Civilization VII's launch has left many veteran players wondering about the absence of a familiar face: Mahatma Gandhi. A staple of the Civilization series since its inception in 1991, Gandhi's absence is notable. However, according to Civilization VII lead designer Ed Beach, Gandhi's omission is not a permanent one.
Beach confirmed that Gandhi's inclusion is planned, likely as DLC. He explained that Firaxis has a broader roadmap for adding civilizations, prioritizing a mix of established and new entries. The initial release intentionally excluded some historically significant civilizations, such as Great Britain, to make room for fresh additions. (Note: Carthage and Great Britain are slated for inclusion in The Crossroads of the World DLC in March 2025, followed by Bulgaria and Nepal). Beach emphasized that while some fan favorites are initially absent, their eventual return is considered.
This confirms that Gandhi's absence is temporary, offering a glimmer of hope for dedicated fans.
Top Civilization VII Leaders
Currently, Civilization VII's reception is mixed, with Steam reviews citing issues such as the user interface, limited map variety, and the perceived lack of key features. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick acknowledged the negative feedback but expressed confidence in the game's long-term success, believing the core Civilization audience will adapt.
Need help conquering the world? Check out our guides on achieving every victory type in Civ VII, understanding the key changes from Civ VI, and avoiding common mistakes. We also have detailed explanations of the map types and difficulty settings.
