With the launch of Civilization 7, a plethora of new mechanics and features await players eager to explore and expand their empire through the ages. However, the very first step for any player is to establish their initial City. With the unique Founder unit at your disposal, you can create a city that will stand the test of time—provided you follow some essential tips for selecting the best location.
This guide provides valuable insights for founding your first city in Civ 7. It covers everything from prioritizing yields and resources to essential settings and environmental factors that can influence your decision to settle or restart the game for a more advantageous starting position.
Turn On Yield And Resource Icons
Settler View Also Highlights Good & Bad Starting Locations
Upon entering the game, your first priority should be to activate three important Lenses: Yields, Resources, and Settler View. To enable these visual aids, simply click on the Lenses button located above the minimap in the bottom-left corner and ensure that both Yield and Resource Icons are activated under Decorations.
By doing so, you will gain immediate visibility into the current Yield of every tile as well as the location of any Resources marked by distinctive icons. These Lenses provide a comprehensive overview of your surroundings and are invaluable for making informed decisions about where to establish your city.
While you have the options menu open, be sure to turn on the Settler View feature. This will color-code the map: areas unsuitable for settling will appear in red, viable locations in green, and prime spots for your city will be highlighted in dark green or marked with a small City icon. Hovering over this icon reveals a concise summary of why this location is particularly advantageous.
Found Your City Within 3 Tiles Of Resources
Cities Can Only Expand & Work Tiles In A 3-Tile Radius
In Civ 7, cities can only utilize resources and tiles located within a three-tile radius from the city center. This means that any valuable resources beyond this area cannot be integrated into your empire’s economy.
When scouting for your first city location, keep in mind that Civ 7 typically reveals only about three tiles in any direction initially. If your starting vicinity appears sparse in resources, rest assured that your city will be limited to these visible tiles, regardless of the Leader you select.
Prioritize The Best Early Yields & Resources
And Look For Resources That Suit Your Legacy Path
Certain yields and resources stand out in the early stages of Civ 7 gameplay. While resources like Gold and Silver may become valuable later in the Antiquity Age, prioritizing Food and Production resources such as Cotton and Sheep can significantly enhance your city’s early growth.
However, effective resource management goes hand in hand with aligning your strategy to a specific Legacy Path that complements your Leader. Some resources can be particularly beneficial in this regard. For instance, acquiring Incense offers a 10% boost to Science in a settlement, while Silk adds 10% Culture—both vital for progressing through the Antiquity Age. Other resources, like Iron and Jade, can fortify your military capabilities or increase Gold revenue by 15%, respectively.
Settle Near Fresh Water & Coasts or Navigable Rivers
Fresh Water For Growth, Navigable Rivers For Exploration Age
Access to fresh water is crucial for the growth and overall happiness of your city in Civ 7.Fresh water enhances Happiness, which is vital as your community expands. While the game typically spawns players near some source of fresh water, you may find it a tile or two away from your initial spawn location.
Additionally, consider the significance of having proximity to the ocean. Although you cannot navigate deep waters in the early stages, having access to coastal areas or Navigable Rivers is essential for exploration and expanding your reach during the Exploration Age.
Your first settlement need not be positioned directly by the ocean or a Navigable River, as later in the Antiquity Age, you can establish additional cities near rivers. However, founding near these bodies of water grants more resource options, boosts Happiness, and aids in fulfilling certain exploration objectives.
Terrain Types
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