Strategy game enthusiasts have long awaited the return of the acclaimed Sid Meier’s Civilization series. The last release, Civilization 6, graced our screens back in 2016. So, naturally, fans are buzzing with excitement for the upcoming Civilization 7 by Firaxis Games, set to hit stores on February 11. For those who can’t wait, early access begins February 6 for anyone who preorders the Deluxe or Founder’s Edition.
Civilization 7 will make a splash across platforms—available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, and PC. Historically, Civilization games have thrived on PC, and that’s where most of its devoted fanbase lies. Understandably, many are eager to know if their PCs are up to the task of running this new installment.
Luckily, Firaxis and publisher 2K have shared the minimum and recommended PC specs for Civilization 7 ahead of its release, with detailed benchmarks for Windows, Mac, and Linux across various performance tiers. We’ve got all that info laid out below, plus tips on checking your current specs, potential upgrade paths, and even insights on how the game could perform on gaming handhelds.
Civilization 7 PC Requirements and Specs
At the tail end of last year, the folks at Firaxis posted the official system requirements for Windows, and followed up a few months later with the requirements for Mac and Linux. They’ve provided easy-to-read charts, but you’ll find all the detailed specs listed here too.
Civilization 7 Windows Requirements
For PC gamers using Windows 10 or 11, here’s what you’ll need to dive into Civilization 7. There are three performance tiers: basic (Low 30 FPS), recommended (High 1080p, 60 FPS), and Ultra (4K 60 FPS):
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Minimum (Low, 1080p, 30 FPS)
- CPU: Intel i5-4690 / Intel i3-10100 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1050 / AMD RX 460 / Intel Arc A380
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Storage: 20GB
- OS: Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit)
- DirectX: 12
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Recommended (High, 1080p, 60 FPS)
- CPU: Intel Core i5-10400 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 2060 / AMD RX 6600 / Intel Arc A750
- Memory: 16GB RAM
- Storage: 20GB
- Ultra (Ultra, 4K, 60 FPS)
- CPU: Intel Core i7-14700F / AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 / AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT
- Memory: 32GB RAM
- Storage: 20GB
Civilization 7 Mac Requirements
For Mac users eyeing Civilization 7, here’s what’s recommended:
- Minimum / Recommended
- OS: Sequoia
- Processor: M1 8 Core / M2 Pro 10 Core
- Memory: 8GB RAM / 16GB RAM
- Graphics: M1 / M2 Pro
- Storage: 25GB
Civilization 7 Linux Requirements
Here’s the scoop for those running Linux:
- Minimum / Recommended
- OS: Ubuntu 22.04 / Ubuntu 24.04
- Processor: Intel i5-4690 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200 / Intel Core i5-10400 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
- Memory: 8GB RAM / 16GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD RX 580 / NVIDIA RTX 2070 / AMD RX 6700
- Storage: 25GB
Overall, Civilization 7 sports accessible PC requirements. It occupies just 20-25GB, workable with decade-old processors like the Intel i5-4690. You don’t even need a solid state drive (SSD), though using one is advisable.
The demands only ramp up if you’re chasing 4K Ultra with Firaxis recommending a newer Intel i7 and NVIDIA’s RTX 4070. It’s worth noting, though, these specs don’t seem to account for technologies like NVIDIA’s DLSS 3 or AMD’s FSR 3, which can enhance performance without sacrificing visual fidelity.
How to Check Your PC Specs
If you’re aiming for a seamless Civilization 7 experience, you should verify your current specs. It’s straightforward—here’s how to do it:
- Click the Windows button on your taskbar.
- Type "dxdiag" into the search box.
- Click on "dxdiag" to view your system’s details.
For Mac and Linux users, use "About This Mac" or "System Info" to check your specs.
How to Upgrade Your PC for Civilization 7
If your system doesn’t quite meet the mark for Civilization 7, you might consider upgrading components, building or buying a new setup, or opting for a gaming laptop. With the array of available options, it can be a bit of a jungle out there. However, our curated guides can help steer you in the right direction, ensuring you get the best performance for your investment.
Can Civilization 7 Run on Gaming Handhelds?
While most gamers will experience Civilization 7 on desktops or laptops, some might opt for gaming handhelds—a trend that has surged since the Steam Deck’s launch. Devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go offer portable gaming opportunities.
Is Civilization 7 Steam Deck Verified?
Yes, Civilization 7 is Steam Deck Verified, ensuring smooth gameplay on Valve’s portable device. It’s likely to be one of the better-performing titles given its compatibility with Linux, which power’s Steam Deck’s OS.
Will Civilization 7 Run on Other Gaming Handhelds Like ROG Ally?
Given its performance on Steam Deck, Civilization 7 will likely run even better on other handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. These devices pack more powerful hardware compared to the Steam Deck, so expect a solid performance.
Prepare Your PC for The New Age of Civilization
With Civilization 7 around the corner, now is a prime time to set up your PC for what’s shaping up to be a monumental release. The game’s requirements aren’t too demanding, but for the best experience, especially at higher settings, you might want a slight equipment boost. Use this guide to ensure you’re ready to explore the next chapter in this legendary strategy saga. With prices generally around $69.99, you can snag a PC copy at a reduced rate through CDKeys, an option we recommend.
