When Civilization 7 Early Access Starts (and How to Join)

As the year comes to an end, Sid Meier’s Civilization fans are counting down the days until they can play the newest installment in the series, Civilization 7. With Friaxis Games and 2K promising many new features that would further improve the experience, there’s excitement to see how the game actually changes its eight-year-old predecessor, especially considering the first looks at Civilization 7 have kept a relatively tight grip on things. Those who are more anxious can choose Civilization 7early access window, albeit for a price.

Despite the series’ historical pitfalls a great evolution for Civilization 7 is the ability to mix and match leaders and civilizationswith special bonuses provided for choosing two that have similar characteristics. For example, Tecumseh and the Shawnee tribe are making their Civilization debut in Civilization 7but they don’t need to be played as a package – Napoleon could be chosen to lead the Shawnee in a Civilization 7 match. This interesting wrinkle is accompanied by a concern that Civilization 7The game’s new Era system may be eroding the game, giving players too much leniency instead of committing to a single civilization.

Civilization 7 Early Access Begins February 6, 2025

Full release February 11th

Appealing to the need to play the game as quickly as possible, Civilization 7 publisher 2K is offering the opportunity to opt into early access. The game will be officially released on February 11, 2025, but according to the Xbox listing, Civilization 7 early access begins”five days earlier, on February 6.” Early access typically involves the release of games whose content is not complete, and has been especially useful for independent projects that benefit from funding and player input before full release. However, early access for major releases has become common more recently and is also controversial because it typically involves paying extra.

How to get early access to Civilization 7

Pre-order required for certain editions of Civ 7

2K Games only offers early access to those who purchase the Deluxe or Founders editions of Civilization 7. There are several differences between Civilization 7 editions, with the Founders version notably including more currently known post-launch DLC and extra customization items. The Deluxe Edition is the second tier, with just a DLC collection but also several cosmetics.

All three versions of Civilization 7 – the standard, Deluxe and Founders – are available for each platform the game is being released on. Pre-ordering one of the special editions should cause Civilization 7 to automatically unlock for early access on February 6, though it’s currently unclear whether the game is allowing buyers to pre-load.

Each edition that includes early access

Deluxe and Founders Editions

From what has been provided so far, the Deluxe and Founders editions are the only versions that include early access rights; Those who purchase the base game will only be able to play it when it officially launches on February 11th.

For those who want to buy the Collector’s Edition, with physical memories, it includes a Steam code for the Founders Edition, which means you also have early access rights. Although it does not grant early access, by pre-ordering the standard edition of Civilization 7 gives buyers the Tecumseh and Shawnee Bundlewhich is included in the Deluxe and Founders editions. Sid Meier’s Civilization is certainly a mainstay of the strategy genre, and early access will undoubtedly appeal to the series’ biggest fans.

Sources: Xbox, Civilization by Sid Meier/YouTube