Upon launching Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 for the first time, players will quickly discern significant changes compared to previous iterations. Firaxis has undertaken a comprehensive redesign of the game, transitioning into three distinct ages, reimagining warfare with the introduction of army commanders, and reshaping civilization diplomacy alongside city-states. These adjustments, while surprising to some, indicate a gradual evolution, especially the decision to eliminate builders—a change that many see as long overdue.
In this latest installment, players will no longer manage builders tasked with creating various improvements across the map. Instead, cities will now construct enhancements automatically as they expand their populations, effectively phasing out builders from the gameplay. While a segment of the player base might miss this function, the trend of diminishing reliance on such units has been evident in previous versions, suggesting that this shift aligns with Firaxis’s long-term vision for the franchise.
A New Direction: The Civilization Franchise Moves Beyond Builders
The Evolution of Builders: A Look Back
Prior to the introduction of builders in Civilization VI, players utilized workers, non-combat units designed solely for constructing tile improvements and roads critical for city development. Initially, players actively managed these workers; however, many transitioned to auto-commands, leading to a lack of engagement as workers would complete tasks independently.
Civilization VI rebranded these workers as builders and significantly altered their mechanics. A key update was the introduction of limited charges, meaning builders could perform only a finite number of improvements before disbanding. Initially equipped with three charges, builders could gain additional ones through various buffs but lost the ability to create roads, which were reassigned to merchants, further diminishing their perceived utility.
Civilization 7: The Complete Removal of Builders
In Civilization VII, builders and workers have been entirely eliminated, devoid of any replacement units. Tile improvements are now generated organically as cities grow, and roads are automatically established when a new city is founded nearby. Furthermore, merchants maintain the role of constructing roads during trade with neighboring cities, effectively covering the tasks previously assigned to builders.
While some players may feel nostalgic about the absence of builders and workers, their removal was largely anticipated. Firaxis’s trajectory indicated a desire to streamline gameplay, reducing the number of clicks required to progress through turns. This change not only simplifies city management but also invites players to reallocate their focus towards strengthening military forces and enriching city infrastructure.
With the absence of builders, players can engage more deeply with the strategic aspects of the game. The reduced need for resources like gold and production to manage and create builders offers a refreshing shift. As new content and DLC emerge for Civilization 7, it will be intriguing to see how players adapt to the changes. For the time being, the game is packed with innovative features that might overshadow the lack of builders, blending old strategies with fresh opportunities.
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