As autumn progresses, Civilization 7 is set to embark on a new adventure with its upcoming update 1.3.0, which is focused on maritime themes. The developer, Firaxis, has shared insights in a somewhat ambiguous update, acknowledging that fans are eager for more regular updates, or perhaps even a detailed content roadmap. Creative Director Ed Beach notes, “We’ve held off on providing too much detail until we knew that the significant updates we wanted to make had a clear path forward and were sufficiently fleshed out.” Regardless, the update promises to be boat-centric.
Scheduled for release during the week of November 3, this major update will introduce several ocean-themed features including a new water-based Warehouse Building called the Harbor, a swift Privateer Light Naval Unit perfect for “general maritime mischief,” and functional Ocean Tiles available in the Modern Age. Furthermore, Firaxis mentions, “Hawaii can now work Ocean tiles in the Exploration Age,” enhancing their strength even from the start.
### Exciting Changes on the Horizon
Firaxis indicates that Civilization 7 is undergoing “dramatic changes” as it explores options to potentially bypass its controversial Ages system, allowing players to maintain a single faction throughout the entire game.
### Notable Updates Across the Gaming World
In related news, a significant update for No Man’s Sky has been announced, so substantial that developers report “the game has had to be reworked” to incorporate features like “huge” interactive spaceships that function akin to buildings with wings. In a similar vein, Sean Murray of Hello Games remarked that the new “Earth-sized” survival game, Light No Fire, includes “real oceans to traverse, needing large boats and crews.” He added, “Much of the technology we’re introducing” for No Man’s Sky is “shared with our next game.”
Firaxis also revealed a revamped naval combat system, stating, “We’ve done a significant pass to make naval warfare feel more impactful,” by broadening combat options with Ranged Units and two distinct types of Naval Units, Light and Heavy.
Enhancing this update, the Tides of Power Content Collection will debut alongside version 1.3.0, introducing the Tonga civilization and the Republic of Pirates, with the latter expected to dock in December, along with “the formidable leader Sayyida al Hurra, along with the Ottomans and Iceland.”
### Looking Ahead
As Beach notes, “as we head into the holidays, you’ll notice smaller, less frequent updates while the team shifts into testing and iteration on these larger changes, and preparing for the Workshop,” which is Civilization’s new playtesting initiative. In the interim, Firaxis encourages maritime enthusiasts to celebrate the upcoming oceanic additions!