Civilization 7 has made some surprisingly big changes to the franchise’s formula. Civ 7‘s new three-Age system revolutionizes the series’ core gameplay loop, as does the sequel’s separation of leaders and Civs. A wealth of smaller tweaks have also been made to accompany these groundbreaking additions and changes, and Civilization 7‘s victory types are the perfect example.
Though all four of Civilization 7‘s victory types follow the same general archetype of their past iterations, each features some key differences due to the new Legacy Path objective system. The Science victory, for instance, has remained largely the same, with players still striving to research as much tech as possible and eventually achieve space flight. But the journey to achieve a Science victory has changed somewhat, and that means there’s a new set of unwritten rules the community is in the midst of discovering.
Related
Civilization 7’s DLC Should Stop These Features From Facing the Reaper
The Civilization franchise has played around with a lot of different features over the years, and through DLC, Civilization 7 could thrive with them.
The Unwritten Rules of Getting a Science Victory in Civilization 7
Become Intimately Familiar With Civilization 7’s Tech Tree
It may not be the most exciting process, but if players want to achieve a Civilization 7 Science victory against higher-difficulty AI or more experienced real-world opponents, they need to become intimately familiar with Civ 7‘s tech tree. Before a match even starts, players need to study the tech tree closely, and plan a route through the Ages. In particular, players want to keep track of the technologies that will grant them new science-based buildings and science bonuses, and find the shortest route to unlocking the aviation tech needed to win in the Modern Age.
Even seasoned Civilization players who have put thousands of hours into past entries still need to take the time to look at Civilization 7‘s tech tree, as there have been some key changes to staple technologies.
Use Influence to Earn Research Collaboration
Influence is one of Civilization 7‘s most important resources, being used as the currency to conduct diplomatic actions with fellow Civ leaders. When on the road to a Science victory, players need to make sure they’re using Influence to conduct the Research Collaboration Endeavor as often as possible. This Endeavor grants the player a +4 to science yield if accepted, and +6 if supported.
The Path to a Science Victory Might Contain Violence
Just because the player isn’t striving for a Military victory doesn’t mean things won’t get bloody. While it’s great to remain friendly with some Civs so that players can continue to conduct Research Collaboration, players also need to be mindful of their opponents’ goals. If an opposing leader is breezing through their tech research a little too fast, it might be time for players to use their Influence to steal their tech or hinder their production. And if things are looking particularly dire, it might be time to rev up the war machine.
Production Should Be Just As Much of a Focus
While science yield is obviously the most important resource when it comes to achieving Civilization 7‘s Science victory, production is arguably just as important. Players will need to construct a lot of science-related buildings, Wonders, and projects on their way to space, and the higher the player’s production, the faster they’ll achieve their goals.
Grand Strategy
Turn-Based Strategy
4X
- Released
-
February 11, 2025