How close should I settle cities in Civ 6?
In Civilization 6, city placement is a crucial aspect of playing the game. Deciding how close to settle cities can be a puzzle, especially for new players. In this article, we will explore the general guidelines and strategies for city placement to help you make the most of your urban development.
General Guidelines for City Placement
Before we dive deeper, here are some general guidelines to consider when settling cities in Civ 6:
- Settle 4-5 hexes apart: This is the general rule of thumb to maximize the number of cities. Settling closer than 4-5 hexes can lead to overcrowding and reduced population growth.
- Avoid blocking expansion: Make sure you don’t settle cities in a way that blocks future expansion. For example, settling 3 hexes from the coast can prevent you from building cities in that area.
- Optimize city placement for resources: Consider the resources available in the surrounding area and settle cities accordingly.
- Balance population growth and district placement: Ensure that each city has enough space to grow and that districts are placed strategically to maximize their effect.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a City Location
When choosing a location for your city, consider the following factors:
Amenities or Strategic Resources:
- Amenities: Look for areas with valuable amenities such as food, production, or scientific resources.
- Strategic Resources: Check if the area has strategic resources such as steel, oil, or uranium.
Strong Adjacency Bonuses:
- Mountains: Settle next to mountains for a strong adjacency bonus for your campus.
- Other Resources: Adjacent to other resources such as fields, pastures, or forests to increase their yield.
Population Growth Potential:
- High Production Potential: Settle in areas with high production potential for a strong start.
- Science and Tourism: Consider settling in areas with high science and tourism potential to foster growth.
When to Start Settling Cities
The ideal time to start settling cities is in the early game. Here’s a general guideline:
| Turn | Action |
|---|---|
| 1-5 | Scout surrounding area, settle city nearest to a valuable resource or strategic spot |
| 6-15 | Start settling additional cities, focusing on balancing population growth and district placement |
| 16-30 | Continue settling cities, focusing on optimizing city placement for resources |
City Placement Strategies
Here are some city placement strategies to keep in mind:
- Start with a strong base: Settle your first few cities in areas with high production and strong adjacency bonuses.
- Spread out cities: As you expand, make sure to spread out your cities to take advantage of different resources and strategic areas.
- Focus on a specific aspect: If you’re going for a science victory, focus on settling cities near scientifically valuable resources. If you’re going for a cultural victory, focus on settling cities in areas with high tourism potential.
City-State Management
When dealing with city-states, consider the following:
- Annex city-states: Bring city-states under your control to access their resources and strategic spots.
- Settle next to city-states: Settle cities next to city-states to take advantage of their resources and strong adjacency bonuses.
Conclusion
Settling cities in Civ 6 requires careful planning and consideration of multiple factors. By following the general guidelines and city placement strategies outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to building a prosperous and thriving civilization. Remember to balance population growth and district placement, optimize city placement for resources, and consider the different factors that affect city growth.