Understanding Settlements in Civilization 7
In Civilization 7, the approach to settlements marks a shift from previous installments. Players are introduced to a more realistic gameplay experience, beginning with the establishment of towns rather than directly building cities. This change signifies a strategic shift, as towns require significantly less management compared to cities. Instead of selecting production options, towns automatically convert their resources into gold, providing a flexible currency that can be utilized across the entire empire.
How Towns Operate in Civilization 7
Towns serve as strategic outposts, enabling players to secure vital resources quickly without incurring excessive costs. Their unique mechanics allow players to manage production efficiently, turning output directly into gold, which can then be invested back into the empire. By maximizing the productivity of a town, players can significantly increase their available gold.
As towns develop, they can adopt specific specializations. Each specialization provides distinct benefits, enabling players to optimize their resource management. However, selecting a focus will halt the town’s growth, transferring all food produced to adjacent settlements. Once a specialization is chosen, it cannot be altered until the current age is complete, though players can revert to a growth focus to boost their population and productivity.
When to Transition from Town to City in Civilization 7
The primary distinction between a town and a city lies in their capabilities and the types of buildings available. Cities allow players to enhance various resources, including science, culture, and diplomacy, through specialized buildings and districts. Towns, in contrast, lack this flexibility and resource management capacity.
The Civilopedia advises maintaining a balanced 1:1 ratio of towns to cities to ensure a sustainable economy. Before considering the upgrade of a town to a city, players should assess several key factors:
- Cash Flow: Ensure you maintain an adequate number of towns to support your economic activity. Losing gold too early can lead to significant setbacks, particularly since increasing the settlement cap is difficult and reverting a city back to a town is not an option.
- Population and Production: Prioritize towns with a strong population for upgrading to a city. A higher production capacity will promote growth and enhance resource availability, making early upgrades generally less beneficial.
- Improvements: Aim to acquire all possible buildings for the town before upgrading. Additional resources and adjacency bonuses can significantly influence long-term growth.
- Growth Impact: Be aware that towns with a focus will export all food to connected settlements, stunting their growth. Upgrading to a city could lead to reduced food availability, thereby impeding population development.
Ultimately, upgrading from a town to a city requires careful consideration based on your empire’s current needs and resources. If you find yourself with excess gold and little to invest in, it may be an opportune moment to expand and develop new buildings or wonders to enhance your victory conditions. Conversely, converting resource-rich towns into cities without careful planning may be less advantageous.
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