With Civilization 7 well into its post-launch development cycle, fans are speculating about which new leaders and civilizations will be included as its DLCs are released. As past entries in the franchise have proven, the beauty of Civilization lies in its ability to amplify world history through strategic nuance. But even with multiple installments under its belt, Civ still has room to grow, particularly when it comes to global balance and historical diversity. Luckily, every installment has made great strides toward the inclusion of unique civs for players to try out, and DLCs seal the deal with extra content that they crave to see. Civilization 7’s DLC should definitely not be the exception.
Now that Civilization 7’s DLC roadmap has been revealed, players already know more leaders and nations are on the way. With new mechanics and ways to achieve a victory shaking up the formula, each DLC pack has the opportunity to do more than add familiar faces—it can introduce fresh perspectives and long-overdue representation.
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Civilization 7 DLC Leader Wish List
Now that Civilizations and Leaders are separate, there are so many different iconic Leaders that could shine within Sid Meier’s Civilization 7.
For decades, Sid Meier’s Civilization has offered players the chance to reshape history through the lens of the world’s most prominent empires. Yet, even after seven core entries and numerous DLCs, notable gaps remain in its representation of global civilizations. Whether underexplored due to historical complexity or simply overlooked in favor of more mainstream choices, many cultures have yet to receive their due in Civ’s strategic spotlight. With Civilization 7’s DLC on the horizon, Firaxis has an ideal opportunity to fill those gaps.
A future wave of content could focus on underrepresented continents and expand unconventional leadership in Civ 7, such as that of Ada Lovelace. Below is a carefully curated list of nations that not only deserve inclusion but also bring compelling gameplay potential to the table, each one pushing the franchise forward while honoring the depth of global history.
The Taino (Caribbean) Nation – Agueybana
- Era: Exploration
- Victory Focus: Economic
The Taino civilization represents the Indigenous peoples of the Greater Antilles and Bahamas, offering a unique opportunity to explore pre-colonial Caribbean cultures. While the many Taino island nations across the Caribbean existed, Civilization 7 can reimagine a history where all nations are unified under one imposing Taino leader: Agueybana. With Agueybana as a leader, this civ would thrive through coastal trade, resource collection, and resilience against colonizing forces. Their bonuses could lean into early maritime expansion and cultural exchange, making them an ideal option for achieving economic victories in Civ 7.
Bohemia – King Sigismund
- Era: Exploration
- Victory Focus: Military
Bohemia has long been overlooked in Civilization, but the region’s tumultuous history during the early Holy Roman Empire offers incredible narrative potential. King Sigismund, one of Bohemia’s rulers during the Hussite Wars, brought with him religious unrest, mercenary tactics, and a military campaign fueled by the fractured politics of the time. A Bohemian civilization would excel in faith-fueled warfare, city sieges, and defensive fortification. Additionally, this Bohemia would be a recognizable nation for fans of Kingdom Come: Deliverance, where players can achieve a secret King Sigismund ending.
Great Benin – Queen Idia
- Era: Ancient
- Victory Focus: Economic
Queen Idia, the powerful Queen Mother of the Edo people in the Kingdom of Benin, presents an essential opportunity to recognize a strong female leader often forgotten. Known for her wisdom and economic strategy, Idia would lead a civ focused on trade networks, artisan production, and diplomatic influence. The Benin Bronzes, famous artworks and a point of cultural pride, could function as one of Great Benin’s unique great works that bolster trade and tourism. This inclusion would honor one of West Africa’s richest civilizations and expand female representation in the game.
Almohad Empire – Caliph Abd al-Mu’min
- Era: Ancient
- Victory Focus: Military
A powerhouse of North Africa and Iberia, the Almohads could play a unique continental role with a keen interest on expansion. Their strengths would lie in conquest, theological dominance, and city-state integration, leveraging their empire’s reach and ideological fervor. With bonuses tied to converted cities and religious unity, the Almohads would be a spiritual and military force.
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Returning Nations in Civilization 7’s DLC
Sid Meier’s Civilization has been known for its often returning cast of leaders and nations. And if leaders don’t return, long-time players are usually confident in the assumption that the civ will be led by a new figure who will deliver interesting specs and bonuses that will lead to a specific victory condition. Yet, iconic nation and leader combos from Civ 6 were so impactful that Firaxis should definitely consider reincorporating some familiar places and faces into Civ 7 DLC plans.
Aotearoa (Maori Nation) – Kupe
- Era: Ancient
- Victory Focus: Cultural
While the Maori nation in Civ 6 was a sea-faring force to reckon with, a pre-colonial reimagination of the nation in Civ 7 could add new depth to potential gameplay routes. Receiving a new life in Civ 7 DLC, the Maori, under a leader like Kupe, could undergo a deeper overhaul in DLC form, focusing on storytelling, environmental stewardship, and indigenous sovereignty. Their gameplay could involve map exploration by sea, land preservation mechanics, and culture boosts from nature-friendly development. As the world reckons with sustainability, the Maori’s unique worldview would feel more relevant than ever.
India – Gandhi
- Era: Modern
- Victory Focus: Scientific
Arguably, Civ isn’t Civ without Gandhi and his mythical nuclear impulse. Yet, his absence is notable in Civ 7. While Gandhi’s inclusion in past Civ games is iconic, a more contemporary interpretation could reimagine India’s scientific potential on the global stage. Representing a country that has become a major player in space exploration, medicine, and renewable energy, modern India can focus on research-driven infrastructure and rapid scientific scaling, setting it apart from previous iterations of the nation. Or, if all else fails, a nuclear war could also be a solution.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
9/10
- Released
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February 11, 2025
- ESRB
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Everyone 10+ // Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Mild Language, Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes
- Multiplayer
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Online Multiplayer