The free update adds a full single-civilization campaign option, plus a new Syncretism mechanic letting players keep one civ across ages while adopting era-specific units and infrastructure.
Firaxis says it also removes legacy paths, overhauls victories, adds optional Triumphs, updated map generation, a new map, UI improvements, balance changes and a free leader.
The patch follows months of criticism over Civilization VII's civ-swapping and launch-state frustrations, and is being framed as a major rework after more than a year of feedback and iteration.
With its make-or-break update days away, can Civ VII fix its past without creating entirely new flaws?
Will Civilization VII's return to a classic formula stifle future innovation for the iconic strategy series?
Are massive 're-launch' updates becoming the new standard for saving AAA games that fail at release?