In Civilization 7, the Modern Age is where the fate of your empire is sealed, and the game reaches its climax. It's crucial to leverage your strengths and make strategic decisions as you transition from the Exploration Age. The civilization you choose plays a pivotal role in securing victory, with the Modern Age offering a diverse selection of ten civilizations, plus an eleventh if you have the Crossroads of the World DLC. When combined with the right leaders, these civilizations can create powerful synergies that propel you to success. To help guide your choice, we present a tier list of the best Modern Age civilizations in Civ 7.

Keep in mind that your chosen Leader can enhance your gameplay with additional buffs, and the right pairing with a civilization can amplify their effectiveness through synergistic effects. This tier list focuses on the inherent power of each civilization at its base level, so consider how a civilization will interact with your chosen Leader when making your decision.

Best Civ 7 Modern Civs

Civ 7 Modern Civs Tier List

S-tier: America, Meiji Japan

A-tier: French Empire, Mexico, Qing

B-tier: Buganda, Prussia, Russia, Siam

C-tier: Mughal

Note: We haven't ranked the new DLC Civ Great Britain yet - time will tell how it measures up!

S-Tier Modern Civs

This tier represents the cream of the crop in Civilization 7. These civilizations offer exceptional military units and robust resource access, allowing you to dominate the map with ease.

S-tier: America

Frontier Expansion - Gain 100 Gold every time you improve a Resource. +30% Production towards constructing the Statue of Liberty.

Marine - American Unique Infantry Unit. Has the Amphibious ability. Cheaper to train.

Prospector - American Unique Civilian Units. Claims a Land Resource outside of your regular Settlement radius.

Industrial Park - American Unique Quarter. Created by constructing the Railyard and Steel Mill in the same district. +2 Food in this City for every Resource assigned to this City.

Railyard - +5 Production. +1 Production Adjacency for Quarters and Wonders. American Unique Production Building. Ageless.

Steel Mill - +6 Production. Gold adjacency for Resources and Wonders. American Unique Production Building. Ageless.

America stands out as one of the most versatile civilizations in the Modern Age, thanks to its ability to harness a wide array of resources. The Frontier Expansion trait provides significant gold boosts when improving resources, while the synergy between the Railyard and Steel Mill to form the Industrial Park yields substantial Food, Production, and Gold. This makes the USA a well-rounded civilization capable of rapid expansion and robust production. Additionally, the Prospector can secure vital resources, boosting your yields further, and the Marine's Amphibious ability adds tactical flexibility to your military strategy.

Economic Victory: Discover how to leverage Factory Resources in Civilization 7 to enhance your economic strategy.

S-tier: Meiji Japan

Goisshin - When you Overbuild a Building, gain Science equal to 50% of the Building’s Production cost. +30% Production towards constructing Dogo Onsen.

Mikasa - Meiji Japanese Unique Heavy Naval Unit. The first time this Unit is destroyed, it respawns in the closest Settlement you own at 50% HP.

Zero - Meiji Japanese Unique Fighter Air Unit. Increased range. +4 Combat Strength against other Fighter Air Units. Can intercept enemy Air Units.

Zaibatsu - Meiji Unique Quarter. Created by constructing the Ginko and Jukogyo in the same District. +1 Gold and Production on Buildings in adjacent Districts.

Ginko - +5 Gold. +1 Gold Adjacency for Gold Buildings and Wonders. Meiji Japan Unique Gold Building. Ageless.

Jukogyo - +5 Production. +1 Production Adjacency for Coastal Terrain and Wonders. Meiji Japan Unique Production Building. Ageless.

Meiji Japan is a powerhouse of resource management and military prowess. The Goisshin trait allows for flexible district and building management, providing a substantial Science boost when overbuilding. The Zaibatsu Quarter, formed by combining the Ginko and Jukogyo, can significantly increase Gold and Production, setting you up for a strong endgame. Moreover, the Mikasa and Zero units are formidable on the battlefield. The Mikasa's ability to respawn after destruction is a game-changer, while the Zero's enhanced capabilities make it a dominant force in aerial combat.

Learn more about all the Civ 7 Unit Types to optimize your military strategy.

A-Tier Modern Civs

A-Tier civilizations offer a strong mix of resource access and military strength, making them reliable choices for various victory paths.

A-Tier: French Empire

Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite - You can select the Celebration effects of any standard Government in the Modern Age. +30% Production towards constructing the Eiffel Tower.

Garde Imperiale - French Imperial Unique Infantry Unit. Can make a Ranged attack. +2 Combat Strength when within a friendly Army Commander Radius. More expensive to train.

Jacobin - A Great Person with one charge. Can only be trained in Cities with an Avenue, and the specific Jacobin received once. Cost increases per Jacobin trained.

Avenue - French Imperial Quarter. Created by constructing the Jardin a la Francaise and Salon in the same District. +2 Happiness on Quarters in this City.

Jardin a la Francaise - +5 Culture. +1 Happiness Adjacency for Culture Buildings and Wonders. French Empire Unique Culture Building. Ageless.

Salon - +5 Happiness. +1 Culture Adjacency for Happiness Buildings and Wonders. French Empire Unique Happiness Building. Ageless.

The French Empire excels in cultural pursuits, making it an excellent choice for those aiming for a Cultural victory. The synergy between the Jardin a la Francaise and Salon to create the Avenue provides a powerful boost to Culture and Happiness, fueling a cycle that can propel you through the Modern Age. The Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite trait enhances this further by allowing you to choose Celebration effects from any standard Government. While the Garde Imperiale is not the strongest unit, it offers a decent defensive option to protect your cultural empire.

Explore the intricacies of Celebrations and Government Types in Civ 7 to maximize your cultural strategy.

A-Tier: Mexico

Revolucion - Starts with a unique Government, Revolucion. This Government has one Celebration effect, +30% Culture for 10 Turns. Cannot enter any other Government type. +30% Production towards constructing Palacio de Bellas Artes.

Soldaderas - Mexican Unique Infantry Unit. Adjacent Units heal +10 HP. Does not stack.

Revolucionario - A Great Person with one charge. Can only be trained in Cities with a Zocalo, and the specific Revolucionario received is random. Each Revolucionario can only be received once. Cost increases per Revolucionario trained.

Zocalo - Mexican Unique Quarter. Created by constructing the Catedral and Portal de Mercanderes in the same District. +2 Culture for every Tradition slotted into the Government.

Catedral - +5 Culture. +1 Happiness Adjacency for Culture Buildings and Wonders. Mexican Unique Culture Building. Ageless.

Portal de Mercaderes - +5 Culture. +1 Gold Adjacency for Gold Buildings and Wonders. Mexican Unique Culture Building. Ageless.

Mexico is another powerhouse for cultural victories, offering a strong mix of Culture and Gold. The Revolucion Government provides a significant Culture boost during Celebrations, while the Zocalo Quarter, formed by the Catedral and Portal de Mercaderes, further amplifies your Culture output. The Soldaderas unit adds a defensive edge, enabling your units to heal each other, which can be crucial in maintaining your cultural pursuits.

Check out How to Win Civ 7 - every victory type explained to understand your options for victory.

A-Tier: Qing

Kang Qian Shengshi - +4 Gold, +3 Culture, +2 Influence, but -1 Science from imported Resources. +30% Production towards constructing Chengde Mountain Resort.

Gusa - Qiang Unique Infantry Unit. +4 Combat Strength if adjacent to another Gusa.

Hangshang - Qing Unique Merchant. Civilian who can establish a Trade Route to import Resources from a foreign Settlement. Gain 50 Gold for every Resource acquired when creating a naval Trade Route.

Huiguan - Qing Unique Quarter. Created by constructing the Qianzhuang and Shiguan in the same District. +35% Influence in this Settlement.

Shiguan - +6 Science. +1 Happiness Adjacency for Happiness Buildings and Wonders. Qing Unique Science Building. Ageless.

Qianzhuang - +5 Gold. +1 Gold Adjacency for Gold Buildings and Wonders. Qing Unique Gold Building. Ageless.

The Qing Civilization offers a balanced approach with a mix of Gold, Culture, and Influence, though it comes with a Science penalty from imported resources. Careful management of resources and Wonders can mitigate this drawback. The Shiguan provides a Science boost, while the Qianzhuang enhances your Gold output. The Gusa unit's strength in formations adds military might, making the Qing a versatile choice for players who can navigate its unique challenges.

Starting a new game? Get familiar with all the Civ 7 Map Settings explained to set up your game for success.

B-Tier Modern Civs

B-Tier civilizations offer solid advantages but may be more specialized, requiring specific strategies to shine.

B-Tier: Buganda

River Raids - Gain Culture when pillaging Buildings or Improvements equal to the yield or healing gained. Land Military Units gain the Amphibious ability. +30% Production towards constructing Muzibu Azaala Mpanga.

Abambowa - Bugandan Unique Infantry Unit. Heals +10 HP from Pillaging any tile.

Mwami - Bugandan Unique Army Commander. 50% yields from pillaging within its Command Radius.

Kabaka’s Lake - +3 Happiness. Receives Lake yield bonuses, including yields for all Buganda’s abilities and the Muzibu Azaala Mpanga Wonder. Bugandan Unique Improvement. Ageless. Does not remove Warehouse bonuses on a tile. Must be placed on Flat Terrain. One per Settlement.

Buganda is ideal for players who enjoy aggressive strategies. The River Raids trait, along with the Abambowa and Mwami units, rewards frequent pillaging with valuable resources. However, Buganda lacks direct access to crucial yields like Science, Culture, Gold, and Influence, making it dependent on constant warfare to compensate. This unique playstyle can be rewarding for those who master it but can falter if not executed effectively.

Engaging in warfare? Explore the best Civ 7 Commander Upgrades to enhance your military strategy.

B-Tier: Prussia

Blood and Iron - Units receive +1 Combat Strength for every Unfriendly or worse Civ Relationship.

Hussar - Prussian Unique Cavalry Unit. Has +1 Movement. +1 Combat Strength for every Movement it has remaining.

Stuka - Prussian Ground Attack Air Unit. +3 Combat Strength against Land Units.

Staatseisenbahn - Prussian Unique Railroad. +2 Gold and Production on Rural tiles with a Staatseisenbahn.

Prussia is perfect for players who thrive on conflict and want to dominate through military might. The Blood and Iron trait increases your units' strength based on your relationships with other civilizations, encouraging aggressive play. The Hussar and Stuka units are potent in battle, making Prussia a formidable force. However, its focus on military prowess can leave you lagging in Science and Culture, which are crucial in the Modern Age. The Staatseisenbahn provides some economic benefits, but maintaining a belligerent stance can be risky if not managed carefully.

Prefer diplomacy? Learn How to Get and Use Civ 7 Influence to navigate the political landscape effectively.

B-Tier: Russia

Prosveshchenie - +1 Culture on Districts in Cities. +1 Science on Districts in Cities in Tundra. +30% Production towards constructing the Hermitage.

Cossack - Russian Unique Cavalry Unit. +4 Combat Strength in friendly territory.

Katyusha Rocket Launcher - Russian Unique Siege Unit. Has +1 Movement. Lower base Combat Strength but has the Splash ability. Dealing damage to enemy Units adjacent to the target Unit.

Obschchina - +2 Food from adjacent Farms. +2 Culture in Tundra. Russian Empire Unique Improvement. Ageless. Does not remove Warehouse bonuses on a tile. Cannot be placed adjacent to another Obshchina.

Russia offers steady yield bonuses on Districts, with a focus on Science and Culture, particularly in Tundra. While these bonuses are beneficial, they may not be as impactful as those of more specialized civilizations. The Cossack and Katyusha Rocket Launcher provide defensive capabilities, ensuring your civilization can protect its scientific and cultural advancements. However, Russia's reliance on Tundra for significant Culture gains can limit its flexibility.

B-Tier: Siam

Itsapharahab - Gains a unique Diplomatic Action to immediately become Suzerain of a City-State at a higher Influence cost than Befriend Independent. +30% Production towards constructing Doi Suthep.

Chang Beun - Siamese Unique Ranged Unit. Has increased Ranged Strength and +1 Movement. Can move after attacking.

Uparat - A Great Person with one charge. Can only be trained in Cities when an Independent Power has been befriended, and the specific Uparat received is random. Each Uparat can only be received once. Cost increases per Uparat trained.

Bang - +3 Culture and Happiness. Siamese Unique Improvement. Ageless. Does not remove Warehouse bonuses on a tile. Must be placed on a Navigable River.

Siam's unique trait, Itsapharahab, allows for immediate Suzerainty over City-States, which can be a powerful tool if you can manage the Influence costs. However, Siam lacks inherent ways to generate the necessary Influence, making it dependent on other factors like ageless buildings and your chosen Leader. The Chang Beun unit offers tactical advantages in ranged combat, but overall, Siam's effectiveness hinges on the right City-States and diplomatic opportunities.

Learn more about Civ 7 Independent Powers and their bonuses to maximize your diplomatic strategy.

C-Tier Modern Civs

C-Tier civilizations can be effective but often require a specific playstyle or circumstances to excel, making them more suited for experienced players.

C-Tier: Mughal

Paradise of Nations - +75% Gold from all sources. -25% to all other yields. +30% Production towards constructing the Red Fort.

Sepoy - Mughal Unique Infantry Unit. Can make a Bombard Ranged attack.

Zamindar - Mughal Unique Settler. Civilian Unit capable of founding new Towns. +1 Population on new Settlements.

Stepwell - +2 Food from adjacent Farms. Mughal Unique Improvement. Ageless. Does not remove Warehouse bonuses on a tile. Must be placed on Flat Terrain. Cannot be placed adjacent to another Stepwell.

The Mughal civilization offers a high-risk, high-reward strategy with its Paradise of Nations trait, providing a massive Gold boost at the cost of a significant penalty to other yields. While this can make you the richest player on the map, failing to offset the yield penalties can hinder your progress in Science and Culture, crucial elements in the Modern Age. The Sepoy and Zamindar units add tactical and expansion options, but mastering the Mughal's unique economic dynamics requires careful planning and resource management.

In summary, choosing the right civilization in the Modern Age of Civilization 7 can be the key to securing your victory. Whether you opt for the versatile strengths of America and Meiji Japan, the cultural focus of the French Empire and Mexico, or the specialized strategies of Buganda and Prussia, each civilization offers unique advantages that can lead you to triumph if leveraged correctly.