Sid Meier's legendary turn-based strategy game series, *Civilization*, steps into a new era with *Civilization VII*. Given its availability on virtually every major gaming platform, let's delve into the details of whether *Civilization VII* supports cross-play between different platforms and cross-progression.
Does Civilization 7 Have Cross-Play?
Image Source: Firaxis
When it comes to cross-play in *Civilization VII*, the answer is yes, but with significant caveats regarding how smoothly it can be implemented across various platforms. To participate in cross-play, players must have an active 2K account, the publisher behind the *Civilization* series, linked to their chosen platforms. However, the functionality becomes more complex depending on which platforms are involved in online play.
For most platforms supporting *Civilization VII* – including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, macOS, and Linux – cross-play is expected to work seamlessly, allowing access to all typical maps and player counts across various historical ages. The challenge arises when attempting to play with Nintendo Switch users in online matches. The Switch version of the game has limitations, such as not supporting map sizes listed as standard or above. Additionally, Switch players can participate in cross-play multiplayer games with up to four players in the Antiquity and Exploration Ages, and up to six players in the Modern Age.
In summary, cross-play between most platforms in *Civilization VII* is smooth, but if a Switch user joins an online match, the aforementioned gameplay limitations apply. This doesn't mean *Civilization VII* shouldn't be played on the Switch, but it's important to be aware of the console's capabilities, especially in cross-play scenarios.
Related: Civilization 7 Roadmap 2025 (Civ 7)
Does Civilization 7 Have Cross-Progression?
Compared to the intricacies of its cross-play system, *Civilization VII*'s cross-progression feature is straightforward, provided players maintain an active 2K account. The game supports cross-progression for players who link their 2K accounts across the platforms they use to play *Civilization VII*. This means your progress is tracked across all linked platforms, ensuring you don't have to start over on each new platform.
In today's gaming landscape, where many gamers own multiple platforms, both 2K and the game's developer, Firaxis Games, have acknowledged this in the development of *Civilization VII*. While *Civilization VI* introduced cross-progression through a post-release update, *Civilization VII* includes this feature from launch, aligning with modern gaming expectations. Whether you're playing on a Steam Deck, Switch, or at home on a PC or console, *Civilization VII* keeps track of your progress within its expansive world-building experience.
Civilization VII is set to release on February 11.
