WithCivilization 7only a few months away from its release, it now offers gamers a glimpse at the core function of Sid Meier’s newest strategy beast. That is, first looks atCivilization 7’s leaders are steadily being rolled out.

One such leader is Queen Isabella of Spain, known as a “bastion of Catholicism,” who will lead players to victory through economic growth via expansion. WhileCiv 7is introducing vastly new ways to play, there appears to be little difference from herCiv 5counterpart, which could prove beneficial.

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Isabella Sets Her Sights on Natural Wonders in Civ 7

Isabella of Civ 5 Laid a Strong Foundation

Aside from the obvious graphic improvements, Isabella inCiv 7is basically the same as inCiv 5. While perhaps less exciting for those eager for fresh features, this is a good sign, given how popular she was in the previous game.

Isabella’s biggest feature is her focus onCivilization’s Natural Wonders. To start, she gains 300 gold every time she discovers a new Natural Wonder—and better yet, that shiny reward is doubled for those on Distant Lands, encouraging exploration off the bat. Further, Isabella gets a massive +100% bonus to tile yields from Natural Wonders.

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Isabella is strong for a religious victory with the hugefaith yields provided by Natural Wonders, which could increase under certain pantheons too. If players expand Spain and settle as many cities as possible by Natural Wonders, the economic and religious profit is undeniable.

Civ 7’s Isabella Has Naval Strength and Wealth Building Potential

Despite the sheer might of Isabella’s geographic focus, the developers wanted to make her less dependent on the Natural Wonder lottery, so they gave her greater naval abilities. Isabella gets +50% gold toward purchasingnaval unitsand -1 for their maintenance.

When it comes to expansion, Isabella also gets gold from turning her Towns into Cities in The Exploration Age, which is abrand newCiv 7featureunder an equally new era system. It’s unclear whether she will gain the unique Conquistador unit in the new game, which allowed Spain to settle cities inCiv 5, so this gold bonus may be a replacement for that.

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Altogether, Isabella gets major gold input, from finding Natural Wonders to increased savings on her gilded Spanish fleets. Even if a player isn’t opting for a religious victory,military dominationis also made easy by these changes (especially with holy warriors), and culture and science wouldn’t look so bad with the doubled tile yields from Natural Wonders alone.

In other words, in the right hands, Isabella has always been a powerful leader. With such major buffs from Natural Wonders, settling near one in the first few turns of the game could boost the Spanish empire to any victory, so players are sure to enjoy herCiv 7comeback.

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Sid Meier’s Civilization VII

WHERE TO PLAY

The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter.Sid Meier’s Civilization® VIIempowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known!InCivilization VII, your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire. Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement.Construct cities and architectural wonders to expand your territory, improve your civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Pursue prosperity in an immersive solo experience or play with others in online multiplayer.Whether you choose to follow a path rooted in history or reimagine possibilities to chart your own way forward, build something you believe in and create a legacy that echoes through the Ages inCivilization VII.

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