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

[p]Hey, Civ fans! Welcome to This Month in Civ! We can't believe 2025 is already coming to a close, but before we sign off for the holidays and ring in 2026, we're here to recap everything that happened in December.[/p][p][/p][p]Let’s dive in!
[/p][h2]Update 1.3.1[/h2][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Update 1.3.1 Has Arrived![/h3][p]Update 1.3.1 is live on all platforms! Arriving in-game alongside the second half of the Tides of Power Collection (which is still free for Civ VII players to claim* until Jan 5), this update adds the new Shattered Seas map type, improvements to biomes, and more balance adjustments for a few civs. If this list of tweaks seems lighter than previous months, that's only because we're still hard at work on bigger projects behind the scenes, though we're still excited to get new gameplay into players' hands before the holidays![/p][p][/p][p]You can read all about the specifics of Update 1.3.1 here, or watch QA Lead Shaun Wilson go over all those nuances in our latest Developer Update Video below![/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h3]Get the Tides of Power DLC FREE* until 2026![/h3][p]The Tides of Power Collection is still free for all Civilization VII players through January 5, 2026! The Edward Teach, Republic of Pirates, and Tonga packs became free to claim on November 4, and now the newly released Sayyida al Hurra, Ottomans, and Iceland packs are part of that same offer. 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]Content Collection 3: Tides of Power - Part Two out now! [/h3][p]Add Sayyida al Hurra, Ottomans, and Iceland to your collection[/p][p][/p][p]Explore new possibilities for your personalized empire with post-launch add-on content of the Tides of Power DLC! Add leader Sayyida al Hurra and civs Ottomans and Iceland to your collection, joining the Edward Teach, Republic of Pirates, and Tonga packs that were released November 4. [/p][p][/p][h3]First Look: Sayyida al Hurra[/h3][p]In the wake of Granada's fall, Sayyida al Hurra rose as Morocco's champion to challenge Iberian power in North Africa. As the sole ruler of Tétouan, she was a fierce diplomat who strong-armed the Europeans in their native tongues and earned their admiration. When talks failed, she turned to the Barbary corsairs, forging alliances with famed pirates who kept her waters safe and her city wealthy.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h3]Civ Tour: Ottomans & Iceland [/h3][p]Introducing the next two new civilizations from the Tides of Power Collection: Ottomans and Iceland! Modern Age civ Ottomans will suit players who want to establish military and cultural supremacy via sieges on land, while Exploration Age civ Iceland is a good pick for those who prefer embarking across the seas to raid, pillage, and discover their way to Saga-worthy greatness.[/p][p]
[/p][p]To learn more, read the Game Guide pages for Ottomans and Iceland, or watch their Civ Tour videos below![/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h3]Save on Civ during the Steam Winter Sale![/h3][p]Give yourself or others the gift of Civ VII during the Steam Winter Sale! Until January 5, 2026, get 35%** off Civilization VII's Standard, Deluxe, and Settler's Editions on Steam and start building empires that stand the test of time.[/p][p][/p][p]**Discount based on 2K’s SRP. Digital only. Steam offers end January 5, 2026 at 10AM PT. Terms apply.[/p][p][/p][h3]ICYMI: Civ Give 2025[/h3][p]On December 14, the folks behind The Civ Show gathered to once again host Civ Give! Featuring creators like UrsaRyan, VanBradley, RidicAcidic, InquisitiveOtter, WhiteandNerdy, and Daily Civ7News, this annual charity livestream raises money for Gamers Outreach, an organization dedicated to giving hospitalized children access to video games.[/p][p][/p][p]If you missed their stream, co-casted by Firaxis Designer Carl Harrison and with a segment featuring Civ VII historian Andrew Johnson, check out the VOD on The Civ Show's Twitch or YouTube channels!
[/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 love of the franchise, you can browse everything currently available here.[/p][p][/p][h3]Plushies have landed![/h3][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]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][h3]Pre-orders Open for the Civilization VII Vinyl Soundtrack![/h3][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. Pre-orders 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][p][/p][h3]Community Highlights[/h3][p][/p][p]DocksEcky[/p][p]CIV SEVEN[/p][p][/p][h3]We'll see you here next year![/h3][p]That's a wrap for December (and 2025)! Thank you for a year of passionate feedback, helping us make Civilization VII the best it can be, and generally being among the most dedicated, thoughtful communities in video games. Looking ahead to 2026, we can't wait to share more about the future of Civ VII, and to continue collaborating with you via the Firaxis Feature Workshop and beyond.[/p][p][/p][p]As always, keep sharing your thoughts in our Official Discord, where you can engage with other fans about every update, new piece of content, or anything else related to Civ. To find more info on guides, feature requests, mods, and more, check out our Steam discussions. You can also stay up-to-date on all things Civ by signing up for our newsletter.[/p][p]
[/p][h2]Happy Holidays from the entire Civ team![/h2]