Firaxis has released update 1.3.1 for Civilization VII, introducing the second half of the Tides of Power Collection with new leader Sayyida al Hurra and civilizations Ottomans and Iceland. The patch also features a new Shattered Seas map type, refined biome generation, and balance adjustments across multiple civilizations. Players can claim the Tides of Power Collection for free until January 5, 2026.
New Content: Tides of Power Part Two
Update 1.3.1 delivers the second installment of the Tides of Power Collection, which is free to claim on all platforms until January 5, 2026. This content introduces leader Sayyida al Hurra, a Diplomatic and Militaristic figure who ruled Tétouan and allied with Barbary corsairs. Her abilities include receiving a Naval Unit after completing Espionage Actions, boosted Culture and Influence from stationed Naval Units, no penalties for revealed Espionage, immunity to Counter Spy, and relationship adjustments based on opponents' naval strength.
The update adds the Exploration Age civilization Iceland (Militaristic and Cultural), with unique ability Kringla Heimsins granting Culture from discovering Natural Wonders in Distant Lands. It features unique unit Saga Hero (Civilian) and Vikingr (Naval, with Science from Coastal Raiding), plus the Reykjaholt Wonder in Tundra for boosted Military Production.
The Modern Age Ottomans (Militaristic and Cultural) join via unique ability Devlet-i Aliye-i Osmaniye, providing extra Artifacts from excavations in their territory and Combat Strength bonuses for Infantry and Naval Units. Unique units include Barbary Corsair (Light Naval) and Janissary (Infantry), with the Sultanahmet Camii Wonder enhancing Culture and Gold near other Wonders.
Shattered Seas Map and Biomes
A new Shattered Seas map type combines Pangaea and Archipelago elements, featuring large islands separated by shallow water, ideal for early naval expansion. Distant Lands islands appear in the Exploration Age, with coastal visuals added to the minimap. Biome generation has been overhauled, adjusting rainfall, wind, mountains' rain shadows, river access, and latitude effects for more natural distributions. Future updates will include settings like sea level and world age.
Balance and New Features
The patch includes a strategic balance pass, nerfing strong civilizations like Egypt (tuning back river bonuses), America (reduced Gold and Influence), and Russia (refined Tundra advantages). Other tweaks affect Rome, Shawnee, and more. The Great Library Wonder is added, offering +4 Science, +1 Science to buildings empire-wide, and Codex Slots, unlocked via Mathematics and placed adjacent to Districts.
Numerous fixes improve AI (better Diplomatic Actions, unit movement), Diplomacy (updated panels), Economy (trade routes, resource bonuses), Military (unit behaviors, Commander XP), and UI (layout improvements, tooltips). Mod compatibility is advised, with Steam beta for legacy saves.
This lighter patch enhances naval themes and refines gameplay ahead of holidays, with ongoing monitoring for further improvements.