Sid Meier’s Civilization VII has made a remarkable leap on the Nintendo Switch 2, transforming the handheld experience for strategy fans. The upgraded version boasts enhanced visuals, smoother frame rates hitting up to 60fps, and support for larger maps and more players in multiplayer modes. One of the standout features is the new Joy-Con 2 controller’s mouse support, which brings a PC-like precision to navigating menus and issuing commands, making the gameplay far more intuitive compared to the original Switch version. These improvements make the Switch 2 edition arguably the best way to enjoy Civ VII on the go.
Early Game Strategies
Starting strong in Civilization VII is crucial, especially in the first 10-30 turns. A key mechanic to understand is the Discovery system, which replaces the traditional goodie huts with unique map locations offering powerful rewards. Alongside exploration, focusing on production in your capital city is essential. Buildings like Saw Pits and Brickyards boost production, enabling faster unit and building creation. Prioritise technologies such as Animal Husbandry and Pottery early on to enhance these production buildings. Feeding your capital with food from surrounding towns lets you delay food-building investments while maintaining growth.
Navigating the UI and Controls on Switch 2
One of the biggest hurdles for newcomers to Civ VII on the Switch was the clunky and sometimes confusing UI. Thankfully, the Switch 2 upgrade addresses this with mouse-style controls using the Joy-Con 2 controller. This feature drastically improves menu navigation and command issuing, reducing guesswork and frustration. However, the small size of the Joy-Con mouse can be uncomfortable over long sessions, so a dedicated accessory would be a welcome addition. Still, this control option is a game-changer for handheld Civ VII players, making the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Multiplayer and Cross-Play Features
Civilization VII on Switch 2 supports multiplayer with up to six players in the Modern Age and fewer in earlier Ages, expanding the social aspect of the game. Cross-play is enabled between PC and consoles, allowing you to compete or cooperate with friends regardless of platform. The Switch 2 also introduces GameChat functionality, enhancing communication during multiplayer matches.
My Take and Conclusion
As a long-time fan of the Civilization series and a Switch user, I find the Switch 2 edition of Civilization VII a significant step forward. The graphical improvements and performance boosts make the game visually appealing and fluid, while the new mouse controls solve one of the biggest pain points for handheld players. It balances complexity with usability, making it a perfect entry point for beginners and a satisfying challenge for veterans. Whether you want to build a sprawling empire alone or test your mettle against friends, Civilization VII on Switch 2 is a must-play strategy title that truly shines on this platform.
