Civilization VII: Best Leaders for Beginners

Starting your journey in Civilization VII can feel like a bit of a challenge. With so many different leaders and strategies to choose from, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry; you don’t have to jump straight into complex, high-stakes gameplay right away. Some leaders in the game are perfect for beginners, offering abilities that make it easier to build and expand your empire. Here are the best leaders for beginners in Civilization VII.

10. Xerxes

If you enjoy a good old-fashioned military campaign, then Xerxes is an excellent leader to start with. Known for his strong focus on warfare, Xerxes allows players to dominate early battles, expanding their empire rapidly. Xerxes can help beginners quickly learn how to manage and lead their armies without getting bogged down in more complicated strategies. His focus on conquest lets you take over new territories, giving players a great way to grow their empires without too much micromanagement. If you love the idea of military expansion, Xerxes will be a good match for you in Civilization VII.

9. Napoleon

Much like Xerxes, Napoleon is a leader who thrives in warfare. However, Napoleon offers a more balanced approach in Civilization VII. While he excels at military dominance, his abilities also support economic growth through victory. This means that, even as you conquer neighbouring civilizations, your economy will remain strong enough to support your military ventures.

8. Himiko

On the flip side, if military conquest isn’t your thing, Himiko could be the leader for you. Her abilities focus on cultural growth and happiness, making it easier to expand your empire through peaceful means. For new players, Himiko offers a more relaxed, non-combat playstyle in Civilization VII. Players will be able to grow their empires without worrying too much about war; instead, they can focus on developing cities and maintaining peace. For players who prefer to play Civilization VII without the pressure of constant military conflicts, Himiko’s peaceful strategy could be ideal for them.

7. Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman stands out as a great choice for beginners who want to balance diplomacy with defense. Her leadership style focuses on creating war support quickly and ensuring that your empire is secure, even in the face of external threats. While her emphasis is on peaceful coexistence, her abilities still allow players to defend their borders and maintain stability.

Tubman’s ability to create resilience within your empire gives new players a sense of security, especially in the game's early stages. Furthermore, players can experiment with peaceful strategies without worrying about being blindsided by other civilizations. Her adaptable approach makes her an excellent option for beginners who want to try out both peaceful and defensive strategies.

6. Friedrich

Friedrich is one of those leaders who offers a little bit of everything in this strategy game. He provides military benefits, but his unique ability also boosts cultural development. This makes him ideal for players who want to learn how to balance multiple strategies. With Fredrich, you don’t have to choose between war and culture, you can have both. For new players, Frederich’s playstyle is a great introduction to managing an empire that must balance military defense and cultural influence. 

5. Confucius

Confucius brings a calm and methodical approach to Civilization VII. His leadership is ideal for players who want to focus on building a stable empire through cultural and scientific growth. With Confucius, your cities will grow rapidly, and your specialists will be more effective, which will help you unlock valuable technologies and cultural policies more quickly.

Additionally, Confucius offers a less aggressive path forward. Consequently, it allows players to focus on peaceful expansion while boosting their civilization’s scientific and cultural output. His playstyle is perfect for those who want to grow steadily without being distracted by constant military conflicts. 

4. Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin is a fantastic pick if you want to focus on science and technology. His abilities to boost science production will ensure that players stay ahead of the curve when it comes to unlocking new technologies. As a beginner, Franklin can help you understand the importance of research and technology in Civilization VII. His focus on science makes it easier to progress through the game easily allowing players to unlock powerful technologies and units without feeling rushed. 

3. Augustus

Augustus is an excellent leader for beginners who want to focus on growing their empire through expansion. His ability to buy buildings in newly founded cities gives you a significant advantage, allowing you to develop new territories quickly. This helps you expand your civilization without worrying about managing each city individually.

For new players, Augustus offers a streamlined path to expansion. His ability to rapidly develop cities means you can grow your empire steadily without having to deal with complex resource management. 

2. Ashoka

Ashoka provides a fantastic middle ground between peaceful development and military conquest. His unique ability ensures that your empire remains stable, even during times of war. This makes him ideal for beginners who want to explore both peaceful strategies and military campaigns without suffering too many setbacks.

Ashoka’s balanced approach allows new players to experiment with different strategies while maintaining a solid foundation. You can grow your empire peacefully while still preparing for the possibility of war. His leadership is perfect for players who want to dip their toes into both sides of Civilization VII: peace and conquest.

1. Amina

Amina is perhaps the most beginner-friendly leader in Civilization VII, thanks to her ability to generate additional gold from resources. This gold bonus can be a game-changer, allowing you to fund military campaigns, develop cities, and form alliances without running into resource shortages. With her, you’ll be able to maintain a strong economy while growing your empire at a steady pace.

For beginners, Amina’s ability to ensure economic stability and growth makes her an ideal leader to learn the ropes of the game. You won’t need to focus too much on managing resources, allowing you to explore other aspects of Civilization VII with ease.