Civilization 7's "Time-Tested" civs created a new balance problem, but Firaxis found the ideal solution

Firaxis is adding Civilization 7's Test of Time update, letting players keep one civilization through all Ages instead of switching civs.

To keep that single-civ path balanced, civilizations will get one Apex Age, era-scaling bonuses, and obsolete units that modernize over time.

The update also adds Traditions to preserve civ identity and Syncretism to borrow limited tools from related civilizations.

The goal is to restore a continuous civilization fantasy while keeping long-run play viable across the full timeline.