The Tool Desk
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What’s new in Civilization VII?
Test of Time is the latest confirmed major update
2K said Test of Time was available on May 20, 2026. Its central changes let players keep the same civilization throughout a campaign or continue switching civilizations at Age transitions, and replace Legacy Paths with Triumphs as part of a reworked Victories system. The update also added a Fractal Continent map, a Commerce screen, an Advisor Council, updated map generation, narrative events, specialist and biome changes, new audio and music, and balance changes. It included Alexander the Great as a free leader. 2K’s Test of Time announcement has the official feature summary.
Update 1.5.0 was announced, but availability is unconfirmed
On September 5, 2026, 2K said Update 1.5.0 would arrive “later this month.” The announcement described the following planned changes; it did not confirm that the update subsequently shipped:
- A True Start Location: Earth map.
- More varied Terra Incognita and Shuffle maps using a Voronoi generation algorithm, with faster map loading and generation and more varied resource placement.
- A diplomacy change allowing players to spend Influence to remain allied without joining an ally’s war.
- Interface changes to plot tooltips, settlement banners, game setup, and a tile ruler.
Because September has passed without a release confirmation in the official sources reviewed, treat these as announced plans, not features confirmed in the live game. Check the current in-game version or an official update notice before assuming they are available. The original announcement is on 2K’s September 5 roadmap page.
#1 Best Overall
![Sid Meier's Civilization® VII Standard - PC [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41cV6yB-yUL._SL160_.jpg)
- 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 is planned for 2027?
2K has announced two distinct roadmap projects for 2027: a free update and a separately purchasable expansion. The announcement gives no exact release dates, so the year is a broad plan rather than a scheduled launch window.
| Project | Type | Announced scope | Timing and availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arc of Tomorrow | Major free update | Adds an Atomic Age, roughly spanning the 1950s through the near future, with period-specific buildings, units, visuals, music, civilizations, and leaders. Also planned: updated technology and civic trees, new Triumphs, social policies and narrative events, Gandhi’s return, expanded nuclear options, settlement release as City-States, film production, and manufactured goods. | Planned for 2027; not yet available according to the announcement. |
| Civilization VII: Earthrise | Paid expansion; base game required | A campaign-wide space and environment theme: chart celestial bodies in earlier Ages, undertake orbital missions around Earth and the Moon in the Modern Age, and pursue solar-system missions in the Atomic Age. Also describes terrain and tile changes, disaster-response structures, and ways to reverse warming. | Planned for 2027; exact timing not announced. Separately purchasable DLC, not a free update. |
Arc of Tomorrow and the Atomic Age
The announced Atomic Age would extend the campaign beyond the existing Ages, with new content for that era alongside changes to technology and civics. 2K also said players could sign up for a chance to take part in a Firaxis Feature Workshop playtest, with the first round planned for later in 2026. That is an opportunity to participate, not confirmation that the update is available.
Rank #2
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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!
Earthrise is paid DLC
Earthrise is the first announced paid expansion for Civilization VII. Its announced theme links space exploration and environmental change across the campaign. The base game is required, and 2K has not stated an exact release date. The publisher said, “More details about Earthrise will be shared in the coming months.”
Which platforms is Civilization VII on?
2K’s official platform list includes PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4; Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One; Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2; PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store; and Mac and Linux through Steam. This list does not establish that every update or feature is identical on every platform. Check the current listing for your platform for availability and version-specific details. See the official Civilization VII site.
Rank #3
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- 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!
What should you know about editions?
Official materials describe a Collector’s Edition with physical collectibles and a Settler’s Edition with the base game and multiple DLC collections. The cited descriptions do not establish current price, stock, regional availability, or whether a physical edition can still be purchased. Check the relevant regional store listing before buying.
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.
- Collector’s Edition announcement: describes the physical collectibles; it does not confirm current availability or pricing.
- Settler’s Edition page: the available description identifies the base game and multiple DLC collections, but does not establish current purchase terms.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
