Civilization VII: Top PC Game of 2025 and New Campaign Mechanics
Civilization VII has been crowned the most anticipated PC game of 2025 by PC Gamer's "Most Wanted" event. This accolade follows the reveal of engaging new mechanics designed to encourage players to complete full campaigns. Let's delve into the details.
PC Gamer's "Most Wanted" Event Highlights Civ VII
On December 6th, the PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted showcased the top 25 most exciting games in development for 2025. The rankings were determined by a vote from The Council, a panel of over 70 developers, content creators, and PC Gamer editors. Civ VII secured the coveted top spot. The event also featured trailers and updates for other highly anticipated titles.
Other notable games on the list included Doom: The Dark Ages (2nd place), Monster Hunter Wilds (3rd), and Slay the Spire 2 (4th). The absence of Hollow Knight: Silksong from the list was a surprise to many.
Civilization VII's Release Date
Civilization VII is slated for simultaneous release on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch on February 11, 2025.
Addressing Campaign Completion Rates with the "Ages" Mechanic
In a PC Gamer interview, Civ VII's Creative Director, Ed Beach, discussed a key new mechanic: "Ages." This feature directly addresses Firaxis's data showing low campaign completion rates in Civ VI. The new system divides campaigns into three distinct Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern.
At the end of each Age, players can transition to a historically or geographically connected civilization. This isn't random; for example, the Roman Empire might transition to the French Empire, potentially with the Norman Empire serving as a bridge. Your leader remains consistent throughout the campaign, providing a sense of continuity. The "overbuild" feature allows constructing new buildings atop existing ones, while Wonders and certain structures remain intact across Ages.
This innovative approach allows players to experience multiple civilizations within a single playthrough, offering diverse challenges and maintaining engagement with a familiar leader.
