Civilization 7’s greatest free replace is sort of right here and, with a 40% low cost, now could be the perfect time to purchase

I’ve a vivid reminiscence of watching my dad play Civilization 2 on the PlayStation as a child. It seemed impenetrable from the skin with a sea of menus, tiny models, and choices I could not start to parse, but it surely has by no means billed itself as a spectator sport. My very own entry got here years later when Civilization 5 dropped to a fiver in a sale, low cost sufficient to rope just a few mates in. It clicked instantly, being extra forgiving than real-time technique video games with no rush methods, no unit spam, and simultaneous turns that revered everybody’s time. Maybe Civilization 7 might be your entry level, with a 40% low cost at Fanatical proper now, bringing the worth all the way down to $41.99 / £35.99.

The newest in Sid Meier’s 4X technique sport sequence is admittedly a departure from what we all know. In an try to reinvigorate the sequence, Firaxis launched the Age system, splitting the sport up into three distinct phases. Whereas older video games had you select a frontrunner and the civ comes half and parcel, Civilization 7 decouples the 2. You will follow whichever chief you select from begin to end, however you are at present required to swap civilizations as you progress from Antiquity to Exploration, and at last the Fashionable period.

I will all the time reward innovation and taking dangers relatively than reusing the identical method we’re all used to, however the system does not have the identical replayability when the novelty wears off. Whereas the delicate reset stays enjoyable, having to re-engage within the decision-making course of as your cities return to cities firstly of a brand new Age, having to alter tack below a brand new chief with completely different skills generally looks like a chore.

Luckily, the builders have been listening to participant suggestions, and the upcoming free Take a look at of Time replace seems to be like a return to type. Celebrating the sport’s first 12 months anniversary, you will as soon as once more be capable of foremost a single civilization all through, beginning the sport from any age with whoever you need on the helm.

Replace 1.3.2 additionally comes with a rework to Victories, honing in on Navy, Economic system, Tradition, and Science as 4 areas you may declare dominance, and replaces Legacy Paths with a brand new system referred to as Triumphs, which makes an attempt to make the pathways really feel much less inflexible. As a substitute of pushing you down a set pathway, predetermining your technique and backing you right into a nook, Triumphs will likely be extra freeflowing challenges that plug into the six foremost Attributes: Militaristic, Cultural, Scientific, Financial, Diplomatic, and Expansionist.

The Take a look at of Time replace is due this Spring, however even with out the free enlargement, Civilization 7 is price each penny with its 40% low cost on Humble Bundle. It is a wonderful try at redefining the 4X style whereas nonetheless carrying the torch because the flagship franchise. It isn’t flawless, but it surely most definitely has a vivid future forward with what’s in retailer.

This deal is offered till Thursday, February 26, 2026. Ensure you seize it by then if you wish to ensure you get worth. To cite Ed in our Civilization 7 assessment, “[The game] is improbable, and maybe the most effective expression of the traditional 4X sport,” so it is properly price shopping for.