Throughout history, empires have relied on the strength of their economies to foster expansion and assert global dominance. While gold serves as a critical foundation, it is a robust economy that ultimately propels civilizations forward, influencing technological advancements and international relationships.
A prosperous treasury not only enables military expansion but also fortifies infrastructure and solidifies beneficial trade agreements, keeping empires at the forefront of competition.
In the realm of strategy games like Civilization VII, economic prowess takes center stage. Leaders utilize gold as a powerful asset, whether by accumulating wealth, financially overpowering foes, or establishing self-sustaining economic systems. Some focus on large-scale infrastructure development to transform cities into productive hubs, while others manipulate trade routes to undermine their adversaries.
In this guide, we will explore the top economic titans of Civilization VII—each leader brings their distinct approach to dominating the financial landscape, ensuring unending resource availability. Let’s delve into these economic powerhouse leaders and discover their unique strategies for unparalleled dominance.
10 Earth Shaker
The Riches Of The Mountains
Pachacuti thrives in mountainous regions, allowing his economy to flourish in these environments. His bonuses lead to rapid city growth and specialist upkeep reductions, yet the transition from food to gold is less direct.
For players managing vast empires nestled in mountains, Pachacuti’s economic stability and district efficiency become apparent early on.
However, should your game commence in lowland areas, his economic capabilities will falter. His strategy emphasizes sustainability rather than sheer wealth accumulation. Remember, while he may navigate high terrain, not all mountains yield gold.
August 9 , Imperial May
For Glory And Gold
Augustus emphasizes efficient urban development akin to his historical exploits, leading to a robust economy focused on cultivating cities rather than merely hoarding gold.
He benefits from reduced building costs and scalable production improvements, enabling rapid growth. However, the overall financial windfall is moderated.
His strength is revealed through expansive empires, yielding increased towns and optimized structures while facilitating quicker scaling.
If your ambition leans toward a vast empire that can finance its way to supremacy, Augustus will adeptly fulfill that role, albeit competitors may excel in pure economic dominance.
8 Benjamin Franklin, The First American
Science, Industry, Profit
Franklin’s focus is on efficiency rather than accumulating vast riches at once. His enhancements accelerate industrial growth, ensuring rapid city upgrades, allowing for swift economic advancements.
He cleverly extracts scientific advancements from production buildings, fostering long-term benefits, although this does not yield immediate financial returns.
Players who are strategic and think ahead will find Franklin’s methodical approach beneficial—his economy may not dazzle, but it lays a foundation for an unstoppable late-game empire.
7 Machiavelli, The Prince
Every Outcome Is A Win
Machiavelli excels in leveraging diplomatic strategies to generate wealth, inviting unpredictability into economic management.
Gold flows depending on the decisions of rivals—acceptance of deals rewards you, while rejection brings additional income.
His knack for manipulating others into economic choices establishes him as a wild card—ideally suited for players skilled in negotiation and given to strategic tussles.
However, those drawn to more consistent income generation might find his methods erratic yet still teeming with potential.
6 Amina, Warrior Queen of Zazzau
More Resources, More Wealth
Amina’s economic strategy hinges on resources—her growth is steady but lacks explosive power.
With passive gold generation linked to resource allocation per age, her empire’s wealth gradually accumulates.
Her advantages include amplified resource capacity to facilitate trade, supported by combat bonuses that aid in securing new domains. Her approach nurtures a reliable form of income.
Amina thrives in resource-abundant regions or trade-centric empires—ideal for those who prefer a steady income stream without excessive risk, though she may appear sluggish for speed-oriented players.
5 Napoleon, The Emperor of France
Warfare Is Good Business
Napoleon’s economy thrives on conflict, rewarding aggression with financial gains.
When pursuing hostile strategies, he generates income while vanquishing foes, disrupting their trade routes and accumulating wealth at an alarming rate.
His tactics focus on overpowering rivals through economic suffocation as opposed to conventional wealth-building methods, presenting a volatile yet thrilling play style.
However, for those favoring peaceful trading practices, Napoleon may not be the ideal choice.
4 Hatshepsut, God’s Wife of Amun
Trade Above All
Hatshepsut transforms trading into a crucial asset for her empire’s economic engine, contingent on the right settlement location.
Each imported resource enhances her culture and financial flow, and proximity to rivers amplifies productivity, fueling economic growth.
The success of her strategy hinges on establishing effective trade partnerships; without them, her potential diminishes.
If situated strategically for international trade, she can become unstoppable, heralding an era of wealth accumulation. Yet, isolation can thwart her efforts significantly.
3 Xerxes, King of Kings
Conquest Pays
Xerxes’ strategy is straightforward: war begets wealth. He benefits from an enhanced 10% gold in all settlements, with doubled profits in conquered territories.
The expansion directly translates to increased wealth—his military strength enables swift acquisitions, funding his conquests with robust income growth.
His ability ties military experience to economic gains, ensuring each victory carries financial weight. For players fixated on conquest-based economies, Xerxes presents a formidable option.
However, pacifists may find his approach undesirable, as warfare becomes an integral component of securing financial success.
2 Isabella, Queen Of Spain
The Gold Standard
Given historical narratives intertwined with Spanish gold, it comes as no surprise that Isabella emerges as a prominent leader for players prioritizing economic strategies.
Her economy is robust—discovering natural wonders instantly augments your treasury. Additionally, tiles associated with these wonders provide double yields, drastically enhancing her wealth generation.
Exploring aggressively allows her economy to burgeon, establishing her as a notable economic power. However, her growth depends significantly on exploration; failure to uncover wonders can hinder her potential.
Unleash your exploration prowess; ships and scouts must set sail to maximize Isabella’s economic capabilities for unparalleled growth.
1 Xerxes, The Achaemenid
Trade Runs The World—And So Do I
Xerxes’ empire thrives on trade; once the revenue begins to flow, it shows no signs of ceasing.
His unique approach to trade routes enhances both wealth and culture, creating a self-perpetuating economic ecosystem. Early-game investments ripple into robust financial networks, continuously generating income.
His second-tier abilities additionally reinforce cultural supremacy, rendering him both influential and affluent. Unlike leaders entrenched in warfare or industrial excess, his economic model flourishes in peaceful environments.
If your aim is to cultivate an empire that scales with remarkable ease, look no further than Xerxes. His unparalleled trade advantage sets him apart as a leading contender in the realm of economics.
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