In *Civilization 7*, a major overhaul comes with the Ages mechanic, allowing you to transition your civilization through different historical periods: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern Ages. However, your chosen leader remains a constant presence, guiding you through these epochs with their unique abilities. Leaders may not offer as many traits and units as civilizations do, but their powers can significantly enhance your gameplay when combined effectively. To aid you in selecting the ideal leader for your empire, we've compiled a comprehensive tier list, detailing the strengths and weaknesses of each. This list is designed to assist you in crafting a strategy that will carry you from the dawn of civilization into the Modern Age.
Please note that this tier list focuses on a standard, single-player game of *Civilization 7*. It does not consider synergies with specific civilizations, multiplayer dynamics, or include DLC leaders such as Ada Lovelace or Simón Bolívar.
Civilization 7 Leader Tier List
-------------------------------S-Tier - Confucius, Xerxes King of Kings, Ashoka World Conquerer, Augustus
A-Tier - Ashoka World Renouncer, Benjamin Franklin, Charlemagne, Harriet Tubman, Hatshepsut, Himiko High Shaman, Isabella, Jose Rizal, Machiavelli, Trung Trac, Xerxes The Achaemenid
B-Tier - Amina, Catherine The Great, Friedrich Oblique, Ibn Battuta, Lafayette, Napoleon Emperor, Napoleon Revolution, Tecumseh, Himiko Queen of Wa
C-Tier - Friedrich Baroque, Pachacuti
S-Tier Leaders
S-Tier: Ashoka, World Conquerer
Ashoka, World Conquerer, excels at maintaining high levels of happiness among your citizens while simultaneously intimidating other civilizations. With +1 Production for every 5 excess Happiness in Cities and +10% Production in Settlements not founded by you, Ashoka's focus on happiness translates into tangible production benefits. Declaring a Formal War grants a Celebration, boosting all Units with +5 Combat Strength against Districts. This leader's strategy is perfect for those who aim to keep their civilization thriving and happy while aggressively expanding their empire.
S-Tier: Augustus
Augustus is all about expansion and economic prowess, gaining +2 Production in the Capital for every Town and the ability to purchase Culture Buildings in Towns. With a 50% reduction in Gold cost for purchasing Buildings in Towns, Augustus encourages players to spread out and establish numerous settlements. This strategy not only saves resources but also turns the Capital into a formidable production and cultural hub, making Augustus a strong choice for players who prefer a wide, robust empire.
S-Tier: Confucius
Confucius is your go-to leader for rapid city growth and scientific advancement, offering a +25% Growth Rate in Cities and +2 Science from Specialists. His ability to expand quickly and stay at the forefront of technological development is invaluable, especially in the early game. However, to fully leverage Confucius's strengths, you may need to bolster your military or forge alliances to safeguard your burgeoning empire.
S-Tier: Xerxes, King of Kings
Xerxes, King of Kings, is the epitome of military might, with +3 Combat Strength for Units attacking in neutral or enemy territory. Capturing a Settlement for the first time rewards you with 100 Culture and Gold per Age, while also increasing your Settlement limit per Age. Xerxes is ideal for players aiming for a swift Military Victory, leveraging his aggressive traits to conquer and expand.
A-Tier Leaders
A-Tier: Ashoka, World Renouncer
Ashoka, World Renouncer, shifts the focus from military conquest to population growth, providing +1 Food in Cities for every 5 excess Happiness and +10% Food in all Settlements during a Celebration. All buildings gain +1 Happiness from adjacent Improvements, making this leader a top choice for those who prioritize rapid expansion and population management.
A-Tier: Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin is a powerhouse in Science and Production, offering +1 Science per Age on Production Buildings in Cities and a 50% boost to Production towards constructing Production Buildings. His ability to maintain two Endeavors of the same type at once further enhances his Science generation, making him ideal for players focused on technological advancement.
A-Tier: Charlemagne
Charlemagne combines Military and Science effectively, with Military and Science Buildings gaining Happiness from adjacent Quarters. Entering a Celebration grants 2 free Cavalry Units and +5 Combat Strength for Cavalry Units, making him a strong early to mid-game leader for players who wish to dominate through cavalry-based warfare.
A-Tier: Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman offers stealth and resilience, with a 100% boost to Influence towards Initiating Espionage Actions and 5 War Support when wars are declared against you. Units ignoring movement penalties from Vegetation make her a tricky opponent, perfect for players who enjoy espionage and guerrilla tactics.
A-Tier: Hatshepsut
Hatshepsut thrives on trade and culture, gaining +1 Culture for every imported Resource and a 15% Production boost towards constructing Buildings and Wonders near Navigable Rivers. She's a top pick for players aiming to excel in the Cultural Legacy Path through trade and architectural marvels.
A-Tier: Himiko, High Shaman
Himiko, High Shaman, is a cultural juggernaut, with +2 Happiness per Age on Happiness Buildings and a 50% Production boost towards constructing them. While her +20% Culture comes with a -10% Science penalty, the effects double during Celebrations, making her a strategic choice for cultural victories.
A-Tier: Isabella
Isabella can catapult her civilization forward by discovering Natural Wonders, gaining 300 Gold and doubled if in Distant Lands. With 100% additional tile yields from Natural Wonders and reduced maintenance costs for Naval Units, she's a strong choice for players who can secure these strategic locations early on.
A-Tier: Jose Rizal
Jose Rizal excels in Celebrations, with a 50% increase in Celebration duration and Happiness towards Celebrations. Additional Culture and Gold from Narrative Events make him a great leader for players aiming to leverage cultural and economic gains through prolonged festivities.
A-Tier: Machiavelli
Machiavelli's devious nature shines with +3 Influence per Age and Gold gains from Diplomatic Actions. His ability to ignore Relationship requirements for declaring Formal Wars and levy Military Units from City-States makes him a formidable leader for players who enjoy manipulating the political landscape.
A-Tier: Trung Trac
Trung Trac is a master of Army Commanders, with her first Commander gaining 3 free Levels and a 20% boost to Commander experience. A 10% Science boost in Tropical Spaces, doubled during Formal Wars, makes her a strategic choice for players focused on military command and tropical expansion.
A-Tier: Xerxes, The Achaemenid
Xerxes, The Achaemenid, enhances economic and cultural growth with +1 Trade Route limit and substantial Culture and Gold from creating Trade Routes or Roads. His bonuses on Unique Buildings and Improvements make him a versatile leader for players looking to build a robust economy.
B-Tier Leaders
B-Tier: Amina
Amina offers a decent focus on Resources, with +1 Resource Capacity in Cities and +1 Gold per Age for each Resource assigned to Cities. Her Units gain +5 Combat Strength in Plains or Desert, making her a solid choice for players who can leverage resource-rich environments.
B-Tier: Catherine the Great
Catherine the Great excels in Culture, with +2 Culture per Age on displayed Great Works and additional slots for Great Works. Her Science boost in Tundra cities adds a strategic layer, though she may struggle without access to these terrains.
B-Tier: Friedrich, Oblique
Friedrich, Oblique, focuses on Army Commanders, starting with the Merit Commendation and gaining Infantry Units from Science Buildings. While he lacks direct Science or Culture buffs, his focus on military strength can be effective with the right strategy.
B-Tier: Ibn Battuta
Ibn Battuta's versatility comes from gaining Wildcard Attribute Points and increased Unit Sight. His unique Endeavor, Trade Maps, allows visibility of other Leaders’ Explored areas, making him a choice for players who value strategic flexibility.
B-Tier: Lafayette
Lafayette's unique Reform Endeavor grants additional Social Policy slots, and his +1 Combat Strength per Tradition adds to his military prowess. His unconditional Culture and Happiness boosts in Settlements make him a reliable choice for a balanced approach.
B-Tier: Napoleon, Emperor
Napoleon, Emperor, thrives on antagonizing others, gaining Gold from being Unfriendly or Hostile with Leaders. His Continental System Sanction disrupts trade routes, making him a choice for players who enjoy a more aggressive diplomatic stance.
B-Tier: Napoleon, Revolutionary
Napoleon, Revolutionary, offers +1 Movement for all Land Units and Culture gains from defending enemy units. His unique playstyle suits players who can effectively manage defensive warfare and leverage it for cultural gains.
B-Tier: Tecumseh
Tecumseh's strength lies in becoming Suzerain of City-States, gaining Food, Production, and Combat Strength bonuses. His potential is high, but requires careful setup and investment in Influence, making him a strategic choice for long-term planning.
B-Tier: Himiko, Queen of Wa
Himiko, Queen of Wa, focuses on diplomacy and Science, gaining significant Science boosts from being Friendly or Helpful with Leaders. Her Friend of Wei Endeavor further enhances Science production, ideal for players who prioritize peaceful alliances.
C-Tier Leaders
C-Tier: Friedrich, Baroque
Friedrich, Baroque, offers a Great Work upon capturing a Settlement and an Infantry Unit from constructing a Culture Building. While these traits are useful, they lack the impact needed to compete with stronger leaders, making him a less compelling choice.
C-Tier: Pachacuti
Pachacuti's effectiveness hinges on proximity to Mountains, gaining Food adjacency bonuses and no Happiness maintenance cost for Specialists. While potentially powerful in the right map setting, his reliance on specific terrain limits his versatility, making him a risky choice without favorable conditions.
