Civilization VII — How to Play
What it is
Civilization VII (2025) splits history into Ages — today Antiquity, Exploration and Modern. At the end of each Age your empire changes: you choose a new civilization that grew out of the old one, while your leader stays with you for the whole game. Leaders and civilizations are chosen separately, so any leader can lead any civilization.
Getting the game
- On Steam and the Epic Games Store, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch.
- Free updates and DLC add civilizations and leaders. A free update adding a fourth Age, the Atomic Age, and the first expansion, Earthrise, are announced for 2027.
What is different from Civilization VI
- No builders: tiles are improved when a settlement grows.
- Towns and cities: new settlements start as towns and can be upgraded.
- Commanders lead armies and gain experience.
- Each Age ends in a crisis — plague, revolution, invasion — before the transition.
Starting out
- Play the first Age with the tutorial advisors on, at a low difficulty.
- Read the Ages and Legacy Paths page: the paths decide what you are working toward.