Firaxis Games and 2K have announced Civilization 7's first expansion, Earthrise, set for release in 2027, alongside a fourth "Atomic Age" to be added via a free update. Revealed during a PAX West panel, the news signals a substantial roadmap for the 4X strategy game, extending its content well beyond launch with both free updates and paid expansion content focused on space exploration and modern-era gameplay.

The rollout begins with update 1.5.0 later this month, a quality-of-life patch adding a historically accurate Earth map and diplomacy and UI improvements. Next year's Arc of Tomorrow update introduces the Atomic Age, bringing new tech trees, social policies, resources like enriched uranium, and the long-awaited leader Gandhi, with playtesting sign-ups open now. Earthrise itself will then launch later in 2027 as a paid expansion, adding space-race mechanics across all Ages—from early astronomical research to orbital missions and space agencies—plus new civil engineering tools to tackle natural disasters and global warming.