Civilization 7 Dev Firaxis Says 'There's Hope for Gandhi, Yet'

Civilization VII has arrived, and a familiar face is missing: Mahatma Gandhi. A staple of the series since 1991, his absence has sparked considerable discussion among veteran players. The infamous "Nuclear Gandhi" bug, while ultimately a myth, cemented his place in Civilization lore.

So, where is he? Civilization VII lead designer Ed Beach offered reassurance, hinting at Gandhi's eventual return as DLC. "We haven't forgotten about anybody who's been in our game before," Beach stated, acknowledging the concerns surrounding missing civilizations like Great Britain. He explained that Carthage and Great Britain will be added via DLC in March 2025, followed by Bulgaria and Nepal. The team has a broader roadmap, and some civilizations fit better into the long-term plan.

Beach further clarified Firaxis' decision-making process, noting that even iconic civilizations like Mongolia and Persia were absent from previous base games. The sheer number of popular choices necessitates leaving some out, allowing for the inclusion of fresh, exciting options. While some beloved leaders are absent at launch, Beach confirmed that Gandhi's inclusion is part of the long-term vision.

In short: hope remains for Gandhi's return.

Best Civ 7 Leaders

Best Civ 7 Leaders

Meanwhile, Civilization VII's launch has received a "mixed" reception on Steam, with community feedback focusing on the user interface, limited map variety, and missing features. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick acknowledged the negative reviews but expressed confidence that the core Civilization audience will appreciate the game more with continued play, describing its early performance as "very encouraging."

Need help conquering the world? Consult our guides on achieving every Civ VII victory, understanding the key changes for Civ VI players, and avoiding crucial mistakes. We also cover the various map types and difficulty settings to enhance your gameplay experience.