How to Master Rome in Civilization VI: Strategies for Success

Playing as Rome in Civilization VI, led by Trajan, offers a powerful suite of benefits geared towards expansion, infrastructure development, and military prowess. Rome’s unique abilities make it a formidable civilization for new players and veterans alike, providing a strong foundation for any type of victory. Here’s how to harness the strengths of Rome and carve out your empire across the ages.

1. Capitalize on Trajan’s Leader Ability: Trajan’s Column

Trajan’s ability grants a free building in the city center—usually a Monument—in any new city you establish. This accelerates your cultural development, helping you unlock Civic trees and expand your borders faster.

Strategies:

• Rapid Expansion: Use the free Monument to rapidly expand your cultural influence, ensuring quicker access to vital tiles and resources.
• Aggressive Settling: Don’t hesitate to plant new cities. The early culture boost makes each new city more valuable from the start.

2. Leverage the Unique Unit: Legion

The Legion, replacing the Swordsman, is stronger and can construct fortifications and clear terrain without consuming Builder charges. This capability makes the Legion extremely valuable not just for military conquests but also for strategic development.

Strategies:

• Early Conquest: Build several Legions as soon as possible to leverage their superior strength in early wars against neighboring civilizations or city-states.
• Infrastructure Development: Use Legions to build roads and Roman Forts strategically, enhancing defense and improving connectivity within your empire.

3. Optimize the Unique Infrastructure: Bath

The Bath, which replaces the Aqueduct, provides additional amenities and more housing, and is cheaper to build. It is essential for supporting larger, more prosperous cities.

Strategies:

• Urban Planning: Prioritize constructing Baths in cities that lack direct access to fresh water. This will significantly boost their growth potential and stability.
• City Happiness: Utilize the Bath’s amenity bonuses to keep your citizens happy and productive, even as you expand and conquer new territories.

4. Focus on Infrastructure and Connectivity

Rome’s ability to automatically build roads between new cities and the capital not only aids in military logistics but also enhances trade and movement.

Strategies:

• Central Hub: Develop your capital as a central hub for trade, production, and culture, utilizing the automatic road connections to enhance these aspects efficiently.
• Strategic City Placement: Plan city placements not only for resource optimization but also to create effective trade routes that capitalize on Rome’s road-building ability.

5. Implement a Balanced Development Approach

While Rome excels at military conquest and expansion, balancing your approach with cultural, scientific, and economic development can lead to a more rounded and resilient civilization.

Strategies:

• Diverse Districts: Build a variety of districts to bolster science, culture, and economy, ensuring your civilization remains competitive in all aspects of the game.
• Maintain Military Readiness: Regularly upgrade and expand your military forces to defend your growing empire and deter potential aggressors.

6. Diplomacy and Trade

Use your military might and infrastructure superiority as leverage in diplomatic negotiations and trade deals.

Strategies:

• Active Diplomacy: Engage with other civilizations frequently to form beneficial alliances, trade agreements, and peace treaties.
• Exploit Trade Routes: Maximize the benefits of your extensive road network by establishing profitable trade routes that also spread your cultural influence.

Conclusion

Rome’s versatile capabilities allow for a dynamic play style that can adapt to pursuing any victory type in Civilization VI. By leveraging your unique units and infrastructure, and focusing on a balanced expansion strategy, Rome can dominate the map both militarily and culturally. Remember, the roads of your empire not only lead to conquest but also to a thriving and enduring civilization.