A New Dawn for Strategy Lovers
Ever dreamed of touching your empire, moving units like chess pieces, or negotiating with historical leaders face-to-face? That dream becomes a reality with Civilization VII - VR , the exclusive version for Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S that redefines what it means to play strategy. Launching in Spring 2025, this adaptation is not a simple "port" of the traditional version: it's an experience designed from the ground up to exploit the possibilities of virtual and mixed reality. If you thought building a civilization from a keyboard was immersive, wait until you see how it feels to do it with your own hands .
What Makes Civilization VII - VR Unique?
The Command Table: Your Window to the World
Imagine a game board spread out in front of you, where each hexagon represents a territory to be conquered. This is how the Command Table works, the heart of this VR version. With natural gestures, you can:
- Stack military units as if they were physical figurines.
- Redirect rivers by pinching the air, altering the terrain to favor your agriculture.
- Build wonders like the Hanging Gardens, whose interactive irrigation systems you can manipulate.
Additionally, the game alternates between two modes:
- Virtual Museum: A luxurious environment where your civilization unfolds like a historical model.
- Mixed Reality: Using the Quest's cameras, the Command Table is projected into your room, allowing you to walk around your empire.
Diplomacy Comes Alive: Breathing Leaders
Remember negotiating with Gandhi on screen? Now, he (or Cleopatra, or Napoleon) will appear as a hologram in your real-world space , reacting to your decisions with gestures and facial expressions. If you declare war, you'll see his anger; if you propose an alliance, his smile will be almost tangible.
Practical example:
"Imagine you're in your living room. You turn your head and there's Alexander the Great, crossing his arms as he demands tribute. With a gesture, you can roll a virtual die to decide your response, feeling the tension of diplomacy in your bones."
Technical Innovations: Beyond Command
Gesture and Voice Controls
Forget buttons: here, your hands are the interface. To plan a city:
1. Draw the urban limits with your finger.
2. Drag buildings from a floating menu.
3. Punch the air to start building.
And in real-time battles (a first for the series), shouting commands like "Archers, attack!" will activate your units, adding a frantic level of immersion.
Cross-Platform Saves:
Did you play on PC and want to continue in VR? Your saves sync, allowing you to switch between devices without losing progress.
Asymmetric Multiplayer: VR vs Screen
Up to four players can join, but with a twist: Quest users see the game in 3D, while PC/console users see it in 2D. The advantage? Quest users can lean to peer at their opponent's board , adding a never-before-seen tactical element.
How Does It Compare to the Traditional Version?
| Feature | Civilization VII (PC/Consoles) | Civilization VII - VR |
| Interface | Classic menus | Gestures and 3D manipulation |
| Game Speed | Standard shifts | Accelerated option for VR |
| Battle Mode | Strategic turns | Real-time sequences |
| Price | $69.99 | To be confirmed (similar estimate) |
Note: The VR version is a standalone game, it does not include all the expansions planned for PC.
Criticisms and Promised Improvements
The PC/console release on February 11th was met with criticism for its complex interface and bugs. However, Firaxis has already announced patches for:
- Simplify menus.
- Add accessibility options (such as adjustable subtitles).
- Fix synchronization errors in multiplayer.
For the VR version, the developers say they've learned from these mistakes, prioritizing a **smooth learning curve** for new players.
Is the Jump to VR Worth It?
If you're a Civilization fan, this version is a revolution worth checking out. Not only because it's new, but because it turns strategy into a physical, almost tactile experience. Be prepared to lose track of time. After all, who needs sleep when you're building an empire?
Ready to take control with your own hands? Visit GSMPRO.CL to see our Virtual Reality Equipment Catalog and all its accessories.