This Month in Civ: October Update, News Recap, and More

[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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