For Civilization VII’s official 4K/60fps Ultra tier, Firaxis lists an Intel Core i7-14700F or AMD Ryzen 9 5950X, 32 GB of RAM, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 or AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT. The important qualification is that Firaxis describes this tier as 4K/60fps on High Graphics—not necessarily every setting at its maximum value. These are publisher targets, not a guarantee for every map size, late-game save, driver, or multiplayer session.
The canonical requirements page was published January 10, 2025 and updated August 26, 2025: Firaxis Civilization VII PC system requirements.
Official Civilization VII Windows requirements
Compare your complete system, not just its graphics card. Every row below includes the resolution, frame-rate and graphics target stated by Firaxis.
| Tier | Target | CPU | RAM | GPU | OS, DirectX and storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 1080p/30fps, Low | Intel Core i5-4690, Core i3-10100, or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 | 8 GB | Nvidia GTX 1050, AMD RX 460, or Intel Arc A380 | Windows 10/11 64-bit; DirectX 12; 20 GB available |
| Recommended | 1080p/60fps, High | Intel Core i5-10400 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X | 16 GB | Nvidia RTX 2060, AMD RX 6600, or Intel Arc A750 | Windows 10/11 64-bit; DirectX 12; 20 GB available |
| Ultra | 4K/60fps, High Graphics | Intel Core i7-14700F or AMD Ryzen 9 5950X | 32 GB | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 or AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT | Windows 10/11 64-bit; DirectX 12; 20 GB available |
“Minimum” means a 1080p/30fps Low target, not a 60fps experience. Likewise, “Ultra” is the name of Firaxis’ performance tier; its stated graphics setting is High. The table does not specify a map size, number of civilizations, turn count, or multiplayer conditions, so actual performance can vary.
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- BUILD AN EMPIRE THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME - Lead your empire through distinct Ages of human history. Each Age is its own rich, nuanced journey, with unique playable civilizations, available resources, explorable land, and even entire gameplay systems, creating a deep, historically immersive strategy experience. Strive to accomplish significant scientific, cultural, militaristic, and economic milestones within each Age to unlock impactful advantages in the next!
- EVOLVE YOUR EMPIRE AS EACH NEW AGE DAWNS - To build a legacy that truly stands the test of time, you must adapt. Forge your own path through history as you reshape your empire at the start of each Age, selecting from a pool of new Age-relevant civilization options determined by your prior gameplay accomplishments. Evolving your empire unlocks fresh gameplay bonuses and unique units, so your current civilization is always at the height of its power.
- PLAY AS VISIONARY LEADERS OF PROGRESS - Embody an illustrious leader with one of Civilization's most diverse rosters yet, 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!
- 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 so you can enjoy an entire game in a single session. Cross-play is supported, so you can play together with friends wherever they are.
What 4K Ultra really asks of your PC
A balanced CPU, GPU and memory combination
The top tier pairs a high-end desktop processor with a 4K-class graphics card and 32 GB of memory. That structure matters: upgrading only a weak GPU, or pairing an RTX 4070-class card with an old CPU and 8 GB of RAM, does not make the system a full Ultra match. Strategy games perform simulation and artificial-intelligence calculations as well as rendering graphics, so processor performance can become a practical concern on large or late-game sessions; this is an inference from the published tier, not an independent benchmark result.
4K output is not always native 4K rendering
A 4K monitor can display an upscaled image, a dynamically reduced internal resolution, or a window below 3840×2160. Firaxis’ requirements do not name an upscaling technology or promise native rendering in every circumstance. Treat RTX 4070 and RX 7800 XT as the official reference points for the listed target, not proof of a fixed 60fps in every scenario.
How to check whether your PC qualifies
- Press Windows + R, type
dxdiag, and press Enter. - On the System tab, note Windows edition, processor, memory and DirectX version.
- Open the Display tab and record the exact GPU model. On systems with more than one adapter, identify the dedicated GPU as well as integrated graphics.
- Open File Explorer, select the drive where you will install the game, and confirm at least 20 GB is free. Leave additional room for patches, shader caches and other software.
- Compare every item with one row of the official table. A match on the GPU alone is not a match for that tier.
You can also check CPU and RAM under Settings → System → About. Display information is under Settings → System → Display → Advanced display, but Settings may not show the exact dedicated GPU model; Task Manager, dxdiag or the GPU maker’s utility is more reliable.
Classify your gaming rig
- Below the minimum: A system below the listed CPU, 8 GB RAM, or GTX 1050/RX 460/Arc A380-class GPU does not meet Firaxis’ official minimum.
- Minimum-capable: Meeting the minimum row is the publisher’s 1080p/30fps Low target. A game can launch yet still have poor frame pacing, long turns or stutter.
- Recommended 1080p PC: The RTX 2060/RX 6600/Arc A750 class with 16 GB RAM and the listed CPU tier is aimed at 1080p/60fps High.
- Official 4K-tier PC: You need the listed high-end CPU class, 32 GB RAM and an RTX 4070 or RX 7800 XT-class GPU to match the published Ultra row.
- Between tiers: RTX 3060, RTX 4060 and RX 7600-class systems are not direct matches for the official 4K row. Expect to test lower resolution or settings rather than assuming 4K/60fps.
- Newer cards: RTX 4070 Super, 4070 Ti, RTX 5070 and RX 7900-series cards may be faster or newer, but model names alone do not establish identical results. Drivers, CPU, power limits, settings and patches matter.
- Laptops: A laptop RTX 4070 is not automatically equivalent to a desktop RTX 4070. Cooling, wattage and manufacturer tuning can produce substantially different performance.
- Integrated graphics: The Windows minimum lists discrete GPUs. Do not assume Intel or AMD integrated graphics are supported simply because the game launches.
What to upgrade first
If you miss the minimum GPU
The graphics card is the first obvious barrier. Check power-supply capacity, case clearance and cooling before buying a replacement. An expensive GPU is a poor fix if the processor, memory or power delivery is also far below the target.
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If you have 8 GB or 16 GB of RAM
16 GB is the official recommended amount; 32 GB is the amount attached to the Ultra row. Verify whether your motherboard uses DDR4 or DDR5 and whether a laptop’s memory is upgradeable. RAM cannot compensate for a GPU that is far below the required class.
Rank #2
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- TECUMSEH AND SHAWNEE PACK - This content pack adds the leader Tecumseh and the Shawnee civilization to Civilization VII! Tecumseh specializes in diplomacy and defense.
- CROSSROADS OF THE WORLD COLLECTION - Explore new possibilities for your personalized empire with the post-launch add-on content of the Crossroads of the World Collection! Embody two new leaders: Simón Bolívar and Ada Lovelace. Lead four new civilizations: Carthage, Great Britain, Bulgaria, and Nepal. Discover the majesty of four new Natural Wonders: Machapuchare, Mount Fuji, Vihren, and Vinicunca. And expand your experience with a cosmetic bonus.
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If the CPU is old
A suitable graphics card with an older processor may be a reasonable 1080p system but is not a full Ultra match. Large maps and late turns are the situations most likely to expose a processor limitation, although Firaxis does not publish a separate CPU benchmark.
If storage is the problem
Windows requires 20 GB available. Firaxis does not explicitly require an SSD, but an SSD is a sensible quality-of-life upgrade for installation, loading and general responsiveness. It will not replace a needed CPU or GPU upgrade.
When a new desktop makes more sense
If your motherboard, power supply, cooling, CPU platform and RAM all need replacement, compare the total upgrade cost with a new system. If you already sit near the recommended tier and play at 1080p, a complete RTX 4070-class replacement is usually unnecessary; lowering resolution or settings is the cheaper path to a smoother game.
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Use the platform-specific rows rather than applying Windows’ Ultra specification to another operating system.
| Platform | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| macOS | Sequoia; Apple M1 8-core; 8 GB RAM; M1 graphics; 25 GB storage | Sequoia; Apple M2 Pro 10-core; 16 GB RAM; M2 Pro graphics; 25 GB storage |
| Linux | Ubuntu 22.04; Intel i5-4690 or Ryzen 3 1200; 8 GB RAM; GTX 1060 or RX 580; 25 GB storage | Ubuntu 24.04; Intel i5-10400 or Ryzen 5 3600X; 16 GB RAM; RTX 2070 or RX 6700; 25 GB storage |
The published Mac and Linux tables do not include a Windows-style 4K/60fps Ultra row, so equivalent performance cannot be inferred from these recommendations.
Rank #3
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- Deluxe Edition includes: Full base game, Early Access, the Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack, the Crossroads of the World Collection, and the Deluxe Content Pack.
- BUILD AN EMPIRE THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME - Lead your empire through distinct Ages of human history. Each Age is its own rich, nuanced journey, with unique playable civilizations, available resources, explorable land, and even entire gameplay systems, creating a deep, historically immersive strategy experience. Strive to accomplish significant scientific, cultural, militaristic, and economic milestones within each Age to unlock impactful advantages in the next!
- EVOLVE YOUR EMPIRE AS EACH NEW AGE DAWNS - To build a legacy that truly stands the test of time, you must adapt. Forge your own path through history as you reshape your empire at the start of each Age, selecting from a pool of new Age-relevant civilization options determined by your prior gameplay accomplishments. Evolving your empire unlocks fresh gameplay bonuses and unique units, so your current civilization is always at the height of its power.
- PLAY AS VISIONARY LEADERS OF PROGRESS - Embody an illustrious leader with one of Civilization's most diverse rosters yet, 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!
Before troubleshooting performance
- Install current graphics drivers and pending Civilization VII updates.
- Restart after a driver installation.
- Close unnecessary background applications.
- On a laptop, confirm the game is using the dedicated GPU and is connected to power.
- Check free storage and reduce resolution or graphics quality if frame rate is unstable.
Other compatibility details
The Steam listing supports single-player, online PvP, LAN PvP, cross-platform multiplayer and HDR. These features do not change the hardware tiers. Steam says a 2K account is required for online interactions but is not required for offline play: Civilization VII on Steam.
The official requirements list GPU models, not a standalone VRAM minimum. Check the exact card and its memory, but do not treat an unofficial VRAM number as a Firaxis requirement. The requirements page also does not list AVX2 as a separate requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Can I run Civilization VII with 8 GB of RAM?
Yes, 8 GB is the official minimum amount for the Windows version, paired with a minimum-tier CPU and GPU for a 1080p/30fps Low target. It is not the recommended or Ultra configuration.
Is an SSD required?
No separate SSD requirement is published. Windows requires 20 GB available storage; macOS and Linux list 25 GB. An SSD remains a practical loading and responsiveness upgrade.
Is an RTX 4070 enough for 4K/60fps?
It matches Firaxis’ listed Windows Ultra GPU example when paired with the Ultra CPU and 32 GB RAM. That is an official target, not a universal guarantee for every map, late-game turn or setting combination.
Rank #4
- BUILD YOUR CIVILIZATION: Engage in the art of civilization-building and diplomacy as you construct your empire's legacy.
- RACE TO SUPREMACY: Be the first to excel in any field, whether military, cultural, or scientific, and etch your name in history.
- DIPLOMATIC STRATEGY: Form temporary alliances with fellow players to thwart the leading contender and reshape the course of history.
- EFFICIENT DESIGN: Experience the essence of a civilization-building game distilled into a concise set of 104 cards.
- QUICK TO LEARN, ENDLESS STRATEGY: Master the game in just 5 minutes, yet uncover layers of deep strategy that will captivate players of all skill levels.
Does Civilization VII require DirectX 12?
Yes. DirectX 12 appears in each Windows requirements tier.
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No. The minimum target is 1080p/30fps on Low. The 60fps targets are the recommended 1080p/High and Ultra 4K/High rows.
Is 32 GB RAM necessary?
It is necessary only to match the official Ultra tier. Firaxis lists 16 GB for recommended 1080p/60fps and 8 GB for minimum.
Can a laptop RTX 4070 match the desktop card?
Not automatically. Laptop GPU power limits, cooling and chassis design vary, so verify the particular machine rather than relying on the shared name.
The Bottom Line
For 1080p/60fps High, build around Firaxis’ recommended row. For the publisher’s 4K/60fps Ultra target, aim for a Core i7-14700F or Ryzen 9 5950X, 32 GB RAM and an RTX 4070 or RX 7800 XT, remembering that “Ultra” is labeled High Graphics and remains a target rather than a guarantee.
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