For all of its new additions, Civilization 7 players are looking for the classic auto explore feature most of all.
Firaxis emphasized big changes with Civilization 7. When compared to previous entries, which tended to be conservative with changing core gameplay, the game feels quite different. The developers streamlined the micromanagement, made previously optional features such as mix-and-match leaders core, and introduced new features altogether.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII – “Rediscover Hope” Opening Cinematic
One old feature has proven hard to find in Civilization 7. Auto explore is a must for players who field multiple scouts. In crucial stages of the game, forgetting to explore parts of the map or figure out rival civilization placements could spell defeat. Players wonder if auto-explore remains in Civilization 7.
Civilization 7 does not have auto-explore as of February 11, 2025. Upon launch, many players were surprised to find that auto explore was no longer an option. Every game since Civilization 4 has included auto explore for scouts. The feature made finding new places to settle or get the jump on potential opponents much safer.
The AI also has the uncanny ability to explore near landmarks. That left the stress of “playing blind” out of the player’s mind. Even so, auto-explore did have its disadvantages. Scouts may accidentally walk into enemy territory, triggering unwanted combat. They may also have the unfortunate side effect of showing rivals a civilization’s existence.
In such cases, players could still turn off auto-explore and sidestep the problem entirely. Removing the option entirely has left many players disappointed. In the late game, where players gain more benefit from finding more of the map, having to micromanage another unit can be frustrating.
The game does offer some new exploration features to mitigate the loss.
Lookout permanently grants +1 sight range while stationary for Scouts. Meanwhile, Search grants +1 sight range for a single turn, and reveals all discoveries within twice that range. Â Lookout is better suited for a defensive civilization, as it allows players to spot anybody coming near the edge of their settlements. The +1 sight range remains active for as long as the Scouts remain in their watchtower.
Search is much more useful for explorers. Revealing unseen discoveries helps exploration go by faster. The extra sight also means Scouts can nimbly hop out of the way of hostiles without being spotted themselves. Scouts shouldn’t be overeager when exploring. With the sight advantage, it’s better to remain cautious and feel out the land.
The Imago Mundi is the best memento for Scouts in Civilization 7.  The memento gives the Scout Search and Lookout +3 sight instead of +1. The primary use for scouts should be exploration, and +3 sight makes exploration absurdly fast.
Since players can equip two mementos, consider Ibn Battuta (extra sight for all friendly units) or The Travels of Marco Polo (+50 gold for every 100 tiles explored) as a combo. While players do miss the auto explore feature, Scouts have many new toys to play with. With active support expected, players may just have to wait for auto explore’s glorious return.
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