7 Wonders Chaining Rules: Build for Free with Chain Symbols
Chaining lets you build certain later-Age structures for free if you already built the required earlier structure.
How chaining works
Some structures display a chain symbol that corresponds to a later structure. If you own the required chain, you may construct the linked building without paying its normal resource cost.
Do you still play the card normally?
Yes. You choose the card as your Age card for that turn and construct it, but the chain replaces the normal construction cost.
Do you pay coins to neighbors when chaining?
No. Because you are not paying the building’s resource cost, you do not need to buy missing resources for that construction.
Can you chain if you do not have the exact required symbol?
No. The free-build link must match the chain shown by the earlier structure.
How are chains shown in the current edition?
The current edition uses dedicated chain symbols rather than relying only on printed building names. Repos also publishes an official chains-and-cards reference.
Can you build the same structure twice?
No. Under normal rules, you cannot construct a building if you already have a card with that same name in your city.
Does chaining build Wonder stages for free?
No. Chaining applies to the linked structure card. Wonder stages use their own printed costs and effects unless a specific Wonder ability says otherwise.
Related 7 Wonders guides
Official source
Rules checked September 2026.