Civilization VII has two releases planned for 2027: Arc of Tomorrow will be a major free update for game owners, subject to conditions, while Earthrise will be the game’s first paid expansion. Both projects are described in Firaxis’s October 30 recap, which also offers news for Feature Workshop participants.
The October recap published on Steam gives a 2027 release window for both projects, without specifying a month or day. Firaxis says those selected for the Feature Workshop have received an email with further details.
Arc of Tomorrow brings the Atomic Age
Arc of Tomorrow is set to introduce the Atomic Age, along with new civilizations and leaders. Firaxis has also announced mechanics for nuclear proliferation and proxy wars, although it has not yet explained their rules. How those mechanics will affect a game remains to be seen.
The update is described as free for Civilization VII owners, with the base game required and conditions applying. The October recap does not list the platforms covered. For owners interested in the new era, the announcement separates the update from the paid expansion, though the conditions will matter when more details are available.
Earthrise focuses on the environment and space
Earthrise will also add civilizations and leaders, alongside features centered on environmental adaptation and space missions intended to enrich civilization on Earth. Its space missions are therefore presented in connection with the civilization players are developing on Earth.
Firaxis describes Earthrise as the game’s first paid expansion. It has not disclosed a price in the October recap. Players considering it will need that information to judge the cost; the announced free status of Arc of Tomorrow applies to the update, subject to its conditions.
Selected Workshop testers have been contacted
Firaxis says people selected to test Arc of Tomorrow and Earthrise through the Feature Workshop have received an email with details. Selected participants can check their inbox for the studio’s message.
The studio also plans community previews at the start of the Feature Workshop. The recap does not give a start date or say exactly which features will be tested, and it does not confirm that applications are currently open.
For now, the distinction is between a free update introducing the Atomic Age and a paid expansion exploring environmental adaptation and space missions. Both are planned for 2027, with exact dates and Earthrise’s price still to come.