Civilization 7 reveals a wonder-obsessed leader is returning to the 4X game

Civilization 7 is rapidly approaching and as its launch gets ever closer we’re constantly learning more about the shape of this next instalment in the legendary series. 4X games are currently on the rise thanks to competitors like Millennia, Ara History Untold, and Age of Wonders 4, so the race is on for this next Civ to differentiate itself in an increasingly busy genre. Thankfully, new details have emerged thanks to a developer stream, giving fans plenty more to chew on regarding both the second of its three ages, and a leader who’s returning to the series.

If you didn’t already know, Civilization 7 will work a little differently to previous entries in the 4X game series. Instead of being one long march throughout humanity’s history, there’ll instead be three ages, each with their own technology, civilizations, and mechanics. The Exploration Age is the middle child and it represents the first time the world truly opens up, with civilizations meeting each other, tentatively engaging in diplomacy and trade, and, of course, starting wars.

This point in the timeline will give you access to a wider array of goods and resources as distant lands become accessible. It should come as no surprise that travel and exploration will be encouraged during this age, with players being incentivized to head out into the world rather than simply turtling up behind their borders. This is when you’ll most likely meet the majority of the other players on the map as you go from a simple city-state to one that spreads its wings across the globe.

Also shown off is returning leader Isabella, Queen of Spain. Last seen in Civilization 5, she returns pretty much unchanged in many ways. Obsessed with expanding her power, she gains a ton of bonuses all related to natural wonders. Her Seven Cities of Gold gives her a ton of money every time a natural wonder is discovered, and you’ll cash in even more if the wonder is far away. She’ll also receive additional resources from natural wonder tiles, more gold when recruiting naval units, and they’ll even cost less to buy.

Her Wonderlust agenda makes her jealously guard natural wonders. If another player has some in their borders, they’ll lose relationship with her. If, however, they have none, she’ll look more kindly upon them.

With the Civilization 7 release date set for Tuesday, February 11, there’s still plenty of time for Firaxis to drop more information about what to expect in the title. If you’d like to learn more about Isabella, head over to the official site to get the complete lowdown.

Or should you prefer something else, our guide to the best strategy games will help you fill that void until Civilization 7 releases in 2025.

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