Civilization 7 Urgently Requires a Fourth Era

In Sid Meier’s Civilization 7, Firaxis has made a bold move by introducing a new three-age system that completely revamps the familiar game mechanics. The traditional sprawling tech tree that spanned multiple eras is no more. Now, players advance through a timeline where each age boasts its own distinctive tech and civic trees, alongside unique gameplay twists. This shift marks a significant departure from what fans of the franchise are used to. While these new ages bring a refreshing change, there’s a lingering feeling that something is amiss.

Currently, the game wraps up after the third age, known as the Modern Age. This is where players aim for victory by reaching the stars, outmaneuvering rivals, building cultural wonders, or establishing an economic juggernaut. Although these goals resonate with Civilization fans, it often feels as though there should be a final age to truly complete the experience. The presence of a fourth age could offer exciting new elements for players to explore, and it feels as though the game is already designed with that in mind.

There are several indications that Civilization 7 might have initially intended to feature four ages, or at least it seems conceivable. Players are rewarded with Legacy Points upon completing the Modern Age, which are traditionally used for bonuses in the subsequent age. However, as the game reaches its conclusion here, these points seemingly have no purpose. This is rather odd, given their clear designed use.

Additionally, unique buildings in the Modern Age carry an “ageless” label. While it could simply be a method for Firaxis to maintain consistency, suggesting these structures remain relevant across ages, it feels out of place for the Modern Age. Since the game ends when this age concludes, the existence of ageless buildings seems to hint at an unfinished concept.

A fourth age could also reintroduce some of the iconic features from previous Civilization titles. For instance, with Science Victory currently ending with the first staffed space flight, players miss out on technologies from the near-future. Absent are the beloved giant death robots, an iteration of the World Congress, and the looming threat of nuclear warfare. While their absence doesn’t break the game, their presence could enhance the experience significantly.

Without this potential fourth age, Civilization 7 sometimes ends rather abruptly, lacking the grandeur of its predecessors. The rigid path dictated by Legacy Paths adds to this sensation of incompleteness. Introducing a fourth age could resolve this, weaving a more cohesive tapestry and providing a satisfying conclusion. By incorporating futuristic mechanics, Firaxis could infuse a newfound excitement into the final chapter of the game, seamlessly aligning with the existing structure and elevating the overall experience.