Civilization 7's Hidden Fourth Age: Datamining and Developer Teases

Civilization 7 dataminers have uncovered hints suggesting a fourth, unannounced Age is in the works, a possibility subtly confirmed by Firaxis in an IGN interview.

Currently, Civ 7 features three Ages: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern, each concluding with a simultaneous Age Transition for all players. This transition involves selecting a new civilization, choosing which Legacies to carry over, and witnessing a world-altering evolution. This innovative system is unprecedented in the Civilization franchise.

The Modern Age, as it stands, concludes before the Cold War, ending around the conclusion of World War II. Lead designer Ed Beach explained Firaxis' decision to IGN, highlighting the historical significance of these periods as natural breaks in the game's narrative. He emphasized the consultation with senior historian Andrew Johnson to ensure a globally balanced historical perspective. The transitions between ages are designed to reflect significant historical shifts, with gameplay mechanics adjusted accordingly.

The possibility of a fourth Age, potentially encompassing the Space Race and beyond, was neither confirmed nor denied by executive producer Dennis Shirk, who instead offered an intriguing tease about the future of the game, emphasizing the potential for new systems, visuals, units, and civilizations specific to a new era.

Adding fuel to the speculation, datamining efforts have already revealed references to an "Atomic Age," including mentions of new leaders, civilizations, and related game elements. This aligns perfectly with the current game's ending and Shirk's comments.

While Firaxis addresses community feedback and works to improve the game's reception (currently "mixed" on Steam), the prospect of a fourth Age adds an exciting layer of anticipation for Civilization 7's future. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed confidence in the game's long-term success, believing the core fanbase will embrace it with continued play.

For those seeking to conquer the world in Civ 7, resources are available to help, including guides on achieving every victory type, understanding the key differences from Civ 6, avoiding common mistakes, and navigating the various map types and difficulty settings.