Civilization 7 Will Have 'Sudden Death' Wins That Allow For Dramatic Comebacks

Summary

• Civilization VII will allow for dramatic comeback wins in the final age of the game.
• Director Ed Beach stresses that no player is ever out of a game of Civilization VII.
• The new Ages system facilitates late-game comebacks.

Have you ever gathered your friends together for that oft-talked-about game of Civilization 5, had the prerequisite lengthy argument with people who don't want to buy the expansions, and finally loaded into the game, only to then drop it after one session because one player with way more experience than everyone else plays Babylon, rushes the Great Library and has now amassed such an insurmountable science lead that he can destroy the rest of the lobby by themselves...? Just me?

That's a very specific situation, but Civilization has historically been a snowball-y experience. It can be difficult to catch up to an adept player because systems in Civilization feed into one another, high science leads to high production leads to strong armies and so on. However, Civilization 7 might be adding a feature that allows for unexpected comeback victories. Some would argue players shouldn't be punished for playing well, but Firaxis will likely have compromised to make everything feel balanced - it's not the studio's first rodeo.

Civilization VII's Ages System Allows For Late-Game Comebacks

In an interview with Future Games Show, Civilization 7 director Ed Beach revealed "You have a chance to win the game at any point. You're never really out of it." This is because of Civilization 7's new Ages system, where you select a new civilisation for each of the game's three ages, Antiquity, Exploration and Modern.

"When you get to a new age," Beach told FGS. "You get new strategies, you can pivot and change things up." From Firaxis' comments about Ages, it sounds like there's a lot of change after the age transitions, potentially toppling game leaders and bringing others back into the game.

Every action in Civilization 7 contributes towards an Age Progression metre. When the metre is filled, the campaign transitions to the next age and each player will select a new civilisation.

Beach describes 'sudden death' mechanics in the Modern Age where any player can snatch victory. He doesn't outline the specifics of this system, but does talk about how Civilization 7 has been constructed with comebacks in mind.

"In the final [Modern] age, you get a chance for that sudden death victory, to knock out the other players. Even if you were trailing previously, the chance to get that victory at the end is pretty much always there for you," Beach revealed.

Civilization 7 is set to launch on February 7 for PC.

Sid Meier's Civilization VII

WHERE TO PLAY

The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter. Sid Meier's Civilization® VII empowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known!

In Civilization VII, your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire. Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement.

Construct cities and architectural wonders to expand your territory, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Pursue prosperity in an immersive solo experience or play with others in online multiplayer.

Whether you choose to follow a path rooted in history or reimagine possibilities to chart your own way forward, build something you believe in and create a legacy that echoes through the Ages in Civilization VII.