Civ 7 Named the Most Wanted PC Game of 2025

Civilization VII: Top PC Game of 2025 and New Campaign Mechanics

Civilization VII has been crowned the most anticipated PC game of 2025 by PC Gamer's "Most Wanted" event. This announcement, along with details on new gameplay mechanics designed to improve campaign completion rates, highlights the game's growing momentum ahead of its release.

PC Gamer's Most Wanted: Civ VII Takes the Lead

The December 6th PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted showcased the top 25 upcoming games of 2025, ranked by a 70+ member panel of developers, content creators, and PC Gamer editors. Civ VII secured the number one spot. Other notable titles included Doom: The Dark Ages, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Slay the Spire 2. The event also featured trailers and updates for other games.

Civilization VII launches simultaneously on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch on February 11, 2025.

New "Ages" Mechanic Enhances Campaign Engagement

Addressing player feedback regarding low campaign completion rates in Civ VI, Creative Director Ed Beach introduced the "Ages" mechanic. This system divides a single playthrough into three distinct eras: Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern. Players can transition between historically and geographically linked civilizations at the end of each Age, mirroring the rise and fall of real-world empires.

The transitions aren't random; connections must exist between civilizations. For instance, the Roman Empire might progress to the French Empire, possibly with the Norman Empire serving as a bridge. Leaders remain consistent across Ages, maintaining player connection and rivalry. An "overbuild" feature allows constructing new buildings atop existing ones, while Wonders and certain structures persist.

This innovative approach allows players to experience multiple civilizations within a single playthrough, offering diverse challenges and maintaining a sense of continuity through their chosen leader.