Civilization 7 Director Urges Veterans to Start with Tutorial
Significant gameplay changes prompt Firaxis to recommend tutorial completion for experienced players.
Firaxis Games is taking the unusual step of strongly recommending that even veteran players complete the tutorial in Civilization 7, marking a significant departure from traditional game launches. Ed Beach, creative director at Firaxis, emphasizes that the upcoming strategy title introduces substantial changes that may challenge even the most experienced players in the series.
“Civilization 7 is a big game, with many new systems and mechanics that differentiate it from earlier games in our series,” Beach stated in a recent Steam post. The director’s recommendation stems from fundamental changes to core gameplay mechanics, including a completely revamped Ages system that divides campaigns into three distinct periods: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern.
Understanding Civilization 7’s New Systems
The game introduces several significant modifications to traditional Civilization mechanics, particularly in its diplomatic systems and civilization progression. Beach explains that the default small map size is intentionally designed to help players adapt to these changes, providing a more focused experience with “three other empires on your home continent and a few more to discover later in the game.”
A notable innovation is the diplomatic influence system, which Beach suggests will be more manageable to learn with fewer opposing civilizations. “Tracking your relationship and ongoing diplomatic activities with a manageable number of opponents makes it way easier to get the hang of how you want to spend and manage your Diplomatic Influence,” he noted.
The game launches on February 11, 2025, with Deluxe Edition owners gaining early access from February 6. Beach acknowledges that while experienced players might initially resist the tutorial suggestion, the extensive revisions to game systems make it a valuable starting point for all skill levels.