Civilization 7 Devs Share Why Players Should Play Through The Tutorial Even As A Civ Veteran

As Sid Meier's Civilization 7's release date edges closer, many players are getting excited to jump into their first campaign in the new game. The massive 4X strategy simulation game has several major features that differentiate it from previous entries in the series. While these big changes were necessary for helping the series to grow and evolve rather than becoming stagnant, it could also prove frustrating for players who are expecting it to be similar to Civ 6.

In a recent Dev Diary that was published on the Steam page for Civilization 7, Creative Director Ed Beach shared some insights and tips for players to incorporate in their first campaigns in the game. Alongside discussing the new Victory types in this version of Civ, he also stressed the importance of playing using the tutorial and starting on a smaller map initially.

"Fans experienced with earlier Civ titles may scoff at the idea of playing with the Tutorial on, but with so many of our game systems having received upgrades and revisions, we really do recommend sticking with the Tutorial for your first full campaign through our three Ages." - Ed Beach, Creative Director for Civ 7.

The first experience with a game can make or break a person's desire to keep playing, particularly in a game where a single campaign can be quite time-consuming. Ensuring that someone is taught the basics before they are lost in a massive map with no tutorial to guide them, can be significant given the intricate strategies that the game requires, and how many of those strategies used in previous Civ games are now turned on their heads.

The Devs Of Civilization 7 Say The Tutorial Is Crucial To Success

So Many Changes To This Entry Can Be Overwhelming

Civ 7 includes many new features and changes to gameplay systems which will take some getting used to, whether someone is a longtime player or new to the series. Getting comfortable with the way the game works will be necessary for having a good experience long-term.

"Eventually you'll have mastered enough systems to turn the Tutorial off. But when you do, strongly consider switching to the setting Only Warnings. This setting allows these same Advisors to jump in and warn you if your empire's progress is about to undergo a major setback. Even our internal team at Firaxis that knows this game so well plays with these warnings enabled!" - Ed Beach

Among his other suggestions for the first game were to use the default Small map size, and stick to Continents Plus for the map type to keep things easier for ocean exploration. Keeping the map smaller will provide a more comfortable setting for learning the game, particularly as many changes revolve around diplomatic relations with other countries and handling combat mechanics.

Civilization 7 Is A Huge Game With New Features & Mechanics

It Will Not Be The Same As Previous Games

I have played all the Civilization games and seen plenty of changes to each new iteration (I still miss the Palace and Throne Room dynamics of Civ 2 and 3) but in the research I have done in anticipation of Civ 7's launch, this is shaping up to be an entirely new experience. The sheer number of gameplay systems that have been altered will be jarring for many longtime players, not to mention the major shift in how Victories work with Legacy Paths and the three Ages for gameplay. There are so many large adjustments that it is hard to even know which will be the most difficult to wrap my brain around until I am in the game.

There are many players who will pick up this game who have likely been working to avoid any spoilers. These players could end up finding themselves in a bit of a shock when they enter their first campaign if they think it will be more of Civ 6. Hopefully, many people will heed Ed Beach's advice and take the time to explore the game with the Tutorial on until they are comfortable with the novelty of this title. Civilization 7 has many eager fans and curious newcomers anxious to try it out, and taking a little time to learn the game mechanics could be the deciding factor for how well some of them enjoy the experience.

Source: Civilization 7/Steam