True Start Location Earth
One of the biggest additions is True Start Location Earth, a huge map designed to closely recreate our planet. Civilizations will begin in locations based on their historical capitals, while terrain, rivers, resources, biomes, and natural wonders have been placed according to their real-world locations.
The map also features navigable rivers such as the Nile and Amazon, while seven natural wonders will be randomly selected for each game. Updated versions of the Shuffle and Terra Incognita maps are also coming with the update.
Diplomacy Gets New Options
Update 1.5.0 will give players more control over their alliances. Players will no longer be forced to join every war started by an ally and can instead spend Influence to remain neutral. However, if two allied civilizations go to war with each other, players will have to choose a side.
Hall of History Collection
The new Hall of History collection brings several familiar figures and civilizations to Civilization 7. Queen Elizabeth I and George Washington join the roster as new leaders, while Babylon, England, and the Gauls are added as playable civilizations. The collection will cost $19.99 and will be available alongside Update 1.5.0.
Ark of Tomorrow and Earthrise
Firaxis also confirmed that Civilization 7 will receive a fourth Age, the Atomic Age, as part of the free Ark of Tomorrow update next year. The update will introduce new gameplay systems, leaders, and content. Meanwhile, Earthrise will be the game's first paid expansion, adding gameplay focused on environmental adaptability and space missions throughout the solar system.
More Improvements Are Coming
Update 1.5.0 will also introduce the new Radial Ruler, additional information for cross-Age saves, new achievements and trophies, and several other quality-of-life improvements. Firaxis says it will continue working on targeted improvements before the release of Ark of Tomorrow and Earthrise.