
Key Highlights:
- Civilization 7 introduces major gameplay changes, including the new Ages system.
- Firaxis recommends even veteran players start with the tutorial for their first full campaign.
- Default settings like Small maps and Continents Plus are designed to ease players into new mechanics.
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With the highly anticipated release of Civilization 7, Firaxis Games is encouraging all players, including seasoned veterans, to begin their first campaign with the tutorial enabled.
The game introduces significant changes to the franchise’s core mechanics, most notably the all-new Ages system, prompting Firaxis to issue this recommendation to ensure a smooth transition for all players.
Civilization 7’s Ages System Marks a Fundamental Change

Creative director Ed Beach shared a detailed post on Steam explaining why Civilization 7 differs from its predecessors.
One of the biggest changes is the Ages system, which divides a full campaign into three distinct Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern.
Unlike previous games where civilizations evolved linearly, each Age introduces an Age Transition, during which players select a new civilization to represent their empire, retain chosen Legacies, and adapt to an evolving game world.
This system fundamentally alters how strategy unfolds across a campaign, requiring players to rethink their long-term plans.
Given the scope of these changes, Beach suggests all players, regardless of experience, go through the tutorial to grasp these new mechanics before diving into advanced strategies.
Why Firaxis Chose Small Maps as the Default
Another key adjustment in Civilization 7 is the default map size. Traditionally, many experienced players opt for larger maps to maximize strategic complexity.
However, Beach revealed that Firaxis deliberately set Small maps as the default to create a more manageable learning curve.
“With three other empires on your home continent and a few more to discover later in the game, Small Maps make for a very comfortable experience while you are learning the ins and outs of Civ 7,” Beach explained.

He also recommended players start with the Continents Plus map type, which includes nearby islands that encourage early ocean exploration, a key mechanic in the Exploration Age.
The first six civs have been disclosed already, and they are Aksum, Egypt, Maya, Maurya, Rome, and Shawnee.
Additionally, Firaxis suggests this setup as the best way to familiarise oneself with Civilization 7’s new Diplomacy system.
The game introduces Diplomatic Influence, which allows players to track and manage relationships more dynamically.
The Small map size helps limit the number of early-game diplomatic interactions, making it easier for players to learn the system without feeling overwhelmed.
The Tutorial: Essential Even for Seasoned Civ Players
Firaxis has built a comprehensive tutorial designed to ease players into Civilization 7’s revamped mechanics.
Unlike previous entries, where tutorials were often skipped by expericenced players, this iteration provides context-sensitive guidance tailored to new encounters.
Regarding the tutorial, Beach stated:
“When you launch your first game of Civilization 7, the tutorial is automatically enabled,”
“Fans experienced with earlier Civ titles may scoff at the idea of playing with the Tutorial on, but with so many of our game systems having received upgrades and revisions, we really do recommend sticking with the Tutorial for your first full campaign through our three Ages.”
Related: Civ Series Ditches 2K Launcher
To further assist players, the game includes four different Advisors, each covering a specific aspect of gameplay.
Players can choose to follow only one Advisor at a time if they prefer a gradual learning process.
Even after players disable the tutorial, Beach recommends enabling the Only Warnings setting, which allows Advisors to step in if a major setback is about to occur.
“Even our internal team at Firaxis that knows this game so well plays with these warnings enabled,” he noted.
Civilization 7’s Post-Launch Content and Release Details
Firaxis also revealed Civilization 7’s post-launch roadmap, which includes DLC expansions featuring additional civilizations, leaders, and gameplay refinements. Notably, Great Britain has been relegated to DLC, meaning it won’t be part of the base game at launch.
Civilization 7 releases on February 11th, 2025, for PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. Players who purchase the Deluxe Edition will gain early access starting on February 6th.
The PC version will have anti-piracy software, with the developers confirming that Denuvo DRM will be used.
With its new Ages system, updated Diplomacy mechanics, and redesigned default settings, Civ 7 represents a significant evolution for the franchise.
Firaxis is confident that these changes will enhance the player experience, but they strongly recommend that even longtime fans take the time to go through the tutorial before embarking on their first full campaign.
By doing so, players can better adapt to the game’s fresh mechanics and make the most of what promises to be one of the biggest Civ titles to date by a mile.
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Stephen is the proud owner of a popular gaming news website GLN, where he provides the latest updates on everything gaming-related. With a passion for video games that dates back to his childhood, Stephen is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with fellow gamers around the world.