Civilization 7 to Feature Returning Gandhi: Firaxis Expresses Optimism

Civilization VII's launch has left many veteran players wondering about the absence of a familiar face: Mahatma Gandhi. A staple of the series since its inception in 1991, Gandhi's omission is notable, especially given his association with the infamous (and ultimately mythical) "Nuclear Gandhi" bug.

Lead designer Ed Beach addressed this concern, offering reassurance to fans. While Gandhi isn't present in the base game, Beach confirmed that his inclusion as DLC is a strong possibility. He emphasized that Firaxis hasn't forgotten past leaders and civilizations, citing the initial absence of Great Britain and other historically significant entities in the base game as a similar instance. These, along with others, are planned for future DLC releases, with Carthage and Great Britain arriving in March 2025 as part of The Crossroads of the World collection.

Beach explained Firaxis' selection process, noting that some iconic civilizations are intentionally omitted from the base game to make room for newer, exciting additions. He highlighted the previous absence of Mongolia and Persia in earlier Civilization titles as examples of this strategic choice. However, he reiterated that there's a long-term plan to incorporate beloved leaders like Gandhi into the game.

While the future holds hope for Gandhi's return, Firaxis is currently focusing on addressing player feedback regarding Civilization VII. The game's "mixed" Steam reviews highlight concerns about the user interface, limited map variety, and missing features. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick acknowledged this criticism but expressed confidence in the game's long-term success, believing the core fanbase will appreciate the game more with time.

For those seeking to conquer the world in Civilization VII, resources are available to aid in your quest. Guides cover all victory conditions, significant changes from Civilization VI, crucial mistakes to avoid, map types, and difficulty settings.