Civilization 7 Dev Firaxis Says 'There's Hope for Gandhi, Yet'

Civilization 7's release has left many veteran players wondering about the absence of a familiar face: Mahatma Gandhi. A staple of the series since 1991, his omission is notable. This absence, however, is not an oversight, according to Civilization 7 lead designer Ed Beach.

Beach confirmed that Gandhi's return is planned, likely as DLC. He explained that Firaxis has a broader roadmap for adding civilizations, prioritizing a mix of established favorites and fresh additions. The initial Civ 7 launch intentionally omitted some iconic leaders to make room for new entries. The absence of Great Britain, for example, is also temporary; it's part of the March 2025 "Crossroads of the World" DLC, alongside Carthage, with Bulgaria and Nepal to follow.

Beach highlighted that leaving out popular choices is a necessary part of the process, ensuring a balance between established favorites and exciting newcomers. While some key figures are absent from the base game, Firaxis' long-term plan ensures their eventual inclusion. Thus, Gandhi's fans can remain hopeful.

Top Civ 7 Leaders

Currently, Civilization 7 is facing mixed reviews on Steam, with concerns raised about the user interface, map variety, and missing features. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick acknowledged the negative feedback but expressed confidence in the game's long-term success, believing the core fanbase will appreciate it more with continued play.

Need help conquering the world? Consult our guides on achieving every Civ 7 victory type, understanding the key differences for Civ 6 players, and avoiding common mistakes. We also provide detailed explanations of map types and difficulty settings.