In the world of Civilization 7, dataminers have uncovered hints of an exciting new addition: a fourth, unannounced Age. This revelation has sparked curiosity among fans, especially following an intriguing interview with IGN where Firaxis hinted at future plans for the game.
A complete campaign in Civilization 7 spans three distinct Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. Each Age concludes with an Age Transition, a pivotal moment where players and AI opponents simultaneously select a new civilization from the upcoming Age, choose which Legacies to carry forward, and witness the evolution of the game world. This innovative system marks a first for the Civilization series.
Currently, the Modern Age in Civilization 7 concludes before the Cold War era. Lead designer Ed Beach confirmed this timeline in an interview with IGN, detailing how Firaxis decided to end the game at the close of World War 2. "We spent a lot of time looking at the ebbs and flows of history," Beach explained. He highlighted the collaborative effort with senior historian Andrew Johnson, whose expertise in Southeast Asian history complemented Beach's focus on Western history, ensuring a comprehensive global perspective.
Beach elaborated on the historical breakpoints that defined each Age's conclusion. Antiquity ends around the 300 to 500 CE timeframe, marked by the decline of major empires across the world. The transition from Exploration to Modern is characterized by the rise and subsequent challenges to monarchies, exemplified by revolutions such as the French and American Revolutions. The Modern Age ends with the World Wars, a significant pivot in global history.
The possibility of a fourth Age naturally raises questions about future expansions. Executive producer Dennis Shirk teased the potential for further development, saying, "You can imagine the possibilities with this, honestly." Although specifics remain under wraps, Shirk's comments have fueled speculation about what lies ahead for Civilization 7.
Adding to the excitement, dataminers have discovered references to the Atomic Age within the game files, available to players with advanced access. Redditor ManByTheRiver11 shared findings about unannounced leaders, civilizations, and mentions of the Atomic Age, aligning with Shirk's hints and suggesting a promising direction for the game.
In the meantime, Firaxis is addressing community feedback to improve Civilization 7's reception. Following some negative reviews, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick remains optimistic, stating that the "legacy Civ audience" will appreciate the game more as they continue playing. He described Civilization 7's early performance as "very encouraging."
For players eager to master the game, our comprehensive guides cover everything from achieving every victory type to understanding the significant changes from Civilization 6. We also provide insights on avoiding common mistakes and navigating the various map types and difficulty settings to ensure you're well-prepared for your journey through the Ages.
