Gandhi's Return Hinted as Civilization 7 Dev Firaxis Remarks

Civilization VII's launch has left some veteran players questioning the absence of a familiar face: Mahatma Gandhi. A staple of the series since 1991, his omission is notable.

Gandhi's absence isn't due to oversight, according to Civilization VII lead designer Ed Beach. In a recent interview, Beach offered reassurance that Gandhi's inclusion is planned, likely as DLC. He highlighted the extensive roadmap for future content, explaining that some civilizations, like Great Britain, are better suited for later releases. The Crossroads of the World Collection DLC, arriving in March 2025, will introduce Carthage and Great Britain, followed by Bulgaria and Nepal.

Beach also pointed out that iconic civilizations have been absent from base games in previous installments (Mongolia and Persia in Civ V and VI). The decision to omit certain leaders reflects a balance between including fresh, exciting choices and the sheer number of popular options.

While Gandhi's eventual return is promising, Firaxis is currently addressing community concerns regarding Civilization VII. Steam user reviews reflect mixed opinions, citing issues with the user interface, limited map variety, and the perceived lack of key features at launch. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick acknowledged the negative feedback but expressed confidence in the game's long-term success, suggesting the "legacy Civ audience" will warm to the game with increased playtime.

For players eager to conquer the world in Civ VII, resources are available to help. Guides covering victory strategies, key differences from Civ VI, common mistakes to avoid, map types, and difficulty settings are readily accessible.