Getting Started

Getting Started with Civ VII Modding

This guide will help you set up your modding environment and create your first Civilization VII mod.

Prerequisites

1. Civilization VII installed via Steam
2. Civilization VII Development Tools (available on Steam as free DLC)
3. A Code Editor - Visual Studio Code recommended

Important File Locations

Windows

Location	Path
Game Files	C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Sid Meier's Civilization VII\
Dev Tools	C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Sid Meier's Civilization VII Development Tools\
User Mods	%LOCALAPPDATA%\Firaxis Games\Sid Meier's Civilization VII\Mods\
Debug Logs	%LOCALAPPDATA%\Firaxis Games\Sid Meier's Civilization VII\Logs\

macOS

Location	Path
User Mods	~/Library/Application Support/Civilization VII/Mods/

Linux/Steam Deck

Location	Path
User Mods	~/My Games/Sid Meier's Civilization VII/Mods/

Recommended Settings

Edit AppOptions.txt in your user data folder:

; Enable database export for debugging
CopyDatabasesToDisk 1

; Enable FireTuner debugging tool
EnableTuner 1

; Enable in-game debug panels (backtick key)
EnableDebugPanels 1

; Enable Chrome DevTools for UI debugging
UIDebugger 1

; Auto-reload UI files when edited
UIFileWatcher 1

Game Module Structure

The game content is organized into modules:

Base/modules/
├── core/              # Core game systems
│   ├── data/          # Core data definitions
│   ├── scripts/       # JavaScript helpers
│   ├── ui/            # UI components
│   └── core.modinfo   # Module metadata
├── base-standard/     # Standard game rules
│   ├── data/          # Game data (units, buildings, etc.)
│   ├── text/          # Localization
│   └── base-standard.modinfo
├── age-antiquity/     # Antiquity Age content
├── age-exploration/   # Exploration Age content
└── age-modern/        # Modern Age content

Creating Your First Mod

Step 1: Create the Mod Folder

Create a new folder in your Mods directory:

%LOCALAPPDATA%\Firaxis Games\Sid Meier's Civilization VII\Mods\my-first-mod\

Step 2: Create the .modinfo File

Create my-first-mod.modinfo in your mod folder:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<Mod id="my-first-mod" version="1" xmlns="ModInfo">
    <Properties>
        <Name>My First Mod</Name>
        <Description>This is my first Civ VII mod.</Description>
        <Authors>Your Name</Authors>
        <AffectsSavedGames>1</AffectsSavedGames>
    </Properties>
    <Dependencies>
    </Dependencies>
    <ActionCriteria>
    </ActionCriteria>
    <ActionGroups>
    </ActionGroups>
</Mod>

Step 3: Add Content

See the following guides for adding specific content:

• Creating a Unit - Add custom units with abilities
• Creating a Civilization - Add civs with leaders
• Modifier System - Add game effects
• modinfo Files - Configure your mod

Key Differences from Civ VI

Aspect	Civilization VI	Civilization VII
Scripting	Lua	JavaScript
UI	Lua + XML panels	HTML/CSS/JavaScript
Ages	Single era progression	Distinct Ages (Antiquity, Exploration, Modern)
Database Scopes	GameplayDatabase	Shell (frontend) + Game (gameplay)
Effects System	Modifiers	Modifiers (similar, with GameEffects XML)

Debugging Tips

1. Check the Logs - Database.log in the Logs folder shows errors
2. Use FireTuner - Connect to running game for live debugging
3. Export Database - With CopyDatabasesToDisk 1, view SQLite files in debug folder
4. Validate XML - XML syntax errors will prevent mod loading

Next Steps

• modinfo Files - Complete modinfo reference
• The Modifier System - How game effects work
• XML Reference - All XML elements documented