Civilization VII receives patch 1.2.3: auto-explorers, "continuity mode" and a new commander

Firaxis Games is preparing a major update for Civilization VII - patch 1.2.3, which is already available to players from July 2025. In his video, Head of Quality Assurance Sean Wilson talks about the key innovations that change the pace and flexibility of the game.

The main feature is the automatic research function for units, which fans have been waiting for for years. It is now available for scouts of all eras, most naval units of the Intelligence and modern eras (with the exception of submarines and COGs). The advisor's warning system has been updated to reduce their intrusiveness, and even more fine-tuning is promised in the next patches.

Another breakthrough is the "continuity" mode, which makes transitions between eras smoother: units are updated on the spot, and key characters and resources are passed on. A 10-move "safe zone" has been added before changing epochs to complete critical tasks without stress.

Other new features include the gradual evolution of diplomatic relations, the return of catapults and traders to the start of the Exploration era, a new commander, Ching Ni, with unique abilities, and the launch of the Right to Rule collection for Founders Edition owners.

The patch also contains hundreds of minor interface, AI, and balance improvements, a full list of which can be found in the update notes.

About Civilisation VII

Sid Meier's Civilization VII is the latest instalment of the classic turn-based 4X strategy game from Firaxis Games, which was released on 11 February 2025 on PC (Windows, macOS, Linux), consoles and Steam Deck. The game is set in three major historical eras - Antiquity, the Age of Discovery, and Modernity - with the ability to change civilisation during the transition between periods. An interesting new mechanic: you can choose a leader and civilisation independently, so, for example, Gandhi leads Japan or Napoleon leads the United States. Small cities are automatically upgraded to large ones, workers have been removed, and improvements are built by cities. Instead of "barbarians", there are independent states that can turn into city-states. The game has received mostly positive reviews from critics (Metacritic ~76-80), although players on Steam still show mixed reviews (~47-48%). Civilization VII is a new approach: while maintaining the spirit of the series, it introduces fresh mechanics and a civilisation change option that unlocks the story through different development paths.

Source: Sid Meier's Civilisation