The release of Civilization VII is scheduled for February 11, 2025, and all strategy enthusiasts and fans of the series are eagerly counting down the days. If you’re part of this group, you’re probably wondering about the Civilization 7 hardware requirements and whether the game will run on your computer.

Today, we’ll break down all the details regarding this strategy game’s requirements and provide tips on how to optimize PC for the best experience!

What is Civilization VII?

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is the latest installment in the iconic Civilization series, which began in 1991. Like its predecessors, this turn-based 4X strategy game lets players choose a nation and guide it through evolution—from the hunter-gatherer era to a fully developed civilization.

Image Credit: Sid Meier’s Civilization VII | Firaxis Games

During the game, you’ll need to manage resources, develop cities, discover new technologies, and advance military capabilities, which is crucial to defending against enemy nations, conquering them, or forming alliances.

Civilization 7 Hardware Requirements

Although the game’s release is still a little way off, the publisher has already shared the PC requirements for the upcoming title. Luckily, even though it’s a brand-new game, the requirements are not overly demanding!

What Are the Minimum Specs for Civilization 7?

  • CPU: Intel Core i3-10100 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200
  • GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1050 / AMD RX 460 / Intel Arc A380
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Storage: 20 GB SSD

Recommended Specs for Optimal Gameplay

  • CPU: Intel Core i5-10400 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
  • GPU: NVIDIA RTX 2060 / AMD RX 6600 / Intel Arc A750
  • Memory: 16 GB RAM
  • Storage: 20 GB SSD

As you can see, even if you own an older or less powerful work PC, Civilization 7 should run without any issues! Keep in mind, however, that in both cases, you’ll need Windows 10/11 64-Bit and DirectX Version 12.

Tips for Optimizing Performance on Older PCs

If your computer barely meets the minimum requirements, and you’re worried about whether you’ll be able to play the game, there are several ways to optimize your system and ensure the game runs smoothly.

1. Adjust Graphics Settings

The most important step is to lower the in-game graphics settings. Setting the graphics to low and disabling shadows and other details will improve performance. You can also reduce the frame rate in the graphics settings. For weaker PCs, 30 FPS is perfectly sufficient for this type of game.

2. Close Background Processes

Another tip is to disable unnecessary background processes on your computer. Open Task Manager and turn off anything you won’t need during gameplay, such as browsers, messaging apps, or music players. This will free up RAM and lighten the load on your processor.

3. Keep Drivers Updated

Ensure that all your drivers are up-to-date. Outdated drivers can significantly impact performance.

4. Upgrade Key Components

If these steps don’t help, consider upgrading individual components of your PC instead of replacing the entire computer. Adding more RAM, an SSD, or a better graphics card can make a noticeable difference in performance.

With these tips and insights, you’re ready to prepare for Civilization VII’s launch and experience the next chapter of this legendary strategy series to the fullest!