Understanding Civilization 7: Legends and Mementos Explained

The newly introduced Legends system in Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 is designed to enhance player engagement by offering both cosmetic and gameplay bonuses through Mementos. This innovative feature encourages players to complete entire campaigns while tracking their accomplishments across various playthroughs. The inception of the Legends system addresses previously identified issues in the Civilization series by providing clearer incentives that promote continued gameplay. Players can unlock a wide range of rewards as they complete specific Challenges organized into distinct Paths, including Leader and Foundation Challenges.

Upon completion of these Challenges, players earn rewards in the form of cosmetic items and Mementos, which are essential for enhancing gameplay. The collection of Cosmetic Rewards includes various customizable options such as Badges, Banners, and Borders for the Player Card. Conversely, Mementos provide unique gameplay effects and bonuses, allowing players to tailor their strategies from the start of a campaign. While many Challenges naturally unlock during the playtime, some require players to meet specific objectives. Below, we delve into the mechanics of Legends and Mementos in Civilization 7.

Understanding Legends in Civilization 7

Tracking Progress Across Multiple Campaigns

The Legends system acts as a meta-progression framework, designed to monitor players’ achievements throughout various campaigns. Accessible from the main menu or through the Player Card, the Legends panel contains Challenges and Paths sorted into two primary categories: Leader and Foundation. Players can easily view progress and requirements for each Legend within the Legends panel. Here, they can track their experience points (XP) and overall level in both the Foundation (up to level 50) and the Leaders, each featuring a unique ten-level progression.

Earned XP from Challenges contributes to the cumulative totals within each Legend Path. Players can review accepted Challenges and their objectives categorized into Leader and Foundation segments. Foundation Challenges are more generalized, allowing players to complete them as any leader, and typically involve milestones like achieving specific Wonders or reaching total playtime feats. In contrast, Leader Challenges necessitate achieving unique objectives tied to specific leaders, encouraging multiple playthroughs for optimal completion.

Mementos and Cosmetic Rewards in Civilization 7

Unlocking Unique Abilities and Bonuses through Mementos

Upon successfully completing Challenges and advancing through the Legends Paths, players can claim a variety of rewards ranging from Cosmetic Collectibles to Mementos. Cosmetic items offer aesthetic customization options on Player Cards but do not contribute to in-game advantages. These collectibles can include unique titles like “Rebel Queen”or “Rightful Ruler, ”serving as a hallmark of players’ accomplishments over hours of gameplay.

In contrast, Mementos provide substantial gameplay enhancements. During the initial setup of a campaign, players can choose up to two Mementos from those they have unlocked. While some Mementos are strictly tied to specific Leader Legend Paths, once acquired, they can be utilized by any leader. Each Memento typically falls under one of six Leader Attributes (e.g., Scientific, Expansionist), and some, like the False Beard Memento—which is unlocked at Level 5 of Hatshepsut’s Legend Path—are particularly beneficial across various leader strategies, such as enhancing Cultural Victory through additional Culture on Wonders.

Clarifying What Civ 7’s Legends & Mementos Are Not

A Commitment-Free Competitive Environment

Despite offering strategic advantages, Mementos and their gameplay bonuses can only be unlocked through dedicated gameplay, ensuring all players have equal access. Importantly, these Mementos are not available for purchase, maintaining a fair and competitive environment where players must actively engage with the game to earn bonuses. While there is a possibility for cosmetic upgrades to be available for purchase, developers strongly emphasize that gameplay-related enhancements will not adopt a pay-to-win model.

In summary, the Legends system in Civilization 7 enriches the player experience by providing strong motivation to continue and complete campaigns, as well as encouraging interactions with various Leaders to maximize challenge completion.Mementos serve as pivotal gameplay enhancers, integrated into the initial campaign setup, offering players distinctive bonuses and abilities. By incentivizing the completion of Foundation and Leader Challenges, Civilization 7 significantly elevates the player experience.

Source: Civilization 7 Official Website

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