Apple Arcade subscribers will soon get access to one of gaming’s most legendary franchises when Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Arcade Edition arrives on the service February 5, Apple said Wednesday. It’s a first for Apple Arcade, though it joins some other civ- and sim- game options on the App Store.
And other new titles join it at the same time on Apple Arcade: the Retrocade collection of classic arcade games, the whimsical adventure Felicity’s Door and the I Love Hue Too+ puzzle game.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII lands on Apple Arcade alongside new retro games
The Civilization VII launch marks a significant addition to the Apple Arcade gaming subscription service. It offers players the chance to build empires and guide civilizations through the ages from virtually any Apple device, like Mac, iPad or iPhone. This mobile-optimized version of Civilization VII introduces a new gameplay mechanic where empires evolve through distinct ages of human history, with players’ strategic choices shaping their civilization’s unique cultural identity.
“Whether players choose to follow a path rooted in history or imagine new possibilities, they can create a legacy that echoes through the ages,” Apple said in a press release. The game represents the latest major PC franchise to make the jump to Apple Arcade, following recent additions like PowerWash Simulator and Cult of the Lamb Arcade Edition.
Additional Civilization games available on Apple
Photo: Apple
While Civilization VII will be the newest entry available through Apple Arcade, fans of the much-loved strategy series can also find earlier titles on Apple platforms. Civilization VI is currently available for purchase on the App Store for iOS and iPadOS devices.
On the App Store you can also find Civilization: Eras & Allies, a free-to-play mobile strategy game, as well as “Civ-like” games such as The Battle of Polytopia+ and Cityscapes: Sim Builder.
3 more games join Apple Arcade in February
Alongside Civilization VII, Apple Arcade will welcome three additional titles on February 5, each offering distinct gaming experiences without ads or in-app purchases.
Retrocade aims to transport players back to the golden age of arcades with a collection of classic games including Asteroids, Bubble Bobble, Centipede and Galaga. The experience is particularly enhanced on Apple Vision Pro, where players can immerse themselves in a virtual arcade environment that recreates the authentic feel of 1980s gaming halls. The games are also playable on iPhone and iPad for those without access to Apple’s spatial computing device.
Photo: Apple
Felicity’s Door brings rhythm game mechanics to a whimsical adventure following twins Tom and Felicity alongside their companion bear Mi-chan. Players will journey through varied environments from deep space to cyberpunk cities. Music drives the gameplay experience.
Rounding out the February additions is I Love Hue Too+, a returning favorite from the App Store now available as part of the subscription service. This puzzle game challenges players to arrange colored tiles into perfectly ordered color spectrums. It offers a meditative yet engaging gameplay loop focused on chromatic harmony.
Existing games receive updates
Current Apple Arcade subscribers can also look forward to seasonal content updates for existing titles. On January 22, Crayola Create and Play+ will launch a limited-time Paddington event featuring winter-themed activities including snowman building, cake crafting, and coloring exercises.
Apple Arcade remains available for $6.99 monthly with a one-month free trial, or as part of Apple One bundle subscriptions. New device purchases include three months of free access to the service, which supports up to six family members under a single subscription.
David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
