New Civ 7 update improves a controversial mechanic and brings back a classic one

It's been five months since Civilization 7 launched, and it's still struggling to find its feet. Civ 6 is pulling in loads more players on Steam, and recent user reviews for the sequel sit at 'mostly negative.' Issues like a lacking UI, the controversial Ages system, and missing key features are all weighing the game down. But that doesn't mean Firaxis isn't putting the work in. The studio has been consistently updating Civ 7 since launch, gradually improving the experience and acting on player feedback. Now, with update 1.2.3 around the corner, Firaxis is taking another look at Ages and finally bringing a key feature back.

Firaxis starts its 1.2.3 preview with the arrival of the auto-explore feature, which has been much-requested since Civ 7 launched. In previous Civ games, this mechanic let you automate your scout units' movements, as they're left to their own devices to discover tiles, huts, or even other civs. Now it's coming to Civilization 7 very soon.

The team says scouts and other eligible units can use the feature, which will prioritize "tile reveals while automatically stopping in range of Discoveries and enemy zones of control." If Civ 7 wants to make it as one of the best strategy games on Steam, these are the types of changes we need to see more of.

On top of this, your transition between Ages is being improved. Firaxis says a new countdown will lock in at least ten turns before an Age transition, which will give you time to complete all your most vital objectives. There's also going to be a continuity setting that keeps unit positions intact between Ages, while leader relationships will also evolve more smoothly. Firaxis says there will be even more improvements to these systems in the incoming patch notes and future updates as well.

Finally, Firaxis reveals that Trung Trac's sister, Trung Nhi, is coming to the game. Trung Trac is one of the leaders in Civ 7, and holds great historical significance in Vietnam as its first female monarch. Trung Nhi was just as important, though, and will come to the game as a commander when you play as her sister. She'll have a custom unit model, new promotion tree art, and her own tactical playstyle as well.

Firaxis will launch Civilization 7 update 1.2.3 during the week of July 20.

We've also got the best Civilization 7 civilizations for each Age in the game, alongside a Civilization 7 leaders tier list as well.

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