Civilization 7's launch is probably one of the most anticipated events in 2025's gaming calendar, and the host of changes Firaxis has planned for some of its age-old mechanics is unsurprisingly drawing fresh attention to the 4X strategy scene. As more details of the upcoming game come to light ahead of its launch, whether through official gameplay trailers or leaks, some tidbits making the rounds are a surprise. Chief among these rumors concerns Great Britain's involvement, with the franchise mainstay reportedly relegated to the back burner as a DLC package to launch some weeks after the base game. It's one of the bolder moves Firaxis is making -- a bet that could well make or break Civilization 7's launch.
Firaxis is pulling out all the stops to distinguish Civilization 7 from its predecessors, and it seems willing to rip just about every conventional franchise practice apart in search of a new winning formula. The push for innovation is manifesting through overhauls to mechanics such as Victory Conditions and even tossing aside the traditional Leader-Civ restrictions that have persisted since the first installment. In line with these wholesale changes, it makes sense that Firaxis would have one more trump card up its sleeve in Great Britain's new role.
Civilization 7 Going Gold Likely Means Firaxis' Work Has Only Just Begun
Firaxis has confirmed that Civilization 7 has gone gold ahead of its February release date, but this is probably just the beginning for Civ 7.
Britain Missing From Civilization 7's Base Game Could Be Polarizing
While the concept of famous empires joining Civilization games in DLCs is not new, a few countries are considered mainstays in the base game. Great Britain, America, and Greece are just a handful that immediately come to mind, and their status as powerhouses in the Civilization franchise has never been in doubt. However, rumors have been circulating since last year about Britain's potential place as a DLC nation, and earlier this week, Firaxis officially confirmed Civilization 7's post-launch plans.
Britain's Omission Could Be a Genius Maneuver From Firaxis
On the one hand, it can be argued that Firaxis is adopting an EA-esque strategy for post-launch campaigns, outfitting Civilization 7's base game with the groundwork to let the meat of its gameplay shine through in paid DLC. The blueprint has worked wonders for The Sims 4 in particular, which is still very relevant even a decade after it released. With a similar time gap between Civilization 6 and 7, Firaxis could be looking to guard its prospects by staggering the release of some of its main draws.
Additionally, in the interest of rotation, it only seems fair that Britain gets a run as a DLC civ. While the impact the English had on history is undeniable (which is why their omission from the base game raises eyebrows), empires with similarly large footprints -- the Mongols and Spaniards, to name a few, have previously featured as DLC additions. With this in mind, it makes sense for Firaxis to shake things up with its traditional lineup.
Civilization 7's Era Dynamism Means Britain's Absence Will Be Felt
On the flip side of things, besides any sense of nostalgia about Britain being a Civ base game mainstay, there's still more than a few issues with its removal. For starters, Civilization 7's era dynamism and civ fluidity means that Britain's absence will certainly be felt. Before Britain's reveal in the post-launch roadmap, it was easy to visualize transitioning from a Rome playthrough in the Antiquity Era to Britain in line with the historical baton change of dominance. In fact, in terms of transitions, the prospect is perhaps one of the most enticing possibilities for lovers of history.
To remove that experience from the base game almost guarantees there will be some negative sentiment -- which ironically lines up with the innate characteristic of Civilization games. It's not uncommon that fans dislike a new installment's base game, preferring the previous game armed with all its DLC offerings. Firaxis is seemingly leaning into this trend with its Britain positioning, and it's a gamble that could either pay off in terms of DLC conversion or feel disorderly in the long run.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 79 /100 Critics Rec: 77%
- Released
- February 11, 2025
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+ // Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Mild Language, Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Firaxis Games
- Publisher(s)
- 2K
WHERE TO PLAY
The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter. Sid Meier's Civilization® VII empowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known!
In Civilization VII, your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire. Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement.
Construct cities and architectural wonders to expand your territory, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Pursue prosperity in an immersive solo experience or play with others in online multiplayer.
Whether you choose to follow a path rooted in history or reimagine possibilities to chart your own way forward, build something you believe in and create a legacy that echoes through the Ages in Civilization VII.
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- Yes - all platforms, restrictions apply
- Cross Save
- Yes, via 2K account
- Franchise
- Sid Meier's Civilization
- Number of Players
- 1-8 players
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Verified
- PC Release Date
- February 11, 2025
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- February 11, 2025
- PS5 Release Date
- February 11, 2025
- Nintendo Switch Release Date
- February 11, 2025
- Genre(s)
- Grand Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy, 4X
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- Local Co-Op Support
- No
