Want to help shape the future of Civilization VII? The Firaxis Feature Workshop is officially reopening! This program brings dedicated players directly into the development loop to test, break, and provide feedback on early features ahead of our biggest updates.
What’s being workshopped in Civilization VII?
Our next Workshop rounds are focused on testing two key areas: the Arc of Tomorrow update and our first paid expansion, Civilization VII: Earthrise.
Free Update: Arc of Tomorrow
Arc of Tomorrow is a massive update introducing the Atomic Age, free for Civ VII players extending Civ VII’s timeline from the 1950s through the 2050s. While gameplay details are subject to change, here is what we’re currently building:
- Atomic Age: A new, fourth Age that extends the playable timeline of history from the 1950s through the 2050s.
- Modern world & visuals: Sweeping urban city architecture, updated tech and civic trees, new Triumphs, social policies, narrative events, music, and more.
- New civs & leaders: A new roster of period-specific civs, plus the return of a certain fan-favorite leader…
- Enhanced City-State gameplay & Proxy Warfare: Voluntarily release distant Settlements as brand new City-States to fine-tune the size and shape of your empire, engage in a broader set of interactions with them, and even prompt them into Cold War-style proxy wars in order to steal away other City-States from your opponents in smaller-scale conflicts.
- Expanded Nuclear gameplay: Broader nuclear delivery and defensive options, diplomatic disarmament agreements, and brand-new espionage actions provide ways to engage with nuclear gameplay like never before. Plus, we'll have a fun twist on mutually assured destruction by giving you a critical window to deploy defenses or fire back with a retaliatory strike whenever the big bombs begin to fly.
Civilization VII: Earthrise
Civilization VII’s first paid expansion, Earthrise, centers on space exploration and environmental adaptability. Earthrise expands your empire's horizons – taking humanity from charting the stars in the Antiquity Age to establishing a space agency in the Atomic Age that launches missions across the solar system. Back on Earth, it introduces new tools to manipulate terrain, boost tile yields, and build civil engineering projects to protect against natural disasters, alongside – even more! – new civs and leaders.
How Can I Participate?
To apply to the Firaxis Feature Workshop, please fill out our player-interest form linked here.
To ensure we can effectively collaborate with you, we do have a few baseline requirements:
- Own Civilization VII on Steam.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be comfortable communicating in English.
Since this is a hands-on process, being active on Discord is essential for chatting with the team and sharing your vital feedback. Once you submit the form, our team will review your application for consideration in Round 1 and/or Round 2.
How do I know if I’ve been selected?
If you’re selected, we’ll reach out to you via the email associated with your 2K Account (please note this selection process may take some time as we finalize the official start date of Round 1). Once you sign an NDA, you will receive a link to the Workshop Discord server and a unique one-time-use Steam key that will grant you access to the build, and channels specific to the Arc of Tomorrow and Earthrise play sessions. Within Discord, we’ll give you more information to access the test build and provide feedback on new features directly to the Firaxis developers.
If you’re not selected for Round 1, stay tuned for news of Round 2! We plan to expand our testing pool as the Workshop continues. For those of you who are not selected to participate, please know we are always taking in feedback from everywhere players talk Civ, so keep us letting us know your thoughts whether it’s the Civ Official Discord or Steam.
FAQs
Q: How do I join the Firaxis Feature Workshop?
You can apply through the application form here.
Q: I was in a previous Workshop. Do I still need to apply?
Yes. To receive a build key, we need an updated application for this upcoming round. We're starting with a smaller group for Round 1, but we'll be rolling out access in waves. Applying now keeps you in the queue for Round 2 as more spots open up!
Q: Is the Firaxis Feature Workshop testing both Arc of Tomorrow and Earthrise?
Yes, this Workshop build includes early hands-on features and mechanics from both the Arc of Tomorrow update (which is free for all players) and the paid Earthrise expansion. Participants will get a sneak peek at upcoming content across both releases and can share their feedback directly with the design team.
Q: What platforms are eligible to participate for playtesting in the Firaxis Feature Workshop?
The workshop is only compatible with the Steam platform. Even if you own the game on console, you must own the base game on Steam to access this special build.
Q: Do I need a 2K Account to join the Firaxis Feature Workshop?
Yes, invites and testing access are tied directly to your 2K Account credentials.
Q: Do I have to be on Discord to participate?
Yes, at this time, players must have a Discord account to participate. We’ll use Discord to share updates, host discussions, and connect directly with players.
Q: Do I get anything for joining?
No, this is a voluntary program for players who want the opportunity to test and provide feedback on new Civilization VII features before they’re made available to the public.
Q: I was given a PTR key; what do I do next?
When a Workshop round is open, you can redeem the code on Steam when the round begins. Use that same Steam key as your entry code to enter the private Discord and unlock the discussion channels and exclusive updates!
Q: What kind of info will you be gathering?
We collect gameplay telemetry (how you play) and direct feedback via surveys and Discord discussions. This data helps us balance mechanics and identify technical issues.
Q: How can I opt out of the Firaxis Feature Workshop program and no longer be contacted?
You can leave the Discord at any time and uninstall the Workshop build. If you wish to be removed from our mailing list, please opt-out by submitting a request here.
Q: Will my progress in the workshop carry over to the final game?
No. The Firaxis Feature Workshop is a separate environment used for testing specific features. Progress and save games will not carry over to the retail version of Civilization VII.
Q: When will I find out if I was selected for Round 1?
Selected players will be notified via email using the address associated with their 2K Account. We expect to send out Round 1 invites in October, so keep an eye on your inbox – and spam folder – around that time for updates!
Q: What happens if I am not selected for Round 1?
Don't worry, your application stays in the pool! If you aren't chosen for Round 1, you'll automatically be considered for Round 2.
Q: If I’m selected for Round 1, does this mean I’m automatically going to be a part of Round 2?
Yes! If you are selected for Round 1, your access automatically carries over into Round 2. You won't need to reapply or sign up again.
Q: Can I stream, post screenshots, or create YouTube videos during Round 1?
No, playtesters will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement upon being selected to participate. All aspects of in-development game features must be kept confidential, with discussion limited to the Firaxis Feature Workshop Discord.
Q: Can I share my Firaxis Feature Workshop invite with someone else?
No, only officially invited playtesters may participate in the Firaxis Feature Workshop. All participants must fill out the recruitment survey, and then if selected, sign an agreement to keep all program-relevant information confidential.
Q: Is there a way to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the Workshop if I am not a participant?
Yes! We'll be publicly sharing updates on how the Firaxis Feature Workshop is progressing. Updates and learnings from each session will be shared via the Official Civ Discord, as well as the Firaxis Feature Workshop page you're currently on!
