Firaxis will release a free Test of Time update, version 1.3.2, for Civilization 7 this spring to mark the games first anniversary. The update lets players keep a single civilization from start to finish and start games from any Age with any leader chosen at the beginning.
Civilization 7 originally introduced an Age system that divides play into three distinct phases. Players progress from Antiquity to Exploration and then to the Modern era. The release separates leaders from civilizations. Players pick a leader to keep through a full match, but the game currently requires switching civilizations as it moves between Ages.
The Test of Time update changes victory conditions and progression. Victories are being refocused into four victory areas: Military, Economy, Culture, and Science. The previous Legacy Paths are being replaced by a new Triumphs system. Triumphs are described as more freeflowing challenges that connect to the six main attributes: Militaristic, Cultural, Scientific, Economic, Diplomatic, and Expansionist.
Firaxis says the Test of Time changes respond to player feedback by offering a way to main a civilization without the periodic soft resets that some players find disruptive. The update aims to let matches feel less prescriptive by opening multiple Triumph options via the Attributes listed above.
Right now the base game is on offer at 40 percent off, which the reporting material notes brings the price down to $41.99 / a335.99. The deal is available through Thursday, February 26, 2026. The original coverage links to the official Test of Time announcement on the publishers site and includes a quote from the Civilization 7 review that calls the game “[The game] is fantastic, and perhaps the best expression of the conventional 4X game,” with an attribution to the Civilization 7 review.
Official Test of Time announcement and trailer can be found below:
If you have thoughts on how the Age system plays out, tell what you think in the comments and follow for updates on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram.
Sid Meier's Civilization VII
Developed by Firaxis Games
Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history. Establish your civilization, construct cities and architectural wonders to expand your territory, conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations in pursuit of prosperity, and explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Will you build an empire that stands the test of time?
- Genre: Simulator, Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS), Tactical
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Linux, Nintendo Switch 2, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Mac, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Modes: Single player, Multiplayer
- Release: 2025-02-11
- Publisher: 2K
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Age Rating:
ESRB E10+ / ACB PG / CERO B / PEGI 12 / CLASS_IND 12 / USK 12 / GRAC 12+
- IGDB Rating: 68.8/100
