Sid Meier's Civilization VII Reviews

Sid Meier's Civilization VII is ranked in the 89th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Stevivor
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Feb 3, 2025

Civ 7 isn’t just good, it’s the real deal. It’s a sequel that thinks like one of the matches it contains – a lot of small but significant strategic decisions that, when added up, create a winner. It feels different enough from previous iterations to justify the 7 in the title, and it thoughtfully builds on what came before. Civilization 7 is one of 2025’s first must-play titles.

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Unscored
Feb 3, 2025

With Civilization VII, Firaxis’s developers have not only made a gorgeous, beautifully scored game about historical weirdos (seriously, just wait until you’re getting yelled at by Niccolo Machiavelli’s 3D model), they’ve made one that truly feels accessible and invigorating for the franchise and genre.

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8 / 10.0
Feb 4, 2025

Civilization VII is a newcomers ideal Civ game. Packed full of streamlined systems and approachable design choices, VII gives players access to a fun, gorgeously realised sandbox in which history is (mostly) theirs to decide. While some of its smoothed edges hinder player-driven storytelling, the effort to onboard new players and refresh the game for veterans is ambitious and stacked with potential.

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9 / 10.0
Feb 3, 2025

It can't be denied how impressive Civilization VII is as a complete package. This is a franchise that finds a way to continually satisfy, even when compared to its already glowing legacy. Amongst a sea of strategy games, Civilization VII stands tall as a title that understands its identity, shows incredible attention to detail, and lives up to lofty expectations. Future expansions will undoubtedly fill certain notable absences, but even before then, we still have a formidable release that's deservingly ready to eat away at your free time.

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6 / 10.0
Feb 3, 2025

Civilization 7 is a very pretty and very chaoitc game. Brave but not thought out. It introduces changes that aren’t inherently bad, and they build an interesting foundation for a probably great game in the future. Unfortunately now we got an early access production for a premium access price.

Review in Polish | Read full review

Impulsegamer
Top Critic
4.4 / 5.0
Feb 4, 2025

Civilization VII is more Civilization. If you liked V or VI, then this will probably be right up your street, because it's essentially more of the same. The changes to eras, leaders, and streamlining of some of the city management might turn off some die-hard players, but the core experience is still there.

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Gamersky
Top Critic
9.2 / 10.0
Feb 3, 2025

Sid Meier's Civilization VII stands as a testament to the enduring strength of its franchise, much like a civilization that continues to thrive through the ages. Rather than resting on its laurels, it has evolved, constantly integrating innovation and the best elements from its predecessors to further solidify its place in gaming history. Its ability to embrace change while maintaining its core essence proves that this legendary series is still capable of standing the test of time. Civilization VII reaffirms that the series remains as relevant and compelling as ever.

Review in Chinese | Read full review

Unscored
Jan 16, 2025

Civilization VII – just like every chapter in the series – is a game that should be appreciated over time, especially in a case like this, where the radical desire to take a step towards the future is evident.

Review in Italian | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Feb 3, 2025

Civilization VII is an impressive attempt to redefine the formula, and at the same time pays homage to the old, best solutions from previous parts. Three eras in one game provide an interesting pace, while friendly diplomacy and a new system of doctrines add variety to the familiar fun. The developers have included a wealth of mechanics here from the first minute, providing a solid foundation without the need to wait for DLC. While the simplifications in management may not be to everyone's taste, the sheer atmosphere and strategic depth still make this installment worth playing right off the bat.

Review in Polish | Read full review

SECTOR.sk
Branislav Koh�t
Top Critic
8.5 / 10.0
Feb 3, 2025

Despite the fact that the Civilization series has been around for a while, it still manages to bring something new that at least slightly enriches and changes the gameplay. Here we have another quality piece of work that is worth playing.

Review in Slovak | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Feb 3, 2025

Thanks to its (not so) few changes from previous instalments, Civilization VII provides more freedom to think and strategize so that we can build a different way of playing each time. With a wide range of options and more profound decision-making, Fireaxis offers one of the best games in the franchise.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Feb 3, 2025

A courageous chapter in the Civilization saga. The new "Eras" mechanic breathes new life into a trusted formula. The best 4X turn-based strategy game of this generation.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Worth your time
Feb 4, 2025

After just two games (well, 16 hours in), I can already see myself playing routinely and obsessively, trying different strategies and exploring new civilizations. While a few quality-of-life changes are still needed, this is just the beginning. With multiple planned DLCs (possibly even a futuristic era?) and a vibrant modding community, I expect these minor issues to be addressed soon. Overall, Civilization VII truly is a strategy game for the ages.

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3.5 / 5.0
Feb 3, 2025

Civilization VII is worth playing, but it may be best enjoyed after a few patches and DLCs round out its missing edges. If you’re eager for a fresh take on Civ, you’ll find plenty to appreciate, but if you prefer a more complete experience, waiting might be the better move.

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74 / 100
Feb 3, 2025

Civilization 7 feels like a new beginning for a beloved series. Although it simplifies a lot of its mechanics, which may not be of liking to old players, it still has that unique and fun addictive gameplay loop.

Review in Unknown | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Feb 3, 2025

I’ve been conflicted for a long time about the rating for this seventh installment in the series. In the end, I opted for the highest score, despite the fact that—as you may have gathered—Civilization VII is a good game, but not the best in the series. It’s clearly a transitional product, and on this point, I’m very pleased with the developers’ courage and their alignment with the need to shake things up. At the same time, the impact of certain design choices, such as the reset across the three eras, as well as the absence of some key elements from Civilization VI (religion being the most notable), make the current run of Civilization VII feel less focused on strategy and slightly more arcade-like—if you’ll allow me the term. That said, it will still be an opportunity to introduce the game to an even wider audience, without diminishing or devaluing the great quality of the series.

Review in Italian | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Feb 3, 2025

Civilization VII comes close to easily being the best in the series yet. The gorgeous visuals, smooth gameplay features, and more easily understandable mechanics make this welcoming to newcomers and veterans alike. But the frustrating Ages system overcomplicates and holds back an otherwise exceptional strategy experience.

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9 / 10.0
Feb 3, 2025

Civilization VII is a bold, feature-rich reinvention of the series, packed with personality and stunning detail. While some issues remain, Firaxis has delivered a landmark strategy game that’s impossible to put down—once it gets its hooks in, you’ll be chasing just one more turn.

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GAMES.CH
Top Critic
85%
Feb 3, 2025

"Civilization VII" is motivating, challenging and huge - and that is precisely why it is an early strategy hit of the still young year of 2025. At the same time, we hope that Firaxis will iron out a few rough edges in the coming months to make the gaming experience even more rounded.

Review in German | Read full review

INVEN
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Feb 3, 2025

Civilization VII refines its strategic depth through era transitions and civilization changes, though the most thrilling moments feel more spaced out. Despite these shifts, the game retains its signature "just one more turn" appeal—undeniably Civilization.

Review in Korean | Read full review