The primo 4X series has returned, as Civilization 7 starts becoming available for players who’ve pre-ordered particular editions. Arriving nine years after the last mainline entry, the latest installment in Sid Meier’s beloved timesink promises gameplay that’s more streamlined in some areas and expanded in others. Alas, early impressions aren’t the greatest, creating a mixed reaction.
Civilization 7 has unlocked for owners of the Deluxe of Founders editions, letting players get their in first rounds of the highly-anticipated 4X game. Unfortunately, many of them are finding the experience to be less than expected for the strategy game, causing the initial wave of Steam reviews to land at ‘Mixed’.
Of the growing amount of negative responses, the growing concensus for the new PC game is that the UI is particularly egregious at this point. Numerous reviews city laggy, poorly put together menus and general user experience that just doesn’t feel fitting of a refined and finished product. Besides that, smaller-than-expected map size and limited options make the whole thing underwhelming for what people have paid.
Some have almost mentioned dissonance between the Civilization 7 leaders and requisite civilizations you can choose. Essentially, you can pick any combination of the two, and the selection for leaders is broader this time around, including people who weren’t directly in charge of a nation state. It’s an option that’s not working for everyone, though perhaps developer Firaxis expected that.
It’s worth noting this just a particular sample drawn from early adopters. In our Civilization 7 review, Ed Smith awarded the game 7/10, writing: “All of the big new ideas in Civilization 7 work well and it’s tighter and more engaging than any of its predecessors. Nevertheless, your sense of connection still begins to wane by the midgame.”
Ultimately, there are often teething issues for launches of this scale, and many of the problems will likely get ironed out in the first few months of public release. We’re only days away from everyone getting to dive in and pick a fight with Napoleon Bonaparte or Ben Franklin or Ashoka or any other leader you so choose.
The full Civilization 7 release date is February 11, 2025. Have a look at our guides to the Civilization 7 Ages and Civilization 7 specialists to make sure you’re ready.
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