Civilization 7's release has left many veteran players questioning the absence of a familiar face: Mahatma Gandhi. A staple of the series since its inception in 1991, Gandhi's omission is noteworthy, especially considering his association with the infamous (and ultimately mythical) "Nuclear Gandhi" bug.
However, Civilization 7 lead designer Ed Beach offers reassurance. In a recent interview, Beach confirmed that Gandhi's absence is not a permanent one, hinting strongly at his inclusion in future DLC. He emphasized that Firaxis hasn't forgotten past leaders, acknowledging player concerns regarding other missing civilizations like Great Britain. The release of The Crossroads of the World Collection DLC in March 2025, adding Carthage and Great Britain (along with Bulgaria and Nepal), supports this long-term DLC strategy.
Beach explained Firaxis' selection process for Civilization 7's initial roster, noting that iconic civilizations have been absent from base games in the past (e.g., Mongolia and Persia in Civ 5/6). The need to include fresh, exciting civilizations necessitates leaving some out, but Beach assures players that Gandhi's inclusion is part of a broader plan.
While the community awaits Gandhi's return, Firaxis is addressing concerns surrounding Civilization 7's mixed Steam reviews. Criticisms include the user interface, limited map variety, and the perceived lack of key features. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick acknowledged the negative feedback but expressed confidence in the game's long-term success, believing the "legacy Civ audience" will grow to appreciate it.
For those eager to conquer the world in Civilization 7, resources are available to help. Guides cover victory strategies, key differences from Civ 6, common mistakes to avoid, map types, and difficulty settings.
