Trade routes in Civilization VI provide various benefits such as economic gains from establishing connections between cities, spreading religion, gaining diplomatic visibility, and enhancing city growth and development through bonus resources and increased production. This strategy fosters stronger alliances and empowers civilizations to thrive and expand their influence.
Increased Resource Availability
Trade routes in Civilization VI play a crucial role in providing cities with access to resources not naturally available in their territory. By establishing trade routes with other civilizations or city-states, players can gain access to strategic and luxury resources that can significantly boost their civilization's development and growth. These resources can have various benefits, such as boosting production, increasing population growth, or enhancing cultural and scientific advancements.
Economic Growth
Trade routes also serve as a primary source of income and economic growth in Civilization VI. By establishing lucrative trade routes with other civilizations or city-states, players can generate significant amounts of gold, which can then be used to fund various endeavors, such as expanding their cities, building new infrastructure, or maintaining a powerful military. Furthermore, the gold generated from trade routes can also be used to establish alliances, negotiate deals, or influence other civilizations diplomatically.
Cultural Exchange and Diplomacy
Trade routes in Civilization VI facilitate cultural exchange and diplomacy between civilizations. By establishing trade routes with other civilizations, players can enhance their cultural influence, spread their religion, and even increase their tourism output. These cultural exchanges can lead to increased diplomatic relations, alliances, and even the establishment of open borders agreements, which can further benefit the players in various aspects of the game. In addition, trade routes can also be used as a tool for establishing espionage operations and gathering intelligence on other civilizations.
Infrastructure and Growth
Trade routes play a vital role in facilitating infrastructure development and growth within a player's civilization. By establishing trade routes between cities, players can boost the growth and development of their cities by providing them with much-needed resources, food, and production. This, in turn, can help cities expand, increase their output, and improve their overall efficiency. Additionally, trade routes can also aid in connecting remote or isolated cities, allowing players to establish a more cohesive and interconnected empire.
Military Support and Logistics
Trade routes can also provide crucial support for military endeavors in Civilization VI. By establishing trade routes with allied civilizations, players can receive military aid, resources, or even reinforcements that can bolster their military strength and capabilities. Trade routes can also be used to supply armies on distant fronts, establish supply lines, or even conduct covert operations behind enemy lines. Furthermore, trade routes can be strategically targeted or protected during wartime to disrupt enemy supply lines or ensure the safe passage of vital resources.
Innovation and Scientific Advancements
Trade routes in Civilization VI can significantly contribute to the advancement of scientific research and technological innovation within a player's civilization. By establishing trade routes with other civilizations, players can gain access to valuable scientific knowledge, resources, or technologies that can help them advance their research and development efforts. Trade routes can also facilitate the exchange of ideas, information, and expertise between civilizations, leading to faster scientific advancements, technological breakthroughs, and the unlocking of powerful new abilities and units.