*Civilization 7* introduces a groundbreaking Ages mechanic, allowing you to transition your civilization through Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern Ages. While your chosen leader remains constant throughout your journey, their unique abilities can significantly influence your strategy and success. To aid in your selection process, we’ve compiled a comprehensive tier list of leaders, focusing on their strengths and weaknesses in a standard, single-player game. This guide will help you pick the perfect leader to lead your empire into the Modern Age.
Best Civ 7 Leaders
Note: This tier list does not account for synergies with Civilizations and focuses solely on standard, single-player gameplay. Multiplayer scenarios and DLC leaders, such as Ada Lovelace and Simón Bolívar, are excluded.
Civilization 7 Leader Tier List
S-Tier - Confucius, Xerxes King of Kings, Ashoka World Conquerer, Augustus
A-Tier - Ashoka World Renouncer, Benjamin Franklin, Charlemagne, Harriet Tubman, Hatshepsut, Himiko High Shaman, Isabella, Jose Rizal, Machiavelli, Trung Trac, Xerxes The Achaemenid
B-Tier - Amina, Catherine The Great, Friedrich Oblique, Ibn Battuta, Lafayette, Napoleon Emperor, Napoleon Revolution, Tecumseh, Himiko Queen of Wa
C-Tier - Friedrich Baroque, Pachacuti
S-Tier Leaders
S-Tier: Ashoka, World Conquerer
Ashoka, World Conquerer excels in balancing citizen happiness and military prowess. With +1 Production for every 5 excess Happiness in Cities and +10% Production in Settlements not founded by you, you can rapidly build units and maintain a strong base. Declaring a Formal War triggers a Celebration, granting +5 Combat Strength against Districts for all units. This leader shines in both maintaining peace at home and waging war effectively.
S-Tier: Augustus
Augustus thrives on expanding through numerous Towns. He gains +2 Production in the Capital for every Town and can purchase Culture Buildings in Towns at a 50% discount on Gold. His strategy is straightforward: establish as many Towns as possible, either through settlement or conquest, and turn your Capital into a powerhouse fueled by these satellite towns.
S-Tier: Confucius
Confucius is ideal for players who prioritize rapid city expansion and technological advancement. With a +25% Growth Rate in Cities and +2 Science from Specialists, you can quickly expand your borders and advance your technology. This leader is perfect for those who prefer a peaceful expansion and a strong focus on science.
S-Tier: Xerxes, King of Kings
Xerxes, King of Kings is designed for aggressive players aiming for a Military Victory. He gains +3 Combat Strength for units attacking in neutral or enemy territory and additional Culture and Gold per Age upon capturing a Settlement. With an increased Settlement limit per Age, Xerxes encourages continuous expansion and conquest.
A-Tier Leaders
A-Tier: Ashoka, World Renouncer
Unlike his World Conquerer counterpart, Ashoka, World Renouncer focuses on population growth. He gains +1 Food in Cities for every 5 excess Happiness and +10% Food in all Settlements during a Celebration. This leader suits players who excel at managing large populations and city growth, bypassing the unrest of conquest.
A-Tier: Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin is your go-to leader for a Science-focused game. With +1 Science per Age on Production Buildings, +50% Production towards constructing them, and additional Science from active Endeavors, Franklin creates a powerful feedback loop that accelerates technological progress.
A-Tier: Charlemagne
Charlemagne combines military strength with scientific advancement. He gains Happiness from Military and Science Buildings and receives free Cavalry Units during Celebrations, which gain +5 Combat Strength. His strategy is ideal for early and mid-game dominance, leveraging cavalry to establish a strong empire.
A-Tier: Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman is perfect for players who enjoy espionage and defensive strategies. With +100% Influence towards Espionage Actions and units that ignore movement penalties from Vegetation, she can disrupt other civilizations and maintain a strong defense.
A-Tier: Hatshepsut
Hatshepsut excels in Culture generation through trade. She gains +1 Culture for every imported Resource and +15% Production towards constructing Buildings and Wonders near Navigable Rivers. This leader is ideal for early Culture Legacy Paths and thriving through trade.
A-Tier: Himiko, High Shaman
Himiko, High Shaman is a top choice for Culture-focused players. With +2 Happiness per Age on Happiness Buildings and a +20% Culture boost (doubled during Celebrations), she is a powerhouse in cultural development. However, players must manage the -10% Science penalty.
A-Tier: Isabella
Isabella can gain a significant advantage by discovering Natural Wonders, earning 300 Gold and enhanced tile yields. She also benefits from a strong Navy, making her a versatile leader depending on map placement.
A-Tier: Jose Rizal
Jose Rizal is tailored for players who leverage Celebrations. With extended Celebration duration and increased Happiness towards them, along with additional Culture and Gold from Narrative Events, he excels in cultural strategies.
A-Tier: Machiavelli
Machiavelli thrives on deception and diplomacy. With increased Influence and Gold from Diplomatic Actions, and the ability to declare Formal Wars without Relationship requirements, he is perfect for players who enjoy a cunning, strategic approach.
A-Tier: Trung Trac
Trung Trac is the master of Army Commanders, gaining three free levels on the first Commander and a +20% experience boost. She also benefits from a +10% Science boost in Tropical Spaces during Formal Wars, ideal for players who focus on military strategy.
A-Tier: Xerxes, The Achaemenid
Xerxes, The Achaemenid excels in economic strategies, gaining Culture and Gold from Trade Routes and Roads. His ability to increase Trade Route limits and gain bonuses from Unique Buildings and Improvements makes him a strong choice for economic victory.
B-Tier Leaders
B-Tier: Amina
Amina's strengths lie in resource management, with increased Resource Capacity and Gold per Age for each Resource assigned to Cities. Her units also gain +5 Combat Strength in Plains or Desert, making her a solid choice for specific map types.
B-Tier: Catherine the Great
Catherine the Great is a strong cultural leader, gaining additional slots for Great Works and a Culture boost from them. Her cities in Tundra also generate Science, making her effective in certain map conditions.
B-Tier: Friedrich, Oblique
Friedrich, Oblique focuses on military strength through Army Commanders, starting with a Merit Commendation and gaining Infantry Units from Science Buildings. While he lacks direct Science, Influence, or Culture buffs, he can still be effective in the right hands.
B-Tier: Ibn Battuta
Ibn Battuta offers flexibility with Wildcard Attribute Points and increased map visibility through unique Endeavors. He is a versatile leader, best suited for experienced players who can utilize his traits effectively.
B-Tier: Lafayette
Lafayette provides additional Social Policy slots through unique Endeavors and gains Combat Strength from Traditions. His passive buffs to Culture and Happiness are useful but not game-changing on their own.
B-Tier: Napoleon, Emperor
Napoleon, Emperor thrives on being disliked, gaining Gold from unfriendly relationships and using Sanctions to disrupt trade. While this can be powerful, it requires careful management of diplomatic relations.
B-Tier: Napoleon, Revolutionary
Napoleon, Revolutionary offers increased movement for land units and Culture from defending against enemies. This unique playstyle can be challenging but rewarding for players who can maintain a strong defensive position.
B-Tier: Tecumseh
Tecumseh's strength grows with the number of City-States he controls, gaining Food, Production, and Combat Strength per Suzerain. While powerful, it requires significant time and Influence to set up effectively.
B-Tier: Himiko, Queen of Wa
Himiko, Queen of Wa focuses on Science through friendly relationships, gaining significant Science boosts from alliances and supporting Endeavors for free. Players must balance this with a strong defensive strategy.
C-Tier Leaders
C-Tier: Friedrich, Baroque
Friedrich, Baroque offers modest benefits, such as a Great Work upon capturing a Settlement and an Infantry Unit from Culture Buildings. While these traits are useful, they don't stand out among other leaders.
C-Tier: Pachacuti
Pachacuti's effectiveness is heavily dependent on map placement, requiring Mountains to gain Food and Happiness benefits. While potentially powerful, his reliance on specific terrain limits his overall utility.
