Civilization VII Editions Comparison: Standard vs Deluxe vs Founders

Hey, strategists! Thinking about getting Sid Meier’s Civilization VII but not sure which edition is worth your money? Let’s break down everything—Standard, Deluxe, and Founders—so you can make the most informed choice.
STANDARD EDITION – The Base Game
- This is the core Civilization VII experience, including all base features such as:
- New civilizations and leaders built from the ground up with fresh mechanics.
- Updated AI that adapts better to different playstyles.
- Improved diplomacy and city-building features.
- More strategic combat and enhanced unit interactions.
- A new economy and trade system to deepen long-term planning.
- Ideal for players who just want the full base game without additional content or bonuses.
BONUS (Pre-Order Exclusive)
- If you pre-ordered before launch, you received the Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack, which adds:
- Tecumseh as a leader – This historic Shawnee leader is known for his unification efforts and military prowess.
- Shawnee Civilization – Play as the Shawnee with unique abilities, units, and buildings reflecting their real-world history.
- This pre-order bonus is not included post-launch, but the Shawnee civilization may become available as DLC in the future.
DELUXE EDITION – More Content, Early Access, and Extra Features
This edition builds on the Standard Edition by adding early access and two major DLC packs.
✅ EARLY ACCESS (5 Days Before Official Release)
- Deluxe Edition buyers get to start playing five days ahead of the official launch.
- Gives you a head start on exploring the new mechanics, learning new civs, and strategizing your early-game advantages.
✅ INCLUDES TECUMSEH AND SHAWNEE PACK
- Same bonus from the Standard pre-order, so Deluxe buyers also get this leader and civ automatically.
✅ CROSSROADS OF THE WORLD COLLECTION (Post-Launch DLC)
A major content pack that expands Civilization VII with fresh civilizations, leaders, and wonders over time.
- 2 Additional Leaders – New leaders with unique playstyles and abilities that shake up existing civ strategies.
- 4 New Civilizations – Adds four entirely new civilizations, each bringing new units, buildings, and cultural mechanics.
- 4 New Natural Wonders – Expands the map with new wonders that provide different strategic benefits.
- Cosmetic Bonuses – Exclusive aesthetic enhancements for leaders, units, or UI elements.
✅ DELUXE CONTENT PACK (Bonus Content)
Extra in-game bonuses that give you more ways to personalize your playthrough.
- 2 Leader Personas – Alternative versions of existing leaders with unique abilities and strategies.
- 4 Profile Customizations – Extra UI customization options to make your in-game player profile stand out.
- 1 Alternate Scout Skin – A cosmetic change for your scouts, making them visually unique on the map.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
- Players who want early access and more civilizations and leaders to expand their strategic options.
- Those who enjoy cosmetic customization and unique leader abilities.
👑 FOUNDERS EDITION – The Ultimate Civilization VII Experience
This all-inclusive package is for dedicated fans who want everything Civilization VII has to offer, including exclusive content and six future DLCs.
🔥 EVERYTHING FROM THE DELUXE EDITION, PLUS:
- Early Access (5 Days Before Launch)
- Tecumseh and Shawnee Pack
- Crossroads of the World Collection
- Deluxe Content Pack
🔥 RIGHT TO RULE COLLECTION (Post-Launch DLC)
An even larger content pack released after launch, adding even more civilizations, leaders, and wonders.
- 2 More Leaders – Additional historical figures with fresh abilities, altering how their civilizations function.
- 4 More Civilizations – Further expands your choices beyond the Deluxe Edition content.
- 4 New Wonders – Introduces powerful new monuments that change the game by providing unique global bonuses.
- Exclusive Cosmetic Bonus – More visual enhancements for your empire.
🔥 FOUNDERS CONTENT PACK (Exclusive In-Game Perks)
Designed for hardcore Civilization players, this pack adds rare and unique customization items.
- 2 Exclusive Leader Personas – Special leader variations with unique playstyles.
- 4 Additional Profile Customizations – More ways to customize your in-game profile.
- 1 Fog of War Tile Set – A different graphical style for your map’s fog of war, exclusive to Founders Edition.
- 1 Founders-Themed Palace Skin – A unique in-game palace showcasing your status as a Founder’s Edition player.
🔥 SIX FUTURE DLC EXPANSIONS (Up to September 2025)
The Founders Edition guarantees access to all six major DLCs planned for the first year.
- Each DLC may include new leaders, civilizations, wonders, game modes, or mechanics.
- No need to purchase expansions separately—you’ll get everything included.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
- Hardcore Civilization fans who want all the extra content and future expansions.
- Players who love collecting rare customization items.
- Those who plan to play long-term and want ongoing new content without buying each expansion separately.
🛠️ WHICH EDITION SHOULD YOU BUY?
Here’s a quick buyer’s guide to help you decide:
Feature | Standard | Deluxe | Founders |
---|---|---|---|
Base Game | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Tecumseh & Shawnee Pack | Pre-Order Only | ✅ | ✅ |
Early Access | ❌ | ✅ (5 Days) | ✅ (5 Days) |
Crossroads of the World Collection | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Deluxe Content Pack | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Right to Rule Collection | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Founders Content Pack | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Six Future DLCs | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
⚖️ FINAL VERDICT: WHICH VERSION IS BEST FOR YOU?
- Standard Edition – If you just want the core Civilization VII experience.
- Deluxe Edition – If you love new civilizations and leaders, plus early access and customization perks.
- Founders Edition – If you want EVERYTHING Civilization VII has to offer, including future expansions, exclusive skins, and all DLCs.
If you plan to play for years, the Founders Edition gives the best long-term value by including all post-launch content. But if you’re on a budget or just want the core game, Standard or Deluxe could be the way to go.
Hope this helped! Which edition are you getting? Drop a comment below. And as always, happy conquering!