Sid Meier’s iconic Civilization franchise is entering the virtual reality world with Civilization VII – VR, set to launch on Meta Quest headsets this spring. 2K and Firaxis Games have announced that the game will be available on the Quest 3 and 3S, though an exact release date and pricing details have yet to be revealed.
A board game-style experience in virtual reality
To adapt the turn-based strategy game for VR, Civilization VII – VR will feature a “board game-like construction” that appears within your physical space using the Quest’s passthrough cameras. Alternatively, you can play in an entirely virtual setting designed to resemble a museum, with a personalised vista based on your chosen leader. According to a Meta blog post, you can seamlessly switch between these modes anytime.
In multiplayer mode, the game takes an interactive approach by presenting opponents as digital avatars of their selected leaders seated around a virtual game table. This design aims to create a more immersive and strategic experience, enhancing the classic Civilization gameplay with a new social dimension.
Adjustable pacing for an optimised VR experience
Meta claims that Civilization VII – VR delivers the “true Civ experience” on the Quest, allowing you to choose from various historical leaders to shape your civilization. A notable difference from the traditional game versions is its faster default pace, catering to the reality that extended VR sessions can sometimes be uncomfortable. However, players will have the option to adjust the speed to their preference.
While the full extent of the game’s similarities to its PC and console counterparts remains to be seen, Civilization VII – VR is set to introduce a fresh way to experience the long-running strategy series. More details, including an official release date, are expected in the coming months.
