World Age & Climate

Explore the new Ages (Antiquity, Exploration, Modern) and their unique tech/civic trees in Civilization VII. Learn about Influence, Rivers, Settlements, and more.

Civilization VII introduces a dynamic world shaped by distinct Ages and evolving climates. This guide will break down the new features that define your empire's journey through time.

• Ages and Transitions: The game is divided into the Antiquity Age, Exploration Age, and Modern Age. Each age features unique tech and civic trees. Civilizations are bound to one age and can transform into new ones during Age transitions, influenced by leaders, previous civilizations, and specific gameplay elements (e.g., owning 3 Horse resources can unlock Mongolia in the Exploration Age).
• Age Crisis: A temporary 'Crisis' occurs during each Age shift, forcing players to implement negative policies. This mechanic aims to balance the game, preventing runaway leaders and giving lagging players a chance.
• New Yield Type: Influence: This new yield is crucial for conducting diplomacy with other civilizations.
• Rivers: Rivers are now categorized into small and navigable types. Both run through tiles, not on their edges. Navigable rivers allow for the movement of Naval Units and embarked Units.
• Settlements: Cities are now divided into two categories: Cities and Towns, both falling under the umbrella of Settlements. All Settlements, except your Capital, begin as Towns, which convert Production to Gold and cannot produce items independently. Towns can be upgraded into Cities.
• Settler Units: Settlers are split into two units: the starting Founder (a Civilian Unit) and another unit that produces your Capital.
• City Naming: Settlement names will appear in their native languages, not the game's display language.
• Settlement Age Limits: The number of Settlements is limited by Age.