
Civilization 7 has revolutionized the traditional approach by allowing players to select a Civilization based on their gameplay style and values, rather than being locked into a Leader associated with a specific Civ. This depth of strategy lets players define how they will develop their settlements and shape their empires across various Ages.
With numerous Leaders and Civilizations to explore, it may initially seem daunting to ascertain the various Civs accessible as players progress through different Ages. This comprehensive guide will clarify the available Leaders in Civilization 7 and outline the steps necessary to unlock specific Civs throughout gameplay.
Updated on February 18, 2025, by Ashely Claudino: Several months have passed since the launch of Civilization 7, providing us ample opportunity to delve deeper into its mechanics. Our insights into how each Leader and Civilization functions have improved, leading to a more refined guide detailing how to access various Leaders and unlock exclusive Civs.
All Leaders in Civilization 7
Accessing Each Leader in Civilization 7

Civilization 7 features a total of 21 Leaders, out of which five present alternative personas with unique abilities. While many Leaders are available for all players, some require either free or paid downloadable content (DLC) for access.
Leader | People | Availability |
---|---|---|
Amen | N/A | Base game |
Ashoka | World Renouncer | Base game |
World Conqueror | Founders Content Pack-exclusive | |
Augustus | N/A | Base game |
Benjamin Franklin | N/A | Base game |
Catherine the Great | N/A | Base game |
Charlemagne | N/A | Base game |
Confucius | N/A | Base game |
Friedrich | Oblique | Base game |
Baroque | Deluxe or Founders Content Pack-exclusive | |
Harriet Tubman | N/A | Base game |
Hatshepsut | N/A | Base game |
Himiko | High Shaman | Base game |
Queen of Wa | Deluxe or Founders Content Pack-exclusive | |
Ibn Battuta | N/A | Base game |
Isabella | N/A | Base game |
Jose Rizal | N/A | Base game |
Lafayette | N/A | Base game |
Machiavelli | N/A | Base game |
Napoleon | Emperor | Link Civ 7 to a 2K account |
Revolutionary | Link Civ 7 and Civ 6 to a 2K account | |
Pachacuti | N/A | Base game |
Tecumseh | N/A | Pre-order bonus, included in Deluxe and Founders Pack, and Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack (post-launch) |
Central | N/A | Base game |
Xerxes | King of Kings | Base game |
The Achaemenid | Deluxe or Founders Content Pack-exclusive |
All Civilizations in Civilization 7
Unlocking Each Civilization in Civilization 7

In Civilization 7, players will not commence their journey with a Civilization tied directly to their chosen Leader. Instead, they must select a Civilization for every in-game Age. For instance, a player could represent Egypt during the Antiquity Age and transition to either Songhai or Abbasid during the Exploration Age.
The following sections detail the available Civilizations across different Ages and the method to unlock them.
Antiquity Age Civilizations in Civilization 7

During the Antiquity Age, all players can select any Leader to guide their Civilization. Certain Leaders, however, resonate more with specific Civilizations due to historical ties or geographical connections.
Upon selecting a Leader at the start, players can preview which Civilizations will be accessible in subsequent Ages. Gaining the ability to unlock additional Civilizations typically involves completing specific in-game objectives, such as enhancing resource tiles.
Civilization | Age | Unlock Method |
---|---|---|
Aksumite civilization | Antiquity | Accessible to all Leaders |
Egyptian civilization | Antiquity | Accessible to all Leaders |
Greek civilization | Antiquity | Accessible to all Leaders |
Han civilization | Antiquity | Accessible to all Leaders |
Khmer civilization | Antiquity | Accessible to all Leaders |
Mauryan civilization | Antiquity | Accessible to all Leaders |
Mayan civilization | Antiquity | Accessible to all Leaders |
Mississippian civilization | Antiquity | Accessible to all Leaders |
Persian civilization | Antiquity | Accessible to all Leaders |
Roman civilization | Antiquity | Accessible to all Leaders |
Exploration Age Civilizations in Civilization 7
As players advance to the Exploration Age from Antiquity, they will find themselves with a limited set of Civilizations available, contingent on the Leader selected as well as the Civ played during the previous Age.
Alternatively, players can initiate a new game directly in the Exploration Age, allowing the selection of any Civilization to accompany their preferred Leader.
Civilization | Age | Unlock Method |
---|---|---|
Abbasid civilization | Exploration |
|
Singing civilization | Exploration |
|
Spanish civilization | Exploration |
|
Modern Age Civilizations in Civilization 7
In the Modern Age, players find a broader selection of Civilizations based on their gameplay thus far. Similar to the Exploration Age, players can begin the game in the Modern Age and select their preferred Civilization and leader combination.
Civilization | Age | Unlock Method |
---|---|---|
American civilization | Modern |
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Mughal civilization | Modern |
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Prussian civilization | Modern |
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For more detailed strategies and tips, refer to the full guide on recovering all Civs and Leaders in Civilization 7.
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