Ocean-lovers and empire-builders alike, your next great voyage is about to begin. Firaxis has announced that Update 1.3.0 for Sid Meier’s Civilization VII arrives next week, and it’s bringing a wave of naval-themed upgrades, fresh gameplay layers, and a new way to shape the future of the franchise.
At the heart of the update is a renewed focus on the seas. A brand-new Harbor Building will now serve as the hub for all naval units, while the Privateer, a new Light Naval Unit, makes its debut as the ultimate seafaring rogue—fast, fearless, and perfectly suited for covert raids and surprise gold hauls. The oceans themselves are getting livelier, too, with new resources like Crabs, Turtles, and Cowrie, and even new terrain types like Atolls and Lotus, adding strategic layers to every voyage.
But the biggest splash comes from Tides of Power, a two-part Content Collection launching alongside the update. The first part introduces legendary leader Edward Teach (Blackbeard) and two new civilizations—Tonga and the Republic of Pirates—while the December follow-up will bring Sayidda al Hurra, the Ottomans, and Iceland. Best of all, Tides of Power will be free for all players for a limited time.
Creative Director Ed Beach also teased even deeper currents ahead, with the new Firaxis Feature Workshop set to involve players directly in shaping upcoming changes to Legacy Paths, Victories, and more.
It’s an exciting new age for Civilization—where the horizon keeps expanding, and the next great empire might just rise from the waves.
