Firaxis and 2K are determined to revitalize Civilization 7 with a comprehensive update that heavily incorporates player feedback.
The substantial Update 1.2.2 introduces several highly anticipated features including Large and Huge Maps, expanded Advanced Game Options, and Steam Workshop integration. New additions like Town Specializations, City-State Bonuses, revised Beliefs, balance adjustments, UI refinements, and yes - "an extremely pet-worthy Scout dog" complete the package.
Players can continue existing save files using the legacy Steam beta branch, though Firaxis notes backward compatibility comes with limitations: "New abilities or effects may require starting fresh or advancing to the next Age in your current game."
"For optimal gameplay, we recommend beginning a new campaign or progressing to the next Age in your current playthrough," the developers advised.
A World of New Possibilities
While unavailable on Switch, Large and Huge maps now support 10 players (with multiplayer capped at 8). The team aims to eventually expand Huge maps for 12 players, currently focusing on stability: "We need more time to ensure increased player counts maintain performance."
To enrich these expanded worlds, maps now feature additional Pantheons (including two new Antiquity options), Religious Beliefs, Discoveries, and enhanced City-State bonuses for more engaging gameplay.
Enhanced Game Customization
"Civilization's strength lies in its diverse playstyles - whether peacefully developing cities or conquering rivals," the update notes. "Version 1.2.2 introduces advanced setup options granting unprecedented control over your experience."
Players can now toggle Legacy Paths per Page, specific Crises, and disable Score Victory entirely. New settings also allow AI difficulty adjustments and bypassing Civ Unlocks during Age transitions.
Religious and Urban Improvements
Community feedback prompted religious system refinements, with new Beliefs and incentives for converting settlements. Urban Centers gain access to previously city-exclusive buildings, while enhanced Town specializations include:
- Fort Towns with multi-wall construction for strategic defense
- New Resort Towns generating Gold and Happiness from scenic locations
- Balanced Hub Towns (reduced from +2 to +1 Influence per connection)
Community Tools and Technical Notes
Steam Workshop support arrives alongside a refreshed loading screen featuring re-recorded narration by Gwendoline Christie.
Update 1.2.2 is currently available, though Switch versions face delayed release as the team navigates platform-specific requirements. Players experiencing issues should disable mods and report problems.
Road to Redemption
Civilization 7's challenging Steam launch sees it struggling to match predecessors' player counts, with recent reviews trending negative despite our 7/10 review praising its "improved warfare and narrative elements that fuel that 'one more turn' compulsion."
For complete patch notes including numerous tweaks and fixes, visit the official Civilization website.
