Sid Meier’s Civilization VII launched worldwide on February 11, 2025. The official Windows requirements range from an entry-level 1080p/30 FPS Low target to a 4K/60 FPS High Ultra target. For the typical 1080p/60 FPS experience, 2K and Firaxis recommend 16GB of RAM and a graphics card around the GeForce RTX 2060, Radeon RX 6600 or Intel Arc A750 class.
These specifications come from the official Civilization VII requirements page, updated May 26, 2026.
Windows PC requirements
| Tier | Official target | CPU | RAM | GPU | Operating system and API | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 1080p, 30 FPS, Low | Intel Core i5-4690, Intel Core i3-10100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 | 8GB | NVIDIA GTX 1050, AMD RX 460 or Intel Arc A380 | Windows 10/11 64-bit; DirectX 12 | 20GB available |
| Recommended | 1080p, 60 FPS, High | Intel Core i5-10400 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X | 16GB | NVIDIA RTX 2060, AMD RX 6600 or Intel Arc A750 | Windows 10/11 64-bit; DirectX 12 | 20GB available |
| Ultra | 4K, 60 FPS, High | Intel Core i7-14700F or AMD Ryzen 9 5950X | 32GB | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 or AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT | Windows 10/11 64-bit; DirectX 12 | 20GB available |
The minimum row is specifically a Low-settings, 30-FPS target—not a promise of High settings or 60 FPS. The recommended row is the most useful benchmark for a new mainstream gaming PC. Ultra means 4K at 60 FPS on High; the official page does not describe it as a ray-tracing requirement.
What each requirement means in practice
Minimum hardware
Eight gigabytes of memory and a GTX 1050, RX 460 or Arc A380-class card meet the publisher’s lowest listed Windows tier. A PC below that specification is not guaranteed to run the game. Exactly 8GB may also leave little memory for Windows and background applications.
#1 Best Overall
![Sid Meier's Civilization® VII Standard - PC [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41cV6yB-yUL._SL160_.jpg)
- BUILD AN EMPIRE THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME - Lead your empire through distinct Ages of human history. Each Age is its own rich, nuanced journey, with unique playable civilizations, available resources, explorable land, and even entire gameplay systems, creating a deep, historically immersive strategy experience. Strive to accomplish significant scientific, cultural, militaristic, and economic milestones within each Age to unlock impactful advantages in the next!
- EVOLVE YOUR EMPIRE AS EACH NEW AGE DAWNS - To build a legacy that truly stands the test of time, you must adapt. Forge your own path through history as you reshape your empire at the start of each Age, selecting from a pool of new Age-relevant civilization options determined by your prior gameplay accomplishments. Evolving your empire unlocks fresh gameplay bonuses and unique units, so your current civilization is always at the height of its power.
- PLAY AS VISIONARY LEADERS OF PROGRESS - Embody an illustrious leader with one of Civilization's most diverse rosters yet, from traditional heads of state known for their militaristic might or political prowess, to visionary leaders who made everlasting impacts in philosophy, science, human rights, and more!
- TEST YOUR STRATEGIC METTLE IN MULTIPLAYER - Compete against other players online and prove your prowess as a great leader.** Multiplayer matches can be epic multi-Age campaigns, or take place in a single Age so you can enjoy an entire game in a single session. Cross-play is supported, so you can play together with friends wherever they are.
Recommended hardware
For ordinary desktop or laptop buying decisions, target the recommended tier: 16GB RAM, a modern six-core processor comparable to the Core i5-10400 or Ryzen 5 3600X, and graphics performance around the RTX 2060, RX 6600 or Arc A750. This is the stated 1080p/60 FPS High target, not a guarantee for every map, driver or late-game situation.
4K hardware
The Ultra target moves to 32GB RAM, a Core i7-14700F or Ryzen 9 5950X, and an RTX 4070 or RX 7800 XT-class GPU. You do not need this tier for 1080p play, and no official source says that Ultra specifically enables ray tracing.
Can your current PC run Civilization VII?
- Open Windows Settings and confirm that you have a 64-bit installation of Windows 10 or 11.
- Check the exact CPU model in Settings > System > About or Task Manager > Performance > CPU.
- Check the dedicated GPU model under Task Manager > Performance > GPU. Compare it with the relevant class in the table rather than relying only on a laptop’s product name.
- Confirm installed memory under Settings > System > About. Use 16GB as the practical target for 1080p/60, even though 8GB satisfies minimum requirements.
- Verify at least 20GB of free space. The publisher does not require an SSD on the requirements page, but an SSD is sensible for shorter loading and better general responsiveness. Leave additional room for updates, temporary installation files and saves.
- Check DirectX by pressing Win+R, entering
dxdiag, and reading the DirectX Version field.
The official support page also links to a PC Compatibility Checker. Use it when your processor or graphics card is not one of the listed models; the published lists are examples, not an exhaustive catalog of every equivalent part.
Laptop and integrated-graphics caveats
Mobile GPUs with the same name as desktop cards can perform differently because laptop power limits and cooling vary. Check the exact laptop model, GPU configuration and memory before assuming that a mobile RTX 2060 matches every desktop RTX 2060.
Rank #2
![Sid Meier's Civilization VII Settler's - PC Steam [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41JlLAt6i4L._SL160_.jpg)
- Expand the strategic horizons of your empire and enjoy more options for your reign with Sid Meier's Civilization VII Settler's Edition! Sid Meier's Civilization VII Settler's Edition is the ideal way for new players to start their journey through history with a treasure trove of additional content. Settler's Edition includes: Full base game, the Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack, the Crossroads of the World Collection, the Right to Rule Collection, 4 leader Personas, and the Deluxe Cosmetics Pack.
- TECUMSEH AND SHAWNEE PACK - This content pack adds the leader Tecumseh and the Shawnee civilization to Civilization VII! Tecumseh specializes in diplomacy and defense.
- CROSSROADS OF THE WORLD COLLECTION - Explore new possibilities for your personalized empire with the post-launch add-on content of the Crossroads of the World Collection! Embody two new leaders: Simón BolÃvar and Ada Lovelace. Lead four new civilizations: Carthage, Great Britain, Bulgaria, and Nepal. Discover the majesty of four new Natural Wonders: Machapuchare, Mount Fuji, Vihren, and Vinicunca. And expand your experience with a cosmetic bonus.
- RIGHT TO RULE COLLECTION - Explore new possibilities for your personalized empire with the post-launch add-on content of the Right to Rule Collection! Embody two new leaders: Genghis Khan and Lakshmibai. Lead four new civilizations: Assyria, Dai Viet, Qajar, and Silla. Discover the majesty of four new Wonders: Grand Bazaar, Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Ubudiah Mosque, and Wat Xieng Thong. And expand your experience with a cosmetic bonus.
- 4 LEADER PERSONAS - Enjoy alternate Personas for four of Civilization VII's leaders, including Ashoka (World Conqueror), Friedrich (Baroque), Himiko (High Shaman), and Xerxes (The Achaemenid)! Each persona includes a unique outfit and background for the respective leader, plus a new Unique Ability and Agenda that reflect a different side of their personality!
The Windows requirements do not list Intel UHD, Intel Iris Xe, AMD integrated Radeon graphics or other generic integrated GPUs. That means such hardware is outside the officially published Windows list; it does not establish that every unlisted integrated GPU is unable to launch the game. Apple’s Mac requirements explicitly support integrated Apple M1 graphics, which should not be generalized to Windows laptops.
Mac and Linux requirements
The same official support article lists separate specifications for macOS and Linux.
macOS
| Tier | Operating system | CPU and graphics | RAM | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | macOS Sequoia | Apple M1, 8-core CPU with integrated M1 graphics | 8GB | 25GB available |
| Recommended | macOS Sequoia | Apple M2 Pro, 10-core CPU with integrated M2 Pro graphics | 16GB | 25GB available |
The current Mac list specifies Apple silicon and does not list Intel Macs.
Linux
| Tier | Distribution | CPU | RAM | GPU | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Ubuntu 22.04 | Intel Core i5-4690 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 | 8GB | NVIDIA GTX 1060 or AMD RX 580 | 25GB available |
| Recommended | Ubuntu 24.04 | Intel Core i5-10400 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X | 16GB | NVIDIA RTX 2070 or AMD RX 6700 | 25GB available |
Linux GPU requirements differ from Windows, and the page names Ubuntu 22.04 and 24.04 specifically. Do not assume that another distribution has equivalent official support.
Rank #3
![Sid Meier's Civilization VII Deluxe - PC [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51dRsh-8tzL._SL160_.jpg)
- Expand the strategic horizons of your empire and enjoy more options for your reign with Sid Meier's Civilization VII Deluxe Edition!
- Deluxe Edition includes: Full base game, Early Access, the Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack, the Crossroads of the World Collection, and the Deluxe Content Pack.
- BUILD AN EMPIRE THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME - Lead your empire through distinct Ages of human history. Each Age is its own rich, nuanced journey, with unique playable civilizations, available resources, explorable land, and even entire gameplay systems, creating a deep, historically immersive strategy experience. Strive to accomplish significant scientific, cultural, militaristic, and economic milestones within each Age to unlock impactful advantages in the next!
- EVOLVE YOUR EMPIRE AS EACH NEW AGE DAWNS - To build a legacy that truly stands the test of time, you must adapt. Forge your own path through history as you reshape your empire at the start of each Age, selecting from a pool of new Age-relevant civilization options determined by your prior gameplay accomplishments. Evolving your empire unlocks fresh gameplay bonuses and unique units, so your current civilization is always at the height of its power.
- PLAY AS VISIONARY LEADERS OF PROGRESS - Embody an illustrious leader with one of Civilization's most diverse rosters yet, from traditional heads of state known for their militaristic might or political prowess, to visionary leaders who made everlasting impacts in philosophy, science, human rights, and more!
Storage, operating system and online-play answers
Is Windows 11 required?
No. The official Windows specification supports both 64-bit Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Is DirectX 12 required?
Yes. DirectX 12 is listed for every Windows tier. It is an API requirement separate from the model of graphics card installed.
Is an SSD mandatory?
No SSD requirement appears on the current official support page. The stated Windows requirement is 20GB of available storage. An SSD remains practical advice rather than a publisher requirement.
Does multiplayer need a 2K Account?
Steam says a 2K Account is required for online interactions but not offline play. Civilization Support likewise says online features, including multiplayer, require a linked account; single-player does not. The official FAQ says linked accounts allow multiplayer across supported platforms.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #4
- BUILD YOUR CIVILIZATION: Engage in the art of civilization-building and diplomacy as you construct your empire's legacy.
- RACE TO SUPREMACY: Be the first to excel in any field, whether military, cultural, or scientific, and etch your name in history.
- DIPLOMATIC STRATEGY: Form temporary alliances with fellow players to thwart the leading contender and reshape the course of history.
- EFFICIENT DESIGN: Experience the essence of a civilization-building game distilled into a concise set of 104 cards.
- QUICK TO LEARN, ENDLESS STRATEGY: Master the game in just 5 minutes, yet uncover layers of deep strategy that will captivate players of all skill levels.
Release-date context
2K’s worldwide launch announcement gives February 11, 2025 as the release date. Steam displays February 10, 2025 for the PC listing because storefront release dates can reflect regional timing and platform conventions. The game is therefore an available release, not an upcoming 2025 title.
For current specifications, use the dedicated Civilization Support requirements page. An older-looking 2K Store page contains conflicting legacy hardware and operating-system information and should not override the dedicated support article.
Upgrade guidance
- Already at recommended or better: You meet the publisher’s normal 1080p/60 High target on paper, so upgrade only for a different resolution, settings goal or broader system needs.
- At minimum: Expect to use Low settings and a 30-FPS target. Do not buy or upgrade solely on the assumption that minimum hardware delivers 60 FPS.
- Buying a new PC: Make 16GB RAM, a processor around the i5-10400/Ryzen 5 3600X class and a GPU around the RTX 2060/RX 6600/Arc A750 class your baseline for 1080p/60.
- Targeting 4K: Plan around 32GB RAM and the RTX 4070/RX 7800 XT class, with the CPUs listed in the Ultra row.
- Older strategy-game systems: Meeting a table’s parts list does not guarantee identical performance in every late-game simulation, map size or software environment. No benchmark claim should be inferred from the requirements alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Civilization VII run on Windows 10?
Yes. The official Windows requirements list 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Is 32GB of RAM required?
No. 32GB is listed for the 4K/60 Ultra target; the recommended 1080p/60 tier lists 16GB.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Why do Steam and 2K show different release dates?
2K announced a worldwide February 11, 2025 launch, while Steam lists February 10, 2025 for its PC storefront date.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
