Sid Meier’s latest exploration sim, Civilization 7, not only redefines strategy gaming but also offers a range of customizable settings that let you tailor performance and visuals to your rig. Unlike previous installments, Civ 7 invites you to upgrade your hardware for faster turn speeds—but even with minimum specs, you’ll still enjoy the classic Civilization feel. Here’s our in-depth look at the best settings to get the most out of Civilization 7 on your PC.
Best Video Settings for a Smoother Experience
When it comes to visual fidelity and performance, Civilization 7 offers a robust suite of video settings. Our recommended configuration is designed to balance stunning visuals with fluid gameplay:
- Upscale/Anti-Aliasing Mode: Use AMD FSR 3 Quality
This option provides a modest boost in average frames per second without any noticeable blurring or tearing, especially when zooming around the expansive world map. - Asset Quality: High
- Texture Detail: High
- Particle Quality: High
- Shadow Quality: High
- Water Quality: High
- Image Sharpness: High
- Screen Space Shadows: On
- Screen Space Overlay: On
- Bloom: On
- AMD FidelityFX Screen Space Reflections: On
- AMD FidelityFX Ambient Occlusion: High
- VSync: On
While our tests showed only a slight increase in average FPS with these settings enabled, the overall visual experience is crisp and immersive. Do note that our benchmarking process encountered some sluggishness and occasional crashes when toggling presets, so it might be worth adjusting settings gradually to ensure stability.
Benchmarking and CPU Considerations
Civ 7 has taken a bold leap with its system requirements, surprising many by recommending 20-core Intel and 16-core AMD CPUs for the Ultra tier. Although most players won’t have access to these high-end processors, even mid-range CPUs will deliver an enjoyable experience. However, if you’re planning to engage in lengthy, late-game sessions, investing in a more powerful CPU could translate into noticeably faster turn times.
During our tests, the AI Benchmark—designed to simulate turn speeds in a full late-game scenario—revealed that while turns 2 through 9 averaged around 11 to 14 seconds each, the first and final turns were significantly longer. This skew is a reminder that even though Civilization 7 can run on modest hardware, CPU performance becomes increasingly important as the game progresses.
Inclusive and Comprehensive Accessibility Options
In line with modern gaming standards, Civilization 7 comes packed with accessibility features to ensure every player can enjoy the experience. Among these are:
- Full control rebinds: Customize your keyboard or controller setup to suit your play style.
- Colorblind options: Tailor the color palette for better visibility.
- Text size scaling and subtitles: Ensure clarity in all dialogues and in-game text.
- Resolution UI scaling: Adapt the interface to various screen sizes.
- Text narration on hover: A handy feature for those who prefer auditory assistance.
These options make the game not only more accessible but also enhance the overall user experience, ensuring that all players can navigate its intricate world with ease.
The Importance of an SSD and System Upgrades
Modern game design is moving firmly into the SSD era, and Civilization 7 is no exception. An SSD is essential for reducing loading times and keeping game performance snappy. Upgrading to a fast SSD—like a Samsung 990 Pro if you have a PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot—can significantly enhance your system’s responsiveness, not only for gaming but for everyday use. Additionally, consider upgrading to 32GB of fast RAM if your motherboard supports it, to further smooth out the gameplay experience during those intense, resource-heavy turns.
Monitoring Your In-Game Performance
Keeping an eye on your system’s performance is key to optimizing your gameplay:
- For Nvidia Users:
Use the Nvidia App overlay—press ALT + R in-game to bring up performance stats. - For AMD Users:
The Radeon overlay is available via CTRL + SHIFT + O for real-time monitoring. - Third-Party Tools:
Software like CapFrameX or Nvidia FrameView offers a streamlined way to capture and analyze frame data, regardless of your GPU brand.
These tools are invaluable for benchmarking your settings and ensuring that your system is running at its best.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned Civilization veteran or new to the series, optimizing your settings in Civilization 7 can make a world of difference. With high-quality video settings and a host of accessibility options, the game is designed to cater to a wide range of hardware configurations. Remember, while high-end components can speed up late-game turns, even a modest setup will let you enjoy the strategic depth and familiar charm of Civilization. So, tweak your settings, monitor your performance, and dive into the expansive world of Civ 7 with confidence.
Happy gaming, and may your empire stand the test of time!