Civilization 7 is changing a lot about the core formula fans have enjoyed for so many years. While the basic gameplay principles remain the same, much has been changed when it comes to leaders, the various ages, and even how the maps work. There has been much discourse surrounding these changes, but one detail has gone somewhat unnoticed, despite the fact that it could have a huge impact on the series.

With Civ 7 reimagining the 4X genre, it can be hard to get everything right. Some fans have expressed disappointment in certain fan-favorite features being removed. However, many of the changes have been implemented to refresh the series and ensure that it doesn't grow too stale for fans. This also applies to the various map types, which, thanks to some fundamental structure changes, one is being removed.

Civ 7 Doesn’t Appear To Have Pangaea

It's Been Removed To Make Way For The Distant Lands Mechanic

The huge sprawling interconnected map type, Pangaea, which brought together every continent to create one supercontinent, has been removed from Civilization 7. This was revealed by Pixel, Polygone & Plauderei in an interview with one of Civ 7's producers, Dennis Shirk, at Gamescom 2024. During the interview, Shrik mentioned that, due to the focus on Ages, the Pangaea map type is no longer feasible. He stated:

"Because of the way the game works, and because of the way the oceans are locked, the only thing we don't have in Civ [7] right now, unless you do it in a single Age, is the concept of Pangaea."

This is thanks to the brand-new single Age mode in Civ 7 that allows players to focus on just one Age, something that's perfect for shorter games. Shrik implies that the Pangaea map type will still be available in that game mode.

Civ 7’s Exploration Age Focuses On Naval Discovery

Venturing Out To Distant Continents Is Important

Civilization 7's Exploration Age is all centered around discovering the New World and players unlocking the ability to venture forth to new lands. This is all part of Civ 7's historical accuracy focus, which exists to give players a more realistic progression through time. It is also something that is very important to both the team behind Civilization 7 and its director, Ed Beach. In that same interview, Shrik mentions how the discovery of new lands, no matter what map type or shape players picked, was integral to the game's ethos. He explained:

"The idea of finding the New World is very important to us and important to Ed [Beach]. So, there always has to be those core two areas on the map for you to find. You can have, you know, scattered islands, you can have different kinds of shapes and really cool stuff, but there's always got to be at least two."

While certainly a departure from the original Civilization experience, it should, in theory, present a more focused and predictable progression as players work towards hitting certain milestones per Age. Of course, it does come at the cost of iconic features, like the Pangaea map type, which is understandably upsetting Civilization 7 fans. However, it remains to be seen just how drastically it affects the game.

Distant Lands Is A Major New Civ 7 Concept

It Encourages A Certain Style Of Progression

Distant Lands is, after all, a brand-new concept for the Civilization series, something seemingly spearheaded by the game's director, Ed Beach. It will offer a whole new way of approaching Civilization and could end up being more newcomer-friendly thanks to its more linear approach. Hopefully, it'll continue to give that same level of freedom afforded by earlier entries to players who want it, as it would be a shame for it to come at the detriment of their experience.

However, while the loss of the Pangaea map type in most game modes is somewhat disappointing, if it allows the developers to try something new and experiment with the franchise, then it will be absolutely worth it. Civilization 7 will be a new experience for hardcore fans, but it also offers the potential for the 4X genre to move forward and expand into something entirely new. With Pangaea gone, Civilization 7's core experience may feel different, but hopefully, the new individual elements can still come together to offer an equally compelling experience.

Source: Pixel, Polygone & Plauderei/YouTube