Difficulty. However, the most important setting is arguably Map Type. There are six different Civ 7 Map Types for players to choose from, some of which are much better suited to certain strategies than others.
All Civ 7 Technologies and Tech Trees
Each of the three ages in Civ 7 has its own Tech Tree, with players needing to research certain technologies before others become available.
Choosing the best Map Type in Civilization VII is therefore incredibly important, particularly when it comes to gathering resources and managing conflicts with rival Civs. Unfortunately, the game doesn't really explain how every Map Type in Civ 7 works, leaving many players to look elsewhere for answers.
Every Map Type in Civ 7, Explained (All Civilization VII Map Types)
|
Map Type |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Continents Plus 
|
Continents Plus is the default Civ 7 Map Type and features two large landmasses with a bunch of smaller islands scattered in between. |
|
Continents 
|
Choosing Continents will result in two large land masses. There may be some small islands here and there, but most of the action will take place on the two main continents. |
|
Archipelago 
|
The Archipelago Map Type is made up of four or five medium-sized land masses with a bunch of smaller islands filling up the rest of the space. |
|
Fractal 
|
Fractal feels like a blend of Continents and Archipelago, although there tend to be fewer small islands than the latter and fewer land tiles overall. |
|
Shuffle 
|
Shuffle will provide players with a random map. It's not entirely clear how this works at the time of writing, although it appears as though the left and right sides of the map are each assigned a random Map Type, which can result in some interesting combinations. |
|
Terra Incognita 
|
As revealed during the Civ 7 Exploration Age Developer Livestream back in late 2024, the Terra Incognita Map Type uses Continents for the side of the map on which players start out and then assigns a random Map Type for the other half. It's a bit like Shuffle, only one side of the map will always be a continent. |
Which Map Type Should You Choose in Civ 7? (Best Civilization VII Map Type)
Generally, Continents Plus, Terra Incognita, and Continents are the best Civ 7 Map Types, as they allow for easy exploration right from the get-go and can accommodate a broader range of play styles. However, if players are starting their campaign in the Exploration or Modern age when ship travel is more readily available then having one's capital on a continent isn't quite so important. In fact, sharing a continent with another Civilization can be hazardous during times of conflict, as a portion of a continent is a lot harder to defend than a small or medium-sized island.
With this in mind, those looking to secure a Science Victory should consider using the Archipelago Map Type, as this will allow them to focus on their research without having to worry too much about being invaded by other Civs. They may still try, but will likely give up pretty quickly after a few of their units have been wiped out. Archipelago is also a good Map Type for those hoping to secure an Economic Victory, particularly during the Exploration Age, as there'll be plenty of opportunities to set up small and easy-to-defend Distant Lands settlements.
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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
- Genre(s)
- Grand Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy, 4X
