Transformative Changes in Naval Combat
The upcoming Civilization 7 update promises to reshape the gaming experience with a comprehensive overhaul of naval combat. Firaxis has embarked on an ambitious journey to enhance tactical gameplay, aiming to create a more rewarding experience for players. While the game has yet to capture the fervor of its predecessors in the 4X genre, the recent city menu reworks have set the stage for this significant update. With version 1.3.0, players can anticipate a fresh approach to ships and sea battles, along with the long-awaited feature that allows for a full campaign as a single civilization through the ages.
Dubbed ‘naval combat 2.0,’ this update is not merely an enhancement; it represents a fundamental transformation. According to systems designer Edward Zhang and gameplay engineer Chris Burke, the redesign aims to make naval engagements more impactful and clarify the strengths of seafaring units. Their vision encapsulates a shift towards “more strategy, less ambiguity, and fleets that feel like fleets.”
Historically, Civ 7’s naval forces have been categorized as melee units, despite their ability to launch ranged attacks against land-based opponents. This classification led to a gameplay dynamic where heavier options consistently outperformed lighter ones due to their melee strength. Zhang notes that this approach caused confusion among players familiar with earlier iterations of Civilization, where naval units could engage in ranged combat against one another.
With the introduction of update 1.3.0, players will experience the return of true ranged combat at sea. The update delineates two distinct categories of naval units:
- Light Units: These fast, melee-focused forces boast increased vision, making them ideal for scouting and flanking. Examples include the Galley and Quadrireme from the Antiquity Age, the Privateer from the Exploration Age, and the Ironclad, Cruiser, and Destroyer from the Modern Age.
- Heavy Units: Slower and with limited visibility, these units can deliver powerful ranged attacks capable of crippling enemy fleets and coastal districts. The Exploration Age features the Cog, Carrack, and Galleon, while the Modern Age introduces the Frigate, Dreadnought, and Battleship.
In several instances, melee and ranged strengths have been recalibrated to align with these new roles. Zhang emphasizes that early combat scenarios will retain a familiar feel, focusing on melee skirmishes, but the Exploration Age will truly showcase the impact of these changes. The new Privateer, accessible to all civilizations via the Heraldry civic, emerges as a formidable naval raider. It possesses the unique ability to ignore borders, pillage trade routes for quick resources, and engage military units of other civilizations without a formal declaration of war.
However, players should be mindful of the consequences; attacking another player’s unit or plundering trade routes will inevitably strain diplomatic relations. As players progress to the Modern Age, they will gain access to a diverse array of naval troops, including the formidable submarine, now reimagined as a ranged glass cannon with the most powerful naval strike in the game. This unit can dramatically alter the course of warfare in just a few turns, but its low defense necessitates careful concealment from enemy forces.
Accompanying update 1.3.0 is the Civilization 7 Tides of Power collection, available at no cost for the first two months. This collection introduces new leaders, including Edward ‘Blackbeard’ Teach and Sayyida al Hurra, alongside civilizations such as Tonga, Republic of Pirates, Ottomans, and Iceland. Additionally, players can explore four new wonders: the Great Lighthouse, Nan Madol, Great Blue Hole, and Mapu’a Vaea Blowholes. This collection will be free to claim for owners of the base game from Tuesday, November 4, 2025, to Monday, January 5, 2026.
As players prepare to navigate these transformative changes, the question remains: how will these adjustments to Civ 7’s naval roster influence strategic gameplay? Engage with fellow enthusiasts in the PCGamesN Discord to share your thoughts on the latest developments in PC gaming.
