Just under 18 months after the turbulent launch of Civilization 7—an event that drew significant criticism from players over issues ranging from a weak user experience to divisive changes in the series’ long-standing structure, as well as missing features—developer Firaxis is continuing its slow but purposeful course correction. Next week, that momentum should show in the form of another major update, highlighted by the long-awaited hotseat multiplayer mode.
Hotseat multiplayer is the first major addition to Civilization 7 since the large Test of Time update released in May. That update was designed to tackle several of the most urgent complaints fans had raised about the historical 4X following its debut. As Firaxis described it, the goal was to “synthesize over a year’s worth of feedback, revisions, and playtesting into one substantial, complimentary update.” One of the most requested changes was the ability to both start as and continue as any civilization in any Age. Still, Firaxis says it isn’t stopping there.
Civilization 7’s 1.4.1 update is set to roll out during the week beginning June 22nd. Alongside the hotseat multiplayer mentioned earlier, it lets friends take part in local sessions on a single device by swapping a controller or keyboard. The update will also introduce a “completely redesigned, highly randomized” Archipelago map style, built using “advanced Voronoi generation.” The older map variant will remain accessible as Archipelago Hemispheres.
But there’s more. Players can look forward to refreshed Governments, Happiness, and Celebrations systems—bringing new Happiness tiers, additional passive benefits, and revised celebrations tied to governments. It will also allow players to unlock Government Traditions that carry through multiple Ages, “leaving a lasting imprint on your civilization’s legacy.” The update additionally includes a range of bug fixes and improvements, which Firaxis says will be detailed later, completing the content for Civilization 7’s free 1.4.1 update.
That said, the first chapter of Civilization 7’s new paid content package, Brush & Blade, is not included at no cost. It focuses on the histories of Korea and Japan, “exploring the intricate, beautiful equilibrium between cultivated high art and storied warfare.” Part 1 adds new leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi, plus two new civilizations—Heian Japan and Sengoku Japan—along with four new Wonders and a set of profile customization options. Everything in Part 1 launches together with 1.4.1 next week, while the second installment, which brings Admiral Yi Sun-sin as a new leader and introduces the Goryeo and Joseon civilizations, is expected this “summer.”