For more than thirty years, Civilization has been a powerhouse in the 4X strategy game genre. From its beginnings, it captivated players, but interestingly, there was a substantial period when it didn’t branch out into home consoles. The first two installments did make their console debut on systems like the SNES and PlayStation. However, with the release of Civilization 3 in 2001, the series became a staple for PC gamers. Except for the 2008 spinoff, Civilization Revolution, which aimed at introducing new players to the series, the franchise stayed away from consoles until its return in 2017.
Recently, Civilization 6’s debut on the Nintendo Switch exceeded all expectations, as noted by publisher Take-Two. It’s no wonder then that Civilization 7 decided to break new ground by launching across various platforms at once. Now, you can dive into Civilization 7 on your PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. Come spring, it’s even venturing into virtual reality. There are plenty of ways to enjoy this game, but using the Steam Deck might just be the best experience yet.
When Firaxis confirmed that Civilization 7 would be Steam Deck Verified, it was more than a month ahead of the game’s release. This approval means that the game runs seamlessly on the Steam Deck without any setup fuss. But if players are keen on squeezing out additional frames, a quick visit to the in-game settings can help; enabling AMD FSR 3 does the trick. Although you might notice minor frame drops when zooming into bustling cities, it’s a minor hiccup in an otherwise smooth experience.
The game comes with its own Steam Deck controller configuration, which remarkably tackles Civilization 7’s intricate systems with ease. Through a straightforward radial menu, you can access diplomacy options, while the “A” and “Y” buttons handle essential actions, like unit commands and tech selections. For those who prefer precision, the Steam Deck’s touch screen and trackpads are at their service.
Civilization’s legendary “one more turn” allure pairs perfectly with the Steam Deck’s design. While an entire campaign can be an all-day affair, the device’s grab-and-go essence allows players to chip away turns during coffee breaks, making lengthy sessions more digestible.
Interestingly, what some PC users criticize—large UI elements—actually benefits this handheld format. The generous size of icons and text boxes on the Steam Deck’s display transforms a frequent critique into a positive feature, making navigation smoother on its smaller screen. So, for fans and newcomers alike, Civilization 7 on the Steam Deck is both an innovative and engaging way to experience the franchise.
