Civ 7 Crossroads DLC: Key Features Forecast

Firaxis is already announcing new leaders and civilizations for Civilization VII, along with several wonders, even before the game's official release. Learn more about the Crossroads of the World DLC, what it includes, and what we expect from it.

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New Civilizations, Leaders, and Wonders Arrive Soon in Civ 7

Just a day after the launch of Civilization VII's Deluxe Edition—and less than a week before the standard edition arrives—Firaxis has revealed its 2025 post-launch roadmap. The Crossroads of the World DLC, included with the Deluxe and Founders' Editions, introduces two new leaders, four civilizations, and four natural wonders across two releases scheduled for early and late March 2025.

From the details available, Ada Lovelace will debut alongside the Great Britain and Carthage civilizations, as well as four natural wonders, in early March. Simón Bolívar will follow later that month, accompanied by Nepal and Bulgaria.

Firaxis hasn't yet shared specifics about the announced leaders, civilizations, or wonders, but that won't stop us from making educated guesses. Remember, these are just predictions—take them with a grain of salt. No offense to any culture or people is intended, and all predictions are based on historical records and factual information.

Predicting Ada Lovelace’s Leader Abilities, Attributes, and Agenda

Ada Lovelace, formally Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace, is widely considered the first computer programmer for her contributions to Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine. Given her legacy, she will almost certainly be a science-focused leader.

Considering her aristocratic background as the only daughter of poet Lord Byron and social reformer Annabella Milbanke, her leader bonuses will likely center on the Codex and Specialist systems. These mechanics aren't yet utilized by any current leader, making them a natural fit for her abilities.

Combined with our predictions for Great Britain's civilization bonuses, Lovelace appears well-suited to guide players toward a science victory.

Predicting Simón Bolívar’s Leader Abilities, Attributes, and Agenda

Simón José Antonio de la Santísima Trinidad Bolívar Palacios Ponte y Blanco—known as Simón Bolívar—was the first president of Colombia and earned the title "The Liberator of America" for his efforts to unify Latin American territories.

Bolívar is familiar to the Civilization series, having led Gran Colombia in Civilization VI's New Frontier Pass. Based on his historical legacy, past appearance, and reputation as a skilled military strategist, Bolívar will likely adopt a Militarist/Expansionist playstyle in Civ 7, fully leveraging the new Commanders system—just as our predictions indicate.

While Trung Trac also uses the Commanders mechanic, Bolívar will likely focus on keeping his forces advancing through logistical support, rather than maximizing individual commander strength as Trung Trac does with her promotion and experience bonuses.

Predicting Carthage’s Unique Bonuses, Units, Infrastructure, and Wonder

Carthage stood as one of the wealthiest cities of the classical world, a major North African trading hub and capital of Ancient Carthage until its defeat in the Third Punic War, after which it became part of Roman Carthage.

Given this mercantile heritage, and considering Phoenicia's role in Civ 6, Carthage will likely be an Antiquity Age civilization focused on naval trade and coastal development. However, since Aksum already occupies a similar niche, Carthage may take a different direction.

Instead of emphasizing Trade Route range and resource bonuses, we expect Carthage to specialize in Trade Route capacity and Cultural benefits from international commerce. Add in a bonus tied to the Colossus wonder, and you have a civilization that could pair well with leaders like Amina.

Predicting Great Britain’s Unique Bonuses, Units, Infrastructure, and Wonder

Great Britain is a staple of the Civilization series, appearing since the first game as England and later represented by leaders such as Victoria and Elizabeth in Civ 6.

In Civ 7, Great Britain is expected to be a Modern Age civilization, accessible either by evolving from the Normans in the Exploration Age or automatically when playing as Ada Lovelace. Its design will likely reflect Britain's Industrial Era dominance, with bonuses for naval production and trade that capitalize on its island geography. Additionally, it may gain production benefits from Oxford University, reinforcing its scientific and industrial strengths.

Predicting Nepal’s Unique Bonuses, Units, Infrastructure, and Wonder

Nestled near the Himalayas and Mount Everest, Nepal is a new addition to Civilization VII's roster, generating considerable speculation among players. While official details are limited, its history and geography provide strong clues about its potential gameplay.

First, Nepal will almost certainly be a Modern Age civilization, as it didn't exist as a distinct cultural entity during the Antiquity or Exploration Ages. Second, given its complex military history, strategic location, and cultural depth, Nepal will likely excel in military and cultural domains, possibly featuring unique units that gain advantages in mountainous terrain.

As for associated wonders, it's unclear which one Nepal will align with. While the Taj Mahal is geographically nearby, its historical bonuses may not be an ideal match—so we'll have to see how Firaxis implements this.

Predicting Bulgaria’s Unique Bonuses, Units, Infrastructure, and Wonder

Arguably the civilization that best embodies this DLC's theme, Bulgaria makes its series debut in Civilization VII. Situated in the Balkans, Bulgaria historically integrated influences from both Eastern and Western neighbors, forming a unique cultural and economic identity.

With abundant natural resources, historical connections to the Ottomans, and proximity to the Silk Road, Bulgaria will likely emphasize Military and Economic strengths, particularly in Cavalry. Rather than focusing on Trade Routes, its bonuses may center on Traditions and Social Policies, supporting steady advancement.

Although this is Bulgaria's first appearance in a Civilization game, Firaxis confirms it will be an Exploration Age civilization. This suggests its design may highlight its role during or after Ottoman rule, a period when the Ottomans were known for their military and economic power in Civ 6.

Predicting Natural Wonder Bonuses in the Crossroads of the World DLC

The Crossroads of the World DLC won't include any new buildable Wonders, but it does add four Natural Wonders for players to discover. Following the trend in Civ 7 where Natural Wonders provide passive benefits through additional Tile Yields, here's what we expect them to offer at launch.

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