In the world of Civilization 7, dataminers have uncovered hints of a fourth, unannounced Age, sparking excitement among fans. This discovery aligns with a recent interview with IGN where Firaxis, the game's developer, hinted at future expansions. Traditionally, a full campaign in Civilization 7 progresses through three Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. At the end of each Age, all players, including AI opponents, undergo an Age Transition. This process involves selecting a new civilization from the upcoming Age, choosing which Legacies to carry forward, and witnessing the evolution of the game world—a unique feature not seen in previous Civilization games.
The Modern Age in Civilization 7 concludes before the onset of the Cold War, a decision confirmed by lead designer Ed Beach in his IGN interview. Beach explained that the choice to end the current game at the conclusion of World War 2 was deliberate, reflecting a significant historical pivot. He detailed the reasoning behind each Age's endpoint, emphasizing a global historical perspective influenced by the game's senior historian, Andrew Johnson.
Antiquity ends around the 300 to 500 CE period, marking the decline of major empires worldwide, not just the Roman Empire but also those in China and India. The transition from Exploration to Modern is inspired by the challenges faced by European monarchies during revolutions like the French and American Revolutions. The Modern Age concludes with the World Wars, a time of significant global change that allows for unique gameplay systems tailored to each Age.
When asked about future expansions, executive producer Dennis Shirk teased the possibility of a fourth Age, suggesting themes such as space exploration and modern military units. Although not confirmed, the tease has led players to datamine the game, uncovering references to an "Atomic Age" and new leaders and civilizations, which align with Firaxis' DLC strategy from previous games.
Amidst the excitement for potential expansions, Firaxis is also addressing community feedback, as Civilization 7 has received mixed reviews on Steam. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick remains optimistic, suggesting that the game's core audience will appreciate it more over time.
For those looking to master Civilization 7, we offer comprehensive guides on achieving every victory type, understanding the major changes from Civilization 6, and avoiding common mistakes. Additionally, our resources cover all map types and difficulty settings to ensure you're well-prepared for your journey through the Ages.
