2K and Firaxis announced Sid Meier’s Civilization VII as in development on June 7, 2024, with a planned 2025 release. That announcement is now history: the game launched worldwide on February 11, 2025. It is available on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, and Linux, with some platform-specific online-play requirements.
What did 2K and Firaxis announce in June 2024?
At Summer Game Fest on June 7, 2024, 2K and Firaxis Games announced Civilization VII as a new chapter in the strategy series and set a 2025 release window. They also said a full gameplay showcase would arrive in August. The announcement did not give a specific launch date; February 11, 2025 was announced later. 2K’s original announcement described the planned platforms as PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, Mac, and Linux via Steam.
When did Civilization VII come out?
Civilization VII launched worldwide on February 11, 2025. 2K and Firaxis announced its availability that day; the publisher’s current store page also lists February 11, 2025 as the release date and identifies Firaxis as developer and 2K as publisher. See the worldwide launch announcement and the 2K Store page.
What platforms is Civilization VII on?
The launch announcement lists PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, and Mac and Linux via Steam. The 2024 announcement had already named the console platforms and Steam versions for PC, Mac, and Linux; Epic Games Store for PC appears in the later launch information.
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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 kind of game is it?
2K classifies Civilization VII as a turn-based strategy game. Players guide an evolving empire through distinct historical Ages, choosing a civilization to represent it in each Age. The official description includes building cities and architectural wonders, developing technology, and competing or cooperating with rival civilizations. Solo play and online multiplayer are supported.
What do you need for online multiplayer?
Online play requires an internet connection and a 2K Account. The launch announcement gives different maximum player counts by Age and platform group:
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- Expand the strategic horizons of your empire and enjoy more options for your reign with Sid Meier's Civilization VII Settler's Edition! Sid Meier's Civilization VII Settler's Edition is the ideal way for new players to start their journey through history with a treasure trove of additional content. Settler's Edition includes: Full base game, the Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack, the Crossroads of the World Collection, the Right to Rule Collection, 4 leader Personas, and the Deluxe Cosmetics Pack.
- 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.
- RIGHT TO RULE COLLECTION - Explore new possibilities for your personalized empire with the post-launch add-on content of the Right to Rule Collection! Embody two new leaders: Genghis Khan and Lakshmibai. Lead four new civilizations: Assyria, Dai Viet, Qajar, and Silla. Discover the majesty of four new Wonders: Grand Bazaar, Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Ubudiah Mosque, and Wat Xieng Thong. And expand your experience with a cosmetic bonus.
- 4 LEADER PERSONAS - Enjoy alternate Personas for four of Civilization VII's leaders, including Ashoka (World Conqueror), Friedrich (Baroque), Himiko (High Shaman), and Xerxes (The Achaemenid)! Each persona includes a unique outfit and background for the respective leader, plus a new Unique Ability and Agenda that reflect a different side of their personality!
| Platform | Antiquity and Exploration Ages | Modern Age |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox, PlayStation, and PC | Up to five players | Up to eight players |
| Nintendo Switch | Up to four players | Up to six players |
Online play on Xbox and PlayStation also requires a separate paid subscription to the respective console service. 2K notes that map-size restrictions may apply to some cross-play games. These requirements are from the February 2025 launch announcement; check current platform and publisher support information for any service changes.
What has been announced for 2027?
On September 5, 2026, 2K announced two additions planned for 2027. They are future plans, not features already delivered:
Rank #3
- Expand the strategic horizons of your empire and enjoy more options for your reign with Sid Meier's Civilization VII Deluxe Edition!
- 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!
- Arc of Tomorrow: a planned free update that would add a fourth Age, the Atomic Age, spanning approximately the 1950s through the 2050s.
- Earthrise: the game’s first paid expansion, described as space-themed and covering the campaign and missions across the solar system. 2K said it would provide exact timing later and that the schedule is subject to change.
The same September 5, 2026 announcement said Update 1.5.0 was planned for later that month, including quality-of-life changes and a True Start Location: Earth map. That announcement establishes a plan, not whether the update subsequently shipped.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How large is the Civilization franchise?
In its February 2025 launch announcement, 2K reported that the Civilization franchise had sold more than 73 million copies worldwide. This is a publisher-reported franchise-level sell-in figure, not sales for Civilization VII alone and not an independently audited count of consumer purchases.
Quick Recap
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.
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