Scenario: The Age of Discovery

Explore the new features of Civilization VII's Age of Discovery, including distinct Ages, new yield types, and revamped city mechanics. Learn how to navigate the Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern Ages.

The Age of Discovery in Civilization VII introduces several significant new features that alter gameplay. Players will navigate through three distinct Ages: the Antiquity Age, the Exploration Age, and the Modern Age. Each Age features unique tech and civic trees, and civilizations are tied to a specific Age, with leaders choosing transformations for subsequent Ages. For example, Augustus can lead Rome in the Antiquity Age, potentially transforming into the Normans in the Exploration Age and the French Empire in the Modern Age. Civilization choices are influenced by the leader, previous civilization, and specific gameplay elements, such as owning three Horse resources, which can grant access to Mongolia in the Exploration Age. A temporary 'Crisis' occurs during each Age shift, requiring players to implement negative policies to balance the game and prevent snowballing.

A new yield type, Influence, is introduced for diplomacy. Rivers are now categorized into small rivers, crossable normally, and wide, navigable rivers that allow for naval unit and embarked unit travel. Both types of rivers now run through tiles rather than along their edges. Settlements are divided into Cities and Towns, both categorized as Settlements. All Settlements, except the Capital, begin as Towns, which generate Gold instead of Production. Towns can eventually be upgraded into Cities. Settlement names will appear in their native languages, and their availability is limited by Age.

Settlers are also divided into two units: the Founder, a Civilian Unit, which produces the player's Capital, and other Settlers that can establish new Towns.