2K has launched the new paid downloadable content "Brush and Blade Collection" for Sid Meier's Civilization VII, available starting June 24, 2026 (Wednesday).
This collection offers additional content that captures the delicate and beautiful harmony between "martial prowess (武)" and "artistic culture (文)" found throughout Japanese and Korean history. The content is planned to release in two parts by July 2026, with Part 1 launching today.
As the first addition, Toyotomi Hideyoshi — currently generating buzz in Japan — arrives as a new leader. Players can aim for unification of the land alongside Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who rose from a humble foot soldier to the ruler of Japan, in Sid Meier's Civilization VII.
A trailer introducing the new leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi has also been published on the official YouTube channel.
Brush and Blade Collection Contents
The collection adds two new leaders, four civilizations, and four wonders. Content will be released in two parts by July 2026.
Part 1 — Available Now
New Leader: Toyotomi Hideyoshi
One of Japan's "Three Great Unifiers," Toyotomi Hideyoshi led Japan to unification amid the chaos of the Sengoku period. Rising from the low rank of ashigaru to become the most trusted retainer of Oda Nobunaga, Hideyoshi distinguished himself as a fearless warrior and patron of the arts. After Nobunaga fell to a retainer's betrayal, Hideyoshi avenged his lord and pressed forward toward unification, extending his reach beyond Japan's shores.
- Attributes: Military & Culture
- Unique Ability "Great Unifier": Increases damage dealt when land units attack other civilizations, but also increases damage taken when defending. Units while in cultural buildings or wonders gain additional HP recovery. Production toward cultural buildings is increased — and increases further for cities the player did not build.
- Leader Agenda "Kampaku": Relations improve with civilizations that have both strong land units and strong culture. Relations worsen with civilizations that lack land units or culture.
New Civilizations: Heian Japan, Sengoku Japan
New Wonders: Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace, Nachi Falls, Mireuksa Temple, Seongsan Ilchulbong
Special Bonus: Profile customization items
Part 2 — Coming Later
- New Leader: Yi Sun-sin
- New Civilizations: Goryeo, Joseon
Civilization Details
Heian Japan
The Heian period began in 794 with the establishment of Heian-kyō (present-day Kyoto), marking the late classical era of Japan. Against a backdrop of elegant moonlit shinden-zukuri estates and gardens, poets and storytellers crafted their narratives. While aristocratic women elevated literature to an art form in this dazzling setting, the countryside fell into decline as powerful clans clashed in an atmosphere of growing instability. Those tensions sparked unrest in the early 12th century, eventually giving rise to the shogunate that would govern Japan for centuries to come.
- Peak Era: Ancient
- Attributes: Culture & Diplomacy
- Unique Ability: Pure Land
For more details on Heian Japan, visit the official site.
Sengoku Japan
A turbulent era of raging conflicts, where samurai and daimyo fought for survival — the source of countless classics and legends set in late feudal Japan. From the late 15th century, as feudal powers rose, powerful regional lords organized ninja and warrior monks, employing newly introduced firearms and other means to compete fiercely for control over the imperial court. After an age of heroes including Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Hattori Hanzō, Tokugawa Ieyasu established the shogunate in 1603, ending the long era of conflict and ushering in centuries of peace.
- Peak Era: Age of Exploration
- Attributes: Diplomacy & Military
- Unique Ability: Shogunate
For more details on Sengoku Japan, visit the official site.
New Videos on Official YouTube
New trailers showcasing the highlights of the Brush and Blade Collection (Part 1) are now available:
- [Leader Spotlight] Toyotomi Hideyoshi Trailer: https://youtu.be/vcujWAyiBlQ
- [Civilization Spotlight] Heian Japan Video: https://youtu.be/abT8I84W4pM
- [Civilization Spotlight] Sengoku Japan Video: https://youtu.be/oDxcvIdnJRk
Free Update 1.4.1 Also Available
Alongside the paid content, free Update 1.4.1 is now available to all players, bringing further improvements to the game.
- Hot Seat Multiplayer Mode: Players can now take turns playing against friends on a single PC or console.
- Archipelago Map Overhaul and System Improvements: In-game systems such as "Government," "Happiness," and the "Celebration System" have been adjusted for a smoother experience, along with various bug fixes.
The base game of Sid Meier's Civilization VII (sold separately) is required to enjoy the Brush and Blade Collection.
For details on the Brush and Blade Collection, visit the official page.
