How far away should you build cities in Civ 6?

How Far Away Should You Build Cities in Civ 6?

In the world of Civilization 6, building cities is a crucial aspect of expanding your civilization. However, many players struggle with determining the optimal distance to build new cities from existing ones. In this article, we’ll explore the best practices for building cities in Civ 6 and provide tips on how to make the most of your city placement.

General Guidelines

Before we dive into specific strategies, it’s essential to understand the general guidelines for building cities in Civ 6. According to the game’s developer, Firaxis Games, it’s recommended to settle cities four tiles apart. This distance allows for a balance between expansion and efficiency, ensuring that your cities have enough space to grow while also providing access to natural resources and other city-state interactions.

Tile Selection

When building a new city, it’s crucial to select the right tiles. Plains tiles are generally the best choice for city placement, as they provide a bonus to production and gold. Hills tiles can also be a good option, as they offer a bonus to science and culture. Coastal tiles, on the other hand, can be risky, as they may attract barbarian attacks or pirates.

Distance from Existing Cities

So, how far away should you build new cities from existing ones? The answer depends on several factors, including your civilization’s unique abilities, the resources available, and the opponent’s moves. Here are some general guidelines:

• Neighboring Cities: When building a new city adjacent to an existing one, make sure to choose a tile that doesn’t overlap with the existing city’s territory. This will prevent confusion and ensure that your new city doesn’t get accidentally captured by an enemy.
• 2-3 Tiles Apart: For most civilizations, building cities 2-3 tiles apart is a good starting point. This distance allows for expansion while still providing access to resources and city-state interactions.
• 4-5 Tiles Apart: As you expand further, you may want to build cities 4-5 tiles apart. This distance provides more room for growth and can help you establish a strong foundation for your civilization.
• 6+ Tiles Apart: In rare cases, you may need to build cities more than 6 tiles apart, especially if you’re playing as a civilization with a strong naval presence. However, this should be done with caution, as it may leave your cities vulnerable to attacks.

Challenges and Strategies

While building cities in Civ 6 is a straightforward process, there are several challenges and strategies to consider:

• Barbarian Attacks: Building cities near natural wonders or along trade routes can attract barbarian attacks. To mitigate this risk, consider building cities farther away from these areas.
• City-State Interactions: Building cities close to city-states can provide benefits such as trade agreements and military alliances. However, be cautious of city-state rivalries and potential conflicts.
• Environmental Factors: Climate and terrain can also impact city placement. For example, building cities in deserts may require additional food production, while building cities in forests may require additional wood production.
• Military Expansion: When expanding your military, consider building cities near key resources or strategic locations. This can provide a strong foundation for your military campaigns.

Conclusion

Building cities in Civ 6 is a crucial aspect of expanding your civilization. By following these guidelines and considering the challenges and strategies outlined above, you can make the most of your city placement and achieve victory. Remember to keep your cities close enough to provide access to resources and city-state interactions, while also leaving enough space for growth and expansion.

Table: City Placement Guidelines

By following these guidelines and considering the unique abilities and challenges of your civilization, you can build a strong foundation for your city and set yourself up for success in Civ 6.