Stepping into the world of Civilization for the first time can feel like plunging into the deep end of strategy gaming. Known for its complexity, this 4X strategy game challenges players with an array of tasks in just a single turn. You’ll find yourself maneuvering units, keeping an eye on your technology and production, setting up trade routes, diving into espionage, exploring vast terrains by land and sea, and engaging in diplomatic exchanges with various world leaders. For beginners, especially those who haven’t dipped their toes into 4X strategy games before, it can be quite daunting.
Historically, the Civilization series has done a commendable job of easing newcomers into its intricacies. Instead of isolating tutorials to a separate mode, past games have opted for a “show don’t tell” approach, offering guidance at pivotal moments within a match. Civilization 7 embraces this approach but takes it to new heights with more comprehensive guides than any of its predecessors. Accessibility seemingly underpins every aspect of Civilization 7, and this philosophy is evident in its innovative Age system.
In the world of Civilization, matches can extend over several real-world hours. In earlier iterations, these marathon sessions left little room for players to pause and regroup, forcing them to adhere to a single script from start to finish. This demanded a detailed, unwavering strategy right from the start: knowing which techs to research, which units to place, and what structures to erect in order to secure a win. This expectation often left new players feeling overwhelmed, as if navigating a maze of trial and error.
The introduction of the Age system in Civilization 7 significantly alleviates this pressure for those new to the series. Games are now segmented into three distinct Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. While seasoned players might still march into battle with a full-fledged plan, newcomers can tackle each Age independently without sacrificing success. The game encourages players to focus on the objectives pertinent to the current Age, allowing them to grow and adapt without drowning in information.
As players advance through the Ages, Civilization 7 cleverly ramps up its complexity. In the Antiquity Age, your main concerns are local—focusing on nearby rivals and the land you hold. As players master aspects like Crises and Civics during this Age, the subsequent Exploration Age broadens their horizon, prodding them to journey to new places, connect with unfamiliar leaders, and engage with mechanics such as religion.
Another standout feature of Civilization 7’s Age system is the breathing room it offers to new players. Each Age concludes with a partial reset—Legacy Paths, for instance, are reassigned. So if the Antiquity Age doesn’t go as planned, the Exploration Age presents a chance to reevaluate and alter strategies. This flexibility is a boon, particularly in multiplayer settings where a single game can stretch on for hours.
In essence, Civilization 7 invites players of all experience levels to immerse themselves in its world, learn from their choices, and refine their strategies, making it more approachable than ever while retaining the depth cherished by its dedicated fanbase.
