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Civilization VII is doing something special with their next collection – they’re giving it away.
Creative director Ed Beach shared this announcement in their latest blog update:
With 1.3.0, we’re introducing a new sea-themed Content Collection called Tides of Power.
As a special thanks to all our players who’ve been with us playing the game, providing feedback, creating content, and more, this collection will be free for Civilization VII players to claim from the time it goes live on November 4 until January 5, 2026 across all platforms*.
More details will come November 4 on how to claim this collection for free.
What Is In Update 1.3.0?
Before we talk about the Tides of Power collection, we should briefly look at what is coming in update 1.3.0. Whether you own Tides of Power or not, these other features will be added to everyone who plays Civilization VII.
These are dedicated to naval updates, which support Tides of Power but will be part of the game as a whole.
For one, they’re adding a new building called the Harbor. This will be the new spawn point for naval units moving forward.
Speaking of naval units, they’re also adding a new ship called the Privateer. Fitting their name, Privateers are light units that specialize in raiding and pillaging. So like piracy, but legitimized by an actual state.
Speaking of which, naval combat is getting an overhaul to separate ships between light and heavy units. There will now also be ranged ship units, so that you can have naval battles that aren’t melee based.
They’re also adding new terrains in Atolls and Lotus, and new resources in Crabs, Turtles, Cowries, and Pitch.
What Is In Tides Of Power?
Tides of Power launches on November 4 with a new leader. Unfortunately, this new leader is the notorious pirate Edward Teach, AKA Blackbeard.
Firaxis is also adding the island of Tonga (the home country of legendary professional wrestler Haku!) and a civilization they have named The Republic of Pirates.
The second part of Tides of Power will introduce Sayyida al Hurra, one of the greatest historical figures in the Islamic West. Sayyida is also part myth, as she is known as the pirate queen of the Mediterranean.
We’re not 100 % sure how close that reputation matches reality, but it makes her a fascinating character to play in the future.
Joining Sayyida are the civilizations of the Ottomans, her old friends, and Iceland.
Tides Of Power Will Be Free – But Not Forever
Firaxis explained the rules of the giveaway on their site. You can claim Tides of Power starting November 4, AKA one week from now.
You’ll get Edward Teach, Tonga, and the Republic of Pirates from day one. If you claim it after the second part comes out, you’ll get the full package.
If you don’t get it this year, you can still get it at the start of January 2026. The giveaway ends on January 5, 2026, at 6:59 AM PT. Afterwards, the game will go up on sale.
We don’t know when Tides of Power part 2 is coming out yet, or the price for Tides of Power after the giveaway ends. But if you’re a fan, you will definitely want to check in and claim this collection for free while you still can.
