How to Change Social Policies in Civilization 7

Social Policies are a complex system that provides numerous advantages to leaders in Civilization 7. Implementing certain Social Policies will enhance your civilization faster than other leaders, depending on how you manage them.

Each policy offers several benefits, such as increased Science, Culture, Production, and more. However, is there a way to change these Social Policies once implemented? How do you unlock Social Policies? Here’s everything you need to know about Social Policies in Civilization 7.

How to Unlock Social Policies in Civilization 7

Everyone has to unlock Social Policies before implementing anything. The Social Policy only unlocks after researching the “Civics” tech of the Culture Progression tree. You’ll eventually get two Social Policies when unlocked, and you’ll get to choose among a few Social Policies to implement.

To unlock more Social Policy slots, you’ll just need to increase Happiness. These include unique Traditional policies specific to your leader. You’ll gain more Social Policy slots during Celebrations by choosing the Happiness effects, as well. Naturally, this also prevents revolts since you are also keeping your people happy all the time.

Once you unlock more Social Policy slots, you’ll also see more Social Policy options, giving you greater flexibility in growing your civilization.

You can always manage the Social Policy tab by clicking on the parchment paper icon in the upper-left of your screen, as seen in the image above.

Apart from Social Policies, there are also Crisis Policies that may appear during a crisis. In this case, a Crisis Policy forces you to fill a Policy slot and gives you a “negative” effect that will last throughout the age.

There is no workaround, and you’ll have to suffer the consequences of a crisis.

Related: What Are Specialists and What Do They Do in Civilization 7?

Can You Change Social Policies in Civilization 7?

Once you implement Social Policies, they can never be swapped until you get new slots. You’ll always need to add Social Policies when you unlock a new slot. However, when a crisis finishes, you also get a slot back, and you can add another Social Policy. This usually happens near the end of the age, so it isn’t as significant.

This is why choosing your Social Policies carefully is crucial. You can’t easily switch them. Think about the goals for your civilization, such as focusing on building wonders, enriching your economy, maintaining happiness, and researching Science or Culture. If you have a goal, you can more easily decide on Social Policies that will help you reach those goals.

It is also worth noting that there are unique icons in some of the Social Policies. These policies are “Traditions,” which means they are unique policies specific to your leader. These Traditions are also carried over to the next age, which makes each leader unique. Align with your leader or civilization’s strength, as all these Traditions will go into the next age.