Civilization 7's leaders represent a major break with the series' traditions, in that they're completely separated from the civilization you choose. You can mix and match with total freedom. Want Ben Franklin to lead the Romans? Sure. Pharaoh Hatshepsut at the head of the Mayans? You bet. However, while you'll choose a new civilization for each of the three acts, your leader will remain the same throughout. So picking one is the most consequential playstyle choice you'll make before starting that first turn.
Leaders also come with a couple attributes, which can include Cultural, Diplomatic, Economic, Expansionist, Militaristic, and Scientific. These open up special perk trees you'll unlock as you go that are similar to civics in past Civ games. It's unclear at this point whether each leader will only get perk points in their listed attributes, or if they just get those types of points more often. However, everyone can get Wildcard points, which you can spend in any tree.
