New map type, Terra Incognita in Civ 7 explained
While starting the new game in Civilization 7, you might wonder what Terra Incognita is. Here you will learn more about this mysterious map type.

Despite rather unfortunate start, Civilization 7 still draws in an impressive number of fans. However, the official release did not allow the game to surpass its all-time peak established during Advanced (Early) Access period (via SteamDB). Nonetheless, many players seem to enjoy this entry in the Civilization series. Some of us, unfamiliar with the most recent Civ title and its challenges, can be surprised by a mysterious map type called Terra Incognita. This Latin expression means simply “Unknown Land”, which lets us speculate a bit what it’s all about. If you would like to get more context though, here we will uncover secrets of this uncharted territory.
Terra Incognita in Civ 7 explained
4X games are generally not the easiest to pick up (that’s why we have prepared a handy guide for it). They are rich in intricate mechanics that can quickly get very convoluted and, for the most part, they are dependent on each other, meaning that a small change can cause a butterfly effect. That’s why it’s important to understand in depth the consequences of your choices, like for example the map types. When starting a new game in Civ 7, you might have noticed Terra Incognita, wondering what it entails.
Assuming that you are familiar with what the other map types look like (especially as their names are rather self-explanatory), Terra Incognita creates a start continent similar to the one from Continents Plus, whereas the Distant Land is of an unknown type. It introduces some randomness and adds to the exploration experience, as we never know how the terrain on the other side of the sea will look like. It can be an archipelago, a continent, or a mix of those two.
Due to its unpredictable nature, it is recommended for more seasoned players, who can adapt to such variations easily. However, don’t get scared. It is there for us to have fun and live through an interesting, wild adventure. Have fun!
More:Civilization 7 Guide