c7pbm Civilization VII, asynchronous

How to Play Civilization VII Asynchronously With Friends

You can play Civilization VII with a friend even when you can't be online at the same time. Here's how, using c7pbm and Civ VII's built-in Hotseat saves.

1. What asynchronous multiplayer means

Asynchronous multiplayer is play where each person takes a turn at their own pace instead of everyone being present for one live session. The game moves forward one save at a time, so a match can last days or weeks rather than a single sitting.

2. Why asynchronous Civ VII is useful

It removes the need to coordinate schedules. If you and a friend are in different time zones, have busy jobs, or just prefer to think through each turn, asynchronous play means the game is always waiting for you rather than the other way around.

3. How Civ VII Hotseat saves work

Civilization VII has a Hotseat mode where human players take turns on one machine, all captured in a single save file. That save file records whose turn it is. c7pbm uses those same standard Hotseat saves — no mod required.

4. How c7pbm passes turns between players

You play your turn and upload the save. c7pbm records that it's now your opponent's turn and, when it becomes your turn again, can drop the latest save into your Civ VII saves folder automatically. You open the game and keep playing.

5. Step-by-step setup

  1. Create an account in the c7pbm web app and choose your Civ VII saves folder.
  2. Start a Hotseat game in Civilization VII with your friend.
  3. Play your turn, then save the game.
  4. Upload that save to c7pbm as a new game turn.
  5. Invite your opponent — they do the same from their end.

6. Browser requirements

c7pbm needs permission to access the saves folder you choose so it can read and write files automatically. This works best in Chrome or Edge.

7. Common problems

  • Upload says to pick a saves folder first. Choose your Civ VII saves folder in the app header before uploading.
  • Can't find your saves. See the saves folder locations on the homepage, or search your PC for *.Civ7Save files.
  • Wrong turn order. Only the current player can upload. If it's not your turn, you'll see a waiting message instead.

8. Start a game

Ready? You don't need a mod or a separate client — just a web browser and Civilization VII.

Start a game