Civilization 7: The Ideal Game for Steam Deck Enthusiasts

For over thirty years, Civilization has established itself as a cornerstone of the 4X strategy genre. During a significant part of this time, the series thrived without a presence on home consoles. Although the franchise saw initial entries like the first two games landing on platforms such as the SNES and PlayStation, it wasn’t until 2001, with Civilization III, that it shifted to a PC-exclusive format. The only deviation from this trend was 2008’s Civilization Revolution, a simplified edition aimed at newcomers. It wasn’t until 2017 that the series made its strong return to consoles.

In light of Take-Two’s announcement that the Nintendo Switch version of Civilization VI “significantly exceeded expectations, ”it is hardly surprising that the latest installment, Civilization VII, has launched across multiple platforms simultaneously, marking a first for the franchise. Gamers can now enjoy Civilization VII on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and the Switch, with the exciting addition of a VR version set to unveil in Spring 2024. With such a variety of ways to experience the game, playing on the Steam Deck is proving to be one of the most enjoyable options available.

Civilization VII: A Natural Fit for the Steam Deck

Impressive Performance on the Steam Deck

Developer Firaxis confirmed that Civilization VII received a “Steam Deck Verified” rating over a month prior to its full launch, and this rating truly reflects the experience. Players can dive into Civilization VII on the Steam Deck without the need for any pre-launch adjustments, ensuring immediate, enjoyable gameplay.

For those seeking a performance boost, players can easily access in-game graphics settings to enable AMD FSR 3 for additional frames per second. Minor frame rate drops may occur when zooming in on densely populated cities, but these are unlikely to significantly impact overall enjoyment.

Moreover, Civilization VII features an optimized controller layout designed specifically for the Steam Deck. This layout works exceptionally well despite the game’s complex systems. A user-friendly radial menu allows swift access to diplomatic options, while the “A”and “Y”buttons facilitate various in-game commands, enabling players to manage units and select new technologies smoothly. Alternatively, the touch screen and trackpads provide more precision for those who prefer finer control.

Gameplay Dynamics Suited to the Steam Deck

One hallmark of the Civilization franchise has been the enticing lure of “just one more turn.”The Steam Deck complements this gaming approach beautifully. Although completing a full game of Civilization VII can consume several hours, the Steam Deck’s portability allows players to engage in shorter sessions—ideal for those with just 15 minutes to spare—transforming lengthy gameplay into digestible experiences.

Turning Criticism into Advantage

Among PC gamers, a prevalent criticism of Civilization VII is its user interface, particularly the oversized icons and text boxes that can dominate screen space. However, this design choice unexpectedly becomes advantageous on the Steam Deck, where the larger elements enhance readability on the compact screen.

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