The Most Divisive Civilization Game is Completely Free to Play on Steam for One Week

Ever wanted to rule your own country, conquer the world by force, or turn your civilization into the planet’s ultimate cultural powerhouse, but didn’t want to spend $70 for the experience? Well, now is your chance to find out if Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 is for you without breaking the bank — Firaxis is making the massive turn-based strategy game free for a week.

Civilization 7 is free to play on Steam right now as part of a special Free Play Week celebrating the franchise’s 35th anniversary. The promotion runs from Sept. 3 at 10 a.m. PT through Sept. 10 at 10 a.m. PT, giving curious strategists a full week to find out whether the latest take on the classic 4X formula deserves a permanent spot in their libraries. If you decide you want to play more, the game is 50% off to purchase right now for just $34.99.

Civ 7 has only gotten better

The game has received several major updates since Civilization 7‘s 2025 release, including May’s massive Test of Time update, which substantially reworked some of the systems that players were unhappy with at launch. Among the biggest changes was the way civilizations progress through the game’s three Ages. Players can now stick with their original civilization throughout an entire campaign rather than being forced to switch civilizations at each Age transition, while new systems such as Syncretism and Affirmation give players more control over how their civilization develops.

Those changes have made a noticeable difference. Earlier this year, Polygon’s own assessment was that the updates had transformed Civ 7 for the better and offered renewed optimism about the game’s future. There are still rough edges — particularly around diplomacy and some of the game’s less-developed systems — but Firaxis’ recent updates suggest the studio has a clearer vision for where Civ 7 is headed.

The free-play week isn’t the only good news for Civilization fans this week. Firaxis developers will be at PAX West in Seattle on Sept. 5 for a panel discussing the past, present and future of the franchise. Creative director Ed Beach, lead producer Tom Shaw, and game eirector Matt Owens are scheduled to appear at the 2 p.m. PT panel, which will also be livestreamed for anyone who can’t make it to Seattle.

Just be warned: If you start playing Civilization 7 this week, there’s a decent chance your free trial turns into “one more turn” and consumes your entire weekend.