Firaxis has released a new developer update video for Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, giving an overview of Update 1.4.1, which is scheduled to arrive on June 23.
The headline feature is the return of hotseat multiplayer, allowing multiple players to take turns locally on the same device. This has been a familiar option in previous Civilization games, so its arrival should be welcome news for players who enjoy local multiplayer.
The update also adds a new Archipelago map type using Civ7’s newer Voronoi-based map generation system. Firaxis says this should create more organic and randomized island-heavy worlds, with two archipelago regions and distant lands scattered around the map. The previous version of the map will remain available as Archipelago Hemispheres.
Another major part of the update is an overhaul to happiness, governments, and celebrations. Settlements will now have five different happiness moods rather than a simple happy/unhappy state, and expectations will rise as the game advances through the ages. Governments will also gain effects based on how happy your settlements are, as well as passive bonuses and exclusive traditions on the civics tree. Celebrations are being changed from broad percentage boosts into government-themed bonuses, and will now last 6 turns instead of 10.
Alongside Update 1.4.1, Firaxis is releasing Part 1 of the Brush & Blade Collection, focused on historical East Asia. The first part adds Toyotomi Hideyoshi as a new leader, plus Heian Japan and Sengoku Japan as new civilizations. The collection also includes new unique units such as the Shinobi, Samurai, and Yumi, along with four new wonders and profile customization items. Part 2 is planned for later this summer.
You can watch the full developer update above, and discuss Update 1.4.1 with other Civ fans in our Civ7 forums.