One effective strategy for early game expansion in Civilization VI is to prioritize settling cities in locations with access to multiple resources. Additionally, focusing on building a strong economy early on can help support the growth and development of your civilization. Finally, establishing good relationships with neighboring civilizations can also facilitate expansion opportunities.
1. Efficient City Placement:
One of the key strategies for early game expansion in Civilization VI is to focus on efficient city placement. When settling new cities, it is important to consider factors such as access to valuable resources, growth potential, and defensibility. Look for locations with access to multiple luxury and strategic resources, as well as fertile land for agriculture. Additionally, settling near natural barriers like mountains or rivers can provide natural defensive advantages.
2. Prioritize Infrastructure Development:
Investing in infrastructure early on can greatly boost your early game expansion efforts. Focus on building essential structures such as granaries, watermills, and monuments to ensure your cities can grow and develop quickly. Prioritize research and civic policies that enhance production, growth, and cultural development to lay a strong foundation for future expansion.
3. Scout Thoroughly:
Exploration is crucial for early game expansion in Civilization VI. Use your scouts to uncover the map, find valuable resources, and identify ideal locations for new city settlements. Prioritize uncovering as much of the map as possible early on to gain a strategic advantage over rivals and secure key territories for expansion.
4. Establish Trade Routes:
Trade routes play a significant role in early game expansion in Civilization VI. Establishing trade routes between your cities and with other civilizations can provide valuable resources, gold, and bonuses that can help fuel your growth and development. Prioritize building commercial hubs and harbors to increase the number of available trade routes and maximize their benefits.
5. Maintain a Strong Military Presence:
While early game expansion is important, it is also crucial to maintain a strong military presence to protect your cities and territories. Build an early army to defend your borders and deter potential adversaries from encroaching on your lands. Additionally, consider leveraging your military power to secure valuable resources and strategic locations through strategic conquests.
6. Form Alliances and Diplomatic Relationships:
Building alliances and diplomatic relationships with other civilizations can be a key strategy for early game expansion in Civilization VI. Seek out opportunities to establish friendly relations with neighboring civilizations through trade deals, open borders agreements, and alliances. By cultivating strong diplomatic ties, you can secure valuable resources, technology, and support that can aid in your expansion efforts.
7. Utilize Unique Civilization Abilities and Bonuses:
Each civilization in Civilization VI comes with unique abilities, units, and bonuses that can be leveraged for early game expansion. Familiarize yourself with your civilization's strengths and use them to your advantage. Whether it's extra production, unique unit abilities, or specialized district bonuses, make sure to capitalize on what makes your civilization unique to enhance your expansion efforts.
8. Plan Ahead for Long-Term Growth:
While focusing on early game expansion, it is important to keep long-term growth and development in mind. Plan your city placements and infrastructure development with an eye towards future needs and opportunities. Consider factors such as district placement, resource management, and tech and civic research to ensure that your civilization can thrive and expand throughout the game.