Trading plays a crucial role in the dynamics of any civilization-themed game, and Civilization 7 introduces a revamped trading mechanism that significantly enhances the player experience. Unlike its predecessor, Civilization 6, where merchants could freely establish trade routes with any city-state, Civ 7 enforces certain restrictions that impact strategy and gameplay.
In Civ 7, each merchant must be within range of the desired settlement for trading to commence, and players must ensure that there are available trade routes. This adds a layer of strategy to the game, urging players to think carefully about their trade decisions.
This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how to:
- Unlock merchant units
- Establish trade routes with other civilizations
- Expand trade route availability
Unlocking Merchants in Civilization 7
To gain access to the merchant unit, players must navigate through the Civics Tree and achieve the Code of Laws research. This step is essential and requires prior completion of specific research tasks:
- Chiefdom
- Mysticism
- Discipline
Upon unlocking Code of Laws, players can begin training merchant units at any city within their empire, allowing a purposeful expansion of their trade network.
Establishing Trade Routes in Civilization 7
Once you have your merchant unit ready, it’s time to establish a trade route. Make sure your merchant is positioned within range of the target settlement. While the user interface may seem complex initially, it becomes intuitive once you familiarize yourself with the mechanics.
To set up a trade route:
- Select the merchant you wish to deploy.
- Direct them to the target settlement.
- After positioning your merchant within range, you can initiate the trade route by clicking the corresponding button in the lower right corner of your screen.
Unlocking Additional Trade Routes in Civilization 7
Initially, Civ 7 sets a cap on available trade routes. However, expanding your trade network depends on the relations you foster with other civilizations. This stands in stark contrast to Civ 6, where adding more merchants was the primary path to enhance trade capabilities.
To grow your trade opportunities:
- Open the influence window with the neighboring civilization.
- If you possess sufficient influence points, select the Improve Trade Relations option.
As a player, ensure to safeguard your trade routes from potential threats, whether from land adversaries or naval forces. Notably, unlike in Civ 6, you cannot create trade routes between your own cities; trading must occur with external civilizations.
With the right strategies in place, players can harness the full potential of trade routes, boosting their civilization’s economy and diplomatic ties.
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