Summary

  • Civilization 7 separates Leaders from their civilizations for a new dynamic.
  • Civ 7 may feature underrepresented cultures like Ireland and Malaysia.
  • The potential for new Civ 7 cultures like the Goths or Ojibwe is vast.

With Civilization 7 on the horizon, many people's eyes are fixed on what's changed, what's stayed the same, and which DLC features will actually remain in the base game. One of the biggest changes they've made, however, is the separation of Leaders from their native civilizations.

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With the promise that many underrepresented cultures will be featured in Civ 7, it's a great time to think about some new cultures that could finally see themselves featured. The world has a long history with many groups, so there's almost endless potential.

Considering the diversity of cultures mentioned in this article, please keep in mind that much of it comes from research and not exclusively lived experiences.

9 Ireland

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While the Civilization games have had various Celtic groups (primarily the Gauls) featured across the series, they've rarely touched on the few modern Celtic nations in the modern age, particularly those in the furthest west of Europe.

Ireland is one such nation with a rich history to pull from. From revolutionary leaders of more recent centuries to more medieval figures battling British and Viking invasions. There are countless unique ways such a culture could be played, from agricultural production to Gallowglass military domination.

Despite the massive Roman presence in Wales and England, they never made major plans to invade Ireland.

8 Goths

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One group that has rarely missed an appearance in a Civ game are the Romans, though less frequently referenced are one of their greatest enemies - The Goths. No, not the black-clothed, metal variety, but the various Gothic Kingdom that became an eternal thorn in the Roman's side.

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The fun part of the Goths is their cultural syncretism with other European cultures. Over the centuries they split into various groups, namely the Visigoths and Ostrogoths, which held territory over vast swathes of Europe. As such, the architecture and practices of the Goths vary dramatically, allowing for what could be a very interesting Civilization to play as in Civ.

7 Malaysia

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The history is Malaysia, like any nation really, is far from simple. What is consistent in the history of Malaysia is the continual influence of other cultures and religions on the islands that comprise the nation over its history. Already, this gives it a unique place in the world of Civ.

From a gameplay perspective, Malaysia could play in many ways. A focus on culture, showcasing the unique music and artwork. Religiously, a recognition of the various groups that have called Malaysia their home. Considering the changing civilization system of Civ 7, Malaysia could fit it well.

6 Ojibwe

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The Ojibwe people are an indigenous people of the North American continent, historically spread across the areas that comprise the northern United States and southern Canada. While many native groups of the Americas are typically seen as relying exclusively on oral histories, the Ojibwe people have a long history of recording their history as well.

The Ojibwe have historically had many connections with other groups across the Americas, giving them plenty of opportunities for diplomacy. On top of this, they are well-regarded in culture, both in terms of their food such as the harvesting of Maple Syrup, and the intricate wood carvings they used for recording history.

The modern concept of a Dream-Catcher is derived from the Ojibwe Spider Web Charm.

5 Nepal

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While Nepal is typically known internationally as existing in such close proximity to Mt. Everest, you might be shocked to hear that it is also a country with massive historical significance beyond a very large mountain.

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Historically, Nepal is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. In the modern day, Nepal is primarily Hindu, a unique fact that could be used to a great degree for religion in Civ 7. Considering the rugged terrain of much of Nepal, it could also be a civilization that thrives in more unconventional landscapes as well.

Did you know Everest was named was named after a man who had no association with the mountain, and who expressed discomfort with the mountain using his name rather than the local Nepalese name, Sagarmāthā?

4 Ryukyu

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Much of Japanese history attempts to posit the country as a single, culturally homogenous nation. The many wars of the Sengoku period are a testament to this, erasing the unique cultures that existed here. The Ryukyuan Kingdom stood in opposition to this and has had historical trade with many other Asian nations.

Tonfas are said to originate in Ryukyu, and being an island nation, sea-faring was a common part of culture. They also traded frequently with China, making them viable as a nation of commerce within Civ 7 as well. There are plentiful opportunities here.

3 Hawaii

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Despite repeated attempts to erase the culture of the independent kingdom of Hawaii, its people and their traditions have remained, albeit hampered. Historically though, the Hawaiian people are rich in culture and diversity.

From their sea-faring origins to their unique cultural practices, Hawaiians have done plenty to differentiate themselves from their Polynesian origins. In history, despite having engaged in many military acts, they have also solved as many conflicts peacefully as well. There are so many ways a Hawaii civilization could thrive in Civ 7.

2 Yoruba

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The Yoruba people make up one of the largest ethnic groups across the entirety of the African continent, with the majority within the modern borders of Nigeria, though historically have been spread over much wider regions. Across history, the Yoruba people have founded many kingdoms, including the Ife Empire.

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The Yoruba have a rich cultural history, from detailed mythologies to diverse language families and gorgeous works of architecture and art. There is such a massive history, from empires to religion, to pull from with the Yoruba people that could be represented within Civ 7.

1 Argentina

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A unique aspect of Civilization 7 is the idea that certain civilizations are locked to certain Ages. No longer can you remain as a single civilization for the entire game, and must instead adapt to the world as it expands. One such nation that would fit the Modern Age is Argentina.

While the modern state of Argentina has historically been home to mainly other empires, such as the Incas and Spaniards, it today stands as a nation firmly detached from much of that history. Today, it is a country renowned for its culture, much of this focused around music and cuisine, primarily wine. This is an easy fit for the Civ formula.

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