Strategy game enthusiasts have been yearning for a new installment of Sid Meier’s Civilization for quite some time. It’s been nearly a decade since Civilization 6 debuted back in 2016, so it’s no wonder fans are chomping at the bit for the next iteration from Firaxis Games. Fortunately, their wait is almost over, with the eagerly awaited Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 set to release on February 11. A little bonus: those who opt for the Deluxe or Founder’s Edition can dive into the action with Early Access starting February 6.
Civilization 7 will be available across various platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, and PC. Historically, the series has been primarily a PC experience, boasting a significant fan base on that platform. As a result, many players are keen to know if their current setups will be capable of running this new release.
Thankfully, Firaxis and publisher 2K have provided the minimum and recommended PC requirements for Civilization 7 well ahead of launch. They have included specs for Windows, Mac, and Linux at different performance levels. Below, you’ll find detailed information, including how to check your system’s specs, upgrade suggestions, and expectations for performance on gaming handhelds.
Civilization 7 PC Requirements and Specs
Later last year, Firaxis announced the official system requirements for Windows, while Mac and Linux specs came out in December. These were shared on social media, complete with handy charts. But for convenience, I’ve presented this information in easy-to-read tables here.
Civilization 7 Windows Requirements
To run Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 on a PC using Windows 10 or 11, you’ll need to match one of the performance tiers, starting from entry-level Low at 30 FPS all the way to Ultra settings with 4K visuals at 60 FPS.
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Minimum Requirements (Low, 1080p, 30 FPS):
- CPU: Intel i5-4690 / Intel i3-10100 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1050 / AMD RX 460 / Intel Arc A380
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Storage: 20GB
- OS: Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit)
- DirectX: 12
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Recommended Specs (High, 1080p, 60 FPS):
- CPU: Intel Core i5-10400 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 2060 / AMD RX 6600 / Intel Arc A750
- Memory: 16GB
- Storage: 20GB
- OS: Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit)
- DirectX: 12
- Recommended for Ultra (Ultra, 4K, 60 FPS):
- CPU: Intel Core i7-14700F / AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 / AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT
- Memory: 32GB
- Storage: 20GB
- OS: Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit)
- DirectX: 12
There’s no hard requirement for an SSD, but swapping from older HDD drives to an SSD is definitely worthwhile for performance improvements.
Civilization 7 Mac Requirements
Here’s what you’ll need if you’re using a Mac:
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Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Sequoia
- Processor: M1 8 Core
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Graphics: M1
- Storage: 25GB
- Recommended Specs:
- OS: Sequoia
- Processor: M2 Pro 10 Core
- Memory: 16GB RAM
- Graphics: M2 Pro
- Storage: 25GB
Civilization 7 Linux Requirements
Linux users can refer to this table:
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Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Ubuntu 22.04
- Processor: Intel i5-4690 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD RX 580
- Storage: 25GB
- Recommended Specs:
- OS: Ubuntu 24.04
- Processor: Intel Core i5-10400 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
- Memory: 16GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2070 / AMD RX 6700
- Storage: 25GB
For those running older setups, a RAM upgrade to 16GB may be necessary for a smooth 1080p experience. If you’re still using an older CPU or GPU, you may need to consider replacements that align with modern standards for the best performance experiences.
How to Check Your PC Specs
Before moving to any upgrades or purchases, check to see if your current machine meets the game’s requirements. Follow these steps if you’re using Windows:
- Click the Windows button on your taskbar.
- Type dxdiag in the search bar.
- Select dxdiag to review your machine’s specifications, like memory, processors, and system version.
- Check the Display tab for details on your graphics card.
Apple Mac and Linux systems have similar menus, like "About This Mac" or "System Info," making it easy to discover your hardware details.
How to Upgrade Your PC for Civilization 7
If your system doesn’t quite cut it for the level of performance you’re aiming for, you might need to consider upgrading individual components, building a new system, or looking into options like a gaming laptop or pre-built PC. With the right guidance, it’s relatively simple to assemble or purchase a machine that will run Civilization 7 efficiently.
Refer to available guides for choosing the best parts and systems that fit your budget and expected performance.
Can Civilization 7 Run on Gaming Handhelds?
Beyond desktops and laptops, the potential for playing Civilization 7 on gaming handhelds—such as the Steam Deck—has caught the attention of many gamers. The game’s Linux support and relatively low hardware demands suggest it will likely perform well on portable devices.
Is Civilization 7 Steam Deck Verified?
Yes, it’s official: Civilization 7 is Steam Deck Verified. This means it meets the compatibility and performance standards set by Valve for their handheld, ensuring a smooth user experience.
Can You Play Civilization 7 on Other Handhelds?
With its expected performance on Steam Deck, it’s highly probable that other handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and the newer ROG Ally X will handle the game successfully, thanks to their more advanced hardware.
Prepare Your PC for the Next Age of Civilization
As the February release date for the next Civilization installment approaches, now is the perfect time to ensure your system can handle everything it has to offer. While its requirements are generally moderate, aspiring for the highest settings might necessitate a few upgrades. Be sure to evaluate your current setup, consider the tables above, and draw on trustworthy guides to finalize any upgrades you may need.
Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 is poised to be a major highlight of 2025, likely earning a place among the year’s best strategy games—and perhaps among the top Xbox and PC games as well. Preorders are generally $69.99, but savvy shoppers can find discounts through trusted retailers like CDKeys.
