Best Strategies for Civilization VI on Island Maps

Playing on island maps in Civilization VI offers a unique strategic experience that significantly differs from playing on continental or Pangaea maps. The dispersed nature of islands necessitates a focus on naval power, trade, and adaptability. Whether you’re navigating the tiny atolls of Archipelago or the sprawling islands of Small Islands, here’s how to tailor your strategy to dominate the high seas and beyond.

Choosing the Right Civilization

Some civilizations have distinct advantages on island maps, making them ideal choices for maritime dominance:

• Indonesia (Led by Gitarja): Specializes in naval power and benefits from coastal cities with extra faith and amenities from coastal tiles.
• England (Led by Victoria): Their unique ability, «British Museum,» provides extra archaeological museums and naval units, which automatically gain one promotion level.
• Norway (Led by Harald Hardrada): Excels in naval warfare and can perform coastal raids, allowing their naval units to pillage land tiles.

Early Game: Setting Sail

Your initial strategy on an island map should focus on exploration and rapid maritime development:

• Prioritize Sailing and Shipbuilding: Unlock these technologies early to access better ships and expand your exploration and settlement capabilities.
• Build Scouts and Early Ships: Scouts can still be useful on larger islands for quickly uncovering the landscape, while ships are essential for connecting your scattered empire.

Expansion and Settlement Strategy

Island maps often mean limited space per landmass, so strategic settlement is key:

• Choose Settlement Locations Wisely: Look for islands with multiple resource types, especially luxury and strategic resources. Good harbor locations are crucial for economic and military growth.
• Expand Quickly but Prudently: Secure the most resource-rich or strategically located islands before your opponents can.

Economic Development

On island maps, your economy will heavily rely on maritime trade:

• Focus on Building Harbors: Harbors boost your trade route capacity and strengthen your economy through additional gold and production.
• Establish Robust Trade Routes: Maximize trade both with other civilizations and your own cities to promote growth and spread your cultural influence.

Military Strategy

Naval supremacy is essential on island maps:

• Build a Strong Navy: Invest in a diverse fleet capable of both defense and offense. Include a mix of melee ships like the Quadrireme and ranged ships like the Frigate.
• Control Key Waterways: Dominate chokepoints and strategic passages to control movement around the map and to protect your trade routes.

Cultural and Scientific Development

Do not neglect cultural and scientific advancements amid your naval focus:

• Use Island Terrain for Theater Squares: Cultural districts gain bonuses from being adjacent to wonders and water tiles, making islands potentially powerful cultural hubs.
• Advance Naval Technologies: Prioritize technologies that enhance your naval capabilities, like Cartography, which allows your ships to enter ocean tiles.

Diplomacy and Alliances

Strategic alliances can provide security and stability:

• Form Maritime Alliances: These can provide additional movement and vision over the seas, helping you to keep ahead of competitors and secure your naval routes.
• Manage Relations with Coastal Civilizations: They are your direct competitors for control of the seas. Keeping them friendly can prevent conflicts while you build up your capabilities.

Dealing with Isolation

Island maps can often lead to isolation from other civilizations, which has its pros and cons:

• Spying and Espionage: Use spies effectively to keep tabs on distant rivals and to steal crucial technologies.
• Religion as a Tool: If you are isolated, consider using a religion to boost your civilization’s morale and to spread influence silently across the water.

Table: Civ VI Naval Technologies and Their Benefits

Conclusion

Mastering island maps in Civilization VI requires a balanced approach that emphasizes naval power, economic resilience, and strategic foresight. By choosing the right civilization, focusing on maritime prowess, and maintaining strong diplomatic ties, you can leverage the unique challenges of island geography to your advantage. Remember, on island maps, whoever rules the waves often rules the game.