When it comes to its general gameplay formula, theCivilizationfranchise has remained largely the same for around two decades now, with each game simply adding to the successful groundwork laid by the series' first few entries. While there’s nothing wrong with this approach, some fans have expressed their desire forCivilization 7to shake up the series' formula a little bit, especially asCivilization 6is still being playedavidly by many fans.
Developer Firaxis seems to agree with this sentiment, with its first reveal forCivilization 7teasing that some major changes were coming to the long-awaited sequel. Firaxis has shed a bit more light on what these major changes are, and by far the most significant isCivilization 7’s new Age system. While previousCivgames have featured Ages, they’ve never impacted the flow of gameplay quite as drastically, and there’s a lot fans need to wrap their heads around beforeCivilization 7’s launch next February.
Civilization 7’s Three Ages Explained
Afull match ofCivilization 7will see players work their way through three distinct Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. These Ages are far more important than they have ever been before, with each Age bringing a wealth of new changes and additions, such as requiring the player to choose a new Civ each time they hit a new Age.
This progression throughCivilization 7’s three Agesis Firaxis' way of capturing the concept of history being built in layers, over a long period. In theory, this new system will add a complex new layer of strategy to the usualCivilizationformula, allowing players to drastically change tactics at key moments, and encouraging them to plan ahead and adapt to whatever opponents throw at them.
Changes That Come With Each New Age in Civilization 7
As just mentioned,Civilization 7’s Ages come with a slew of changes, most of which come into play as soon as the new Age has begun. The major changes presented witheach new Age inCivilization 7are as follows:
The most important change that comes with each newCivilization 7Age is choosing a new Civ to play as. Players will retain the same leader, but they’ll need tochoose a new Civthat better fits the challenges of the oncoming Age. These new Civs will unlock a bevy of new units, buildings, and abilities that players can use for that Age.
Another interesting change associated withCivilization 7’s progressing Ages is the increasing map size. As players reach a new Age, they’ll gain access to more of the map. The resources players can find on the map will also change with each new Age, meaning that players need to keep a close eye on their cities' surroundings.
Functioning similarly toCivilization 6’s Government system,Civilization 7’s Legacies are a set of abilities and bonuses that players can continue to accrue as the Ages progress. Completing a specific milestone in the previous Age will unlock its associated Legacy Point, which can then be used to gain a related Legacy ability. For example, completing a Science milestone will result in players being able to choose a Science-related bonus in the next Age.
How Ages Progress in Civilization 7
In an average game ofCivilization 7played at standard speed, an Age should last around 150–200 turns, which is estimated at around 3–4 hours of gameplay. The progress of an Age is determined by how many turns every player has taken, and by how many Legacy Path milestones they have completed.
Towards the end of an Age, players will be presented with a unique Crisis based on the era. This Crisis will force the player to gain some negative status effects, requiring them to adapt their playstyle to work around the new disadvantages. Once the Crisis has finished, every player experiencesan Age Transitionsimultaneously, where they choose a new Civ and decide which Legacies they wish to carry over.
Every Antiquity Age Civilization Confirmed So Far
These are all theAntiquity Age Civilizations confirmed forCiv 7so far. These can all be chosen right at the start of aCiv 7match, and they determine what units, buildings, and abilities the player gets access to out of the gate.
Every Exploration Age Civilization Confirmed So Far
During an Age Transition, players are required to choose a new Civ to replace their Antiquity Age one. The new Civs that players gain access to are based on a few different factors, such as the Civ they played as during the Antiquity Age, the milestones they completed during the Antiquity Age, and the leader they’re controlling. While most of the player’s options will begrounded in historical and geographical accuracy, players can bend authenticity with their in-game actions, unlocking wildly different Civs for future Ages that offer drastically different gameplay options.
Every Modern Age Civilization Confirmed So Far
It’s currently unclear how many Civilizations will be present inCiv 7on launch day, but the ones already confirmed are a nice mix of franchise staples and series underdogs.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
WHERE TO PLAY
The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter.Sid Meier’s Civilization® VIIempowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known!InCivilization 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 inCivilization VII.
