Civilization VII has arrived, and a familiar face is missing: Mahatma Gandhi. A staple of the series since 1991, his absence has sparked much discussion among veteran players. The infamous "Nuclear Gandhi" bug, while a myth, cemented his place in Civilization lore.

So, where is he? Civilization VII lead designer Ed Beach offers reassurance: Gandhi's return is planned as DLC.

"We haven't forgotten about anyone who's been in our game before," Beach stated, acknowledging concerns about other absent civilizations like Great Britain. He explained that Carthage and Great Britain will be included in The Crossroads of the World DLC collection in March 2025, followed by Bulgaria and Nepal. The team prioritizes a long-term roadmap, strategically choosing which civilizations best fit each release.

Beach further clarified Firaxis' selection process: "We've had iconic civilizations missing from base games before," he noted, citing Mongolia and Persia's absences in previous installments. "There are too many popular choices, and we want to include fresh, exciting options. Things get left behind, but we're always considering the bigger picture for future additions."

Therefore, while not present at launch, Gandhi's inclusion in future DLC is confirmed.

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Currently, Civilization VII's Steam reviews are mixed, with criticisms focusing on the user interface, limited map variety, and missing features. However, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed confidence in the game's long-term success, believing the core fanbase will embrace it with continued play. He described the game's initial performance as "very encouraging."

Need help conquering the world? Consult our guides on achieving every Civ VII victory, understanding key changes for Civ VI players, and avoiding crucial mistakes. We also cover Civ VII map types and difficulty settings to enhance your gameplay experience.