Civilization 7 introduces a dynamic new feature with the Ages mechanic, allowing players to transition through Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern Ages while swapping out civilizations. Despite this change, the leader you choose remains constant throughout the game, providing unique abilities that can significantly impact your strategy. To help you navigate this new system, we've compiled a detailed tier list of every leader in Civilization 7, focusing on their strengths and weaknesses in a standard, single-player setting.
Note: This tier list does not consider synergies with civilizations and excludes multiplayer scenarios and DLC leaders such as Ada Lovelace and Simón Bolívar.
S-Tier - Confucius, Xerxes King of Kings, Ashoka World Conquerer, Augustus
A-Tier - Ashoka World Renouncer, Benjamin Franklin, Charlemagne, Harriet Tubman, Hatshepsut, Himiko High Shaman, Isabella, Jose Rizal, Machiavelli, Trung Trac, Xerxes The Achaemenid
B-Tier - Amina, Catherine The Great, Friedrich Oblique, Ibn Battuta, Lafayette, Napoleon Emperor, Napoleon Revolution, Tecumseh, Himiko Queen of Wa
C-Tier - Friedrich Baroque, Pachacuti
### S-Tier: Ashoka, World Conquerer
Ashoka, World Conquerer excels at leveraging happiness to fuel military dominance. With +1 Production for every 5 excess Happiness in Cities and +10% Production in Settlements not founded by you, you can rapidly build up your forces. Declaring a Formal War grants a Celebration, boosting your units with +5 Combat Strength against Districts. This leader's ability to convert happiness into military power makes them a formidable force, provided you manage unrest from conquered settlements effectively.
Augustus thrives by expanding widely with settlements, gaining +2 Production in the Capital for every Town and the ability to purchase Culture Buildings in Towns at a 50% discount. His strategy focuses on maintaining numerous Towns without upgrading them to Cities, which maximizes his production and cultural output while saving resources. Augustus is ideal for players aiming to build a robust empire through settlement and economic management.
Confucius is the go-to leader for rapid city expansion, offering a +25% Growth Rate in Cities and +2 Science from Specialists. This early growth advantage allows you to claim key resources swiftly and become a technological powerhouse in the later stages of the game. While Confucius may need additional military support, his ability to expand and advance technologically makes him a top choice for players focused on growth and science.
Xerxes, King of Kings is tailored for aggressive military expansion, with +3 Combat Strength for Units attacking in neutral or enemy territory. Capturing a settlement grants 100 Culture and Gold per Age, alongside a +10% Gold increase in all Settlements. With an additional Settlement limit per Age, Xerxes is perfect for those pursuing a Military Victory, rewarding aggressive play and territorial conquest.
### A-Tier: Ashoka, World Renouncer
Ashoka, World Renouncer shifts focus from military to population growth, converting excess Happiness into Food (+1 Food per 5 excess Happiness) and boosting Food production during Celebrations. This leader excels in managing large populations and expanding borders, offering a different but equally powerful approach to utilizing happiness.
Benjamin Franklin is ideal for players aiming for a Science Victory, with bonuses to Science and Production from Production Buildings. His ability to engage in multiple Endeavors further enhances his scientific output, making him a versatile leader for those who want to advance quickly through the tech tree.
Charlemagne combines military and scientific prowess, gaining Happiness from Military and Science Buildings and free Cavalry Units during Celebrations. With +5 Combat Strength for Cavalry Units during these periods, Charlemagne is well-suited for early and mid-game dominance, though he may face challenges in the Modern Age.
Harriet Tubman excels in stealth and espionage, with +100% Influence towards initiating Espionage Actions and 5 War Support when wars are declared against her. Her units' ability to ignore vegetation movement penalties adds to her defensive and offensive flexibility, making her a strategic choice for those who enjoy subterfuge.
Hatshepsut focuses on cultural development, gaining +1 Culture for every imported Resource and +15% Production towards Buildings and Wonders near Navigable Rivers. This leader is perfect for those aiming to excel in the Culture Legacy Paths, leveraging trade and strategic city placement.
Himiko, High Shaman is a culture powerhouse, with significant bonuses to Happiness Buildings and Culture output. While her Science output suffers during Celebrations, her ability to generate Culture makes her a top choice for cultural victories, provided you manage the science deficit effectively.
Isabella can gain substantial early-game advantages by discovering Natural Wonders, gaining 300 Gold and doubled yields if in Distant Lands. Her naval focus, with reduced maintenance costs and bonuses to purchasing Naval Units, makes her a strong choice for those who control the seas.
Jose Rizal excels in maximizing Celebration benefits, with extended durations and increased Happiness towards Celebrations. His additional Culture and Gold from Narrative Events further enhance his cultural strategy, making him ideal for players focusing on cultural victories.
Machiavelli is the master of diplomacy and deceit, gaining Influence and Gold from Diplomatic Actions and the ability to declare Formal Wars without Relationship requirements. His ability to levy units from City-States not under his control adds a layer of strategic depth, perfect for players who enjoy manipulating the political landscape.
Trung Trac focuses on Army Commanders, starting with three free levels and a 20% experience boost. Her Science bonus in Tropical Spaces, especially during wars, makes her a strong choice for players aiming to leverage military and scientific advantages.
Xerxes, The Achaemenid excels in economic and cultural growth, gaining Culture and Gold from Trade Routes, Roads, and Unique Buildings. His extra Trade Route limit per leader further enhances his economic strategy, making him a versatile choice for players seeking a balanced approach.
### B-Tier: Amina
Amina focuses on resource management, with increased Resource Capacity and Gold generation from assigned Resources. Her units gain Combat Strength in Plains or Desert, making her a decent choice for players who can leverage resource-rich environments.
Catherine the Great is a cultural specialist, gaining Culture from Great Works and additional slots for them. Her Science boost in Tundra regions adds versatility, though her effectiveness depends on map placement.
Friedrich, Oblique enhances Army Commanders with the Merit Commendation and provides Infantry Units from Science Buildings. While he lacks direct yield bonuses, his military focus can be valuable in the right context.
Ibn Battuta offers flexibility with Wildcard Attribute Points and increased visibility through Trade Maps. His versatility makes him suitable for players who enjoy adapting to various game scenarios.
Lafayette provides bonuses to Combat Strength from Traditions and Culture and Happiness from Settlements, especially in Distant Lands. His Reform Endeavor adds strategic depth, though his traits are less impactful in isolation.
Napoleon, Emperor thrives on being disliked, gaining Gold from Unfriendly or Hostile leaders and disrupting trade with the Continental System Sanction. His strategy requires careful management of relationships and military strength.
Napoleon, Revolutionary focuses on mobility and defensive Culture generation, with +1 Movement for all Land Units and Culture from defending enemy units. His playstyle is unique but requires frequent defensive engagements.
Tecumseh benefits from being Suzerain of City-States, gaining Food, Production, and Combat Strength. His potential is high, but achieving Suzerain status requires significant setup and time.
Himiko, Queen of Wa excels in diplomacy, gaining Science from friendly relationships and the Friend of Wei Endeavor. Her strategy requires maintaining positive relationships, which can be challenging in competitive settings.
### C-Tier: Friedrich, Baroque
Friedrich, Baroque offers a Great Work upon capturing a Settlement and an Infantry Unit from Culture Buildings. While these traits are useful, they lack the impact to compete with stronger leaders.
Pachacuti's effectiveness hinges on proximity to Mountains, gaining Food and Happiness bonuses. Without favorable map placement, his impact is minimal, making him a risky choice for players who prefer a more neutral starting position.
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