WELCOME TO CIV VII!
Welcome to Sid Meier's Civilization VII! This New Settlers Hub is your go-to spot to learn more about Civ VII's many leaders, civilizations, and gameplay mechanics, whether you're new to strategy games or an experienced Civ player. Build something you believe in with the help of these guides and tips!
HOW DOES CIV VII WORK?
Whether you're new to Civ or have been leading empires to victory since 1991, Civ VII introduces a host of exciting evolutions to the time-honored 4X strategy series, including many design refinements made following its February 2025 launch. Here are the basics of what awaits you in-game!
EVOLVE WITH EACH AGE OR STAND THE TEST OF TIME
Lead your empire through distinct Ages of human history. Across the Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern Ages, choose whether to lead one Time-Tested civilization from start to finish, have it strategically evolve to flourish with a new identity in the next Age, or split the difference through hybridization. As accomplishing scientific, cultural, militaristic, and economic milestones within each Age unlocks advantages in the next, you'll decide how and when your empire's identity and strategy develop.
CHART YOUR OWN PATH TO VICTORY
Shape your empire's unique story by pursuing a wide range of distinct Triumphs, attribute-based objectives that offer a player-driven experience. As each new Age expands the game's scope, it also brings opportunities to borrow elements from other civs, unlock new bonuses, and achieve Victory in myriad new and exciting ways. Order Commanders to move armies as one, engage enemies with revamped combat mechanics, equip swappable leader bonuses across campaigns with Mementos, and much more.
PLAY AS VISIONARY LEADERS OF PROGRESS
Embody illustrious leaders with one of Civilization's most diverse rosters yet, from traditional heads of state known for militaristic might or political prowess to visionaries who made lasting impacts on philosophy, science, human rights, and more. Your chosen leader will endure across the Ages, with a unique ability that can help reinforce or pivot your strategy from one Age into the next. For the first time in franchise history, leader selection is separate from your civilization, giving you the freedom to create all-new strategies by mixing and matching gameplay bonuses.
EXPLORE A WORLD VIVIDLY BROUGHT TO LIFE
Make your mark on a gorgeously detailed world! Your empire comes to life with a diverse range of cultural styles, represented across building architecture and Unit design. Traverse navigable rivers, explore the map's undiscovered reaches, and extend your borders with new Cities or specialized Towns. As your lavishly rendered territory expands, all of your scenic vistas, vibrant metropolises, and fledgling frontier territories will connect seamlessly across the ever-changing landscape.
TEST YOUR STRATEGIC METTLE IN MULTIPLAYER
Compete against other players online and prove your prowess as a great leader.* Multiplayer matches can be epic multi-Age campaigns or take place in a single Age, and cross-play is supported between PC and consoles, so you can play together with friends wherever they are.
How-To Videos
Watch these detailed guide videos from esteemed members of the Civ community, which will walk you through the ins and outs of managing your empire!
DEV TIPS!
Every empire in history had to start somewhere, and every Civ player started out with only the most basic knowledge of how to build and rule – so we welcome you on your path to creating a unique cultural lineage across the Ages! Even if you're more confident in your Civ skills, there's a lot that you can learn from these messages about Civilization VII's reworked systems and mechanics!
ADAPTIVE IN-GAME TUTORIALS
While the Civilization games are renowned for their strategic depth, Civilization VII is the most welcoming entry yet, offering a revamped in-game tutorial that helps guide you as you play out each of your turns. If you're getting started in Civ VII, we strongly recommend that you play with Tutorials enabled. Turned on by default, Tutorial messages and the Advisor recommendations that come with them will adapt to any way you choose to build your empire, so you'll always have access to guidance no matter where your strategies take you.
YOUR ROUTES TO VICTORY
While there are plenty of critical Yields and strategic concepts that make the Civilization games tick, these four areas of focus will determine how you develop your empire and pursue victory. For in-depth details about how Victories work, check out this Victories Dev Diary by designer Bill Anderson.
SCIENCE
Gaining Science is how you'll progress along the Technology tree. Technologies are key scientific advancements that unlock new possibilities for your civ, including Military or Economic growth. To win a Scientific Victory, you must win the Space Race by earning 100 Innovation, and then having an active Launch Pad (in the Modern Age) for 10 turns, after which you win!
CULTURE
Gaining Culture is how you'll progress along the Civics tree. Civics are key cultural advancements that open up additional possibilities for your civ, including new forms of Government, Religion, or Ideology. To win a Cultural Victory, you must have significantly more Tourism than all other players. This can be achieved through a combination of constructing Wonders, displaying Great Works, having Natural Wonders in your empire, earning Celebrations, and more.
MILITARY
To win a Military Victory, you must have significantly more Dominion than all other players. Dominion is accrued by controlling and capturing Settlements, and settling in Distant Lands.
ECONOMIC
To win an Economic Victory, you must have significantly more GDP than all other players. GDP is accrued by slotting Resources, returning Treasure Convoys, and constructing Gold Buildings.
KEEP UP WITH CIV VII
Haven't kept up with Civ VII since launch? No problem! Here are your go-to destinations for new info about the game:
UPDATE NOTES
For the most up-to-date (and thoroughly archived) details on new features, design changes, balance tweaks, and bug fixes, visit our Game Update Notes page.
CONTENT COLLECTIONS
We've continued rolling out new civs and leaders via paid Content Collections since launch! Read more to see how you can expand your empires' strategic horizons with these DLC packs.
COMMUNITY HUB
For regular monthly updates and helpful links for connecting with the Civ community, check out Civ VII 's Community Hub, and join the official Civilization Discord!
GAME GUIDES
Learn more about the civilizations, leaders, and gameplay mechanics in Sid Meier's Civilization VII so you can build the greatest empire the world has ever known!
LEADERS
Embody an illustrious leader in Sid Meier's Civilization VII, from traditional heads of state known for their militaristic might or political prowess, to visionary leaders who made everlasting impacts in philosophy, science, human rights, and more! Meet the leaders who will guide your empire through the Ages, then start strategizing on how best to use their Unique Ability.
FAQs
Wondering about something else related to Civilization VII? Hopefully our Frequently Asked Questions page has the answers; if not, you can get in touch via our social channels!
Glossary
A list of game terminology you'll likely encounter during a game of Civilization VII; you can also consult the in-game Civilopedia for more info!
CREATE A 2K ACCOUNT
Creating and authenticating a 2K Account lets you sign up for newsletters and digital marketing from 2K so you don't miss the latest Sid Meier’s Civilization VII news! By linking your 2K Account, you'll unlock the leader Napoleon Bonaparte with his Emperor Persona in Civilization VII!*
Everyone who's played both Sid Meier's Civilization VI and Sid Meier's Civilization VII with a linked 2K Account can also add Napoleon Bonaparte with his Revolutionary Persona to their leader lineup in Civilization VII!**
For more information on 2K Account benefits for the Civilization series, read here.
*Requires an internet connection, and a 2K Account linked to the platform account used to play Sid Meier's Civilization VII and/or Sid Meier's Civilization VI. 2K Accounts are free. One per account. Void where prohibited. Terms apply.
**Requires an internet connection, and the same 2K Account linked to the platform account(s) used to play Sid Meier's Civilization VI and Sid Meier's Civilization VII. 2K Accounts are free. One per 2K Account. Reward will be automatically delivered in-game. Void where prohibited. Terms apply.
