Civilization VII: Top PC Game of 2025 and New Campaign Mechanics
Civilization VII has been crowned the most anticipated PC game of 2025 by PC Gamer's "Most Wanted" event. This accolade follows the unveiling of innovative gameplay mechanics designed to enhance campaign engagement. Let's delve into the details.
PC Gamer's "Most Wanted" Event Highlights Civ VII
The December 6th PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted showcased the top 25 upcoming games, ranked by a panel of over 70 developers, content creators, and PC Gamer editors. Civ VII secured the coveted number one spot. The event also featured other anticipated titles, including Doom: The Dark Ages, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Slay the Spire 2.
Noteworthy omissions from the list included Hollow Knight: Silksong. Civilization VII's release is slated for February 11th, 2025, across PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch platforms.
The "Ages" Mechanic: Revolutionizing Campaign Play
Addressing player feedback regarding incomplete campaigns in Civ VI, Creative Director Ed Beach introduced the "Ages" mechanic. This system divides campaigns into three distinct eras: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. The innovative aspect? Players can transition between historically and geographically linked civilizations at the end of each Age.
This transition isn't random. For instance, the Roman Empire might seamlessly progress to the French Empire, potentially with the Norman Empire serving as a bridge. Leaders remain consistent across Ages, maintaining player connection and rivalries. An "overbuild" feature allows the construction of new buildings atop existing ones, while Wonders and certain structures remain intact.
This new system offers players a dynamic experience, allowing them to manage the cultural, military, diplomatic, and economic aspects of multiple civilizations within a single playthrough, all while maintaining a strong connection to their chosen leader.