Civ VII Update: Voronoi Maps Deliver Natural, Varied Worlds

Civilization VII’s 1.2.5 update introduces Voronoi-based map generation and two new map types to create more organic, less predictable worlds. The system grows plates and landmasses using configurable rules that honor gameplay constraints, then adds islands, erosion, and terrain features. Legacy maps remain for balance, and Firaxis plans continued improvements with full modding support.

Key Points

• Update 1.2.5 introduces Voronoi-based map generation to reduce repetition and produce more natural, varied worlds.
• Two new map types—Continents and Islands (default) and Pangea and Islands—use the new system; older map scripts remain for balance-focused multiplayer.
• The pipeline grows tectonic plates and landmasses via rules that respect gameplay constraints (e.g., Deep Ocean separation, latitude preferences) and then adds features like islands, erosion, mountains, and volcanoes.
• Maps are tuned to yield typical, balanced layouts ~95% of the time, with a small chance for unusual RNG-driven worlds.
• The system is designed for customization and modding, with scripts and configs exposed and more options planned.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment of the Hacker News discussion is overwhelmingly positive and appreciative. Commenters lauded the technical innovation in Civilization VII's map generation, specifically praising the insight of the multi-resolution Voronoi approach and celebrating the enjoyment derived from such creative programming endeavors. Any critical feedback was minimal, amounting to a preference for retaining some algorithmic quirks rather than a significant opposition.

In Agreement

• The multi-resolution Voronoi approach, utilizing larger regions to define islands/tectonic plates and then smaller regions for terrain, is seen as an insightful and effective method for map generation.
• The project exemplifies the joy and creativity inherent in exploratory/creative programming, resonating strongly with software engineers who appreciate such detailed technical write-ups.

Opposed

• A minor concern was raised that efforts to remove algorithmic "peculiarities" for more natural maps might inadvertently diminish some of the "interesting novelty" that can arise from such generation methods.