Civilization 7 Introduces Major Advancements for Console Gamers

For years, many imagined that the intricate nature of grand strategy games would be lost in translation when attempted on home consoles. The belief was rooted in the idea that console gamers simply weren’t the target audience. This, perhaps, is why two decades passed without a mainline Civilization game gracing a console since Civilization 2 in 1999.

The turning point came with Civilization 6, breaking the streak by landing on consoles. Even if the controls didn’t entirely capture the intuitive feel of a mouse and keyboard, the adaptation was more successful than anticipated. Now, Civilization 7 pushes the envelope further, marking a first in the series’ history by launching across all platforms simultaneously. This bold move has paid off, providing a robust console experience right from day one due to notable enhancements in controller support.

—

Civilization 7 might just deliver the best console experience the franchise has ever seen.

The introduction of an action-cycling mechanic brings new smoothness to the game rounds in Civilization 7. It might take console newcomers a bit of time to adjust, but overall, the control scheme has been refined and adapted brilliantly, offering smart improvements from Civilization 6’s design.

A standout improvement is the action-cycling feature. A prompt appears in the bottom right of the screen, allowing players to seamlessly navigate all available actions during a turn. Whether it’s maneuvering units, picking a Civic, dealing with crises, or expanding a city, this mechanic ensures players maximize their turn’s potential.

Control-wise, players can manage most of the game with minimal button use: “Y”/triangle to cycle through actions, the left stick to choose options, and “A”/cross to confirm. This intuitive process not only speeds up gameplay but also injects a sense of fluidity not seen in previous versions.

—

While a mouse and keyboard still offer a more natural experience, console gamers aren’t left feeling shortchanged.

One of the prime controller updates for Civilization 7 is the addition of a radial menu. Pressing LB opens up this new feature. One side gives players quick access to essential menus like policy screens and tech trees, while the other provides a direct route to the diplomacy pages of opposing leaders. This simple yet effective addition grants the game a streamlined feel that is perfect for newcomers to both the series and the 4X strategy genre.

Nevertheless, a few features from Civilization 6 didn’t make the jump. Notably missing is the ability to click the right stick to summon the cursor directly to the camera’s target. Instead, in Civilization 7, this action re-centers the camera to the cursor’s location—a shift that feels like a step back in practicality.

—

Civilization 7, a title embodying grand strategy, turn-based strategy, and the 4X genre, released on February 11, 2025, offers a promising step towards truly inclusive cross-platform gaming experiences.