Civilization VII receives its largest update with all these changes

Civilization VII launches its 1.2.3 update with major improvements and new content.

More stories in the category Updates

• New update for Starfield available, prepares for what’s to come
• If you’ve had issues with RoboCop Rogue City Unfinished Business, don’t worry, new patch on the way
• Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown reveals its roadmap for 2025 and 2026

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII continues to grow step by step. The 1.2.3 update will be released tomorrow, July 23, 2025, on PC, with a good dose of new features, both playable and technical. Although it’s a lighter patch than the previous 1.2.2, it brings back one of the most requested features by players: automatic exploration.

Additionally, the first improvements to era transitions are implemented, quality of life adjustments, changes to diplomatic relationships, a new commander for Trung Trac, and part of the additional content included in the Right to Rule collection.

Civilization VII 1.2.3 Update: Automatic Exploration, Exclusive Commander, and Era Adjustments

The update will be available on Steam, Xbox Series, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and other compatible platforms, although for Switch and Switch 2 it will arrive later, according to 2K. These are the main new features of the patch:

• Automatic exploration enabled for land and naval explorers.

• New era transition system with “Continuity” option, which keeps units active after the change.

• End-of-era warnings, with a configurable margin of 10 to 20 turns to avoid surprises.

• Diplomatic adjustments: relationships deteriorate gradually, not abruptly.

• Trung Nhi, Trung Trac’s sister, joins as a unique commander with her own promotion tree.

• The “Pet the Dog” mechanic returns for unique explorer units of the Maya and Inca.

• Partial inclusion of the new Right to Rule content, available to those with the Founder’s Edition.

Among other improvements, notable features include the expansion of the number of players in giant maps (up to 12 in solo), interface optimization, fixes to the game’s encyclopedia, sound improvements, and specific adjustments for controller users.

The patch will be available progressively throughout the day of July 23 in Spain and Mexico time. If you’re using mods, 2K recommends temporarily disabling them in case they’re not compatible with this new version. You’ll also be able to continue using the previous beta branch on Steam for those who prefer to finish games with earlier versions.

Civilization VII continues to receive frequent updates, and it’s expected that this 1.2.3 update will be the precursor to deeper changes focused on replayability and the connection to each civilization.