Laying the Foundation: Best Early Game Strategies in Civilization VI

Mastering the early game in Civilization VI sets the stage for your empire’s success or failure. The decisions you make from the very first turn can significantly impact your civilization’s development, growth, and ultimate survival. Here are some strategic tips to ensure your civilization thrives right from the start.

1. Prioritize Settlement Locations

Choose Strategic Locations:

Your first city’s location is crucial. Look for a balance of resources, access to water, and defensible terrain. Ideally, your capital should be near a variety of resources to boost early growth and near hills or mountains for defensive advantages and production bonuses.

2. Scout Effectively

Expand Your Knowledge Quickly:

Send out your first scout immediately to uncover the surrounding area. Early scouting can help you:

• Identify prime locations for your next cities.
• Discover city-states for early bonuses and quests.
• Locate ancient ruins and tribal villages for extra resources, units, or technology boosts.

3. Focus on Expansion

Grow Your Empire:

Expanding early is a key strategy in Civ VI due to the game’s emphasis on wide play (building more cities):

• Build a settler early. Typically, after your city reaches a population of 2 or 3, start building a settler to expand.
• Secure valuable spots before your rivals can, especially areas rich in resources and strategically important positions.

4. Manage Your City’s Production

Optimize City Outputs:

In the early game, balance your city’s production to support growth, expansion, and defense:

• Build a mix of units and buildings. Start with essential buildings like granaries to boost growth or monuments to expand your cultural borders.
• Create a balance between civilian and military units. Defend your cities and settlers with a few units.

5. Develop a Balanced Research Path

Choose Relevant Technologies:

Select technologies based on your surroundings and strategic needs:

• If near forests or jungle, research Bronze Working to clear them and boost your city’s development.
• If close to water, prioritize Sailing and Shipbuilding to take advantage of maritime resources.

6. Cultivate Diplomatic Relationships

Establish Early Contacts:

Meeting other civilizations and city-states early on can:

• Form beneficial relationships and trade agreements.
• Prevent early conflicts by understanding their intentions and establishing peaceful relations.

7. Leverage City-States

Benefit from Early Bonuses:

Engaging with city-states can provide critical early game bonuses:

• Complete city-state quests to earn their trust and the rewards they offer.
• Earn envoys to gain unique bonuses, such as extra faith, culture, or military strength.

8. Optimize Government and Policies

Adapt to Circumstances:

Once you establish a government:

• Choose policies that bolster your early strategy. For example, policies that boost production towards settlers or enhance unit strength.
• Stay flexible with your policies. Switch them as needed to adapt to changing game conditions.

Conclusion

Mastering the early game in Civilization VI involves strategic foresight, efficient resource management, and proactive expansion. By effectively scouting, wisely placing your cities, managing production, researching appropriate technologies, and cultivating diplomatic ties, you set a strong foundation for your civilization. Remember, the choices you make in these initial turns can echo throughout your history, potentially leading to a glorious future or a forgotten empire. So plan carefully, adapt quickly, and lead your civilization to dominate the world stage.