For nearly thirty years, the victory conditions in the Civilization series have been a familiar part of the experience. Fans have been accustomed to pursuing Domination, Science, Cultural, and Economic victories, albeit with some variations and refinements over time. But with Civilization 7, players are in for some unexpected surprises.
This new installment introduces a three-Age system that shakes things up, influencing both the progression of a match and the core mechanics we’ve grown to love. The result is a series of victory types that look familiar on paper but feel quite different in execution. While it demands some relearning from the players, we’re already observing some emerging patterns that hint at how these new victory conditions can be approached.
### The Secret to Securing a Cultural Victory in Civilization 7
#### Quick City Upgrades are Key
A prominent shift in Civilization 7 is how cities are developed. Settlers no longer establish cities outright; they create towns instead. These towns can’t produce buildings, units, or wonders through production alone; it’s all about investing gold to enhance them. Upgrading towns to cities is crucial for those aiming for a Cultural victory, something especially important in the Antiquity Age. Here, the Cultural Legacy Pathway demands the construction of seven Wonders. Given the time it takes to build each Wonder and the limit of one per city, players need multiple cities to maximize their productivity and build Wonders concurrently.
#### Keep Your Cities Defended
A Cultural victory path doesn’t necessitate a massive army, but a solid defense is non-negotiable. As you progress to the final Age, constructing the pivotal World’s Fair Wonder will put a target on your back. Other players will likely come knocking, so maintain a strong defense with enough military units to protect your cities and ensure their survival.
#### Don’t Overlook Crucial Resources
Even though you might not be chasing an Economic victory, managing trade routes remains vital. Several resources, like Cotton for speeding up city production and Silk for boosting cultural output, are indispensable for a Cultural victory. These resources can significantly aid in your journey to victory, so incorporating them into your strategy is wise.
#### Brace for a Gameplay Overhaul in the Exploration Age
Perhaps the most intricate victory condition in Civilization 7 is the Cultural victory, largely due to the gameplay transition between the Antiquity and Exploration Ages. Initially, it’s all about constructing Wonders, but the Exploration Age requires a more hands-on approach. Players must establish a religion, select Reliquary Beliefs, and spread their faith globally to gather Relics. This shift necessitates active engagement, including sending missionaries, building temples, and exploring newly revealed Distant Lands. The transition can be daunting, particularly for newcomers, but strategic planning can alleviate some of the pressure.
The leap to the Modern Age mimics the Exploration Age’s mechanisms, substituting explorers for missionaries but maintaining a similar strategic rhythm.
In summary, Civilization 7 offers a fresh take on victory that requires players to adapt and strategize with newfound complexity. Embrace these changes, and you’ll find a rich, challenging experience awaiting you.
