Civilization 7: Release Date, Supported Platforms, & Confirmed Civilizations List

Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 marks an exciting new chapter in a cherished gaming franchise that has significantly influenced the strategy genre for over 30 years. Each title in the series revolves around the essential “4X”principles—eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate—which engage players in steering their civilizations toward prosperity. While military conquest may be the most thrilling route, success can also be achieved through cultural development or advancing scientific knowledge.

Another hallmark of the Civilization series is its exploration of diverse cultures throughout human history. Players guide their civilizations from their early beginnings all the way to contemporary times and beyond. The progression of technology, religion, and governance follows a generally linear path, adjustable based on player choices. Unlike more historically rigid titles such as Europa Universalis, Civilization offers a more approachable framework that attracts a broad audience.

Expected Release Date for Civilization 7

Prepare for a New Era of Civilization Soon

The anticipation for Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 grew when a teaser was unveiled during the 2024 Summer Game Fest, soon followed by an official release date announcement during Gamescom’s Opening Night Live event. Fans can look forward to its release on February 11, 2025, concluding a nine-year hiatus since the launch of Civilization 6— the longest gap between releases in the series thus far. Notably, this installment will debut simultaneously across all platforms for the first time.

Adding to the excitement, the game will feature Gwendoline Christie as the new narrator, taking over from Sean Bean, who provided voice work for Civilization 6. This series has a rich history of memorable narrations, boasting contributions from notable voices like Leonard Nimoy and William Morgan Sheppard. Players often eagerly anticipate these vocal performances with each new game announcement.

Platforms, Pricing, and Pre-Order Editions for Civilization 7

Civilization 7 Offers Various Editions at Different Price Points

Mississippian Civilization in Antiquity Age

Historically, the Civilization series was a PC-exclusive endeavor, but recent titles have expanded onto consoles, and Civilization 7 continues this trend by being available on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch with a concurrent launch across all platforms.

Furthermore, crossplay will be supported, enabling players to connect and collaborate with friends across different systems using a 2K account. However, it’s important to note that crossplay might impose limitations on the maximum number of players in multiplayer sessions.

For those eager to secure their copy, several editions are available for pre-order, notably featuring the upscale Founders Edition, which provides a variety of cosmetics and future access to additional content, including new civilizations and leaders.

Edition	Price
Sid Meier’s Civilization 7	$69.99
Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 Deluxe Edition	$99.99
Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 Founders Edition	$129.99

Fans will find each edition priced $10 lower on the Nintendo Switch platform. While mouse and keyboard controls are often deemed ideal for 4X gameplay, the availability of console options provides flexibility. Taking the Civilization experience on-the-go with the Switch presents a particularly appealing opportunity, albeit with potential compromises in performance on older hardware.

Leaders Confirmed for Civilization 7 at Launch

New Leader Dynamics: No Longer Tied to Specific Civilizations

Harriet Tubman and Ibn Battuta in Civilization 7

Civilization 7 Player Choosing Civilization

Civilization 7 introduces significant gameplay mechanics that reshape the experience for longtime series veterans, allowing any leader to be associated with various civilizations. While historical choices still exist, the focus on fun and improvisation supersedes strict adherence to historical context in this iteration.

At present, several leader characters have yet to be revealed, and many more are anticipated as downloadable content (DLC) post-launch. The confirmed list includes:

Augustus
Benjamin Franklin
Charlemagne
Confucius
Harriet Tubman
Hatshepsut
Ibn Battuta
Isabella
Lafayette
Machiavelli
Pachacuti
Tecumseh
Trung Trac
Xerxes

Civilizations Confirmed for Civilization 7 at Launch

Civilizations Progressing Through Three Distinct Ages

Eiffel Tower Fireworks in Civilization 7

Civilization 7 Aging Path with Hatshepsut

The civilizations introduced in the game span across three ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. Players have the option to engage in lengthy campaigns that encompass all three ages or opt for shorter gameplay experiences focusing on one specific era. This system allows for an immersive experience that reflects the growth and evolution of societies throughout history.

Debate persists regarding the historical authenticity of the Age system, as players can select new civilizations for each Age. Nonetheless, this flexibility encourages strategic thinking, compelling players to consider their civilization’s trajectory and future. Each Age is expected to occupy 150 to 200 turns, providing ample opportunity for players to delve into each culture before transitioning to another, particularly important in a format where in-game turns can extend significantly.

Modern Age civilizations continue to be revealed as updates unfold, with expectations that each Age will feature at least ten civilizations, complemented by additional content in future releases. Here is the current list of civilizations categorized by age:

Antiquity Age Civilizations	Exploration Age Civilizations	Modern Age Civilizations
Aksum	Chola India	America
Egypt	Abbasid	Mexico
Greece	Hawaii	Qing China
Han China	Still	French Empire
Khmer	Majapahit	Indian Mughals
Indian Mauryans	Ming China
Maya	Mongolia
Mississippian	Norman
Persia	Shawnee
Rome	Songhai
–	Spain

The return of the Civilization series promises exciting innovations and a more player-centered gameplay experience. Civilization 7 is poised to deliver an abundance of 4X challenges, potentially establishing itself as a landmark title in the genre.

Source: The Game Awards/YouTube

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