Base Game Civilizations

Explore the new features of Civilization VII's base game civilizations, including distinct Ages, new yield types, and updated settlement mechanics. Learn how to lead your civilization to victory.

Civilization VII introduces several new features that significantly alter gameplay, particularly concerning civilizations and their development.

• The game is divided into three distinct Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. Each Age features unique tech and civic trees. Civilizations are tied to one Age, and leaders can choose to transform into a new civilization for the subsequent Age, influenced by gameplay elements and previous choices. A temporary "Crisis" occurs during each Age shift, imposing negative policies to balance the game.

• A new yield type, Influence, is introduced for diplomacy.

• Rivers are now categorized as small (crossable normally) and navigable (traversable by naval and embarked units). Rivers now run through tiles instead of along their edges.

• Settlements are divided into Cities and Towns, both under the umbrella of Settlements. Towns are the starting point for most settlements (except the Capital), generating Gold instead of Production, and can be upgraded into Cities. Buildings can be purchased in both.

• Settlement names are displayed in their native languages. Settlement limits are now age-dependent.

• Settlers are divided into two units: the Founder (a Civilian Unit) and the Settler unit.