Tips for a Fast Start in Civilization VI: Kickstarting Your Empire

Introduction: Setting the Pace

Getting off to a fast start in Civilization VI is crucial for establishing a strong foundation for your empire. Whether you’re aiming for a domination, science, culture, or diplomatic victory, a solid early game strategy can significantly influence your success. Here are essential tips to ensure you hit the ground running in Civ VI.

1. Prioritize City Placement

Strategic Settlement:

• Access to Resources: Choose starting locations near a balance of luxury, strategic, and bonus resources. Luxuries boost happiness, strategic resources are crucial for certain units and buildings, and bonus resources provide additional yields.
• Fresh Water Access: Settle near rivers, lakes, or oases to ensure your city has enough housing to grow quickly.
• Consider Terrain: Settling near hills provides extra production, and being close to mountains is crucial for science-focused cities due to campus adjacency bonuses.

2. Optimize Early Production

Initial Builds:

• Scout First: Building a scout as your first or second unit allows you to explore surrounding territories quickly, uncovering crucial resources, city-state neighbors, and additional settlement spots.
• Slinger for Safety: If barbarians are a threat or if you anticipate early conflict with neighboring civilizations, consider building a slinger early to defend your city and scout safely.

3. Focus on Expansion

Grow Your Empire:

• Rapid Expansion: Aim to build or acquire at least three cities relatively early to ensure a solid economic and production base. More cities mean more districts, more units, and more resources.
• Manage Amenities and Housing: Keep an eye on amenities and housing as you expand. Neglecting these can stifle your cities’ growth and productivity.

4. Research and Civics Planning

Smart Choices:

• Key Early Techs: Prioritize technologies based on your surroundings and needs. For example, if you’re surrounded by woods, researching Bronze Working early can be beneficial for clearing and defensive tactics.
• Civics Synergy: Align your civics research with your planned strategy. For example, if you aim to expand aggressively, the early pursuit of civics that unlock governments with more military policy slots can be beneficial.

5. Active Exploration

Uncover the Map:

• Meet Other Civilizations and City-States: Meeting other civilizations early can help set the tone for diplomatic relationships and potentially unlock trade opportunities. Meeting city-states first can provide valuable early bonuses.
• Find Natural Wonders: Discovering natural wonders provides a happiness bonus and can significantly boost early tourism if you’re aiming for a cultural victory.

6. Manage Your Economy

Balance Gold and Production:

• Trade Routes: Establishing early trade routes, especially internal ones, can boost your cities’ growth and production. Later, international trade can provide much-needed gold and other bonuses.
• Resource Management: Sell or trade excess resources to other civilizations for gold or as part of strategic alliances.

7. Prepare for Defense

Ensure Safety:

• Barbarian Awareness: Keep an eye on nearby barbarian camps and be prepared to defend against or clear out barbarians to prevent them from disrupting your growth.
• Military Readiness: Even if you aim for a peaceful game, having a few units for defense can deter other civilizations from seeing you as an easy target.

Conclusion: Foundation for Success

A fast start in Civilization VI is about preparation, strategic planning, and adaptability. By focusing on effective city placement, prioritizing early expansion, actively exploring your surroundings, and making informed choices about research and development, you can establish a robust foundation that will support your empire throughout the ages, regardless of the victory condition you pursue.