Embarking on a journey through the ages in Sid Meier’s Civilization 6 is an exciting endeavor, but it can also be overwhelming for newcomers to the franchise. 

This guide offers 15 invaluable tips to help you build, conquer, and thrive in the world of Civilization.

1. Choose a Beginner-Friendly Civilization

Begin your journey with a civilization that offers a balanced starting position and simple gameplay mechanics. 

Civilizations like Rome or America are great choices for newcomers.

Familiarize yourself with the civilization’s unique abilities, units, and buildings to make the most of their advantages.

2. Explore Your Environment

Send your initial scout unit to explore the map and uncover valuable resources, natural wonders, and potential city locations.

Early exploration sets the foundation for future expansion and helps you make informed decisions about settling new cities.

3. Focus on City Placement

Settle your cities near resources like rivers, mountains, and bonus tiles. 

These locations offer valuable bonuses for growth, production, and research.

Strategic city placement maximizes your civilization’s potential and enhances your long-term progress.

4. Prioritize Early Production

In the early game, prioritize producing units and buildings that boost your city’s growth and defense.

Constructing a balanced mix of units and buildings ensures you’re prepared for both expansion and defense against potential threats.

5. Cultivate Science and Culture

Science and culture are essential resources for progress. 

Prioritize research and civic improvements that provide long-term benefits.

Investing in science accelerates technological advancement, while culture unlocks powerful policies and social benefits.

6. Establish Trade Routes

Establish trade routes between your cities and other civilizations. 

Trade routes boost growth, provide resources, and generate income.

Maximizing trade routes enhances your cities’ development and builds diplomatic ties with other civilizations.

7. Build a Strong Military

While peaceful strategies are valuable, having a capable military is crucial for defense and negotiation.

Maintain a standing army to deter aggression and protect your interests. 

Balance your military presence with other aspects of your civilization’s development.

8. Choose Your Battles Wisely

Not all conflicts are worth pursuing. Evaluate the potential benefits and risks before engaging in wars.

Declare war strategically, targeting civilizations that pose a threat or control valuable resources. 

Avoid unnecessary conflicts that could hinder your progress.

9. Civic and Government Policies

Tailor your government policies to match your civilization’s goals. Experiment with different policies that suit your playstyle.

Adapt your policies as your civilization evolves, focusing on those that enhance growth, production, and diplomacy.

10. Cultural Victory Path

For newcomers to Sid Meier’s Civilization VI, pursuing a cultural victory is a compelling path to explore. 

A cultural victory hinges on your ability to captivate the world with your civilization’s unique identity.

Invest in cultural wonders, build theater districts, and create great works of art and writing to generate tourism. 

Tourism is your means of attracting visiting tourists from other civilizations. 

As your tourism output surpasses their culture, you’ll win their admiration and progress towards a cultural victory.

Cultivating a distinctive cultural identity not only influences gameplay but also immerses you in the narrative of your civilization’s artistic journey. 

As your culture blossoms and tourists flock to experience your legacy, you’ll appreciate the nuanced dimensions of victory through the lens of culture.

11. Expand Strategically

While expanding your empire is essential, a strategic approach is paramount. Resist the temptation to overextend by settling too many cities hastily.

Prioritize quality over quantity when establishing new cities. 

Each settlement should align with your overall strategy, contributing valuable resources and enhancing your civilization’s capabilities. 

Consider factors like terrain, nearby resources, and potential trade routes to ensure that each new city serves a purpose.

Thoughtful expansion prevents your civilization from spreading too thin and allows you to maintain strong governance over your territories.

12. Diplomacy Matters

Diplomacy plays a pivotal role in the world of Civilization VI. 

Building positive relationships with other civilizations can lead to alliances, trade agreements, and research pacts.

Cultivate alliances to strengthen your position and deter potential aggressors. Trade agreements boost your economy and forge valuable connections. 

Research agreements accelerate scientific progress through collaborative efforts.

Diplomacy isn’t just about negotiation; it’s a tool for navigating the complexities of international relations. 

Skilled diplomacy ensures you have allies to rely on in times of need and can even shape the world’s future through cooperative endeavors.

13. Utilize Great People

Great People are invaluable assets in your quest for greatness. 

Artists, scientists, engineers, and more offer specialized bonuses to enhance various aspects of your civilization.

Plan ahead to acquire Great People who align with your civilization’s goals. 

Use their unique abilities strategically to accelerate progress, generate culture, and boost scientific advancements.

The presence of these exceptional individuals adds depth to your civilization’s narrative and empowers you to make game-changing decisions.

14. City-State Alliances

Establishing alliances with city-states can yield significant benefits. City-states offer unique resources, units, and bonuses that can complement your strategy.

By supporting city-states, you bolster your influence in the world without committing to full-scale warfare. 

These alliances contribute to your diplomatic strength and can provide essential advantages as you expand your influence.

15. Adapt and Learn

Civilization VI is a dynamic game that requires adaptability. Embrace the learning process and don’t be disheartened by setbacks.

Every playthrough presents new challenges and opportunities for growth. Learn from your experiences, whether they involve diplomatic blunders or strategic miscalculations.

Refine your strategies, adjust your tactics, and capitalize on newfound insights.

Remember that every civilization’s journey is marked by triumphs and setbacks.

Embracing the process of adaptation ensures that each iteration is a step closer to mastering the intricacies of Sid Meier’s Civilization VI.

Closure

By absorbing and applying these 15 beginner tips, you’ll embark on an enriching journey through the ages in Sid Meier’s Civilization VI. 

As you learn to balance diplomacy, exploration, and strategic planning, you’ll shape the destiny of your empire. 

Revel in the multifaceted nature of civilization-building and relish the sense of accomplishment that accompanies navigating the dawn of civilization.