The next Civilization 7 update aims to deliver "more strategy, less ambiguity" with a total overhaul to naval combat

The next Civilization 7 update is making some dramatic changes to create more rewarding, tactical gameplay, including a full naval combat overhaul. Firaxis' bold reimagining hasn't yet set the world on fire the way its best 4X games of years past have. But after the recent city menu reworks, Civ 7 update 1.3.0 brings major changes to ships and sea battles, and there are plans in the works to deliver the much-requested ability to play a full campaign as a single civ through the ages. Could momentum finally be turning to Civ 7? If it's going to happen, this next patch feels like a key inflection point.

Civilization 7 update 1.3.0 will unleash what Firaxis is calling 'naval combat 2.0,' and it's more of a full transformation than a simple upgrade. Systems designer Edward Zhang and gameplay engineer Chris Burke say this redesign aims "to make naval engagements feel more impactful, and better define the strength of your seafaring units." The pair summarize it as "more strategy, less ambiguity, and fleets that feel like fleets."

Until now, Civ 7's waterborne forces have always been considered to be melee, even though they can attack land-based opponents and districts from range. That means they always take reciprocal damage, which leads to heavy options almost always outperforming lighter ones because of their increased melee strength. "It also created confusion for players familiar with past versions of Civilization," Zhang remarks, "where naval units could perform ranged attacks on other ships."

"With update 1.3.0, we've brought true ranged combat back to the seas," Zhang writes. There are now two separate distinctions: 'light units' are fast, melee forces with increased vision, perfect for scouting and flanking. They include the Galley and Quadrireme for the Antiquity Age, Privateer for the Exploration Age, and Ironclad, Cruiser, and Destroyer in the Modern Age.

'Heavy units' are slower, and have more limited visibility, but can deliver devastating attacks from range. They're capable of quickly crippling enemy fleets and coastal districts. In the Exploration Age these are the Cog, Carrack, and Galleon, while the Modern Age brings the Frigate, Dreadnought, and Battleship. Zhang notes that melee and ranged strengths have been adjusted in several cases to match the new roles.

Zhang explains that early combat moments should still feel similar to before, with a focus on melee skirmishes. "The Exploration Age is where you'll really feel these changes kick in." Along with the introduction of heavy, ranged options, you'll get access to the new Privateer, which is available to all civs via the Heraldry civic. It's "the ultimate naval raider, with the ability to ignore borders, pillage trade routes for quick cash, and even attack the military units of any other civilization regardless of your diplomatic status.

"It's perfect for scouting your enemies while also disrupting their trade routes and stealing treasure fleets, all without a formal declaration of war," Zhang continues, although he does warn that it's obviously not without consequence: "Killing another player's unit or plundering their trade routes will still reduce your relationship with the target player."

Once you reach the Modern Age, you'll be able to get access to the full spectrum of sea troops. "We also can't forget the formidable submarine," Zhang adds, "which is now a ranged glass cannon with the strongest naval strike in the game. This can turn the tide of war in just a few turns, but watch out - its low defense means you'll want to keep this unit hidden and out of enemy range." Careful planning and a responsive first-strike strategy will be key if you're going to come out ahead here.

Arriving alongside update 1.3.0 is the Civilization 7 Tides of Power collection, which can be claimed at no cost for the first two months. It includes Edward 'Blackbeard' Teach and Sayyida al Hurra as new leaders; Tonga, Republic of Pirates, Ottomans, and Iceland as civs; and the Great Lighthouse, Nan Madol, Great Blue Hole, and Mapu'a Vaea Blowholes as four extra wonders.

Civilization 7 Tides of Power will be free to claim for owners of the base game between Tuesday November 4, 2025 and Monday January 5, 2026.

Test your tactical prowess with the best strategy games in 2025, or embrace debauchery on the high seas with our pick of the best pirate games.

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