Reflecting on my childhood, I vividly recall the hours spent watching my father navigate the intricate world of Civilization 2 on the PlayStation. To my young eyes, it appeared a labyrinth of menus and tiny units, a realm of decisions far beyond my comprehension. Yet, it was never intended to be a spectator sport. My own journey into this expansive universe began years later when Civilization 5 became available for a mere five dollars during a sale, an irresistible invitation that drew in a few friends. The game resonated with me instantly, offering a more forgiving approach compared to real-time strategy games, devoid of rush tactics and unit spamming, while its simultaneous turns honored everyone’s time.
Civilization 7: A New Era
Now, with Civilization 7 making waves, it presents itself as a potential entry point for newcomers, currently available at a 40% discount on Fanatical, reducing the price to .99 / £35.99. This latest installment in Sid Meier’s renowned 4X strategy series marks a notable shift from its predecessors. In a bid to breathe new life into the franchise, Firaxis has introduced an innovative Age system, segmenting gameplay into three distinct phases. Unlike earlier versions where players selected a leader and their civilization came as a package, Civilization 7 requires players to choose a leader to guide them from start to finish while swapping civilizations as they advance through Antiquity, Exploration, and the Modern era.
While I commend the spirit of innovation and the willingness to take risks rather than rehashing familiar formulas, I find that the new system may lack the replayability that keeps players returning once the initial novelty fades. The soft reset mechanic remains enjoyable, yet the necessity to re-engage in decision-making as cities revert to towns at the dawn of a new Age can sometimes feel burdensome. Adapting to a new leader with different abilities may transform the experience into a chore rather than a thrill.
Fortunately, the developers have been attentive to player feedback, and the forthcoming free Test of Time update appears to herald a return to form. As the game celebrates its first anniversary, players will once again have the opportunity to maintain a single civilization throughout their journey, starting from any age with their chosen leader at the helm. Update 1.3.2 will also revamp the Victory conditions, focusing on four key areas: Military, Economy, Culture, and Science. This update replaces the Legacy Paths with a new system called Triumphs, designed to foster a more fluid approach to gameplay. Rather than confining players to a predetermined strategy, Triumphs will introduce dynamic challenges that align with the six main Attributes: Militaristic, Cultural, Scientific, Economic, Diplomatic, and Expansionist.
The Test of Time update is slated for release this Spring. However, even in the absence of this free expansion, Civilization 7 is a worthwhile investment, especially with its current 40% discount on Humble Bundle. It represents a commendable effort to redefine the 4X genre while upholding its legacy as a flagship franchise. Although it may not be without its flaws, the future looks promising with the exciting developments on the horizon.
This deal is available until Thursday, February 26, 2026. Be sure to seize this opportunity to secure a great price. As Ed noted in our Civilization 7 review, “[The game] is fantastic, and perhaps the best expression of the conventional 4X game,” making it a purchase well worth considering.
