Civilization 7 just hit its lowest price ever

History has a knack for repeating itself, at least that's what "they" say. Not with Civilization 7 though, nuh-uh. Developed by Firaxis Games, this is the seventh installment of the iconic turn-based strategy game, which allows you to conquer the land of a bygone era lost to history and take the crown for yourself.

The first Civilization game was released in 1991, and since its inception, there have been many games like Civilization, but the truth is this series is the pièce de résistance of the 4X games genre and is unrivalled, at least in my opinion. The latest installment in the franchise, Civilization 7, remains true to form with core principles of exploring, expanding, exploiting, and exterminating. If you're in the mood to veni, vidi, vici, then now's the time because it's at its lowest price yet with a juicy 25% discount.

Most notably, Civilization 7 introduces the Ages system that sets it apart from its predecessors. Each run is divided into three distinct chapters, known as Ages; Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. In our Civilization 7 review, Ed Smith says "with each new Age is a kind of soft restart where the board is cleared and every player has to partly rebuild or reimagine their empire."Each age has its own technological, cultural, and societal advancements, unlocking traditions and tile improvements whilst offering ways to influence government. Each decision you make forges your story, with a victory in one age paving the way for success in the next."

Leaders and civilizations are now chosen separately. Leaders are no longer shackled to specific civs, giving more room to spotlight different historical figures. It also opens the door to mix-and-match strategies and higher replayability. Your leader remains the same throughout the game, offering unique abilities, agenda, and attributes that develop throughout the ages. Play as good ole (womanizing) Benjamin Franklin leading the Olmecs in Antiquity, Mughals in exploration, and then finish off with America in Modern.

Barbarians have been scrapped. Good riddance, I say. Losers. In their place are Independent Powers, which add depth to the game. Some are hostile, others neutral or friendly, and with a new currency called Influence, you can turn them into allies or even integrate them into your civilization. It makes the early game far more engaging, compared to the slog of previous games.

Warfare has evolved, adding a new layer of strategy with the introduction of the commander unit. You can now combine units for faster garrison deployment, but to move, you'll need to pack them together and unpack to engage in combat. This adds tactical depth as armies in formation are more vulnerable, so timing matters. You can also flank enemies, which is a much-welcomed mechanic!

Just like life, we don't know when this deal will come to an end, so it's best to grab Civilization 7 for the sweet price of $52.49/£44.99. That 25% discount Fanatical is offering. If you want to push the boat out, you can get Civilization 7 Deluxe Edition for $74.99/£67.49. This edition includes a whole bunch of extra content.

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If you can't get enough of strategy games, check out our list of the best strategy games and best turn-based strategy games. These games will ensure you use your noggin'.