Civilization 7’s post-launch plans include free multiplayer and Age features and paid Ada Lovelace

The post-launch update and DLC schedule for Sid Meier’s Civilization VII slightly confuses me, as the image above bears a striking resemblance to Civ 7’s historical Age progression screens. However, this similarity also delights me, as it allows for the intro joke “all roadmaps lead to Rome”.*

In case you missed it, the new 4X strategy game will be released on 11th February. Developers Firaxis have outlined their plans for updating the game, which include the usual balancing and bug fixes, as well as new map types, potential multiplayer features, and Age settings.

This information comes from a Steam post where the developers mention having “a seemingly endless list of ideas”. I too have endless ideas – from becoming an expert on toadstools to writing a feature film inspired by Event Horizon and the Oresteia. However, we all know that human beings are not endless, and some of the Civilization 7 team’s ambitious plans may not come to fruition.

The Steam post mentions, “The first set of updates we’ll be providing are those that directly target the game as it currently stands. There will be bug fixes, balance changes, and enhancements to gameplay and user interface. You’ll see regular updates in all these areas.”

In addition to these routine updates, they are focusing on implementing the following “features that didn’t quite make it in for our initial launch”. While there are no specific release dates, developers are actively working on them.

– Adding Teams to multiplayer games for cooperative play

– Expanding to 8 players for multiplayer in all Ages through refinements to the Distant Land system

– Allowing players to choose their starting and ending Age for single or double Age games

– Introducing a wider variety of map types

– Adding hotseat multiplayer

The post also mentions upcoming paid additions to the game in themed “content collections” featuring new leaders, civilizations, and wonders of the world. These will be released gradually over a few months rather than all at once.

The first collection is titled Crossroads of the World and is set to be released in March 2025. It will include “long-standing favorites” Carthage and Great Britain, along with the new leader Ada Lovelace, who is described as having a unique way of mastering the game world. The second part of the Crossroads of the World collection introduces Simón Bolívar, as well as new civilizations Bulgaria and Nepal.

The full Steam post also discusses the game’s victory types and how they align with the new Age system. While I haven’t played Civ in a while, I’m intrigued to see how Ages impact gameplay, although I’m disappointed to learn that the new 4X game utilizes Denuvo DRM.

*It’s probably been done before