The release of Civilization 7 has sparked curiosity among fans, particularly about the absence of the iconic Indian leader, Gandhi. Since the franchise's inception in 1991, Gandhi has been a staple in every base game, famously linked with the legendary, yet mythical, 'Nuclear Gandhi' bug. However, fans were surprised to find Gandhi missing from the initial lineup of Civilization 7.
In a conversation with Civilization 7 lead designer Ed Beach, the question of Gandhi's whereabouts was directly addressed. Beach reassured fans, saying, "So I would say we haven't forgotten about anybody who's been in our game before." He highlighted the broader roadmap for the game, suggesting that some civilizations, including Gandhi, might fit better into the long-term plans rather than the immediate release. Beach emphasized that iconic civilizations have been omitted from base games before, citing examples like Mongolia and Persia in previous iterations, yet they were eventually included.
Beach's comments offer hope to Gandhi enthusiasts, indicating that the beloved leader could return as part of future downloadable content (DLC). This aligns with Firaxis's strategy to keep the game fresh and exciting by introducing new civilizations alongside fan favorites. The upcoming The Crossroads of the World Collection DLC, set for release in March 2025, will introduce Carthage, Great Britain, Bulgaria, and Nepal, hinting at the continuous expansion of the game's roster.
While fans eagerly await Gandhi's potential return, Civilization 7 faces other challenges. The game has received a 'mixed' user review rating on Steam, with community feedback focusing on issues like the user interface, map variety, and missing features. In response, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick remains optimistic, suggesting that the game's core audience will appreciate it more over time and describing its early performance as "very encouraging."
For those looking to conquer the world in Civilization 7, our comprehensive guides cover everything from achieving every victory type to understanding the significant changes from Civilization 6 and avoiding common pitfalls. We also delve into the various map types and difficulty settings to ensure you're fully prepared for your journey through history.
Sounds like Gandhi is upcoming DLC for Civ 7. Image credit: Firaxis.
