Civilization 7 gameplay will break huge traditions to become more dynamic than ever

Every new installment in a series has to innovate, and Civilization 7 isn't scared to break tradition in the process. While Civ 6 definitely made changes following Civ 5, not all of which are universally beloved, there are fundamental shifts coming this time that could make it feel more dynamic than ever before.

Civilization 7 isn't just going to be a prettier game with a different lineup of civilizations and leaders. Core gameplay is making changes, but the heart of Sid Meier's Civilization looks more than secure. Civ 7 could be ready to shine, and it might keep the value of previous versions strong in the process.

Civ 7 breaks the link between civilizations and leaders

The biggest shift in Civilization 7 is that you will no longer be tied to using a specific leader with their own historical civilization. Civ 7 will instead have players choose a single leader, and they'll become a mix of three different civilizations across the vastness of time.

For those who do want to keep the historical flavor intact, they're also including markers to help players choose the more historically accurate path when desired. This multiplies the different paths players can take exponentially, and that means even more unique strategies will develop.

They've been scarce on dropping too many specifics just yet, but confirmed leaders so far include Hatshepsut of Egypt, Amina of Zazzau, Augustus of Rome, Ashoka of the Maurya, Tecumseh of the Shawnee, and Napoleon Bonaparte of France. As for civilizations, we know that Aksum, Egypt, Maya, Maurya, Rome, and Shawnee will all be available. However, one big factor in this shift also turns a previous mechanic on its head.

The Age(s) of Civilization 7

While previous games have used eras to denote specific periods in human history, Civ 7 is both simplifying and expanding that impact. Civilization 7 consists of three Ages: the Antiquity Age, the Exploration Age, and the Modern Age. These vast periods will be much more all-encompassing than eras were in the past, and they'll also mark moments when your civilization must evolve.

While historical paths will be marked for those who wish to follow the natural evolution of past civilizations, you will have a choice at the start of the Antiquity Age and Modern Age to pick a new Age-exclusive civilization with its own unique abilities, units, civics, buildings, and improvements. Rather than civic and technology paths working entirely independent of your current time period, they're instead linking much of this to specific ages in Civ 7.

New gameplay features like navigable rivers offer something new, and even core mechanics like the usage of builders will be gone in Civ 7. We'll be sad to see some things go, but it'll actually help Civilization 7 feel like its own unique game. Rather than jumping to the new game and never looking back, players will have the option of getting different experiences in Civilization 7 compared to replaying Civ 6, Civ 5, or another earlier title.

Firaxis essentially dropped a bomb of details in their extended gameplay reveal during Gamescom, but there's plenty of time to learn more in the next six months. Civilization 7 is set for worldwide launch on February 11, 2025, and they're even offering early access to play as soon as February 6 for those who pre order the Deluxe Edition or Founder's Edition. Get ready for your late "one more turn" nights to enter a new age with Civilization 7.