Civilization VI Beginner’s Guide: Essential Tips for Starting Your First Game

Introduction: Entering the World of Civilization VI

Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game where you aim to build an empire that can stand the test of time. As a new player, the complexity of the game can be daunting. This guide will walk you through the basics, helping you get off to a solid start in your very first game.

1. Choosing the Right Civilization

Each civilization has unique leaders, units, and abilities that can influence your playing style and strategy. For beginners, some civilizations offer more forgiving and versatile gameplay:

• Rome (Leader: Trajan): Offers strong early game bonuses, like a free building in each city center, making it great for newcomers.
• America (Leader: Teddy Roosevelt): Focuses on continent-based strength and appealing national parks, ideal for defensive play and cultural victories.

2. Understanding the Game Interface

When you start a game, you’ll see the main game screen, which includes:

• Map: The main part of the screen showing the world around your units and cities.
• Unit Commands: Located at the bottom right, these buttons let you control your selected units.
• City Information: Displayed on the lower left, showing your city’s production, population, and more.
• Turn Button: Found at the bottom right, this advances your game to the next turn after you’ve made your moves.

3. Starting Your First City

The first thing you do in a game of Civ VI is to establish your capital city. Look for a location with:

• Access to water: Rivers are preferable for the housing and amenity bonuses they provide.
• Resources: Nearby luxury and bonus resources like wheat, stone, or gold help your city thrive.

4. Expanding Your Civilization

After founding your capital, start exploring with your initial warrior and any scouts you produce:

• Meet other civilizations and city-states: This can provide you with valuable bonuses and information.
• Find ideal spots for new cities: Aim to settle near resources and strategically important locations.

5. Managing Your Economy

Your civilization’s economy is based on several key resources:

• Food: Increases population in your cities.
• Production: Used to build units, buildings, and wonders.
• Gold: Necessary for trading and maintenance costs.
• Science and Culture: Drive your technological and civic progress.

6. Developing Technology and Civics

The Technology and Civics trees guide your civilization’s scientific and cultural advancements:

• Focus on technologies and civics that suit your immediate needs: For example, if you are near water, research Sailing early.
• Adapt your choices based on your surroundings and strategy.

7. Interacting with Other Civilizations

Diplomacy plays a crucial role:

• Establish relationships: Trade, form alliances, and negotiate with other leaders.
• Watch out for wars: Keep a decent military to deter or defend against aggressive neighbors.

8. Winning the Game

There are several paths to victory in Civ VI, including:

• Domination: Conquer the capitals of other civilizations.
• Science: Be the first to colonize Mars.
• Culture: Attract more visiting tourists to your civilization than any other has domestic tourists at home.
• Religion: Become the predominant religion in every other major civilization.
• Diplomatic (Gathering Storm expansion): Earn the favor of the world and win the World Leader vote.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Journey

Civilization VI is a complex game with multiple layers of strategy and tactics. Don’t worry if not everything makes sense right away. Each game is a learning experience, and part of the fun is discovering new strategies and interactions. Take your time, explore different aspects of the game, and most importantly, enjoy building an empire that stands the test of time!