Getting Rid of a Warmongering Penalty in Civilization VI
As a seasoned leader in Civilization VI, you’re no stranger to the thrill of war and conquest. But as much as war can be a vital strategy, it can also attract unwanted attention and penalties, including the dreaded Warmongering penalty. In this article, we’ll dive into the ways to eradicate this penalty and restore peace to your empire.
Understanding Warmongering Penalty
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand what the Warmongering penalty is and why it’s a problem. The Warmongering penalty is a diplomatic penalty applied to your civilization when other leaders perceive you as engaging in excessive warfare. When you’re deemed a "warmonger," you’ll face decreased relations, increased likelihood of being denounced, and even reduced military recruitment rates.
Time Heals All Wounds
The most straightforward way to eliminate the Warmongering penalty is to wait it out. Each turn, the penalty decay rate is 0.5 points, unless you did something to increase the penalty the previous turn. So, if you don’t engage in any provocative actions, the penalty will gradually decrease over time. This is the least effort-intensive method, but it may take several turns to remove the penalty completely.
Liberating Cities
Another way to reduce the Warmongering penalty is to liberate cities. If you capture a city that belongs to another civilization, you can liberate it by returning it to its original owner. This act of kindness will not only remove the penalty but also improve your relations with that civilization. Make sure to denounce the original owner before liberating the city to avoid unintended consequences.
Returning Original Owner’s City
Sometimes, circumstances may arise where you need to return a city to its original owner. When you do so, the city will immediately become the capital of its original civilization, and your relations with that civilization will improve. Keep in mind that if there are no more cities left, the civilization will cease to exist, and you will lose the city.
Other Ways to Reduce Penalty
If you’re facing a particularly stubborn Warmongering penalty, there are a few other strategies to consider:
- Implement a more diplomatic foreign policy: Focus on building alliances, trading resources, and engaging in cultural exchange.
- Conquer or liberate a city on a different continent: Spreading your empire across different continents can help dilute the perception of your warlike tendencies.
- Raze or destroy buildings in a city: Destabilizing a city or destroying key buildings can give the impression that you’re not as aggressive as initially thought.
- Spend influence to improve diplomatic relations: Using your influence to improve relations with neighboring civilizations can help offset the negative effects of the penalty.
Preventing the Penalty in the First Place
To avoid the Warmongering penalty altogether, it’s essential to understand the factors that contribute to it. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Diplomacy is key: Engage in regular diplomacy with other leaders to build relationships and avoid miscommunications.
- Build alliances: Forming lasting alliances can help deter wars and improve relations.
- Avoid aggressive expansion: Be mindful of your conquests and avoid rapid expansion, as this can send the wrong message to other leaders.
- Engage in cultural exchange: Participate in cultural festivals, gift-giving, and other forms of non-military interaction to showcase your civilization’s peaceful side.
Conclusion
Warmongering penalties can be a significant obstacle to building a strong and prosperous civilization. By understanding the sources of the penalty and using the strategies outlined above, you can eliminate the penalty and restore peace to your empire. Remember to implement diplomatic practices, build alliances, and engage in cultural exchange to maintain positive relations with neighboring civilizations. With patience, persistence, and a mix of diplomacy and military strategy, you can overcome the Warmongering penalty and achieve greatness in Civilization VI.