As Civilization 7 Dataminers Discover Reference to the Atomic Age, Firaxis Says 'We're Excited for Where This Is Going'

Civilization 7's Hidden Fourth Age: Datamining and Developer Teases

Civilization 7 dataminers have uncovered hints suggesting a fourth, unannounced age is in the works, a possibility subtly confirmed by Firaxis in an IGN interview. The current game features three ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern, each concluding with a simultaneous Age Transition for all players. This transition involves selecting a new civilization, choosing which legacies to carry over, and witnessing a global game world evolution—a unique feature in the Civilization series.

The Modern Age, as currently implemented, concludes before the Cold War, ending with World War II. Lead designer Ed Beach explained Firaxis' decision to IGN, highlighting the historical shifts that defined the boundaries of each age. The end of Antiquity (300-500 CE) marked the decline of major empires worldwide. The transition to the Modern Age reflected the impact of revolutions in Europe and the rise of new nations. Finally, the end of the Modern Age coincides with the significant global upheaval of World War II, providing a natural breakpoint for the introduction of new gameplay mechanics specific to each era. Beach emphasized the need for these age transitions to align with historical realities, explaining the exclusion of the Cold War due to its distinct nature.

While Executive Producer Dennis Shirk remained tight-lipped about specifics, he hinted at future expansions, stating that the age-based system's potential is vast, leaving the door open for further development and hinting at exciting possibilities.

This speculation is fueled by datamined evidence from early access players, including mentions of an "Atomic Age" alongside new leaders and civilizations. Redditor ManByTheRiver11's findings strongly suggest the addition of this fourth age, aligning with the game's current ending and Shirk's comments.

Currently, Firaxis is focused on addressing player feedback and improving the game, acknowledging mixed reviews on Steam. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed confidence in the game's long-term success, believing the core Civilization audience will appreciate it more with continued play.

For those seeking to conquer the world in Civilization 7, resources are available, including guides on achieving victory, understanding changes from Civ 6, avoiding common mistakes, and navigating map types and difficulty settings.