Ultimate Strategy Guide for Civilization VI: Mastering Early Game Expansion

In the grand strategy game of Civilization VI, the early game is a crucial phase that can dictate the pace and success of your entire playthrough. Understanding the intricacies of early game expansion is pivotal in securing a robust foundation for your civilization. This manual will guide you through the top strategies to guarantee the growth and supremacy of your empire right from the start.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into specific strategies, it's important to grasp the fundamental goals of the early game in Civilization VI. The main objectives are to explore your surroundings, establish your first few cities, secure resources, and prepare for interactions with other civilizations and city-states.

Selecting the Right Leader

Each leader in Civilization VI comes with unique abilities, units, and infrastructure bonuses. When planning an expansion-focused game, opt for leaders who offer early game advantages, such as Trajan of Rome with his free city founding monument or Peter the Great of Russia for extra territory upon city establishment.

Scouting Efficiently

Effective scouting is key in the early game. Utilize scouts to uncover the map quickly, identify advantageous settlement locations, locate natural wonders, and find other civilizations and city-states. Knowledge of your surroundings is crucial for strategic expansion.

Strategizing City Placement

When founding new cities, consider proximity to resources, strategic and luxury resources, defensibility, and potential for district bonuses. An ideal city location has access to fresh water, several resource tiles, and terrains that benefit specific districts you plan to build.

Exploiting Early Game Bonuses

Take advantage of unique bonuses and abilities provided by your civilization, as well as those offered by the game's pantheon beliefs, policies, and governmental types that suit an expansionist strategy. These can significantly boost your early game expansion efforts.

Resource Management

Efficiently managing resources is crucial for sustaining early expansion. Prioritize technologies and civics that unlock improvements, boost production, and increase growth rates in your cities. Remember, a well-balanced economy is the backbone of a thriving empire.

Interacting with Other Civilizations and City-States

Early encounters with other civilizations and city-states can shape the course of your game. Establishing peaceful relations or securing early suzerainty over city-states can provide significant bonuses. Alternatively, consider the benefits versus risks of early conquests.

Developing Infrastructure

Infrastructure development is crucial for supporting an expanding empire. Focus on constructing essential buildings and districts that enhance production, science, culture, and housing. Early investment in infrastructure pays dividends in long-term growth and stability.

Military Strategy and Defense

While expansion is a key focus, neglecting military strength can leave your civilization vulnerable to aggression. Balance your expansion efforts with the development of a capable defense force to deter potential invaders and protect your growing empire.

Managing City Growth and Happiness

As your empire expands, maintaining city happiness and managing growth become critical. Implement amenities, entertainment complexes, and policies that increase happiness and prevent unrest. A happy and productive populace is essential for continued success.

Research and Civic Prioritization

Align your research and civics choices with your expansion goals. Prioritize advancements that unlock key units, buildings, and districts that support your expansion strategy. Being strategic about your technological and societal advancements can significantly boost your early game momentum.

Mastering Early Game Diplomacy

The art of diplomacy in Civilization VI can be a powerful tool in your expansionist arsenal. Forge alliances, make beneficial trades, and manipulate rivalries to your advantage. Mastering diplomacy can secure your civilization's position as a dominant force on the global stage.

Conclusion

Mastering early game expansion in Civilization VI requires a balance of strategic planning, resource management, and diplomacy. By adhering to the tactics detailed in this manual, you can establish the groundwork for a civilization that endures through the ages and guides you towards the ultimate triumph.