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. The infamous "Nuclear Gandhi" bug, though ultimately a myth, cemented his place in Civilization lore.
So, where is he? According to Civilization VII lead designer Ed Beach, Gandhi's omission isn't a permanent one. Beach offered reassurance, suggesting Gandhi's inclusion is planned for future DLC. He highlighted the difficulty in including every historical figure, noting that even major civilizations like Great Britain were initially absent from the base game (Carthage and Great Britain are now included in the March 2025 Crossroads of the World Collection DLC, alongside Bulgaria and Nepal). Beach explained that Firaxis prioritizes a balance between established favorites and fresh additions, leading to some omissions in the initial release. He confirmed that a long-term plan exists to incorporate beloved leaders like Gandhi.
In short: hope remains for Gandhi's return.
Best Civ 7 Leaders
Best Civ 7 Leaders
Meanwhile, Civilization VII's launch hasn't been without its challenges. The game's "mixed" Steam reviews reflect community concerns regarding the user interface, limited map variety, and the perceived absence of key features. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick acknowledged the negative feedback in a recent interview with IGN, expressing confidence that the core Civilization audience will eventually embrace the game, citing early performance as "very encouraging."
Need help conquering the world? Consult our guides covering every Civ VII victory condition, key changes for Civ VI players, and common mistakes to avoid. We've also detailed explanations of all map types and difficulty settings to help you prepare.
