Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is on the horizon, promising a more console-friendly experience compared to its predecessor. With Firaxis and 2K Games emphasizing smooth gamepad controls, the prospects for Civ 7 on platforms like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Legion GO are looking increasingly promising. Recent updates to the PC requirements for the native Linux version further enhance this optimism.
Civ 7 on Linux: Minimum PC Requirements
To run the official Linux version of Civilization VII, players will need the following baseline hardware, which is expected to deliver a resolution of 1080p at 30 frames per second on low graphics settings:
- OS: Ubuntu 22.04
- Processor: Intel i5-4690 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD RX 580
- Storage: 25 GB available space
Interestingly, the minimum requirements for the Windows version list an Nvidia GTX 1050, while the Linux version specifies a GTX 1060. This distinction is refreshing, especially in an era where many games impose steep hardware demands, such as hardware-level ray tracing.
For Steam Deck users, the situation may initially appear challenging. The Steam Deck’s equivalent desktop GPUs, the Nvidia GTX 1050Ti or AMD Radeon RX 570, fall slightly short of the listed minimum requirements for Civ 7 on Linux. However, the Steam Deck operates at a lower resolution of 1280×800, compared to the desktop standard of 1920×1080. This suggests that Civ 7 is likely to run smoothly on the device, with a strong possibility of receiving Steam Deck certification.
Moreover, while Ubuntu is recommended, it is not a strict requirement. Users should ensure they are running version 22.04 or higher to access updated software libraries for a reliable gaming experience on Steam. Other modern Linux distributions, such as Fedora, Zorin OS, Bazzite, or Mint, with a contemporary kernel, should also meet the necessary criteria.
Does Civ 7 Even Need A Linux Version?
In a move reminiscent of Firaxis’s approach with Civilization VI, the developer is once again offering a dedicated version of Civilization VII for Linux users, alongside a port for MacOS powered by Apple Silicon. This decision is somewhat unexpected, especially considering the advancements in Valve’s Proton, which allows Windows games to run effectively on Linux and the Steam Deck.
When Civ 6 launched in 2018, Steam Proton was still in its infancy, and the Steam Deck was yet to be conceived. The landscape of Linux gaming was just beginning to improve. A native Linux version made sense at that time, particularly for a title that was distinctly PC-oriented upon release.
Fast forward to 2025, and Firaxis’s choice to develop a native version is not a necessity, much like Hello Games’s ongoing support for No Man’s Sky after its initial rocky launch. However, such goodwill can significantly enhance a developer’s reputation.
Additionally, while Proton has made strides, it is not infallible. Game updates can sometimes disrupt compatibility, leading to performance issues or even rendering the game unplayable. A dedicated Linux version eliminates the uncertainty surrounding Proton’s functionality, ensuring that developers can provide gamers with a seamless experience. As Linux gaming continues to gain traction, this decision reflects positively on developers.
Civilization VII is set to release on February 11, 2025, and anticipation is building to evaluate the performance of both the native Linux version and the Steam Proton variant. Stay tuned for insights and updates as the release date approaches!
