Civilization VII Releasing February 11, Or A Week Earlier With More-Expensive Editions

Civilization VII received a surprisingly close release date with a new trailer at Gamescom Opening Night Live. The new trailer debuted some of the new features and major revisions coming to this version of the long-running 4X strategy series, as well as announced the release date: February 11, 2025. Two special editions will grant early access on February 6. Unlike the last Civ, the PC and console versions will release simultaneously.

Civilization VII features a new Ages system that splits the flow into three distinct eras, with their own playable civilizations, resources, and gameplay systems. Unlocking milestones within each Age will let you carry advantages into the next era. As you progress into new Ages, you'll select new civilizations with their own perks, as determined by your accomplishments in the previous Age. As always you'll choose a leader, but for the first time in the series history, you can choose your leader separately from your civilization.

Multiplayer will take advantage of the new Ages system by allowing you to choose between multi-Age campaigns or taking on opponents in a single Age. Plus it will support cross-play between PC and consoles.

Civilization VII's standard edition will be $70 on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles, and $60 on Nintendo Switch. A Deluxe edition will be $100 on PC, PlayStation and Xbox, and $90 on Switch; that version include the week of early access as well as the Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack, the post-launch Crossroads of the World Collection DLC, and a Deluxe Content pack. Finally, a digital-only Founders edition ($130 on PC, PlayStation, Xbox; $120 on Switch) will include everything above, as well as the post-launch DLC Right to Rule Collection and the Founders Content pack. That version will only be available through February 28, 2025. Separately, a limited-edition Collector's Edition will be available that includes physical collectibles but without a copy of the game.

Those who play the game with a linked 2K Account will receive a Napoleon Bonaparte's Emperor Persona, and if you've linked Civilization 6 to the same account, you'll also be rewarded with Bonaparte's Revolutionary Persona.

For more from Gamescom, check out all the biggest news and announcements from Opening Night Live.