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ghost-ng edited this page Jan 28, 2026 · 1 revision

Civic Tree System

This document covers the civic tree system in Civilization VII, including civic definitions, traditions (policies), and unlocks.

Overview

Civ VII uses the same ProgressionTree system for civics as it does for technologies. The key difference is that civics use SYSTEM_CULTURE instead of SYSTEM_TECH and primarily unlock Traditions (policies) rather than technologies/buildings.

Each Age has its own civic tree:

  • Antiquity Age - TREE_CIVICS_AQ_MAIN
  • Exploration Age - TREE_CIVICS_EX_MAIN
  • Modern Age - TREE_CIVICS_MO_MAIN

Core Tables

Table Purpose
Types Register civic nodes as KIND_TREE_NODE
ProgressionTrees Define the civic tree
ProgressionTreeNodes Define individual civics
ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks What each civic unlocks
ProgressionTreePrereqs Civic prerequisites
TypeQuotes Civic quotes and audio
Traditions Define tradition (policy) details
TraditionModifiers Link traditions to their effects

Civics vs Technologies

Aspect Technologies Civics
System Type SYSTEM_TECH SYSTEM_CULTURE
Research Resource Science Culture
Primary Unlocks Buildings, Units Traditions, Wonders
Node Prefix NODE_TECH_ NODE_CIVIC_
Tree Prefix TREE_TECHS_ TREE_CIVICS_

Defining a Civic Tree

Step 1: Register the Tree Type

<Types>
    <Row Type="TREE_CIVICS_MY_AGE_MAIN" Kind="KIND_TREE"/>
</Types>

Step 2: Define the Tree

<ProgressionTrees>
    <Row ProgressionTreeType="TREE_CIVICS_MY_AGE_MAIN"
         AgeType="AGE_ANTIQUITY"
         SystemType="SYSTEM_CULTURE"
         Name="LOC_TREE_CIVICS_MY_AGE_NAME"
         CostProgressionModel="NO_COST_PROGRESSION"
         CostProgressionParam1="500"/>
</ProgressionTrees>

ProgressionTrees Columns for Civics

Column Type Description
ProgressionTreeType TEXT Unique tree identifier
AgeType TEXT Which age the tree belongs to
SystemType TEXT SYSTEM_CULTURE for civics
Name TEXT Localization key
CostProgressionModel TEXT How costs scale (often NO_COST_PROGRESSION)
CostProgressionParam1 INTEGER Base cost parameter

Defining Civics

Step 1: Register the Type

<Types>
    <Row Type="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_MY_CIVIC" Kind="KIND_TREE_NODE"/>
</Types>

Step 2: Define the Node

<ProgressionTreeNodes>
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_MY_CIVIC"
         ProgressionTree="TREE_CIVICS_AQ_MAIN"
         Cost="245"
         Name="LOC_CIVIC_MY_CIVIC_NAME"
         IconString="cult_mycivic"/>
</ProgressionTreeNodes>

Standard Civic Costs (Antiquity)

Tier Cost Example Civics
Starting 90 Chiefdom
Early 125 Mysticism, Discipline
Mid-Early 245 Public Life, Code of Laws, Tactics
Mid 450 Entertainment, Citizenship, Organized Military
Mid-Late 600 Literacy, Skilled Trades
Late 750 Philosophy, Commerce
Endgame 1000 Future Civic

Traditions (Policies)

Traditions are the primary unlock from civics. They provide ongoing bonuses that can be slotted into your government.

Defining Traditions

<Types>
    <Row Type="TRADITION_MY_POLICY" Kind="KIND_TRADITION"/>
</Types>

<Traditions>
    <Row TraditionType="TRADITION_MY_POLICY"
         Name="LOC_TRADITION_MY_POLICY_NAME"
         Description="LOC_TRADITION_MY_POLICY_DESCRIPTION"/>
</Traditions>

Traditions Table Columns

Column Type Description
TraditionType TEXT Unique tradition identifier
Name TEXT Localization key for name
Description TEXT Localization key for description
IsCrisis BOOLEAN Is this a crisis policy?

Linking Traditions to Effects

Use TraditionModifiers to define what a tradition does:

<TraditionModifiers>
    <Row TraditionType="TRADITION_SCHOLARS" ModifierId="SCHOLARS_MOD_WORKER_SCIENCE"/>
</TraditionModifiers>

A tradition can have multiple modifiers:

<TraditionModifiers>
    <Row TraditionType="TRADITION_DRILLS" ModifierId="DRILLS_MOD_RANGED_PRODUCTION"/>
    <Row TraditionType="TRADITION_DRILLS" ModifierId="DRILLS_MOD_INFANTRY_PRODUCTION"/>
</TraditionModifiers>

Example Tradition with Modifier

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<Database>
    <!-- Register type -->
    <Types>
        <Row Type="TRADITION_MY_POLICY" Kind="KIND_TRADITION"/>
    </Types>

    <!-- Define tradition -->
    <Traditions>
        <Row TraditionType="TRADITION_MY_POLICY"
             Name="LOC_TRADITION_MY_POLICY_NAME"
             Description="LOC_TRADITION_MY_POLICY_DESCRIPTION"/>
    </Traditions>

    <!-- Link to modifiers -->
    <TraditionModifiers>
        <Row TraditionType="TRADITION_MY_POLICY" ModifierId="MY_POLICY_MOD_BONUS"/>
    </TraditionModifiers>
</Database>

And in a separate GameEffects file:

<GameEffects xmlns="GameEffects">
    <Modifier id="MY_POLICY_MOD_BONUS"
              collection="COLLECTION_PLAYER_CITIES"
              effect="EFFECT_CITY_ADJUST_YIELD">
        <Argument name="YieldType">YIELD_SCIENCE</Argument>
        <Argument name="Amount">2</Argument>
    </Modifier>
</GameEffects>

Civic Unlocks

Civics unlock various game elements through ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks:

Unlocking Traditions

<ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks>
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_CHIEFDOM"
         TargetKind="KIND_TRADITION"
         TargetType="TRADITION_CHARISMATIC_LEADER"
         UnlockDepth="1"/>
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_CHIEFDOM"
         TargetKind="KIND_TRADITION"
         TargetType="TRADITION_TOOL_MAKING"
         UnlockDepth="1"/>
</ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks>

Unlocking Buildings/Wonders

<ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks>
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_MYSTICISM"
         TargetKind="KIND_CONSTRUCTIBLE"
         TargetType="BUILDING_ALTAR"
         UnlockDepth="1"/>
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_MYSTICISM"
         TargetKind="KIND_CONSTRUCTIBLE"
         TargetType="WONDER_GREAT_STELE"
         UnlockDepth="2"/>
</ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks>

Unlocking Units

<ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks>
    <!-- Standard unit -->
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_DISCIPLINE"
         TargetKind="KIND_UNIT"
         TargetType="UNIT_ARMY_COMMANDER"
         UnlockDepth="1"/>

    <!-- Civ-specific unique unit -->
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_DISCIPLINE"
         TargetKind="KIND_UNIT"
         TargetType="UNIT_HAZARAPATIS"
         UnlockDepth="1"
         RequiredTraitType="TRAIT_PERSIA"/>

    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_DISCIPLINE"
         TargetKind="KIND_UNIT"
         TargetType="UNIT_LEGATUS"
         UnlockDepth="1"
         RequiredTraitType="TRAIT_ROME"/>
</ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks>

Unlocking Modifiers

<ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks>
    <!-- Pantheon unlock -->
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_MYSTICISM"
         TargetKind="KIND_MODIFIER"
         TargetType="MOD_PANTHEON_UNLOCK"
         UnlockDepth="1"/>

    <!-- Settlement cap increase -->
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_ENTERTAINMENT"
         TargetKind="KIND_MODIFIER"
         TargetType="MOD_AQ_SETTLEMENT_CAP_INCREASE"
         UnlockDepth="1"/>

    <!-- Tradition slot increase -->
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_PHILOSOPHY"
         TargetKind="KIND_MODIFIER"
         TargetType="MOD_AQ_TRADITION_SLOT"
         UnlockDepth="1"/>
</ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks>

Unlocking Projects

<ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks>
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_CITIZENSHIP"
         TargetKind="KIND_PROJECT"
         TargetType="PROJECT_CITY_CULTURE_PROJECT"
         UnlockDepth="1"/>
</ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks>

Unlocking Diplomatic Actions

<ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks>
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_CODE_OF_LAWS"
         TargetKind="KIND_DIPLOMATIC_ACTION"
         TargetType="DIPLOMACY_ACTION_IMPROVE_TRADE_RELATIONS"
         UnlockDepth="1"/>
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_CODE_OF_LAWS"
         TargetKind="KIND_DIPLOMATIC_ACTION"
         TargetType="DIPLOMACY_ACTION_ESPIONAGE_STEAL_CIVIC"
         UnlockDepth="2"/>
</ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks>

Crisis Traditions

Crisis traditions are negative policies applied during crisis events:

<Types>
    <Row Type="TRADITION_BANDITRY" Kind="KIND_TRADITION"/>
</Types>

<Traditions>
    <Row TraditionType="TRADITION_BANDITRY"
         Name="LOC_TRADITION_BANDITRY_NAME"
         Description="LOC_TRADITION_BANDITRY_DESCRIPTION"
         IsCrisis="true"/>
</Traditions>

<TraditionModifiers>
    <Row TraditionType="TRADITION_BANDITRY" ModifierId="BANDITRY_MOD_GOLD"/>
</TraditionModifiers>

Crisis types include:

  • Invasion Crisis - Military threats
  • Plague Crisis - Disease events
  • Loyalty Crisis - Government instability

Civic Prerequisites

<ProgressionTreePrereqs>
    <!-- Linear progression -->
    <Row Node="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_MYSTICISM" PrereqNode="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_CHIEFDOM"/>
    <Row Node="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_DISCIPLINE" PrereqNode="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_CHIEFDOM"/>

    <!-- Branching with multiple prereqs -->
    <Row Node="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_CODE_OF_LAWS" PrereqNode="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_MYSTICISM"/>
    <Row Node="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_CODE_OF_LAWS" PrereqNode="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_DISCIPLINE"/>

    <!-- End-game civic with many prereqs -->
    <Row Node="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_FUTURE_CIVIC" PrereqNode="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_ENTERTAINMENT"/>
    <Row Node="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_FUTURE_CIVIC" PrereqNode="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_PHILOSOPHY"/>
    <Row Node="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_FUTURE_CIVIC" PrereqNode="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_COMMERCE"/>
    <Row Node="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_FUTURE_CIVIC" PrereqNode="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_ORG_MILITARY"/>
</ProgressionTreePrereqs>

Civic Quotes

<TypeQuotes>
    <Row Type="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_CHIEFDOM"
         Quote="LOC_CIVIC_CHIEFDOM_QUOTE"
         QuoteAuthor="LOC_CIVIC_CHIEFDOM_QUOTE_AUTHOR"
         QuoteAudio="VO_Quote_Chiefdom"/>
</TypeQuotes>

Advisor Recommendations

<ProgressionTree_Advisories>
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_MYSTICISM"
         AdvisoryClassType="ADVISORY_CLASS_CULTURE"/>
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_DISCIPLINE"
         AdvisoryClassType="ADVISORY_CLASS_MILITARY"/>

    <!-- Multiple advisories for one civic -->
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_CODE_OF_LAWS"
         AdvisoryClassType="ADVISORY_CLASS_CULTURE"/>
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_CODE_OF_LAWS"
         AdvisoryClassType="ADVISORY_CLASS_DIPLOMACY"/>
    <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_CODE_OF_LAWS"
         AdvisoryClassType="ADVISORY_CLASS_TRADE"/>
</ProgressionTree_Advisories>

Advisory Classes for Civics

AdvisoryClassType Focus
ADVISORY_CLASS_CULTURE Culture and traditions
ADVISORY_CLASS_MILITARY Military strength
ADVISORY_CLASS_ECONOMIC Economy and trade
ADVISORY_CLASS_DEFENSE City defense
ADVISORY_CLASS_DIPLOMACY Foreign relations
ADVISORY_CLASS_TRADE Trade routes
ADVISORY_CLASS_HAPPINESS Citizen happiness
ADVISORY_CLASS_SCIENCE Research and knowledge

Complete Example: Adding a New Civic

Database XML

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<Database>
    <!-- 1. Register types -->
    <Types>
        <Row Type="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_DIPLOMACY" Kind="KIND_TREE_NODE"/>
        <Row Type="TRADITION_EMBASSIES" Kind="KIND_TRADITION"/>
    </Types>

    <!-- 2. Add quote -->
    <TypeQuotes>
        <Row Type="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_DIPLOMACY"
             Quote="LOC_CIVIC_DIPLOMACY_QUOTE"
             QuoteAuthor="LOC_CIVIC_DIPLOMACY_QUOTE_AUTHOR"/>
    </TypeQuotes>

    <!-- 3. Define the civic -->
    <ProgressionTreeNodes>
        <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_DIPLOMACY"
             ProgressionTree="TREE_CIVICS_AQ_MAIN"
             Cost="300"
             Name="LOC_CIVIC_DIPLOMACY_NAME"
             IconString="cult_diplomacy"/>
    </ProgressionTreeNodes>

    <!-- 4. Define prerequisites -->
    <ProgressionTreePrereqs>
        <Row Node="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_DIPLOMACY"
             PrereqNode="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_CODE_OF_LAWS"/>
    </ProgressionTreePrereqs>

    <!-- 5. Define tradition -->
    <Traditions>
        <Row TraditionType="TRADITION_EMBASSIES"
             Name="LOC_TRADITION_EMBASSIES_NAME"
             Description="LOC_TRADITION_EMBASSIES_DESCRIPTION"/>
    </Traditions>

    <!-- 6. Link tradition to modifiers -->
    <TraditionModifiers>
        <Row TraditionType="TRADITION_EMBASSIES" ModifierId="EMBASSIES_MOD_DIPLOMACY"/>
    </TraditionModifiers>

    <!-- 7. Define civic unlocks -->
    <ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks>
        <!-- Primary tradition -->
        <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_DIPLOMACY"
             TargetKind="KIND_TRADITION"
             TargetType="TRADITION_EMBASSIES"
             UnlockDepth="1"/>

        <!-- Wonder -->
        <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_DIPLOMACY"
             TargetKind="KIND_CONSTRUCTIBLE"
             TargetType="WONDER_FORUM"
             UnlockDepth="1"/>

        <!-- Mastery bonus tradition -->
        <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_DIPLOMACY"
             TargetKind="KIND_TRADITION"
             TargetType="TRADITION_ALLIANCES"
             UnlockDepth="2"/>
    </ProgressionTreeNodeUnlocks>

    <!-- 8. Advisor recommendations -->
    <ProgressionTree_Advisories>
        <Row ProgressionTreeNodeType="NODE_CIVIC_AQ_MAIN_DIPLOMACY"
             AdvisoryClassType="ADVISORY_CLASS_DIPLOMACY"/>
    </ProgressionTree_Advisories>
</Database>

GameEffects XML

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<GameEffects xmlns="GameEffects">
    <Modifier id="EMBASSIES_MOD_DIPLOMACY"
              collection="COLLECTION_OWNER"
              effect="EFFECT_PLAYER_ADJUST_INFLUENCE_PER_TURN">
        <Argument name="Amount">2</Argument>
    </Modifier>
</GameEffects>

Localization

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<Database>
    <LocalizedText>
        <Row Tag="LOC_CIVIC_DIPLOMACY_NAME" Language="en_US">
            <Text>Diplomacy</Text>
        </Row>
        <Row Tag="LOC_CIVIC_DIPLOMACY_QUOTE" Language="en_US">
            <Text>In the realm of international affairs, words speak louder than swords.</Text>
        </Row>
        <Row Tag="LOC_CIVIC_DIPLOMACY_QUOTE_AUTHOR" Language="en_US">
            <Text>Ancient Proverb</Text>
        </Row>
        <Row Tag="LOC_TRADITION_EMBASSIES_NAME" Language="en_US">
            <Text>Embassies</Text>
        </Row>
        <Row Tag="LOC_TRADITION_EMBASSIES_DESCRIPTION" Language="en_US">
            <Text>+2 [ICON_INFLUENCE] Influence per turn.</Text>
        </Row>
    </LocalizedText>
</Database>

Antiquity Civic Tree Reference

Civic Cost Prerequisites Primary Unlocks
Chiefdom 90 - Charismatic Leader, Tool Making
Mysticism 125 Chiefdom Priesthood, Altar, Pantheon
Discipline 125 Chiefdom Survey, Army Commander
Public Life 245 Mysticism City Guard
Code of Laws 245 Mysticism, Discipline Oratory, Merchant
Tactics 245 Discipline Drills
Entertainment 450 Public Life Rites and Rituals, +1 Settlement Cap
Citizenship 450 Code of Laws Castes, Drama and Poetry
Organized Military 450 Tactics Conscription, +1 Settlement Cap
Literacy 600 Citizenship Literature, Codex
Skilled Trades 600 Citizenship Coinage
Philosophy 750 Literacy Scholars, +1 Tradition Slot
Commerce 750 Skilled Trades Commodities, Medicine
Future Civic 1000 All late civics Repeatable bonuses

Best Practices

  1. Balance Costs - Follow tier system for consistent progression
  2. Meaningful Traditions - Each tradition should provide a distinct playstyle choice
  3. Logical Prerequisites - Build sensible paths through the tree
  4. Unlock Variety - Mix traditions, buildings, and modifiers for interest
  5. Mastery Bonuses - Use UnlockDepth="2" for secondary rewards
  6. Crisis Policies - Use IsCrisis="true" for negative effects
  7. Test UI - Verify civic tree displays correctly in-game

Related Documentation

Navigation

Home Cross-Reference Index

Getting Started

Civilization Creation

Database Reference

Units & Combat

Religion

Independents

Diplomacy

Technology & Civics

Victory Conditions

Legacy Paths

Modifier System

JavaScript API

Narrative Events

Technical Reference

Tutorials

Examples

Progress Tracker

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