Civ 7's Grand Re-Tour: Firaxis Says "One Civ to Rule Them All" is Back, Plus Nautical Shenanigans!
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Firaxis is bringing back the highly-requested option to play as a single civilization throughout the entire game in *Civilization 7*, ditching the divisive Age system, alongside launching a community testing initiative. An upcoming update will also overhaul naval features and free DLC will introduce new leaders and civs with a pirate theme, all part of Firaxis's efforts to address the game's mixed launch reception.
Alright, gather 'round, digital adventurers! Remember when *Civilization 7* dropped and its 'Age system' had everyone scratching their heads, wondering why their carefully cultivated empire suddenly morphed into a different historical entity? Felt a bit like a mischievous imp had swapped out your save file, didn't it? Well, mate, Firaxis has heard the collective groan – loud and clear, apparently – and they're bringing back a fan-favourite feature that should make all us control freaks happy: the option to play as one civ for the *entire bloody game*.
Fair dinkum, this is big news. According to Edwin Evans-Thirlwell over at Rock Paper Shotgun (cheers for the scoop, Edwin!), Firaxis is internally playtesting the return of the persistent civ feature, letting you pick your culture from any age and guide them through history without the involuntary identity swaps. Creative director Ed Beach spilled the beans on the Civblog, calling this one of the 'most requested features from players.' Honestly, it's about time. A game about *civilization* should let you, you know, *stick with a civilization*.
But that's not all the wizards at Firaxis are conjuring up. They're also launching something called the 'Firaxis Feature Workshop.' Sounds a bit like a magical tinkering shed, doesn't it? They're inviting a 'small number of community members' to get hands-on with these and other 'work-in-progress' features. Getting players involved early, rather than just chucking a patch over the fence, is a smart play after a launch that was, let's just say, a tad divisive.
Before we dive too deep into those future enchantments, there's an imminent update (1.3.0, due the week of November 3rd) and some free DLC coming our way. And this update is all about the brine, the waves, and maybe a few swashbuckling tales. Firaxis is giving naval warfare a serious rework, making it less of a watery afterthought and more of a strategic dance. We're talking new Harbor buildings for spawning units and boosting fishing (who doesn't love a good fish bonus?), plus a speedy new Privateer unit for a bit of cheeky raiding across borders, even if you're not officially at war. Think of them as historical pirates with a license – very 'Web3' of them, if you ask me.
Ocean tiles are getting a glow-up too, with new resources like crabs, turtles, and cowrie (because who *wouldn't* want a crab empire?). Deep oceans might even sprout atolls to create strategic choke points, and lakes could get lotus terrain for extra food and gold. Plus, naval units are splitting into light (fast, melee, flanking) and heavy (slow, ranged) varieties, which sounds like it'll add a decent layer of tactical depth. Suddenly, naval battles won't just be about who has the biggest boat, but who's got the cleverest admiral – might actually have to think, eh?
And for those who stuck with the good ship *Civ 7* through its choppy early waters, there's a 'Tides of Power' DLC coming, free for existing owners over the Xmas holidays. Part one brings us Edward Teach (Blackbeard, for the uninitiated) alongside Tonga and the Republic of Pirates. Part two in December introduces Moroccan pirate leader Sayyida al Hurra, plus the Ottomans and Iceland. Looks like they're really leaning into the maritime theme, which, after years of land-based domination, is a refreshing change.
It's been a bumpy road for *Civilization 7*, no doubt. The initial reception was a mixed bag, with plenty of player ire aimed squarely at that Age system. But seeing Firaxis not only acknowledge the feedback but actively work to 'right the ship' with significant changes and community involvement? That's genuinely exciting. They're not just patching; they're rethinking core mechanics. It gives a bloke hope that this digital saga might yet achieve its full potential. Let's hope these dramatic changes aren't just clever illusions, eh?
Tags: Civilization, 4X Strategy, Game Update, Community Feedback, Firaxis
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun