Firaxis and 2K are making strides in bringing Civilization 7 back on track with the release of Update 1.2.2, an exciting update that brings a wealth of new features. Among the major additions are Large and Huge Maps, more customization options, and community-requested Steam Workshop support. This update also introduces new Town Specializations, City-State Bonuses, and significant changes to the game’s balance, UI, and even religion mechanics. 
Players can now enjoy the presence of a very pettable Scout dog, because who doesn’t love a cute companion in their empire-building adventure?
The new update focuses on player experience, providing both large-scale gameplay options and subtle adjustments for a more rewarding strategic approach. The addition of Huge Maps allows for more expansive gameplay, accommodating up to 10 players, though multiplayer games are capped at eight players for now. Firaxis has mentioned plans to increase this cap to 12 in the future after ensuring game stability and performance are not compromised. These larger maps come packed with Pantheons, religious beliefs, discoveries, and City-State bonuses to ensure that all players have ample opportunities to develop their civilizations.
One of the most exciting features is the new game setup options. Players can now toggle various settings such as Legacy Paths, Crises, and even Score Victory. If you’re looking to create your own unique playthrough, you can easily modify the AI difficulty or turn off certain elements to focus on other aspects of the game. Firaxis even shared an office experiment where they disabled Legacy Paths in early Ages and set the game to Abbreviated Ages for a truly sandbox experience.
The update also brings changes to religion. Several new Beliefs have been added, along with some tweaks to existing ones. These changes were driven by player feedback, and while bigger changes to religion are expected later, these initial tweaks should provide a better strategic edge for players who focus on conversion. Town specializations have also been reworked, with Urban Centers receiving upgrades, allowing them to access buildings previously exclusive to Cities. The Resort Town, a new Town Focus, offers extra Gold and Happiness for Rural tiles with Natural Wonders, adding a relaxing alternative to the more militaristic strategies.
Perhaps the biggest visual change is the new loading screen, which features narration by the renowned Gwendoline Christie. Fans of the actress will appreciate the added flair she brings to the game. Alongside this, Firaxis has released a slew of small fixes and tweaks aimed at improving the overall experience. If you’re encountering issues with mods or bugs, you’re encouraged to report them as Firaxis continues to polish the game.
Despite its rocky launch, with the game facing a decline in player numbers on Steam, Civilization 7’s latest update proves that Firaxis is listening to player feedback and committed to improving the game. The update is live now, though Switch players will have to wait a little longer due to the additional requirements for updates on the platform. For those who are looking to try out mods, Steam Workshop support is now fully integrated, allowing for a whole new world of community-driven content.