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Civilization 7 is finally here, and to many a strategy fan, it's one of the most exciting new games of 2025. To say that we've been patiently waiting is an understatement, as it's been over seven years since the last Civ game was released. And, considering that this is one of the best strategy games series ever made, the new title had a lot to live up to.
Developed by Firaxis Games, the game lets us build great civilizations as we invest in tech trees and race to complete milestones on our paths to victory. However, progression has been tweaked, and there's a ton of new features to explore as well. In our Civilization 7 review, we dubbed it a "revolutionary strategy game for newcomers and long-time fans alike."
Civilization 7 release date
Civilization 7 was released on consoles on February 11, 2025. However, for players who chose to purchase the game's Deluxe and Founders editions, they also got five days of early access, meaning that they started officially playing the game on February 6, 2025.
This massive release news was announced during Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024, but not before it was leaked by the social media account billbil-kun. There is always one, isn't there?
Civilization 7 platforms
The good news is that Civilization 7 is available on both PC and consoles. That's right, everyone has the chance to hoard resources and dominate the map, no matter what system they own.
The fully confirmed Civilization 7 platforms are PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The game released at the same time for everyone, meaning there were no exclusives at all on the table.
Civilization 7 gameplay
Civilization 7 is a 4X strategy game in which players try to build the strongest civilization, working through different ages of history. During Gamescom 2024, we saw our first glimpse of gameplay, and it showed how the title primarily follows the same formula as the other games in the series.
That means there's a focus on exploring, expanding, resource gathering, and finally defeating your competition. While the game largely stays true to the core turn-based and tech tree heart of all Civilization games, there are some modern features implemented as well.
Firstly, Civilization 7 doesn't have that annoying 2K launcher like Civ 6 did. We also got a new diplomacy screen and urban tile development returns. Units can also sail upriver, and the most exciting new feature is that you will pick a new civilization for your leader to command at the dawn of every new era.
The campaign is also now divided into three ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern (replacing the ancient, renaissance, and modern eras seen in Civ 6). This means that at the start of each age players will have a selection of new civilizations to choose from, reminiscent of a similar system in Humankind.
That's right; a big shake-up is happening, folks, and to be honest, some players are a bit anxious about the change. Historical connections, gameplay decisions, and leader choice will feed into what civilization you can pick in a new age, so every action you take matters here! If you are worried about navigating this new era of Civ, you can also check out our handy guide on all the Civ 7 tips and tricks that you need to know to secure a victory on your first playthrough, as well as pointers for Civ 7 trade, Civ 7 diplomacy, and how to heal units in Civ 7.
Oh, another cool gameplay development: the in-game narrator is Gwendoline Christie from Game of Thrones fame!
Civilization 7 trailer
We got our first Civilization 7 gameplay trailer during Gamescom 2024, and an additional teaser revealing Gwendoline Christie as the game's narrator during the Future Games Show. Both clips are glorious, folks.
In the gameplay trailer above, we see shots from Africa, Europe, and more as the camera scans the globe. There's units traveling up rivers on boats, Tornados swirling in the distance, and, of course, plenty of wars going on in the never-ending fight for power. Honestly, Civ has never looked better than it does here. Each civilization in the teaser is vibrant and unique.
Also, the trailer seems to hint at natural disasters being a big component in the new game, as we see erupting volcanos, those aforementioned tornados, and lightning storms swirling around units and buildings across the map. It's all very exciting, and although we are nervous about some of these big gameplay changes, we still can't wait to dive in.
If you're after more releases, check out our lists of all the upcoming PS5 games and upcoming Xbox Series X games. Or check out our guide on the best games like Civilization to play today.
