Civilization 7 has finally been released, marking the first major installment in nearly a decade. With its long legacy and dedicated fanbase, it’s understandable that newcomers—or even returning players—might feel a bit intimidated by the changes. One of the most notable new additions is the Ages system, which requires players to switch civilizations as they progress through time—a first for the series.
Getting a handle on these changes may seem complex at first, so this guide highlights beginner-friendly civilizations that provide a smooth introduction to the game. These options allow players to gradually learn core mechanics while staying competitive across all stages of the campaign.
Antiquity Age: Laying the Groundwork
The Antiquity Age sets the stage for the rest of the game, so choosing a flexible and balanced civilization is essential. For those new to the game, starting with a civilization that doesn’t force a rigid strategy is the best approach. A civilization that supports multiple playstyles provides an ideal learning experience.
Recommended Civ: Greece
Greece serves as a well-balanced option for beginners. It offers benefits across various resources, helping players understand what each yield does without becoming overwhelming. One of Greece’s standout features is its passive generation of Influence, which is valuable for diplomacy. This makes it easier to establish alliances and maintain positive relations with other civilizations.
Their unique buildings and specialized districts steadily produce Happiness, Culture, Gold, and additional Influence. Much of this happens passively, but players can further enhance these yields by constructing Wonders and taking control of City-States. Both of these elements are essential to understand, especially the role of Wonders in pursuing the Culture Legacy Path during this age.
Greece also benefits from access to the Hoplite, a strong military unit that becomes even more formidable when used in groups. This provides a solid defense in case diplomatic strategies falter. Greece’s accessible and balanced design makes it an ideal starting point for those learning the game’s fundamentals.
Exploration Age: Expanding Horizons
During the Exploration Age, the focus shifts toward expansion and exploration beyond your home territory. While it may seem daunting to move beyond the secure foundations established in the previous age, venturing into distant territories brings significant advantages. For newcomers navigating this stage for the first time, there’s a straightforward option that keeps things manageable.
Recommended Civ: Normans
The Normans are another beginner-friendly civilization that provides effective passive bonuses. They also serve as a natural continuation from Greece, maintaining a focus on Happiness and Culture. One of their key benefits is enhanced mobility: embarked units receive a movement bonus, and land units near coastal areas gain additional combat strength. These perks are easy to leverage and significantly improve flexibility during exploration.
Their unique structures, the Bailey and Motte, further support Culture and Happiness generation. Building the Motte on rugged terrain boosts its effectiveness, but overall, both buildings are simple to utilize and offer considerable benefits.
From a military perspective, the Normans are equipped with the Chevaler, a fast cavalry unit that gains advantages against slower enemies. This enables a more aggressive playstyle, which is worth experimenting with. Combat becomes increasingly important in Civilization 7, and by this stage, players will have the foundation needed to explore military tactics more confidently.
Modern Age: Securing Victory
As the game moves into the Modern Age, the pace increases significantly. Players should now have a clearer sense of their win condition and the Legacy Path they plan to pursue. Based on the prior recommendations, continuing the journey with a civilization that supports a Cultural focus is a logical choice.
Recommended Civ: French Empire
The French Empire builds upon the strengths of Greece and the Normans, offering another Culture- and Happiness-oriented civilization that’s easy to manage. It aligns well with the Culture Legacy Path, making it a fitting choice for beginners seeking to wrap up the game on a strong note.
Their unique Quarter, the Avenue, generates Happiness by being placed near other Quarters. Additional buildings like the Jardin à la Française and the Salon produce Happiness and Culture when constructed alongside related structures. These systems are simple and intuitive, making the French Empire ideal for players looking to reinforce their existing strategy.
Their unique unit, the Garde Impériale, adds military flexibility with both melee and ranged capabilities. While the French Empire may not rely on flashy mechanics, its dependable and streamlined design allows players to continue building upon the strengths developed in earlier Ages. This makes it a strong finisher for a well-rounded game.
Choosing civilizations with straightforward mechanics and balanced benefits helps make the learning curve in Civilization 7 more approachable. By progressing through Greece, the Normans, and finally the French Empire, beginners can explore the game’s systems with confidence while staying competitive across every Age.