Fans have been waiting a long time for a new entry in the Civilization franchise, with Civilization 6 having arrived the better part of a decade ago. But that wait is almost over. Developer Firaxis has recently confirmed that Civilization 7 has gone gold ahead of its February 11 release date.
For those who might not be caught up on all the technical gaming jargon, "Going Gold" essentially means that a game has entered its final stages of development, and that it's officially ready for release. But any long-time Civilization fan knows that going gold is probably just the beginning of a long journey for Civilization 7.
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Civilization 7 Will Likely Follow In Civ 6's Post-Launch Footsteps
A Brief History of Civilization 6's Post-Launch Content
Originally released for PC in October 2016, Civilization 6's post-launch journey began fairly quickly. Between December 2016 and October 2017, a total of six separate paid DLCs were added to Civilization 6. Each of these added at least one new Civilization and Leader, along with a unique Scenario themed around the Civ's real-world history, and occasionally one or two new Wonders.
In February 2018, Civilization 6 received its first major expansion. Titled "Rise and Fall," this expansion added a bevy of new mechanics to the game, such as the Loyalty feature and its accompanying Dark Age mechanic. Almost exactly one year later, Civilization 6 received its "Gathering Storm" expansion, another large-scale DLC that added an intricate climate system and brought back the Diplomatic victory condition.
In May 2020, Civilization 6's "New Frontier Pass" began, giving players access to a total of 9 new Leaders, 8 new Civs, and a wealth of new units, Wonders, buildings, and game modes spread across a 10-month period. In November 2022, Civilization 6 received its second Pass, this time adding 12 new Leaders to pre-existing Civs. Civilization 6 received its final piece of paid DLC in March 2023, almost seven years after the game's initial release.
Civilization 7 Is Following Suit With DLC
Already, it seems as though Civilization 7 could be following in its predecessor's footsteps when it comes to post-launch plans. Firaxis has confirmed two separate DLC passes for Civilization 7. Purchasing Civilization 7's Deluxe Edition will give players access to the "Crossroads of the World Collection," a set of 6 separate DLCs that will contain 2 new Leaders, 4 new Civs, 4 new Wonders, and some cosmetics.
Purchasing Civilization 7's Founders Edition will give players the Crossroads of the World Collection and the "Right to Rule Collection," another set of 6 DLCs that will also bring 2 new Leaders, 4 new Civs, and 4 new Wonders to the game. It's been confirmed that the Crossroads of the World Collection's DLC packs will all release by the end of March 2025, and that the Right to Rule DLC packs will be released between April and September 2025, likely dropping one DLC pack per month.
Pre-ordering Civilization 7 will also give players access to the Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack on launch.
Though Firaxis hasn't confirmed what Leaders or Civs will be included in these DLCs, some fans have theorized that the Crossroads packs could contain Middle-Eastern Civs such as Babylon and the Ottoman Empire, while the Right to Rule packs could focus on the British Empire and Aztecs. This is all pure speculation though.
Regardless of who ends up joining the roster, Civilization 7's already-confirmed DLC packs show that launch is just the start of Civ 7's journey. And if Civ 7 has as much staying power as its predecessor, that journey could last the best part of a decade.
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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
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Genre(s)
- Grand Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy, 4X
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- Local Co-Op Support
- No
