PublishedFebruary 11, 2025 I cant remember the last time I was able to get started in a grand strategy game this quickly, but thats what Sid Meiers Civilization VII on Xbox Series X|S has managed to pull off. Sure, my experience with the franchise doesnt hurt, but the ease at which the game now carries me into the strategic world of trade, diplomacy, and war is both equally impressive and terrifying because its so dang hard to put the controller down.Part of what helps this streamlined approach is how everything is tightly designed to work with your Xbox Wireless controller. The in-game radial wheel (RB button) gives quick access to the Leaders youve encountered and to your research branches like Technology and Civics. Navigating between all these menus is also very crisp, which is important as youll be back and forth between these areas of the game quite often. Traversing the world map is equally impressive. A smooth glide across the map from one corner to the next, revealing its many hidden locations, performed very well on my console, as well as how effortlessly you could zoom in and out of the map to pore over the detail of the units and structures. Speaking of the game world, it has moved away from the cartoon-like approach of the previous entry, giving everything a bit more of a modern polish with structures and units resembling painted miniatures, which is fitting as how much of this feels like playing a board game on your console.Turns (mapped to the Y button on your controller, which will be getting a workout) also loaded incredibly fast. That goes even in the latter stages of the game when you have dozens of units all moving in tandem across the screen. If youve played some form of Civilization games in the past, you know how taxying it can be waiting for every civilization to finish their turn. Thankfully, thats not the case here as the AI players are much more efficient, and the games engine seems more refined here for Xbox Series X|S.Beyond these improvements, there are a few cool new things that are making Civilization VII stand apart from its predecessors. One of those is breaking up Leaders and Civilizations, allowing you to mix and match various traits with one another, giving you a tremendous number of ways to play (and replay), allowing you to customize and formulate your own strategy of conquering the world. For example, in one playthrough I selected Harriet Tubman because I wanted to utilize her Espionage ability, paired with Egypt for its powerful Medjay units. And if I could get Tubman into the Modern age, the third phase of the game, it would unlock the American civilization for me to use in another playthrough. This new feature is a winner for me, giving me some added flexibility for how Id like to approach a gaming session for Civilization VII, encouraging me to try something different and rewarding that performance by unlocking additional civilizations to play with later. Ive only just started to scratch the surface here on how deep this goes, but its clear the replay factor here will be very high.Another of the groundbreaking features that I touched on earlier is the Age system. Instead of picking one Civilization and playing them all the way through to the end of the game, you can now change that civilization once you start the Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern Age. Again, this allows you to experience more of what the game can offer in a single game session, rather than having to start all over again, a big departure from how previous Civilizations played.And its not like youre doing a full reset once you pick your next Age civilization. Youre allowed to choose a series of Legacies that can carry over with you. How many of these Legacy bonuses you get to pick from are determined by the number of Milestones you completed during the previous Age, like building Wonders or seizing land from hostile nations. These accomplishments grant you attribution points that you can put into your next Ages civilization. This is a great feature because, in the same way a lot of Civilization VII is designed, its driven to get you to focus on accomplishing a dedicated goal; the right way to play the game through a series of quests. Its almost like this could be called Civilization: RPG, but instead of asking you to gather 12 boar hides youre asked to build seven Wonders.Embarking on your next Age also lets you change your Legacy path by following the guidance of your preferred advisor: Economic, Military, Cultural, or Science. So, you could play through the Antiquity Age driven by science, then as a war-mongering nation during the Exploration Age, and finally as a cultural genius in the Modern Age. Again, this all feeds into what Ive mentioned before in that its giving you these achievable, focused goals while encouraging you to keep trying new things.Speaking from past-play experience, staying focused on any Civilization game can be a daunting task. Now with Civilization VII, it seems like Firaxis Games may have found a solution, giving us clearer guidance on how to stick to one of these Legacy paths to cut down on multiple ambitions with a better shot at how to achieve victory. Every new Civilization game is a statement, ushering in a new era for the grand strategy genre while finding new and innovative ways to expand upon its already well-established formula. Now, with its blend of Legacy bonuses, the dynamic Age system, and the flexibility to mix Leaders and Civilizations as you like, Firaxis Games has brought an unbelievable amount of depth to explore in Sid Meiers Civilization VII that should keep you engrossed for hours upon hours on Xbox Series X|S, reigniting that Just One More Turn feeling. Sid Meier's Civilization VII Founders Edition2K75$129.99Get it nowExpand the strategic horizons of your empire and enjoy more options for your reign with Sid Meier's Civilization VII Founders Edition! This digital-only edition is only available until February 28, 2025get it now before it's history. Purchasing Sid Meier's Civilization VII Founders Edition entitles digital versions of the game on both Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One!Founders Edition includes: Full base game Early Access play the game up to 5 days early on February 6, 2025 Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack Crossroads of the World Collection, with post-launch content featuring 2 new leaders, 4 new civilizations, 4 new Natural Wonders, a special cosmetic bonus, and more Right to Rule Collection, with post-launch content featuring 2 new leaders, 4 new civilizations, 4 new wonders, a special cosmetic bonus, and more!* Deluxe Content Pack, which includes: 2 leader personas 4 profile customizations 1 alternate scout skin Founders Content Pack, which includes: 2 leader personas 4 profile customizations 1 fog of war tile set 1 Founders palace skinEARLY ACCESSPlay Civilization VII on February 6, 2025, up to 5 days ahead of the official launch date.TECUMSEH AND SHAWNEE PACKThis content pack adds the leader Tecumseh and the Shawnee civilization to Civilization VII!Tecumseh specializes in diplomacy and defense. His unique ability, Nicaakiyakoolaakwe, increases food, production, and combat strength based on the number of allied city-states.Shawnee is an Exploration Age civilization that excels at utilizing natural resources. Their unique ability, Nepekifaki, gives more food for settlements built on river tiles but slightly reduces food for any cities not built on rivers. Its associated wonder is the Serpent Mound.CROSSROADS OF THE WORLD COLLECTIONExplore new possibilities for your personalized empire with post-launch add-on content, including 2 new leaders, 4 new civilizations, 4 new Natural Wonders, a special cosmetic bonus, and more! Full details will be revealed at a later date.RIGHT TO RULE COLLECTIONExplore new possibilities for your personalized empire with even more post-launch add-on content, including 2 new leaders, 4 new civilizations, 4 new Wonders, a special cosmetic bonus, and more! Full details will be revealed at a later date.DELUXE & FOUNDERS CONTENT PACKSContent listed below is inclusive of content included from the Deluxe Content Pack.4 leader personasEach persona offers a new variant of an existing leader, including a different outfit and background for that leader, new gameplay bonuses, and an alternative agenda that reflects a different side of their personality! The personas included in this edition will be revealed at a later date.8 profile customizationsEmbellish your player profile with these cosmetic customizations, including a striking new badge, a regal new title, an ornate new banner, and an eye-catching new border that will all make you stand out from other players!1 fog of war tile setChange your gameplay landscape with a beautiful fog of war tile set!1 alternate scout skin Give your scout recon unit a brand new look with this cosmetic outfit!1 Founders palace skinGive your civ's palace a regal new look with a glorious remodel that's sure to stand out!The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter. Sid Meier's Civilization VII empowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known! In Civilization VII, your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire. Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement.Construct cities and architectural wonders to expand your territory, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Pursue prosperity in an immersive solo experience or play with others in online multiplayer.**Whether you choose to follow a path rooted in history or reimagine possibilities to chart your own way forward, build something you believe in and create a legacy that echoes through the Ages in Civilization VII.BUILD AN EMPIRE THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIMELead 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 DAWNSTo 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 PROGRESSEmbody 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! Each leader possesses a unique ability and can further be improved with customizable attributes earned through gameplay, empowering you to reinforce or pivot your strategy from one Age into the next. For the first time in franchise history, you can choose your leader separately from your civilization, giving you the freedom to create all-new strategies by mixing and matching gameplay bonuses.EXPLORE A WORLD BROUGHT TO LIFE LIKE NEVER BEFOREMake your mark on a gorgeously detailed world! Your empire comes to life with a vast, diverse range of cultural styles, represented across building architecture and unit design. Face-to-face interactions with other historic leaders immerse you in every act of diplomacy and declaration of war. As your territory expands and your cities continue to develop, lavishly rendered vistas of your empire seamlessly connect to create a vibrant metropolis. 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. AN ENJOYABLE STRATEGY EXPERIENCE FOR ALLWith more than 30 years of franchise legacy to draw from, Civilization VII features a vast wealth of gameplay improvements that will thrill series veterans and newcomers alike. The overhauled tutorial experience and refined gameplay systems make jumping into Civilization easier than ever, while returning players will appreciate a massive suite of gameplay improvements. Move your army as one under the leadership of a commander, unlock progression bonuses for your leaders across multiple gameplay sessions, traverse navigable rivers, and much, much more! *The Right To Rule Collection contains 6 DLCs, all of which will be available on or by September 2025 (subject to change). Each DLC will be delivered automatically in-game on release.**Online play and features (including progression bonuses) require an Internet connection and 2K Account (minimum age varies). Up to five players supported in the Antiquity & Exploration Ages. Up to eight players supported in the Modern Age. Map size restrictions may apply to certain cross-play multiplayer games. More info available here: https://2kgam.es/Civ7FAQ. Console online play requires a separate paid subscription. Terms apply.Software Terms of Service (ToS) in game and at www.take2games.com/legal. Non-transferable access to special features, such as exclusive/unlockable/downloadable/online & bonus content/services/functions/multiplayer services, may require single-use serial code, additional fee, and/or non-transferable online account registration (minimum age varies). See www.take2games.com/legal and www.take2games.com/privacy for additional details. Special feature access may require internet connection, may not be available to all users or at all times, and may be terminated, modified, or offered under different terms without notice. Violation of ToS, Code of Conduct, or other policies may result in restriction or termination of access to game or online account. Online play and download requires broadband internet service, and may require a separate paid platform subscription and account registration. User responsible for associated fees. Unauthorized copying, alteration, reverse engineering, decompiling, transmission, public performance, rental, pay for play, or copy protection circumvention is prohibited and violates the ToS. Certain features of the game, including the in-game store, may not be accessible by child accounts. A child means players under the age of 13, unless local laws specify differently.2024 Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Sid Meiers Civilization, Civilization, Civ, 2K, Firaxis Games, Take-Two Interactive Software and their respective logos are all trademarks of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. All other marks and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.Sid Meier's Civilization VII Deluxe Edition2K42$99.99Get it nowExpand the strategic horizons of your empire and enjoy more options for your reign with Sid Meier's Civilization VII Deluxe Edition! Purchasing Sid Meier's Civilization VII Deluxe Edition entitles digital versions of the game on both Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One!Deluxe Edition includes: Full base game Early Access play the game early on February 6, 2025 Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack Crossroads of the World Collection, with post-launch content featuring 2 new leaders, 4 new civilizations, 4 new wonders, a special cosmetic bonus, and more! Deluxe Content Pack, which includes: 2 leader personas 4 profile customizations 1 alternate scout skinEARLY ACCESSPlay Civilization VII on February 6, 2025, up to 5 days ahead of the official launch date.TECUMSEH AND SHAWNEE PACKThis content pack adds the leader Tecumseh and the Shawnee civilization to Civilization VII!Tecumseh specializes in diplomacy and defense. His unique ability, Nicaakiyakoolaakwe, increases food, production, and combat strength based on the number of allied city-states.Shawnee is an Exploration Age civilization that excels at utilizing natural resources. Their unique ability, Nepekifaki, gives more food for settlements built on river tiles but slightly reduces food for any cities not built on rivers. Its associated wonder is the Serpent Mound.CROSSROADS OF THE WORLD COLLECTIONExplore new possibilities for your personalized empire with post-launch add-on content, including 2 new leaders, 4 new civilizations, 4 new wonders, a special cosmetic bonus, and more! Full details of the Crossroads of the World Collection will be revealed at a later date.DELUXE CONTENT PACK 2 leader personasEach persona offers a new variant of an existing leader, including a different outfit and background for that leader, new gameplay bonuses, and an alternative agenda that reflects a different side of their personality! The two personas included in this edition will be revealed at a later date.4 profile customizationsEmbellish your player profile with these cosmetic customizations, including a striking new badge, a regal new title, an ornate new banner, and an eye-catching new border that will all make you stand out from other players! 1 alternate scout skinGive your scout recon unit a brand new look with this cosmetic outfit!The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter. Sid Meier's Civilization VII empowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known! In Civilization VII, your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire. Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement.Construct cities and architectural wonders to expand your territory, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Pursue prosperity in an immersive solo experience or play with others in online multiplayer.*Whether you choose to follow a path rooted in history or reimagine possibilities to chart your own way forward, build something you believe in and create a legacy that echoes through the Ages in Civilization VII.BUILD AN EMPIRE THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIMELead 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 DAWNSTo 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 PROGRESSEmbody 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! Each leader possesses a unique ability and can further be improved with customizable attributes earned through gameplay, empowering you to reinforce or pivot your strategy from one Age into the next. For the first time in franchise history, you can choose your leader separately from your civilization, giving you the freedom to create all-new strategies by mixing and matching gameplay bonuses.EXPLORE A WORLD BROUGHT TO LIFE LIKE NEVER BEFOREMake your mark on a gorgeously detailed world! Your empire comes to life with a vast, diverse range of cultural styles, represented across building architecture and unit design. Face-to-face interactions with other historic leaders immerse you in every act of diplomacy and declaration of war. As your territory expands and your cities continue to develop, lavishly rendered vistas of your empire seamlessly connect to create a vibrant metropolis. 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. AN ENJOYABLE STRATEGY EXPERIENCE FOR ALLWith more than 30 years of franchise legacy to draw from, Civilization VII features a vast wealth of gameplay improvements that will thrill series veterans and newcomers alike. The overhauled tutorial experience and refined gameplay systems make jumping into Civilization easier than ever, while returning players will appreciate a massive suite of gameplay improvements. Move your army as one under the leadership of a commander, unlock progression bonuses for your leaders across multiple gameplay sessions, traverse navigable rivers, and much, much more!*Online play and features (including progression bonuses) require an Internet connection and 2K Account (minimum age varies). Up to five players supported in the Antiquity & Exploration Ages. Up to eight players supported in the Modern Age. Map size restrictions may apply to certain cross-play multiplayer games. More info available here: https://2kgam.es/Civ7FAQ. Console online play requires a separate paid subscription. Terms apply.Software Terms of Service (ToS) in game and at www.take2games.com/legal. Non-transferable access to special features, such as exclusive/unlockable/downloadable/online & bonus content/services/functions/multiplayer services, may require single-use serial code, additional fee, and/or non-transferable online account registration (minimum age varies). See www.take2games.com/legal and www.take2games.com/privacy for additional details. Special feature access may require internet connection, may not be available to all users or at all times, and may be terminated, modified, or offered under different terms without notice. Violation of ToS, Code of Conduct, or other policies may result in restriction or termination of access to game or online account. Online play and download requires broadband internet service, and may require a separate paid platform subscription and account registration. User responsible for associated fees. Unauthorized copying, alteration, reverse engineering, decompiling, transmission, public performance, rental, pay for play, or copy protection circumvention is prohibited and violates the ToS. Certain features of the game, including the in-game store, may not be accessible by child accounts. A child means players under the age of 13, unless local laws specify differently.2024 Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Sid Meiers Civilization, Civilization, Civ, 2K, Firaxis Games, Take-Two Interactive Software and their respective logos are all trademarks of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. All other marks and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.Sid Meier's Civilization VII2K23$69.99Get it nowThe award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter. Sid Meier's Civilization VII empowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known! In Civilization VII, your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire. Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement.Construct cities and architectural wonders to expand your territory, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Pursue prosperity in an immersive solo experience or play with others in online multiplayer.*Whether you choose to follow a path rooted in history or reimagine possibilities to chart your own way forward, build something you believe in and create a legacy that echoes through the Ages in Civilization VII.BUILD AN EMPIRE THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIMELead 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 DAWNSTo 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 PROGRESSEmbody 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! Each leader possesses a unique ability and can further be improved with customizable attributes earned through gameplay, empowering you to reinforce or pivot your strategy from one Age into the next. For the first time in franchise history, you can choose your leader separately from your civilization, giving you the freedom to create all-new strategies by mixing and matching gameplay bonuses.EXPLORE A WORLD BROUGHT TO LIFE LIKE NEVER BEFOREMake your mark on a gorgeously detailed world! Your empire comes to life with a vast, diverse range of cultural styles, represented across building architecture and unit design. Face-to-face interactions with other historic leaders immerse you in every act of diplomacy and declaration of war. As your territory expands and your cities continue to develop, lavishly rendered vistas of your empire seamlessly connect to create a vibrant metropolis. 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. AN ENJOYABLE STRATEGY EXPERIENCE FOR ALLWith more than 30 years of franchise legacy to draw from, Civilization VII features a vast wealth of gameplay improvements that will thrill series veterans and newcomers alike. The overhauled tutorial experience and refined gameplay systems make jumping into Civilization easier than ever, while returning players will appreciate a massive suite of gameplay improvements. Move your army as one under the leadership of a commander, unlock progression bonuses for your leaders across multiple gameplay sessions, traverse navigable rivers, and much, much more!*Online play and features (including progression bonuses) require an Internet connection and 2K Account (minimum age varies). Up to five players supported in the Antiquity & Exploration Ages. Up to eight players supported in the Modern Age. Map size restrictions may apply to certain cross-play multiplayer games. More info available here: https://2kgam.es/Civ7FAQ. Terms apply.Software Terms of Service (ToS) in game and at www.take2games.com/legal. Non-transferable access to special features, such as exclusive/unlockable/downloadable/online & bonus content/services/functions/multiplayer services, may require single-use serial code, additional fee, and/or non-transferable online account registration (minimum age varies). See www.take2games.com/legal and www.take2games.com/privacy for additional details. Special feature access may require internet connection, may not be available to all users or at all times, and may be terminated, modified, or offered under different terms without notice. Violation of ToS, Code of Conduct, or other policies may result in restriction or termination of access to game or online account. Online play and download requires broadband internet service, and may require a separate paid platform subscription and account registration. User responsible for associated fees. Unauthorized copying, alteration, reverse engineering, decompiling, transmission, public performance, rental, pay for play, or copy protection circumvention is prohibited and violates the ToS.Certain features of the game, including the in-game store, may not be accessible by child accounts. A child means players under the age of 13, unless local laws specify differently.2024 Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Sid Meiers Civilization, Civilization, Civ, 2K, Firaxis Games, Take-Two Interactive Software and their respective logos are all trademarks of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. All other marks and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.