Why Civilization 7 Needs to Officially Incorporate This Civ 6 Mod

Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 is set to launch in just over a month, presenting a prime opportunity for the developers to officially integrate one of the most popular modifications from Civilization 6. The Civilization series boasts a rich modding community, with numerous enhancements available on platforms like Steam Workshop, which alter gameplay dramatically. Players can find everything from minor tweaks, such as new policies, to significant overhauls introducing custom leaders and imaginative maps drawn from universes like The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones.

While not every mod is suitable for Civilization 7, one particular modification stands out as an ideal candidate for inclusion. This mod is fundamentally straightforward, yet its absence from earlier iterations of the series is surprising. Its implementation could significantly transform how players engage with the game, providing fresh opportunities that the base versions of Civilization often lack.

A Game-Changing Mod: Freezing Technology Progression

Players Can Select an Era to Cap Technological Progress

Dating back to Civilization 6, modders have introduced the concept of an era cap, allowing players to halt their scientific advancement at a predefined point in history. The latest iteration of this mod, titled Real Era Stop and created by Steam user infixo, adds a dropdown menu to the game setup interface. This feature enables players to specify the ending point for technological development through a newly implemented Last Era option.

In addition to capping technological progress, Real Era Stop adjusts the mechanics surrounding Great People, ensuring that any advancements or units they provide align with the selected Last Era. To maintain game balance and stability, the mod also reshuffles when various elements, such as government types, become accessible. Despite not having received updates since 2023, it remains fully compatible with both the base game and its expansions.

Tailoring Unique Gameplay Experiences to Historical Contexts

Freezing Technology Facilitates Historically Accurate Gameplay

Civilization 6 Hojo Tokimune leader for Japan

The popularity of these mods can be attributed to their ability to customize player experiences significantly. Traditional gameplay can be enjoyable, but there are times when a more controlled setting enhances competitive strategy. For instance, in scenarios where high-tech warfare tools like planes and nuclear weapons are unavailable, players must strategize more prudently in their military engagements.

By capping the final era, players can recreate custom games situated within a specific historical context. For example, if players wish to simulate the Napoleonic Wars, they might choose to end their game in the Industrial Era. Alternatively, the Renaissance Era may be ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the age of piracy without the constraints of advancing technologies. Players can even engage in shorter games, beginning and ending within the same era, enriching their gaming experience without the need for extensive technological progress.

This mod opens up a plethora of scenarios for players, providing a fresh lens through which to enjoy custom Civilization gaming. Long-standing fans of the franchise can particularly benefit from new scenarios, effectively rekindling their interest after years of similar gameplay experiences.

The Complementary Nature of Era-Capping Mods

Era-Stopping Mods Enhance Historical and Fantasy Mod Experiences

Zeus statue from the game Civilization VI.

A wide array of Civilization 6 mods is designed to help players reenact specific historical battles and events. These mods gain even more depth when paired with the ability to freeze technology, ensuring that advancements do not surpass historical realities. For instance, players recreating the conquests of Alexander the Great can maintain immersion without the disruption of modern military technology.

Moreover, era-stopping mods also enhance compatibility with mods transitioning Civilization 6 into entirely fictional realms. For example, a Game of Thrones-themed mod is much more consistent when technology does not progress beyond the Medieval Era. While the developers of Civilization 7 may not need to make substantial adjustments for mod compatibility, incorporating an integrated era cap as a built-in feature would acknowledge the modding community’s contributions.

For nearly two decades, modders have been championing the ability to halt technological progression in Civilization games. As fans await the release of Civilization 7, it would be gratifying to see Firaxis officially embrace and recognize this longstanding player demand. Should they choose not to, it is highly likely the modding community will continue to provide this functionality.

Source: infixo/Steam Workshop

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