When you’re choosing your leader’s first civ inCivilization 7, the game loves to let you know about Geographic Choices. And, hey, we get it. It’s nice to have some semblance of immersion. The actual choices can often be a stretch, however, and - arguably more importantly - they’re never guaranteed to sync with the leader’s playstyle.

Hence, we’ve compiled our favorite one to two Antiquity Age picks for each leader. Some are obvious at first glance; others, not so much. All have served us well, and we reckon they’ll do the same for you, too. Let us know how it pans out for you!

Amina’s Aksum Selection Screen in Civilization 7

Maya

The one downside to either of the above options is that they do not unlockMongoliafor you, and Mongolia isthe best Exploration Age civ for Cavalry Units. Charlemagne, when paired with theKeshigCavalry, is unstoppable. It may be prudent to unlock this first in an earlier game. That said, Charlemagne does automatically unlock theNormans, and they work well for him.

Ashoka, World Conqueror’s Maurya Selection Screen in Civilization 7

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Augustus' Rome Selection Screen in Civilization 7

Benjamin Franklin standing in the Maya selection screen in Civilization 7.

Catherine the Great standing in the Maurya selection screen in Civilization 7.

Charlemagne’s Maurya Selection Screen in Civilization 7

Confucius standing in the Mississippian selection screen in Civilization 7.

Friedrich, Baroque’s Egypt Selection Screen in Civilization 7