As Civilization 7 Dataminers Discover Reference to the Atomic Age, Firaxis Says 'We're Excited for Where This Is Going'

Civilization 7's potential expansion: A fourth Age on the horizon?

Civilization 7's current campaign spans three Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern, each concluding with a simultaneous Age Transition for all players. This transition involves selecting a new civilization, choosing retained Legacies, and witnessing world evolution—a unique feature in the Civilization series.

The Modern Age, as confirmed by lead designer Ed Beach in an IGN interview, concludes with World War II. Beach detailed Firaxis's historical approach to defining Age boundaries, emphasizing the global impact of historical events. The end of Antiquity (300-500 CE) reflects the simultaneous decline of major empires worldwide. The shift from Exploration to Modern is marked by the wave of revolutions in 18th and 19th century Europe. The post-World War II era was chosen as the endpoint of the Modern Age due to its significant global shift and the need for distinct gameplay mechanics per Age. The inclusion of a thermonuclear device as the final element in the military victory path further reinforces this timeline.

Speculation about a fourth Age, potentially encompassing the Space Age, has been fueled by dataminers uncovering references to an "Atomic Age," including new leaders and civilizations. While executive producer Dennis Shirk remained tight-lipped, he hinted at exciting future possibilities, emphasizing the Age-specific systems, visuals, units, and civilizations already implemented.

Currently, Firaxis is addressing community feedback regarding Civilization 7's mixed Steam reviews. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick acknowledged the negative reviews but expressed confidence in the game's long-term success and positive reception from the core fanbase.

For those seeking to conquer the world in Civilization 7, resources are available to guide players through various victory conditions, highlight key differences from Civilization VI, and avoid common pitfalls. Comprehensive guides on map types and difficulty settings are also readily accessible.