Civilization Western Extension Map

Designed by Francis Tresham
Published by Avalon Hill (1988)

The Civilization Western Extension Map (WXM) measures 11” x 22”. It is printed on cardboard stock which means that it is thinner than the actual Civilization map. I don’t find this a problem as I always play Civilization with a sheet of Perspex (plexiglass) over the map – if you play directly on the map you may find this difference in thickness to be an irritation at the very least.

The WXM stretches from Corsica and Sardinia on its eastern edge to the Pillars of Hercules (Straights of Gibraltar) on its western edge. When using the CWEM the Italian civilization is replaced by the Iberian civilization – it’s staring location is at the far western end of the map, in Iberia (Spain). The map goes as far north as Britain. France and Germany contain four 3-value areas. There is one flood plain in the south of France and 5 city sites, all adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea.

The WXM can be used to play a four-player, five-player, six-player or seven-player game. The most significant factor in each of the games is that each player really needs to factor a naval component to their overall strategy. Using the standard map it is possible for some of the starting civilizations to play the entire game without building a ship. When using the extension map, not having a plan regarding the development and use of naval power is likely to be a sure way to achieve failure in the game.

Due to having more options for development and less initial competition, the African civilization has a new AST track which is more difficult than previously was the case (the Early Iron Age comes in one space sooner and an extra 100 points are required to move to the finish pace). The Iberian AST track is different to the Italian AST track (the Early Bronze Age starts one space sooner but it is now 100 points EASIER to move to the finish space).

Using the WXM a four-player game now becomes a worthwhile and interesting experience. The map used is from the western edge of the expansion map to just east of Greece and Crete. Each player has only 47 tokens to use during the game.

The five-player is also improved by using the WXM. I suspect that having everyone near-to and using the water is a balancing factor in the game. The useable map area is now expanded to include Asia Minor and the Black Sea area. Players still use just 47 counters.

The six-player game uses the four western-most map panels (it does not use the eastern-most map panel of the original map). Players are still limited to just 47 tokens. The designer recommends that players should use the supplementary Trade Cards. I have only ever played this version of the game using the supplementary cards and can’t comment on what the game is like using just the standard cards.

The seven-player game uses the ENTIRE map and, unlike the standard game where players use only 47 tokens, players have the full complement of 55 tokens. The combination of more space and more tokens means bigger empires. Again, Francis Tresham suggests that the seven-player version of the game will be extremely vicious UNLESS the supplementary Trade Cards are used. Again, not having played this version with the standard deck I can’t comment personally but suspect that the designer is correct.

Although not listed as an option, I find that an eight-player game is now a possibility. Using all the map, giving each player 47 tokens and using the supplementary Trade Cards has worked okay for me in the past. Who knows? It may work for you too.


Should You Buy The Map?

NO! If you don’t play the game very often you don’t need the map because you don’t need the variety.

YES! If you want a vicious game you should try getting the map and play it with the standard Trade Cards.

YES! If you play with four or five players the WXM will give you a better gaming experience.

YES! If you play Civilization regularly with the same group of people the map gives good variety, particularly in regards to making more use of naval units.

YES! If you want to have an exciting 8-player game.


“There Be Piracy In This Game – Aaaarrrhh!”