Can Your PC Handle Civilization 7? Check the Shocking Requirements Now!

It’s been a considerable stretch, indeed a long while, since strategy game enthusiasts have got their hands on a fresh Sid Meier’s Civilization game. To be precise, it’s been almost a decade now; the last one to launch was Civilization 6 back in 2016. So, it’s no wonder that followers of this venerable series are chomping at the bit for Firaxis Games’ next offering. Fortunately, they won’t have to wait much longer, as Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 is due for release on February 11. For those who preorder either the Deluxe or Founder’s Edition, Early Access will be available from February 6.

Civilization 7 is set to release across multiple platforms including Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, and PC systems. However, given that the franchise has predominantly been a PC exclusive in its past, the majority of its followers are PC users. Consequently, many potential players curious about Civilization 7 are also seeking information on whether their computers can handle the game.

Fortunately, ahead of its release, developers Firaxis and publishers 2K have disclosed the minimum PC requirements and suggested specifications for Civilization 7. They’ve even provided hardware recommendations for Windows, Mac, and Linux systems at various performance levels. The details are outlined in the sections below, including instructions on how to check your system’s specs, upgrade suggestions, potential game performance on gaming handhelds, and more.

Civilization 7 PC requirements and specs

Just recently, developers of Civilization 7 disclosed the official system requirements for Windows, along with suggested specifications, on various social media platforms. Firaxis eventually unveiled the Mac and Linux requirements around late December. They used graphical charts to convey this information, which you can see both above and below, but I’ve also provided tables of the details here for your convenience.

Civilization 7 Windows requirements

Here are the prerequisites for running Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 on a personal computer using Microsoft’s Windows 10 or Windows 11:

The recommended specifications cater to three performance levels, starting from a basic setup that guarantees 30 frames per second (FPS), moving up to the maximum settings with Ultra graphics, 4K resolution, and a fluid 60 FPS.

Civilization 7 Mac requirements

The table given below displays the minimum and suggested system requirements for running Civilization 7 on an Apple Macintosh computer.

Or, in a more conversational style:

Just check out this table to see what your Mac should have at least and ideally for running Civilization 7 smoothly!

Civilization 7 Linux requirements

As a researcher delving into gaming on Linux-powered PCs, I’ve uncovered the essential hardware specifications needed to run Civilization 7 smoothly.

Compared to most contemporary games, the system requirements for Civilization 7 are quite reasonable. For instance, it requires just around 20-25GB of storage space (remembering when that was standard), and can run smoothly on processors and graphics cards as old as Intel’s 2014 i5-4690, which is a decade old. It seems an SSD isn’t strictly necessary, but if you’re still using older HDD drives, I would strongly suggest upgrading to an SSD for optimal performance.

For optimal gameplay of the 4X strategy title, particularly when playing at 4K Ultra resolution, Firaxis suggests utilizing advanced and high-performance hardware such as a 14th Generation Intel i7 processor and NVIDIA’s RTX 4070 graphics card. It is noteworthy that the CPU requirement is relatively high, while the GPU demand is lower compared to other recently released games that typically require an RTX 4080 for top-tier graphics and performance.

For a smooth performance with Civilization 7, whether you own or assembled a contemporary gaming PC or a modern Mac, you won’t encounter any problems at all. However, if your system is older, you might need to boost your RAM up to 16GB for an optimal 1080p 60 FPS experience. While 8GB was the norm several years back, it has since escalated to 16GB as games have increasingly demanded more resources around the start of the new decade.

It’s important to note that it’s uncertain if the presented requirements and specifications consider advanced Super Resolution technologies such as NVIDIA’s DLSS 3 and AMD’s FSR 3. These technologies enhance performance significantly by employing resolution upscaling and frame generation, while only minimally affecting visual quality. Consequently, gamers can increase their framerate without compromising graphics. Since developers typically exclude Super Resolution data from such charts unless explicitly mentioned, it’s probable that these recommendations were not tailored with these technologies in mind, offering you an opportunity to leverage them for improved performance.

How to check your PC specs

Previously mentioned, it might not be necessary for you to update or replace your system when intending to run Civilization 7. However, it’s advisable to verify if your computer aligns with Firaxis’ requirements and suggestions, particularly if you aspire to play at maximum settings and resolutions beyond 1080p.

It’s quite convenient that identifying the hardware in your system is straightforward and won’t require much of your time – just about a minute or two. Here’s how you can go about it:

1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard.
2. Click on ‘System Information’.
3. In the new window, navigate to the ‘Components’ tab.
4. Here, you will find detailed information about all the hardware components in your system.

1. I’ll navigate to the Windows button located on the taskbar.
2. Once there, I’ll type in “dxdiag” within this area.
3. After typing, I’ll click on “dxdiag” to display my PC’s specifications.
4. To view the details about memory, processors, and Windows version, I’ll choose the “System” tab.
5. Lastly, for checking the GPU details, I’ll tap on the “Display” tab.

Keep in mind that comparable features, such as “About This Mac” for macOS and “System Information” for Linux, are available for viewing your system specifications. So, if you’re not using Windows, consider utilizing these alternatives to access your hardware details instead.

How to upgrade your PC for Civilization 7

If Civilization 7 doesn’t run smoothly at your preferred speed with your current setup, you might need to enhance your system by adding new parts, construct a brand-new one, buy a pre-built one, or consider an alternative like a gaming laptop. While it’s not hard to find something that performs well, the vast array of components, systems, and brands available can make it challenging to determine the optimal choices for you.

To assist you in choosing the optimal path for your budget while getting the most value, I’ve compiled a collection of Windows Central guides, suggestions, and tutorials for you below. By reviewing these resources, you will gain insights into how to set up a system tailored for Civilization 7.

Can Civilization 7 run on gaming handhelds?

Many players of PC games, particularly those who enjoy Civilization 7, typically use a conventional desktop or laptop setup. However, some enthusiasts might opt for a newer trend: portable gaming PCs. The popularity of handheld gaming PCs has surged significantly since the launch of the Steam Deck in 2022, with manufacturers like ASUS, MSI, Lenovo, and others introducing their own devices to cater to this emerging market.

Wondering if it’s possible to enjoy Civilization 7 on a portable gaming device? This part of the discussion will delve into the details about its compatibility with such devices, so be sure to keep reading.

Is Civilization 7 Steam Deck Verified?

Prior to Civilization 7’s release, Firaxis and 2K have verified through their Steam page that the game is compatible with Valve’s Steam Deck. This suggests that you should be able to run it smoothly on this handheld device. Notably, as it has minimal system requirements and was designed for Linux-based operating systems like SteamOS, it could potentially provide one of the most seamless gaming experiences on the Steam Deck in recent times.

Can you play Civilization 7 on ROG Ally, Legion Go, or other gaming handhelds?

Given that Civilization 7 appears to run smoothly on the Steam Deck, it’s very probable that it will perform even better on other handheld devices such as the ASUS ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and the latest ROG Ally X. These devices boast more powerful specifications than the Steam Deck, suggesting they should handle Civilization 7 with ease.

Get your PC ready for the next age of Civilization

As the eagerly anticipated seventh installment of the Civilization series is due in a matter of weeks, now might be the perfect time to consider upgrading your PC or even purchasing a new one that matches the game’s specifications. Given that many of the game’s essential requirements are relatively light, you likely won’t need to modify your current PC unless it’s quite outdated. However, if you’re aiming for top-notch quality and performance, you may need to boost your RAM, upgrade your CPU, or enhance your graphics card. To ensure you make informed decisions about any necessary upgrades, consult the tables provided, evaluate your existing hardware, and use our guides and recommendations as a reference.

The anticipated release of Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 in 2025 promises to be among the most impressive strategy games, potentially even winning awards as one of the top Xbox and PC games of the year. If you pre-order, it will usually cost $69.99, but with CDKeys (check out our CDKeys FAQ for more on their reliability), you can secure a discounted price for the PC version.

2025-01-22 00:09