Should You Settle on a Natural Wonder in Civ 6?
Civilization 6 is a game that presents players with numerous options when it comes to settling on a territory. One important decision players must make is whether or not to settle on a natural wonder tile. Natural wonders provide numerous benefits, but they can also hinder city growth in certain ways. In this article, we’ll examine the pros and cons of settling on a natural wonder tile, helping you make an informed decision for your next city.
Advantages of Settling on a Natural Wonder Tile
Natural wonders offer many benefits, including:
Increased Production and Gold – Most natural wonders give a production and gold boost to cities that are situated nearby.
Appeal and Happy City State Effects – Natural wonders give a major adjacency bonus to Holy Sites, which boosts the production and gold of Holy Sites in the surrounding city.
Unique Buildings – Certain natural wonders enable the construction of unique buildings that offer additional benefits, such as increased gold, production, or tourism.
** Settlements nearby natural wonders tiles are highly sought after –
Disadvantages of Settling on a Natural Wonder Tile
While natural wonders offer benefits, settling on a natural wonder tile also has drawbacks:
Impassable Terrain – Many natural wonders are impassable terrain, making it difficult or impossible to move units directly over or through them. This can hinder military expansion and disrupt trade routes.
Hindered City Growth – Natural wonders that are surrounded by hills, mountains, or other uneven terrain can make it harder to grow your city organically. This can lead to a slower growth rate, reduced capacity, and poor resource usage.
Important Considerations
Before making a decision, consider the following points:
- What is your playstyle and strategy?
- Are there other settlements or city centers nearby?
- Are the benefits of the natural wonder worth the potential drawbacks?
Optimal Settling Spots
Identifying optimal settling spots near natural wonders can make the difference between success and stagnation:
- City-State Affinity – If your city-state is affiliated with the natural wonder in question, you may experience additional bonuses.
- Resource Efficiency – Determine if settling on a tile with optimal resource yields aligns with your strategy and playstyle.
- Military or Trade Routes – Plan your settlement strategy around established military or trade routes, ensuring a stronger presence and better resource generation.
Conclusion
Should you settle on a natural wonder in Civ 6? Ultimately, the answer depends on your specific gameplay and strategies. By carefully weighing the benefits and drawbacks, as well as planning your city’s growth around natural wonders, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision and drive your civilization forward.
The following chart summarizes the major points mentioned in this article:
| Natural Wonder Benefits | City Growth Hindrances |
|---|---|
| + Production and gold | Hills, mountains, or impassable terrain reduce city growth |
| Adjacency bonuses for Holy Sites | Settlements on unnatural terrain require more infrastructure or planning |
| Unique building opportunities | Potential disruptions to military and trade routes |
| City-state affinity effects | Possible resource waste if not carefully planned |
Please note: The chart can be added in a future update when the formatting features are enhanced.