Gandhi's Fate in Civilization 7: Firaxis Offers Hope

Civilization VII has arrived, and a familiar face is missing: Gandhi. A staple of the series since 1991, his absence has sparked considerable discussion among veteran players. This isn't just nostalgia; Gandhi's inclusion is practically synonymous with the Civilization franchise, even giving rise to the legendary (and ultimately mythical) "Nuclear Gandhi" bug.

So, where is he? According to Civilization VII lead designer Ed Beach, Gandhi's absence is temporary. Beach offered reassurance to concerned fans, stating that Firaxis hasn't forgotten past leaders. He acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the omission of other prominent civilizations like Great Britain, noting that Carthage and Great Britain are included in The Crossroads of the World DLC, releasing March 2025, along with Bulgaria and Nepal.

Beach explained Firaxis' selection process, highlighting that even iconic civilizations like Mongolia and Persia were absent from previous base games. The decision to omit certain leaders reflects a balance between including fresh choices and honoring established favorites. While some must be left out initially, Beach confirmed that Gandhi's inclusion is part of Firaxis' long-term plans. Hope remains for his eventual return.

Best Civ 7 Leaders

Best Civ 7 Leaders

Meanwhile, Civilization VII's launch hasn't been without its challenges. Mixed user reviews on Steam cite concerns about the user interface, limited map variety, and missing features. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick acknowledged the negative feedback in an interview with IGN, expressing confidence that the game's reception will improve with continued play and calling the early performance "very encouraging."

Need help conquering the world? Our guides cover everything from achieving every victory type in Civ VII, highlighting key differences for Civ VI players, and avoiding crucial mistakes. We also explain the various map types and difficulty settings to help you strategize your global domination.