Civilization 7 adds archipelago maps, hotseat and paid DLC

Firaxis has released Civilization 7 update 1.4.1, which adds a new archipelago map variant, a hotseat local multiplayer option and a rework of the Happiness and government systems. The studio also launched the paid Brush and Blade DLC.

The archipelago variant replaces the previous east-west split map, now renamed archipelago hemispheres, with two randomly placed island regions and scattered distant lands. The map uses Voronoi-based generation to reduce repetition and create more organic layouts. Hotseat multiplayer allows multiple players on a single device to take turns by swapping in after each turn.

Happiness has changed from a binary state to a five-stage scale ranging from angry to ecstatic. Governments now grant an immediate passive ability in addition to influencing the two celebration options. Celebrations are harder to trigger and have shorter durations compared with earlier versions.

The Brush and Blade Collection is available now for $29.99 / £24.99 and includes the Japanese content at launch. The package adds Toyotomi Hideyoshi as a leader, two Japanese civilizations called Heian Japan and Sengoku Japan, and four wonders: Mireuksa, Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace, Seongsan Ilchulbong and Nachi Falls. Firaxis plans to add the Korean content between now and September; that release will include Admiral Yi Sun-Sin and the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties.

Player reaction has been mixed. Steam review scores for Civilization 7 sit just above 50 percent positive after the Test of Time update. Early user reviews for the Brush and Blade pack show about 38 percent recommending the DLC. Players noted the historical additions and design elements while raising concerns about the price and that the pack is not included in the premium Founders Edition as base systems continue to be adjusted.

The 1.4.1 update continues a series of post-launch patches focused on core mechanics, map generation and quality-of-life changes. The Brush and Blade pack will be rolled out in two stages, with Japan available now and Korea to follow.