Civilization VII Asynchronous Multiplayer
Asynchronous multiplayer is a way to play Civilization VII against a friend without ever both being online at the same time. Each of you takes a turn whenever it fits your schedule, and the game advances one save file at a time.
What asynchronous Civ VII multiplayer means
In a normal online match, everyone has to be present for the whole session. Asynchronous play removes that requirement. You take your turn, hand the game off, and your opponent does the same whenever they're free. A full game can unfold over days or weeks instead of one long evening.
Why play asynchronously?
- Different time zones are no longer a blocker.
- Busy schedules, work, and family commitments fit around a few minutes per turn.
- Friends who can only play occasionally stay in a long-running game.
- Players who like to take their time can think each move through.
How Hotseat saves make it possible
Civilization VII includes a Hotseat mode, where multiple human players take turns on the same machine through a single save file. That same save file is what c7pbm moves between computers. You play your turn in Hotseat, save, and pass the file on — no mod and no separate client required.
How c7pbm passes the save between players
- You create a Civ VII Hotseat game and invite your opponent.
- You play your turn and save the game.
- You upload the new save to c7pbm.
- c7pbm marks it as your opponent's turn, and they play when they're ready.
When it's your turn again, c7pbm can drop the latest save straight into your Civ VII saves folder automatically, so you can just open the game and keep playing.
Want to know more?
Read the step-by-step guide to playing Civ VII asynchronously, or learn what PBEM means and how it relates.