Top 5 Tips for Winning Your First Game in Civilization 6

Civilization 6 Beginner Guide

Civilization 6 isn't just about building cities—it's about creating a thriving empire that stands the test of time. Whether you aim to conquer the world, dominate scientifically, or spread your culture far and wide, success in Civ 6 requires careful planning and strategy. If you're ready to win your first game, these five tips will get you there.

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Tip 1: Location, Location, Location! Founding Your First City

Your starting city location sets the tone for your entire game. Choose a spot that allows you to grow quickly and defend yourself from potential threats. City placement might seem simple, but it's one of the most critical decisions you'll make.

Understanding Terrain and Resources

The terrain around your city directly impacts its success. Plains and grasslands provide solid food yields, while hills are excellent for production. Look for nearby luxury resources like spices or silk to keep your citizens happy and strategic resources like iron or coal, which become essential later. Remember, settling on a hill gives your city an extra defensive bonus, a smart choice if you're near aggressive neighbors. For additional insights, check the Civ VI beginner tips on Reddit.

Freshwater is Your Best Friend

Freshwater access, such as rivers or lakes, is vital as it provides a housing bonus and allows your city to grow quickly. No freshwater nearby? Plan ahead and build an aqueduct later, but prioritize freshwater if you can—it makes your early game far less stressful.

Tip 2: Grow, Expand, Conquer! Early Game Development

The first few turns establish your momentum. You'll need a balanced approach to exploration, development, and research to stay ahead.

Scouts: Your Eyes on the World

Building a scout as your first unit is a strong move. Scouts reveal the map, uncover tribal villages packed with rewards, and find ideal locations for future cities. Be mindful of barbarians—if they appear, use your warrior defensively. For more beginner tips, take a look at this helpful Steam guide on Civ VI early game strategies.

Builders: Laying the Foundation

Builders transform your land, boosting resources like food and production. Focus on farms for food and mines for production early on. Once your builder's charges are used up, don't rush to build another unless you have key improvements to make—researching new technologies might unlock better tile upgrades first.

Research: Charting Your Course

Tailor your research to your surroundings and goals. Animal Husbandry is a great start if you have pastures nearby, while Pottery unlocks Granaries for growth. For new players, Writing, Mining, and Irrigation are also excellent early picks. Each Eureka moment (a research boost tied to specific actions) can dramatically speed up your progress, so keep an eye out for opportunities to trigger them.

Tip 3: Know Thyself! Choosing Your Civilization

Picking the right civilization makes your game smoother and more enjoyable. Each civ has unique traits, units, and buildings that cater to different playstyles. For a deeper look at specific civs, check out the Civilization 6 Complete Guide by GameRant.

Rome: The All-Around Powerhouse

Rome is perfect for beginners. Their free monuments in every city allow rapid cultural development, while their roads system boosts movement between cities, enabling faster military and economic expansion.

Japan: The Military Might

If you're into combat, Japan's district adjacency bonuses and stronger units near coasts make them a reliable choice. Placing districts together will provide powerful bonuses, making Japan ideal for efficient city planning and war efforts.

Tip 4: Diplomacy is Key! Making Friends (and Enemies)

You're not playing alone—your AI opponents can be allies or adversaries. Diplomacy isn't just about being polite; it's about making strategic decisions that safeguard your empire.

Alliances: Strength in Numbers

Alliances with civilizations can lead to valuable benefits like increased trade yields or military aid. Choose your allies wisely, as they may shield you from aggressive neighbors. Learn more about diplomacy mechanics through the CivFanatics beginner guide.

Trade Routes: The Lifeblood of Your Empire

Trade routes generate bonuses like gold, science, and culture. Establish routes with city-states and neighboring civs to maximize benefits. You'll also build roads, improving movement efficiency across your empire.

Tip 5: Dominate or Be Dominated! Combat and Defense

War may not always be your goal, but you need to protect your cities and prepare for inevitable conflicts.

Unit Types and Counters

Every unit has strengths and weaknesses. Use melee units for city attacks, ranged units for safe damage, and cavalry for quick strikes. Matching counters—like using archers against melee enemies—can make battles much easier.

City Defense: Keeping Your Cities Safe

Defend your cities with walls and ranged units early on to discourage attacks. Building an encampment district can also improve your chances of holding off aggressors. Position units strategically to capitalize on terrain bonuses—hills grant defensive advantages, while forests provide cover.

Conclusion

Winning your first game in Civilization 6 might seem challenging, but it's a rewarding journey. Focus on founding a strong first city, growing strategically, and balancing diplomacy with defense. Experiment with different civilizations, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re valuable learning experiences. As you gain confidence, you'll start mastering Civ 6’s complex systems. Ready to lead your people to glory? Open up a new game and put these tips into action. Good luck, and have fun!