Almost four weeks before release, 2K has sent out the test version of the strategy game Civilization 7. We’ll let you know when you can expect our coverage.
The 2025 gaming year is more exciting than Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen. Just a few days after Warhorse announced that they are already sending out review keys for Kingdom Come 2, 2K and Firaxis are now following suit: since January 10, editorial offices and content creators have been receiving test versions of the turn-based strategy game Civilization 7.
Of course, we are also on the list and are already playing the first few games. The relatively early delivery of review keys for Civilization 7 is even more unusual than for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
Because it comes from a major international publisher, 2K, which normally takes a very restrictive approach and only sends keys shortly before release. This time, however, 2K has decided differently. And that also applies to the test embargo, which falls relatively early.
Civilization 7 and Kingdom Come 2 in a test duel
We would definitely have chosen differently and would have preferred to avoid both Kingdom Come 2 and Civilization 7 in this battle for our and your attention. Because yes, the tests for both blockbusters are coming out on the same day. In the case of Civilization 7, we are even allowed to communicate the specific time:
The review embargo for Civilization 7 will end on February 3, 2025 at 3 p.m.
At first glance, this may seem surprising, since the turn-based strategy game won’t be playable for most people until February 11, a full eight days later.
However, Civilization 7 is released in differently priced versions. And those who spend 100 euros on the Deluxe Edition or 130 euros on the Founders Edition can get started five days earlier, on February 6 to be precise.
We don’t think much of such pre-order bonuses, but at least it’s fair of 2K to allow the tests to appear three days before the early access phase, thus enabling correspondingly early journalistic coverage.
First impressions as early as next week
The simultaneous release of two such important tests presents even a large gaming editorial team like GameStar with a number of challenges. But of course that’s complaining at the highest level; after all, there could be far worse things than being able to test two of the most anticipated games of the year several weeks before release.
And luckily our editorial team is big enough to handle both without sacrificing quality. The team around Civilization expert Reiner Hauser and chief skeptic Peter Bathge is therefore eager to provide you with the best possible test coverage.
It all starts on January 16 with a detailed preview in which we report on our first impressions of the game.
For the review embargo on February 3, you can of course expect the full program:
- a detailed test including a video by Reiner
- a technical check that tells you how well the game runs on your computer
- a guide to help you get started with Civilization 7
- a surprise or two that we can’t reveal yet
And now, if you’ll excuse us, we have a little work to do. Just one more round. Feel free to tell us in the comments what you’d like us to focus on most during testing.
