Civilizations 7: Understanding the New Legends and Mementos Meta-Progression System
Civilization 7 has introduced an engaging new system called the Legends and Mementos meta-progression, which features the Attribute Tree Legend Unlocks. This essentially means that specific attributes within each leader’s Attribute Trees remain inaccessible until players advance their Legend levels. Each leader has their own set of skill trees categorized into six distinct areas: Economic, Militaristic, Diplomatic, Expansionist, Cultural, and Scientific. By selecting a "node" from one of these trees, players can gain unique bonuses or advantages, such as enhanced city growth or increased settlement limits. Notably, every leader in Civ 7 starts with two locked nodes, which users can unlock as they elevate their Legend levels.
At first glance, the locked nodes might seem puzzling, as the game doesn’t clearly indicate how to access them. To unlock these nodes, players must undertake multiple playthroughs with each leader because it requires reaching level 7 for the second unlock. The specific locked nodes correspond with each leader’s attribute profile, which players can view before selecting their leader. For instance, Catherine the Great possesses Cultural and Scientific attributes; she will unlock the Cultural node at level 3 and the Scientific node at level 7. Below is an overview of all the Attribute Tree Legend Unlocks, their features, and the leaders who can unlock them.
Economic Attribute Tree Legend Unlock & Leaders
Economic Unlock: Grants a Gold Bonus for Trade & Treasure Fleets
The Economic Attribute Tree Legend Unlock provides a valuable bonus that proves advantageous in the Exploration Age, and remains beneficial throughout all Ages, especially for those aiming for an Economic Victory. This upgrade offers +25% Gold from Trade and Treasure Fleets, significantly increasing a leader’s treasury following the establishment of Treasure Fleets in distant areas.
| Leader | Unlock Level |
|---|---|
| Amina | Level 3 |
| Hatshepsut | Level 7 |
| Ibn Battuta | Level 3 |
| Isabella | Level 7 |
| Machiavelli | Level 7 |
| Napoleon, Emperor | Level 3 |
| Pachacuti | Level 3 |
| Xerxes, King of Kings | Level 3 |
| Xerxes, the Achaemenid | Level 7 |
Isabella is particularly good at making the most of this bonus because her Seven Cities of Gold ability grants extra Gold for discovering Natural Wonders in distant lands. Any leader or civilization with Economic traits stands to benefit greatly.
Militaristic Attribute Tree Legend Unlock & Leaders
Militaristic Unlock: Enhances Combat Strength for Siege Warfare
The Militaristic Attribute Tree Legend Unlock gives all units a +5 Combat Strength against Districts, enhancing siege strategies for players pursuing a Military Legacy Path throughout the Ages. When aiming for a Civ 7 domination victory, selecting a leader with access to this node simplifies objectives, as conquering a Settlement requires dismantling all associated districts.
| Leader | Unlock Level |
|---|---|
| Amina | Level 7 |
| Ashoka, World Conqueror | Level 7 |
| Charlemagne | Level 3 |
| Friedrich, Baroque | Level 3 |
| Friedrich, Oblique | Level 3 |
| Harriet Tubman | Level 7 |
| Napoleon, Revolutionary | Level 3 |
| Tecumseh | Level 3 |
| Trung Trac | Level 3 |
| Xerxes, King of Kings | Level 7 |
When paired with other buffs for siege warfare, this additional damage can substantially influence battle outcomes. Candidates like Napoleon, Charlemagne, and Friedrich greatly benefit from this node.
Diplomatic Attribute Tree Legend Unlock & Leaders
Diplomatic Unlock: Improves & Worsens Relationships Faster
The Diplomatic Attribute Tree Legend Unlock affects relationships in two significant ways: it increases relationships by 25% when initiating or supporting an Endeavor and decreases relationships by 25% when imposing Sanctions or rejecting Endeavors. This dual effect can be crucial in various contexts, as different leaders respond uniquely to positive or negative relationships.
| Leader | Unlock Level |
|---|---|
| Ashoka, World Conqueror | Level 3 |
| Ashoka, World Renouncer | Level 3 |
| Benjamin Franklin | Level 3 |
| Harriet Tubman | Level 3 |
| Himiko, High Shaman | Level 7 |
| Himiko, Queen of Wa | Level 3 |
| Jose Rizal | Level 7 |
| Lafayette | Level 7 |
| Machiavelli | Level 3 |
| Napoleon, Emperor | Level 7 |
| Tecumseh | Level 7 |
For instance, Himiko’s Queen of Wa persona awards +4 Science for each friendly relationship, whereas Napoleon’s Emperor persona gains Gold from hostile or unfriendly relationships. This node is beneficial for establishing allies and adversaries more swiftly.
Expansionist Attribute Tree Legend Unlock & Leaders
Expansionist Unlock: Makes Converting a Town to a City Cheaper
The Expansionist Attribute Tree Legend Unlock provides a +50% Gold discount for converting a Town to a City, a vital aspect of Civ 7’s new empire development system. Striking the correct balance between towns and cities is crucial for any civilization’s growth.
| Leader | Unlock Level |
|---|---|
| Ashoka, World Renouncer | Level 7 |
| Augustus | Level 7 |
| Confucius | Level 3 |
| Ibn Battuta | Level 7 |
| Isabella | Level 3 |
| Pachacuti | Level 7 |
This discount is particularly advantageous early in a new Age when players need to transform their towns back into cities, minimizing the Gold investment required.
Cultural Attribute Tree Legend Unlock & Leaders
Cultural Unlock: Increases Production Based on Great Work Slots
The Cultural Attribute Tree Legend Unlock enhances production of Buildings and Wonders capable of holding Great Works. This aspect is essential since Great Works undergo changes with each Age, and various buildings or Wonders can accommodate different types.
| Leader | Unlock Level |
|---|---|
| Augustus | Level 3 |
| Catherine the Great | Level 3 |
| Friedrich, Baroque | Level 7 |
| Hatshepsut | Level 3 |
| Himiko, High Shaman | Level 3 |
| Jose Rizal | Level 3 |
| Lafayette | Level 3 |
| Napoleon, Revolutionary | Level 7 |
| Xerxes, The Achaemenid | Level 3 |
The diversity of Great Works across Ages makes this node beneficial for those pursuing Cultural Victories, but it also contributes to other victory conditions.
Scientific Attribute Tree Legend Unlock & Leaders
Scientific Unlock: Boosts Gold, Production & Science Yields
The Scientific Attribute Tree Legend Unlock boosts adjacency bonuses for standard Gold, Production, and Science Buildings, which is pivotal for creating densely populated urban centers, particularly for leaders like Confucius and Trung Trac. These bonuses are cumulative and can work in concert with other bonuses available through the same attribute tree and other game elements.
| Leader | Unlock Level |
|---|---|
| Benjamin Franklin | Level 7 |
| Catherine the Great | Level 7 |
| Charlemagne | Level 7 |
| Confucius | Level 7 |
| Friedrich, Oblique | Level 7 |
| Himiko, Queen of Wa | Level 7 |
| Trung Trac | Level 7 |
Gold, Production, and Science are essential for achieving a Scientific Victory over successive Ages, making this node highly versatile for various playthroughs.
Overall, Attribute Tree Legend Unlocks are among the most potent bonuses available in Civ 7. They are designed to give certain leaders a competitive edge. Achieving these unlocks requires completing campaigns with each leader, promoting repeated gameplay. Given the structure of the Legends system, players won’t fully access a leader’s potential until reaching max levels. If you’re aiming for an advantage in Civilization 7, focusing on leveling up leaders and unlocking their complete attribute trees is an effective strategy.
