In the captivating realm of Civilization VI, a veritable tapestry of civilizations awaits your command, each boasting unique strengths, weaknesses, and playstyles. From the enigmatic Egyptians to the formidable Romans, the game presents a diverse array of choices that cater to every strategic predilection. As you embark on your quest for global domination, it is imperative to carefully consider which civilization aligns best with your ambitions.
For those seeking a civilization with a penchant for architectural wonders, Egypt reigns supreme. With their innate bonus to Production towards Wonders, the Egyptians can swiftly erect colossal structures that not only grant substantial bonuses but also inspire awe in both allies and adversaries alike. Their unique ability, “Iteru,” further amplifies this advantage by providing additional Production towards Wonders when adjacent to a River. This enables Egypt to establish sprawling wonder-filled metropolises that serve as testaments to their architectural prowess.
Furthermore, if economic supremacy is your ultimate goal, Rome stands as an unwavering beacon of prosperity. Led by the astute Emperor Trajan, Rome possesses a formidable army and an equally impressive talent for generating wealth. Their unique ability, “Pax Romana,” grants a substantial Amenity bonus to cities with Colosseums, allowing them to maintain a contented citizenry while expanding their empire. Additionally, Rome’s “Legion” unit, with its superior strength and versatility, forms the backbone of their military might, ensuring that their territorial ambitions are met with unwavering determination.
Dominating with Rome: Expansion and Infrastructure
Early Expansion
Rome’s unique ability, The Eagle Standard, grants a free Cohort, Rome’s powerful early military unit, whenever a city is founded. This head start allows Rome to expand aggressively in the early game, securing territory and resources. The Legions, Rome’s later infantry unit, can also build roads, further facilitating expansion and connecting newly acquired cities.
Additionally, Rome receives Civics and Technologies at a faster rate than other civilizations. This accelerates their development, providing them with access to essential advancements that support their expansionist ambitions. By leveraging their military strength and civic superiority, Rome can establish a dominant presence early on, laying the foundation for later successes.
| Era | Civic | Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient | Civic 2 (vs Civic 1) | Writing (vs Animal Husbandry) |
| Classical | Civic 4 (vs Civic 3) | Iron Working (vs Military Tactics) |
Infrastructure Development
Alongside its military prowess, Rome excels in infrastructure development. The Baths wonder, unique to Rome, provides a significant Amenity boost and increases the production of all districts, making it a valuable investment for any burgeoning empire. Additionally, Rome’s unique district, the Aqueduct, generates housing and Amenities, further enhancing the livability of cities.
Rome’s infrastructure advancements not only support its own growth but also enable trade and diplomacy. The Colosseum, another Rome-exclusive wonder, increases Culture and Tourism output, adding to Rome’s international influence and attracting potential allies. By investing in infrastructure, Rome creates a fertile environment for economic prosperity, cultural achievement, and diplomatic triumph.
Science and Culture Symphony: Korea’s Triumph
Korea’s Cultural Dominance
Korea’s Seowon, unique high-tier districts unlocked through a unique “Policy Card” mechanic, serve as both Science and Culture powerhouses. Each new Seowon boosts adjacent Campus and Theater Squares without sacrificing valuable adjacency bonuses. This harmonious synergy allows Korea to excel in both academic and artistic pursuits, creating a formidable civilization that can dominate the late game science and culture race.
| Seowon | Yields |
|---|---|
| Standard | +4 Science, +4 Culture |
| Adjacent to Campus | +2 Science |
| Adjacent to Theater Square | +2 Culture |
Additionally, Korea’s “Turtle Ships” Naval Unit provides a significant military advantage, particularly against coastal foes. This powerful ship can bombard multiple enemy units simultaneously, making it a formidable deterrent for naval invasions and a potent tool for securing dominance over the seas.
Korea’s unique traits and districts combine to create a dynamic and versatile civilization that excels in both science and culture. By embracing the harmony between these two disciplines, Korea can unlock unprecedented achievements and secure its place as a formidable force on the global stage.
Naval Supremacy: England’s Rule the Seas
England’s naval dominance in Civ 6 stems from several key factors that contribute to its superior maritime capabilities.
Ship Versatility: Royal Navy’s Pride
English ships are renowned for their well-roundedness, excelling in both offensive and defensive aspects. Early on, Sea Dogs swiftly patrol the seas, while later eras witness the emergence of First Rate naval units, formidable ships-of-the-line with devastating firepower.
Ship Stats:
| Unit | Combat Strength | Range | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Dog | 18 (Melee) | 2 | 3 |
| First Rate | 60 (Ranged) | 3 | 3 |
Naval Infrastructure: Pillars of Dominance
England’s naval infrastructure solidifies its maritime hegemony. The Royal Dockyard unique improvement boosts ship production, providing a critical advantage in building a powerful fleet. Additionally, the Navigation School district enhances naval unit movement, allowing England to control vast swathes of ocean.
Naval Focus: Elizabeth’s Seafaring Spirit
Queen Elizabeth’s unique ability, “Golden Age,” grants free Great Admirals upon entering a Golden Age. These legendary figures empower England’s navy with increased combat strength, movement, and range. Moreover, the “Sea Dogs” passive ability boosts the combat strength of naval units near England’s continent, further enhancing its maritime supremacy.
Diplomatic Mastery: Greece’s City-State Alliance
Boundless Diplomacy
Greece excels in diplomacy, with special abilities that enhance their interactions with city-states. Their “Golden Age of Athens” ability grants bonus diplomatic favor from completing a Classical Era wonder, making Greece a formidable ally to nearby city-states.
City-State Alliances
The cornerstone of Greece’s diplomacy is their ability to form alliances with city-states. Each alliance grants Greece various bonuses, including unique luxury resources, unit upgrades, and strategic advantages. For example, an alliance with a trading city-state provides bonus gold, while an alliance with a scientific city-state boosts research.
City-State Alliance Bonuses
| City-State Type | Bonus |
|---|---|
| Trading | +2 Gold |
| Scientific | +2 Science |
| Military | +1 Unit Combat Strength |
| Religious | +1 Faith |
| Cultural | +1 Culture |
Expanded Influence
Greece’s diplomatic strength extends beyond alliances. Their “Byzantium’s Legacy” ability allows them to obtain the Suzerain status of a city-state with half the envoys required. This ability, combined with their bonus diplomatic favor, enables Greece to dominate the city-state landscape and secure valuable benefits.
Strategic Advantage
Greece’s diplomatic prowess translates into strategic advantages on the battlefield. Alliances with military city-states provide Greece with upgraded units, enhancing their military capabilities. Additionally, Greece’s access to unique luxury resources gained from city-state alliances strengthens their economy and supports a larger army.
Economic Prowess: Kongo’s Commercial Empire
Kongo reigns supreme as an economic powerhouse in Civilization VI. Its unique ability, Mbanza Kongo, consists of three parts that work synergistically to boost its economic growth:
Commercial Hubs and Districts
Kongo’s Commercial Hubs and Holy Sites generate +2 Production if built adjacent to a river. This bonus extends to all districts around the Hub, making it an ideal city planning strategy. By strategically placing these districts, you can optimize your empire’s output and unlock tech and civic advancements faster.
Trade Route Bonuses
Trade Routes originating from a Kongo city receive +3 Gold per luxury resource improved in the source city. Additionally, receiving a Trade Route from another civilization grants Kongo +2 Faith per source luxury.
Rare Resource Production
| Resource | Bonus |
|---|---|
| Diamonds | +10 Gold |
| Gemstones | +10 Gold, +1 Production |
| Copper | +5 Production |
Kongo has a heightened chance of spawning with access to these rare resources, providing a significant economic advantage. Copper boosts Production, while Diamonds and Gemstones provide substantial Gold income.
Faith and Wonder: Russia’s Holy Legacy
Russia’s unique ability, “Dance of the Aurora,” grants them a massive boost to Faith generation when constructing a Holy Site or Lavra adjacent to a Tundra tile. This faith bonus can be compounded with the “Sergius of Radonezh” leader ability possessed by Catherine the Great, providing an additional +1 Faith for each adjacent Holy Site and +2 Faith for each adjacent Lavra.
Utilizing Tundra Tiles
Russia’s advantage in Tundra tiles is significant due to their availability in the northern regions of the map. By settling cities in these areas and constructing Holy Sites and Lavras adjacent to Tundra tiles, Russia can rapidly accumulate Faith, enabling them to purchase religious units, enhance their faith-based buildings, and eventually spread their religion.
The Power of Faith
Faith is a valuable resource in Civilization VI, allowing players to purchase religious units, spread their religion, and establish religious colonies. Russia’s abundance of faith allows them to dominate the religious game, converting other civilizations and gaining access to powerful religious beliefs that provide various bonuses.
Lavras: A Faith Stronghold
Lavras are unique Russian buildings that replace Holy Sites and provide even greater faith bonuses. The combination of “Dance of the Aurora” and “Sergius of Radonezh” allows Russia to establish a network of Lavras that generate an immense amount of faith, enabling them to purchase powerful religious units and spread their influence rapidly.
Religious Expansion
With its abundant faith, Russia can easily spread its religion to other civilizations. By converting city-states and other civilizations to their religion, Russia gains access to alliances, trade benefits, and other diplomatic bonuses.
Purchasing Religious Units
Russia’s faith output allows them to purchase a variety of religious units, including Apostles and Missionaries. Apostles are powerful religious warriors that can spread religion, establish religious colonies, and engage in religious combat. Missionaries are less potent but cheaper and can still spread religion effectively.
Wonder Building
Faith can also be used to purchase Great People, including Great Engineers that can construct wonders. Russia’s unique wonder, the Saint Basil’s Cathedral, provides a massive bonus to the Faith generated by all Holy Sites and Lavras, further enhancing their faith production.
| Building | Faith Bonus |
|---|---|
| Holy Site (Adjacent to Tundra) | +4 Faith |
| Lavra (Adjacent to Tundra) | +8 Faith |
| Saint Basil’s Cathedral | +5 Faith to all Holy Sites and Lavras |
Military Dominance: Germany’s Blitzkrieg Baptism
Germany’s legendary military might has been effortlessly translated into the digital battlefield of Civilization VI. Their dominance stems from their potent combination of unique abilities and specialized units.
Hansa Zone: Industrial Supremacy
Hansa districts receive production bonuses from adjacent Industrial Zones, enabling Germany to churn out units and buildings at an alarming pace.
Production Powerhouse: Ruhr Valley
The Ruhr Valley ability grants Germany extra production for each adjacent mine or quarry, further bolstering their industrial capabilities.
Mechanized Warfare: Panzer and U-Boat
Panzer units replace Infantry in the mid-game, providing superior firepower and movement. Similarly, U-boats replace submarines, excelling in naval combat.
War Machine: Militarism
The Militarism civic grants Germany bonus military production, reducing the time required to build formidable armies.
Union of Arms: Corps and Armies
Germany’s unique Corps and Armies units promote faster movement, combat strength, and unit stacking, allowing them to quickly overwhelm opponents.
Blitzkrieg Baptism: Hans and U-Boat Raids
The Blitzkrieg Doctrine provides Panzer units with a speed boost when attacking, while the Hansa unit can establish trade routes and pillage enemy territory from afar. U-Boat Raids enable Germany to pillage coastal cities and trade routes with submarines.
| Unit | Cost | Combat Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Infantry | 40 | 25 |
| Panzer | 60 | 40 |
| U-Boat | 80 | 50 |
| Area | Advancements |
|---|---|
| Industry | Modern factories, railroads, shipyards |
| Military | Western weapons, tactics, modern artillery |
| Education | Modern education system, universities, research institutions |
| Technological Transfer | Import of machinery, foreign study, foreign experts |
Diplomatic Charm: France’s Cultural Diplomacy
France has a long and storied history of cultural diplomacy, using its rich artistic heritage and language to build bridges with other nations. This tradition continues today, with France actively promoting its culture through a variety of initiatives.
French Language Promotion
France has made great strides in promoting the French language globally. The Alliance Française, a non-profit organization, operates in over 130 countries, offering French language classes and cultural programs. The French government also provides scholarships and support to students who wish to study French.
Cultural Diplomacy through the Arts
France has a thriving arts scene that is showcased internationally. The country’s museums, galleries, and theaters regularly host exhibitions and performances featuring French and international artists. France also supports cultural exchange programs, bringing French artists to other countries and showcasing foreign artists in France.
Cultural Partnerships
France has established cultural partnerships with many countries around the world. These partnerships involve collaborations in various fields, including education, research, and the arts. For example, France and China have a long-standing partnership in the field of cultural heritage, with joint projects focusing on the preservation and restoration of historical sites.
Cultural Tourism
France’s cultural heritage is a major draw for tourists. The country’s iconic landmarks, museums, and historical sites attract millions of visitors each year. The French government promotes cultural tourism through initiatives such as the “Culture Pass,” which grants access to museums and other cultural institutions at a reduced cost.
Foreign Language Education
France invests heavily in foreign language education, both in its own schools and abroad. The country has a strong tradition of teaching foreign languages at an early age, and French schools offer a wide range of language programs. France also supports the teaching of French in foreign schools through teacher training and curriculum development.
International Cultural Organizations
France is an active member of several international cultural organizations, including UNESCO and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie. These organizations provide platforms for France to promote its culture and collaborate with other countries on cultural projects.
Influence of French Culture
French culture has had a profound impact on the world. The French language is spoken by over 300 million people, and French art, music, and literature have influenced countless creators and audiences globally.
Economic Benefits of Cultural Diplomacy
In addition to its diplomatic and cultural benefits, France’s cultural diplomacy generates significant economic benefits. The country’s cultural industries are a major source of revenue, and cultural tourism contributes significantly to the economy.
| Year | Number of Visitors |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 90 million |
| 2020 | 65 million (due to COVID-19) |
Golden Age of Netherlands: Trade and Prosperity
The Netherlands’ Golden Age, spanning the 17th century, was a period of unprecedented economic and cultural flourishing, driven primarily by trade and prosperity.
Flourishing Trade
The Netherlands’ strategic location at the crossroads of major European trade routes made it an ideal hub for commerce. Dutch merchants established trading monopolies in the East Indies and dominated the Baltic grain trade, amassing vast wealth.
Prosperity and Commerce
The influx of wealth from trade led to widespread prosperity in the Netherlands. The country became a center of banking and finance, with the establishment of the Amsterdam stock exchange, the first in the world.
Technological Advancements
The Golden Age also witnessed significant technological advancements, particularly in shipbuilding and cartography. Dutch shipbuilders developed innovative designs that enabled them to dominate global trade.
Golden Age Culture
The economic prosperity of the Golden Age fostered a vibrant cultural scene. Dutch painters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer gained international acclaim, and the country became a hub for scholars and intellectuals.
Expansion of Colonies
The Netherlands used its wealth to expand its colonial holdings. They established colonies in North America, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia, further bolstering their trade empire.
Impact on Europe
The Netherlands’ Golden Age had a profound impact on Europe. It helped to spread Dutch culture and trade practices throughout the continent, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange.
Decline of the Golden Age
The Dutch Golden Age began to decline in the late 17th century due to a combination of factors, including wars, economic competition, and the rise of new trading powers.
Legacy of the Golden Age
Despite its decline, the Dutch Golden Age left a lasting legacy. The Netherlands remained a major trading nation, and the cultural and intellectual achievements of the period continue to inspire and fascinate.
Dutch Influence on World Trade
The Netherlands’ role in global trade during its Golden Age is evident in the widespread use of Dutch terms and customs in international commerce. For example:
| Term | Dutch Origin |
|---|---|
| Dollar | Daler |
| Lei | Leeuw |
| Anchor | Anker |
The Best Civilizations in Civilization VI
In Civilization VI, the choice of civilization can have a major impact on your gameplay experience. With a wide range of civilizations to choose from, each with its own unique bonuses and abilities, it can be difficult to decide which one is the best. Here are a few of the most popular and effective civilizations in the game:
- Germany: With its powerful production bonuses, Germany is a great choice for players who want to build a strong military or economy. Germany’s unique ability, the “Hansa,” allows it to build Hansa districts that provide production bonuses and trade routes.
- Rome: Rome is a well-rounded civilization that excels in both military and culture. Rome’s unique ability, the “Legion,” allows it to build Legions, which are powerful infantry units that can build roads and forts.
- China: China is a great choice for players who want to focus on science and technology. China’s unique ability, the “Great Wall,” allows it to build the Great Wall, which provides defense bonuses and trade routes.
- England: England is a strong naval civilization that is well-suited for players who want to control the seas. England’s unique ability, the “Royal Navy,” allows it to build Royal Navy ships, which are powerful ships that can bombard coastal cities.
- America: America is a versatile civilization that is well-suited for a variety of playstyles. America’s unique ability, the “Manifest Destiny,” allows it to purchase tiles with gold, which can be very helpful for expanding your empire.
People Also Ask
What is the best civilization for beginners?
Rome is a good choice for beginners because it is a well-rounded civilization that is easy to play. Rome’s bonuses to production and culture make it a good choice for players who want to build a strong empire without having to worry too much about micromanaging their cities.
What is the best civilization for war?
Germany is a great choice for players who want to focus on war. Germany’s powerful production bonuses allow it to build a strong military quickly and easily. Germany’s unique ability, the “Hansa,” also provides production bonuses, which can be used to build even more units.
What is the best civilization for science?
China is a great choice for players who want to focus on science. China’s unique ability, the “Great Wall,” provides science bonuses, which can be used to research new technologies more quickly. China also has a unique unit, the “Papermaker,” which can be used to build Libraries and Universities, which provide even more science bonuses.
