Through Sid Meier’s Civilization 7, Firaxis has chosen to shake things up immensely with its new three-age system. Gone are the days of players progressing through multiple eras with one massive tech tree. Instead, they now progress through time together, with each age featuring its own unique tech and civic trees and gameplay mechanics. This makes for an extremely different experience, the likes of which the franchise has never seen before. But, while Sid Meier’s Civilization 7‘s ages are a welcome change of pace, something also seems to be missing.
As of now, each game concludes with the ending of the third age, known as the Modern Age. This is when players reach the stars, conquer their neighbors, build the strongest culture, or create an economic powerhouse. Even though that is all par for the course with Civilization, it can feel like there should have been an additional age to tie it all together. Not only would a fourth age have given players so many new toys to play with, but the entire game seems like it was already built for one.
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Civilization 7 Needs a Fourth Age to Bring it All to a Close
It Already Feels Like a Fourth Age Was Planned
As of now, it seems that Civilization 7 was always planned to at least have three ages, if not four. While the Modern Age is where players finally win the day, there are certain features that hint at another step. For starters, players are actually rewarded with Legacy Points at the end of this age as they are presented with the standard age transition page. Those points are rewarded based on how far down players got in the Legacy Paths and are supposed to be spent on special buffs for the next age. So, it seems strange that the final age would also still reward players with said points, especially because there is no way to actually spend them.
Additionally, some players have noticed that the unique buildings of Modern Age civilizations are labeled as ageless. Ageless buildings are those that persist throughout the ages, and because other unique buildings are labeled as this, it could simply be Firaxis’ way of keeping consistent. However, it also does seem kind of strange that Modern Age civilizations would need ageless buildings. Those buildings will not be going anywhere no matter what happens, as the game concludes once the age ends.
A Fourth Age Could Also Feature Some Civilization Mainstays
Not only does it feel like there are elements building to a fourth age already, but some Civilization mainstays are also missing because of their absence. Because Civ 7‘s Science Victory ends with the first staffed space flight, players do not really gain access to technology from the actual modern age or future. There are no giant death robots, there is no form of a World Congress, and nuclear war hardly ever breaks out. While the absence of those does not really ruin the experience, it would be nice to see them within Civilization 7.
Because Civilization 7 is lacking a fourth age even though it feels like it is building to one, it can also lead to some pretty abrupt endings. It just does not feel as grandiose as it has in previous entries, especially since the Legacy Paths make players follow a more rigid checklist. But with a fourth age, that may not be a problem anymore.
A fourth age could tie everything together and bring the game to a fantastic conclusion. Much like the first three ages, Firaxis could introduce some fun new mechanics themed after the future and let players mess around with all sorts of wild futuristic tech. As long as it meshes well with the other three ages, it could be exactly what this game needs.
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.
Grand Strategy
Turn-Based Strategy
4X
- Released
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February 11, 2025