Sid Meier's Civilization VII News

[h2]Welcome Back![/h2][p]Hey, Civ fans! Welcome to This Month in Civ! This was a particularly busy October, and we're here with a recap of everything that's happened so far this month (as well as what we've been working on for the months ahead).[/p][p][/p][p]Let’s dive in!
[/p][h2]Update 1.3.0[/h2][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Update 1.3.0 has Arrived![/h3][p]Time to embark on the high seas! Update 1.3.0 is packed with a ton of new naval-themed tweaks and additions, including a new Unit, Building, combat updates, Ocean Resources and terrain types, and an update to how Treasure Convoys work. We’re also continuing our strategic balance efforts (shaking up the meta yet again), this time focusing specifically on sweeping changes to individual civs. [/p][p][/p][p]On top of being yet another substantial rework of some of Civ VII's basics, this update sails into the game alongside a boatload of nautical content, which you can read more about below. For now, you can read more in our most recent Update Check-In, or read about everything included in Update 1.3.0 during the week of November 3 when we share our full Game Update Notes and a new Developer Update Video! [/p][p][/p][h2]Content Collection 3: Tides of Power - Part One out the week of Nov 3! [/h2][h3]Add Edward Teach, Republic of Pirates, and Tonga to your collection[/h3][p]
[/p][p][/p][p]Explore new possibilities for your personalized empire with post-launch add-on content of the Tides of Power DLC! Beginning the week of November 3, add leader Edward Teach and civs Republic of Pirates and Tonga to your collection. Then, when part two releases in December, you can look forward to leader Sayyida al Hurra and civs Ottomans and Iceland rounding out this new six-content-pack roster. [/p][p][/p][h3]Get the Tides of Power DLC FREE* until 2026![/h3][p]The Tides of Power Collection is free to claim for all Civilization VII players through January 5, 2026! Starting the week of November 3, add the Edward Teach, Republic of Pirates, and Tonga content packs to your game, and then receive the Sayyida al Hurra, Ottomans, and Iceland content packs in-game when they're released in December 2025. If you successfully claim this content by January 5, 2026 at 6:59AM PT, it's yours to keep; otherwise it will be available for individual purchase starting January 5, 2026. For more details about the offer, read our FAQs here.[/p][p][/p][p]*Offer available for owners of Civilization VII. Offer ends January 5, 2026 at 7am PT. Owners must claim offer between November 4, 2025 and January 5, 2026 at 6:59am PT. For details on how to claim offer go to www.civilization.com. Terms apply.[/p][p][/p][h3]First Look: Edward Teach[/h3][p][/p][p]Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, was an English pirate whose name sparked dread in the captains of the Caribbean. In 1716, he joined the crew of Benjamin Hornigold, a leader of the Flying Gang, and quickly gained his own ships. With his impressive height, his long beard (decorated with, at times, lit fuses), and reputation for violence, he stalked the sea-lanes of the Caribbean and the nightmares of sailors. [/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]Meet the Tides of Power collection's first two new civs[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Introducing the first two new civilizations from the Tides of Power Collection: The Republic of Pirates and Tonga! Exploration Age civ Republic of Pirates is the perfect choice for players who want to claim dominion over the seas by force, while Antiquity Age civ Tonga is great for those who want to grow their oceanic empire through diplomacy and trade.[/p][p]
[/p][p]For more, check out the Game Guide entries for Republic of Pirates and Tonga!
[/p][h2]From the Devs: Improved Naval Combat[/h2][p][/p][p]One of the many new maritime additions coming to Civ VII in Update 1.3.0 is what the Firaxis team calls Naval Combat 2.0. This includes a new Unit, new classifications for existing Units, and fundamental adjustments to how both engage in combat at sea. For a deeper dive into this major overhaul, you can learn more directly from Economic & Military Systems Designer Edward Zhang and Military Gameplay Engineer Chris Burke in our latest From the Devs article about Improved Naval Combat.[/p][p][/p][h3]Join the Firaxis Feature Workshop![/h3][p]The Firaxis Feature Workshop is a new community-focused, collaborative space to gather early input directly from our community on in-development game features. We're inviting a select number of fans to share their feedback earlier than ever! As Ed mentioned in the latest Update Check-In, we'll be sharing more information soon on how to participate in the invite-only Workshop.
[/p][h3]Community Survey Results[/h3][p]Your responses reinforced several key areas you want to see improved in future updates, including Quality of Life, Player Agency, and UI/UX. Many of you also noted that the current Ages system and civ-switching mechanics could use more refinement – both of which will be major topics in our upcoming Firaxis Feature Workshop and future updates.[/p][p][/p][p]This feedback echoes a lot of what we’ve seen across social and community channels, but the survey has given us some useful specifics that are helping guide how we talk about and address these systems in the design room.[/p][p][/p][p]As a data fun fact, 24% of you told us you’ve played over 300 hours of Civ VII. We probably should’ve added an “even higher” option for the truly dedicated among you... and we see you.
[/p][p]We’ll continue running surveys after future updates, so your voice stays a part of the process every step of the way. Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts – they really do shape the future of Civilization VII![/p][p][/p][h3]Civ merch available on 2K Store[/h3][p]For Civ fans who want to dress or decorate their space just like their personalized empire, Civ merch is now available on the 2K Store! Whether you're in need of a new sweatshirt, mousepad, or another way to proudly flaunt your fandom of the series, you can browse everything currently available here.[/p][p]
[/p][h3]Plushies have landed![/h3][p][/p][p]War Elephant Plushie[/p][p]Inspired by the Maurya India Unique Unit, the Purabhettarah, War Elephant plushie is ready to guide you through fierce battles, or can be the perfect gift to begin an alliance. Look no further, as this historic companion has you covered. Pre-orders are open for a limited time, so snag one while you can here. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Benjamin and Confucius Plushies[/p][p]That's right - the War Elephant isn't marching alone! Benjamin Franklin and Confucius are following close behind, so sweep aside the pens and bills to squeeze a little room. Our friends at Makeship have secretly made some of your greatest allies pocket-sized. These are just the first few historic icons of the lineup, so get ready for more surprises down the road. Get yours here.[/p][p][/p][p] Pre-purchase Open for the Civilization VII Vinyl Soundtrack![/p][p]You can own Civilization VII's soundtrack on vinyl. This box set features a large selection of music across the Ages including the main theme, “Live Gloriously” by Christopher Tin. Prepurchases are now open, so if you're a music enthusiast looking to expand your collection or seeking a unique piece of memorabilia to enhance your space, now's the time. Check out the store page here.[/p][p][/p][h3]We'll see you here next month![/h3][p]And with that, you're caught up on things Civ for the month of October! As always, we want to thank players for the continued, passionate feedback that has helped drive our constant efforts to build upon Civilization VII until it's the best game it can be. Please keep sharing your thoughts in our Official Discord, where you can also chat with fellow community members about every game update. For even more on guides, mods, feature requests, and general suggestions, you can explore our Steam discussions as well. To stay as up-to-date as possible on all things Civ, you can sign up for our newsletter if you haven't already.[/p][p]
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[p][/p][p]Hello, Civ fans! I’m Edward Zhang, Economic & Military Systems Designer, joined by Chris Burke, Military Gameplay Engineer. With Update 1.3.0, we’re sailing into Naval Combat 2.0 - an overhaul to make naval engagements feel more impactful, and better define the strength of your sea-faring units. Our aim dev-side was simple: more strategy, less ambiguity, and fleets that feel like fleets.[/p][p][/p][h2]Classifying Your Naval Units[/h2][p]So far in Civ VII, all Naval Units have technically counted as melee units, with no specific ranged class of ship. While Naval Units could visually attack from a distance they always advanced toward the target, creating some awesome cinematic moments, but not providing the same level of strategy that a true ranged unit could bring to the table. Because every ship fought like a melee unit and took reciprocal damage, it was almost always optimal to build Heavy Naval Units over Light Units thanks to their higher melee strength. It also created confusion for players familiar with past versions of Civilization, where Naval Units could perform ranged attacks on other ships. And even more confusing - Naval Units in Civ VII could still attack Land Units and Districts from range.[/p][p][/p][p]Clearly, some updates here were in order! With Update 1.3.0, we’ve brought true ranged combat back to the seas. To differentiate between melee and ranged Naval Units, we’ve given the two types of units more distinct identities: [/p]

• [p]Light Units: Faster melee units with increased Vision. They excel at scouting ahead for Heavy Units, performing flanking attacks, and revealing more of the battlefield. The updated roster includes Galley and Quadrireme in the Antiquity Age, the Privateer (details to follow) in the Exploration Age, and the Ironclad, Cruiser, and Destroyer in the Modern Age.[/p]
• [p]Heavy Units: Slower ranged units with limited Vision, but capable of devastating attacks that can quickly cripple enemy fleets or coastal Districts if left unchecked. The updated roster includes the Cog, Carrack, and Galleon in the Exploration Age, and the Frigate, Dreadnought, and Battleship in the Modern Age.[/p]

[p]With these changes, several existing Naval Units have gained the ability to perform ranged attacks, and their melee and ranged strengths have been adjusted to match their new roles. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Naval Combat Through the Ages[/h2][p]With those new foundations in place, let’s walk through how these new roles for naval combat will feel throughout a multi-Age Civ VII game.[/p][p][/p][p]In Antiquity, the early coasts will actually stay pretty familiar from previous updates. Ship-to-ship clashes are usually still all melee fights, which keeps coastal skirmishes tight and personal, while Naval Units can continue to bombard Land Units and Districts from range.[/p][p][/p][p]The Exploration Age is where you’ll really feel these changes kick in. The moment the Deep Oceans open up, your default units will shift to heavy, ranged ships, like the Cog, Carrack, and Galleon. As for Light Units, we’ve added a brand new ship type to fill that space in your fleet.[/p][p][/p][h3][/h3][p]The Privateer is a brand new, Exploration-Age Light Unit available to every civilization via the Tech Tree (unlocking with the Heraldry Civic). You may remember it from past versions of Civilization, and we’re excited for its return in Civilization VII![/p][p][/p][p]The Privateer is the ultimate naval raider: with the ability to ignore borders, pillage trade routes for quick cash, and even attack the military units of any other civilization regardless of your diplomatic status! It’s perfect for scouting your enemies while also disrupting their Trade Routes and stealing Treasure Fleets – all without a formal declaration of war. [/p][p][/p][p]Be warned, though - you’re not totally immune from diplomacy. Killing another player’s unit or plundering their Trade Routes will still reduce your relationship with the target player. [/p][p][/p][p]We’re excited to see how the Privateer shakes up your games, so let us know how this new addition feels! [/p][h3] [/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p]Last, but not least, let’s talk about naval combat in the Modern Age. Here, the Frigate, Dreadnought, and Battleship are your heavy batteries, while the Ironclad, Cruiser, and Destroyer are your mobile Light Units. We also can’t forget the formidable submarine, which is now a ranged glass cannon with the strongest naval strike in the game. This can turn the tide of war in just a few turns, but watch out - its low defense means you’ll want to keep this unit hidden and out of enemy range. The Modern ocean will be all about careful planning and outwitting your opponent: keeping Light Units in front, your navy under cover, and a finger primed to press the attack button if your enemy gets within range. [/p][p][/p][h3][/h3][p]We’re excited to see how this update affects your approach to naval combat in Civilization VII! Based on our own internal testing, we’re seeing a big impact on the way the Exploration and Modern Ages play out, especially after investing in a strong navy. Try the new Tides of Power Collection, free to claim for all Civilization VII players for a limited time.* To make the most use out of this update, including special Naval gameplay unique to Tonga, Republic of Pirates, and Edward Teach - AKA: Blackbeard! As always, please keep sharing your feedback and experiences with us, and look forward to more combat updates in the future. [/p][p][/p][p]*Offer available for owners of Civilization VII. Offer ends January 5, 2026 at 6:59am PT. Owners must claim offer between November 4, 2025 and January 5, 2026 at 6:59am PT. For details on how to claim offer go to www.civilization.com. Terms apply.[/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

After much wrangling with players over Civilization 7’s Age system, which sees you taking charge of different civilizations as you progress from Antiquity into the Modern era, Firaxis are bringing back the option to play as one culture all the way to the endgame. They’re now playtesting the feature internally, and want players to help by way of a new community testing initiative, the Firaxis Feature Workshop.

Firaxis have also shared a few snippets from Civilization 7’s update 1.3.0, due in the week of November 3rd alongside the Tides of Power DLC, which will be free to existing owners of the troubled 4X strategy game over the Xmas holidays. Update 1.3.0 is all about nautical doings and conspirings, with new naval units and buildings, the addition of ranged combat to ocean warfare, and some delightfully soggy terrain features.

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