We already know that there are some big changes in store for gaming’s biggest turn-based strategy series whenCivilization 7launches in early 2025. However the new gameplay might affect the storied franchise, we can still be certain that there will be a massive selection of historical civilizations to choose from.
With mechanics adapted from recent competitors like Humankind, Civ 7 models the growth of cultures as civilizations evolve from one nation to the next throughout the ages. Here are all the civs and leaders that have been revealed so far, and what we know about them.
Some Civilizations and Leaders have only been confirmed to be in the game, but no further information has been given about their abilities. This list only includes entries that have been verifiably confirmed by official sources, such as Firaxis developer diaries or the 2K Games website; anything else has been left off for the time being.
Updated on July 11, 2025:With the holidays and new year behind us, previews have started up again. 2K has given us a peek at Revolutionary France’s contribution to Civ 7, with the French Empire and Marquis de Lafayette, as well as Qing China as a late-game city builder’s dream.
Abbasid
Exploration Age Civilization
Historically, theAbbasid Caliphatewas the center of the Golden Age of Islam, and its capital moved from Baghdad to Cairo in the 13th century CE. They’ll make heavy use of Specialists who, once the Abbasids hit their stride, will have lower maintenance costs and will be able to contribute Science regardless of their profession.
The listed abilities for the Abbasids also hint at a divide between Rural and Urban populations in cities, which could mean new challenges and opportunities in managing your empire’s growth!
Aksum
Antiquity Age Civilization
Aksum was anancient kingdomin what is now Ethiopia. They were considered a great power on the ancient world, alongside Persia, Rome, and China, and their comparatively early adoption of Christianity gave rise to legends of the Kingdom of Prester John centuries later.
Aksum was historically a trade power thanks to their easy access to the Indian Ocean, and now that they’ve been fully revealed, we can see that their legacy is well-preserved in Civ 7. They get bonuses for building on the coast, and their unique trade ship, theTankwa, can’t be pillaged. If you like to ply the sea for gold, Aksum will be a great starting pick.
America
Modern Age Civilization
TheUnited States Of Americarose from a colonial republic to a global superpower in just a century in a half, turning its vast natural resources toward economic and military dominance in the twentieth century. America has been playable in every Civ game to date, and this time around their design focuses on their historical rapid expansion and leveraging of their power on the world stage.
As a Modern Age Civ, America excels atgobbling up any remaining territory and resources that haven’t been claimed by the endgame.The US Marines stand ready to fight for contested lands, and get a bonus when outnumbered. All in all, choosing the USA in the late game looks to bea way for a player who is already ahead tosecure their positionand maintain control of the game as they make their push for victory.
Amina
Leader
Amina, Queen of Zazzauwas a sixteenth-century monarch in what is now Nigeria. She spent most of her thirty-four-year reign conquering her neighbors, and even before taking the throne was a feared cavalrywoman in her brother’s army.
In-game, Amina’s experience on horseback is reflected in acombat bonus for units on plains and desert tiles.These are ideal for mounted troops, but massed infantry can do quite well under her command as well. She also getsbonus gold for each resource assigned to a city, which hints at a more granular economic system in Civ 7 than in Civ 6.
Ashoka
Ashokahas been featured in previous Civilization games, it’s been a while - this is his first appearance since Civ 4. The grandson of Chandragupta Maurya, who made his own Civ debut in Civilization 6, Ashoka is known equally as a fearsome military leader and an important advocate for the spread of Buddhism in the third century BCE.
In Civilization 7, Ashoka will have two personas to represent his dual roles in history. As theWorld Conqueror, he gets extra Production in cities that he conquered rather than founded, and excess Happiness in cities is converted into Production regardless of how Ashoka came to rule them. When he turns his focus inward as theWorld Renouncer, all of Ashoka’s buildings generate extra Happiness for being near Improvements, and excess Happiness is converted to Food, helping his cities flourish and grow.
Augustus
The nephew of Julius Caesar,Augustuswas the first Roman Emperor after eliminating his rivals in a series of wars after his uncle’s famous assassination. His last appearance in the Civilization series was in Civ 5, where he focused on building an efficient empire around a strong capital.
Augustus' focus on the glory of Rome remains intact, as hisImperium Maiusability improves the Production in his Capital for every Town he has. His Towns aren’t left out in the cold, though, as he gets more Gold toward purchasing buildings in them, and can put that Gold toward Culture Buildings.
Benjamin Franklin
Several US Presidents have been featured as American leaders in Civilization over the years, butBen Franklinis the first non-President in that role. At 70 years old, he was the eldest signer of the Declaration of Independence, and his contributions as a writer, scientist, and diplomat shaped the identity of the American nation.
A famed inventor before becoming a statesman, Franklin has aScience-focused playstylein Civilization 7. His Production buildings also grant Science, letting him double-dip in specialized cities. If achieving a Science Victory is anything like it’s been in previous games, Ben Franklin will be a top contender in the race to the stars.
Buganda
Buganda is a traditional monarchywithin the modern nation of Uganda.It was abolished shortly after Uganda gained its independence from Great Britain, but restored in 1993. Civilization hasn’t typically featured modern nations that aren’t major powers, so how they approach smaller countries will be something to watch.
We know that the Abbasids can progress to Buganda in the Modern Age, but no gameplay has been revealed for them at this time.
Charlemagne
King of the Franks and later crowned Emperor of Romans in the West, Charlemagne laid the foundations for the Holy Roman Empire, France, and Germany. While still certainly bloody, his rule helped bring Europe out of the Dark Ages.
As such, Charlemagne brings aScientific and Military playstyleto whichever empire he leads in Civ 7. Playing to his strengths not only helps keep the citizenry happy, but also allows him tofield large cavalry armiesto expand the reach of his kingdom.
Chola India
TheChola Empireruled over southern and eastern India from the ninth to thirteenth centuries CE, controlling huge swathes of coastline and protecting their trade with the largest navy in the region at the time. They invested their wealth in arts and literature, building temples and statues that still stand today.
As we predicted, the Chola Empire focuses on naval supremacy and trade, using their diplomatic prowess to bring in Gold from across the world with improved trade routes.
