Civilization 7 enters atomic age in 2027 with free Arc of Tomorrow update

Civilization 7 will finally move beyond 1950 with Arc of Tomorrow, a major free update planned for 2027. Firaxis announced the expansion of the game's timeline during its roadmap reveal alongside update 1.5.0, which added improved resource generation and an Earth map featuring historically-accurate faction starting locations.

The current version of Civilization 7 ends in 1950, leaving advanced technologies like nuclear submarines and ICBMs absent from play. While players can deploy nuclear weapons via World War 2-era bombers, the modern age remains incomplete. Arc of Tomorrow addresses this gap by introducing a fourth Act that extends gameplay to 2050, bringing what Firaxis describes as "expanded nuclear gameplay" with new units and a "fun twist" on mutually assured destruction mechanics.

Beyond nuclear warfare, the update introduces atomic-era diplomacy options allowing players to negotiate nuclear disarmament or escalate warhead production. A new Cold War system lets players convert settlements into City States and wage proxy wars without direct empire conflict. Additional features include the ability to manufacture enriched uranium and a "Great Works of Film" system where film crews seek ideal global locations for cultural benefits.

Arc of Tomorrow will release alongside Civilization 7's first major expansion, Earthrise, which focuses on space exploration. Unlike previous entries that sequester space gameplay into an end-game phase, Earthrise integrates stellar endeavors throughout the timeline. Players can chart the night sky and name celestial bodies in antiquity, launch orbital missions in the modern age, and establish space agencies to explore the solar system.

Both Arc of Tomorrow and Earthrise are scheduled for 2027, with Firaxis noting that announced features remain in development and subject to change. The free update follows May's Test of Time patch, which brought significant mechanical reworks but left Civilization 7 with Mixed reviews on Steam at 51% positive.