Civilization 7: A Fourth Age on the Horizon? Dataminers and Firaxis Hint at Expansion
Civilization 7's current campaign spans three Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern, each concluding with a simultaneous Age Transition for all players. This transition involves selecting a new civilization, choosing which Legacies to carry over, and witnessing a world-altering evolution. This innovative system is unprecedented in the Civilization series.
The Modern Age, as currently implemented, concludes before the Cold War, ending around the conclusion of World War II. Lead designer Ed Beach explained Firaxis's decision to IGN, highlighting the historical significance of these periods as natural chapter breaks. The transition points were carefully chosen to reflect major global shifts and power dynamics: the decline of ancient empires around 300-500 CE, the revolutionary upheavals challenging established monarchies, and the profound impact of World War II. Each Age features unique gameplay mechanics, affecting diplomacy, warfare, and available commanders.
Speculation regarding a fourth, unannounced Age has intensified following datamining discoveries and Firaxis's suggestive comments. While Executive Producer Dennis Shirk refrained from confirmation, he hinted at exciting future possibilities, emphasizing the potential for new systems, visuals, units, and civilizations tailored to a new era. Dataminers have already uncovered references to an "Atomic Age," further fueling this speculation. The inclusion of new leaders and civilizations is anticipated, aligning with Firaxis's established DLC strategy.
Meanwhile, Firaxis is actively addressing community concerns that have resulted in mixed Steam reviews. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick acknowledged the negative feedback but expressed confidence in the game's long-term success, emphasizing the positive reception from the core Civilization fanbase.
For those seeking to conquer the world in Civilization 7, resources are available to guide you through various victory conditions, significant gameplay changes from Civ 6, common mistakes to avoid, map types, and difficulty settings.