Civilization 7's Hidden Fourth Age: Datamining Reveals "Atomic Age" and Developer Teases Future Expansions
Civilization 7, currently featuring three distinct Ages – Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern – may soon expand its historical scope. Dataminers have uncovered evidence suggesting a fourth, unannounced Age: the Atomic Age. This aligns with hints dropped by Firaxis developers in an interview with IGN.
The game's current structure divides history into distinct chapters, each concluding with a significant historical shift. Lead designer Ed Beach explained Firaxis's approach to defining these Ages, highlighting the use of historical markers like the decline of major empires (Antiquity's end), the era of revolutions (Exploration to Modern transition), and the conclusion of World War II (Modern Age's end). The deliberate exclusion of the Cold War is attributed to its distinct nature compared to the preceding Modern Age.
While Executive Producer Dennis Shirk remained tight-lipped about specifics, he acknowledged the potential for future expansion, hinting at the possibilities inherent in the Age-based system. The implication is clear: more Ages, with unique systems, visuals, units, and civilizations, are a strong possibility.
This speculation is fueled by datamined information revealing references to the Atomic Age, alongside unannounced leaders and civilizations. Redditor ManByTheRiver11 shared these findings, suggesting a natural progression from the game's current endpoint.
Firaxis is currently focused on addressing player feedback and improving the game, acknowledging mixed reviews on Steam. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed confidence in the game's long-term success, anticipating a positive shift in player perception with increased playtime.
For those seeking to conquer the world in Civilization 7, resources are available covering victory strategies, key differences from Civilization VI, common mistakes to avoid, map types, and difficulty settings. The potential addition of an Atomic Age promises even more strategic depth and historical exploration in the future.