Civilization 6 Gameplay Guide

Civilization 6 is a turn-based strategy game that challenges players to build and manage their own civilization from ancient times to the modern age. With a wide range of civilizations to choose from, each with its unique abilities and playstyles, the game offers a rich and immersive experience. In this guide, we will delve into the core mechanics of the game, providing tips and strategies for players of all levels to improve their gameplay and achieve victory.
Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the complexities of the game, it’s essential to understand the fundamental mechanics. The game is divided into turns, with each turn representing a set amount of time. During each turn, players can perform various actions such as moving units, building structures, and researching technologies. The game also features a day-night cycle and a weather system, which can impact gameplay. For example, certain units may have increased movement speed during the day, while others may be more effective at night.
Civilization Selection
Choosing the right civilization is crucial to success in Civilization 6. Each civilization has its unique abilities, units, and buildings, which can significantly impact gameplay. For instance, the Egyptian civilization has a bonus to faith output, making it ideal for players who want to focus on religion. On the other hand, the Japanese civilization has a bonus to military production, making it suitable for players who want to focus on conquest. Players should consider their playstyle and the strengths and weaknesses of each civilization before making a selection.
Civilization | Unique Ability | Unique Unit |
---|---|---|
Egypt | Sons of Ra (bonus to faith output) | War Chariot |
Japan | Bushido (bonus to military production) | Samurai |
Rome | Legion (bonus to military combat) | Legionary |

Gameplay Mechanics

Civilization 6 features a range of gameplay mechanics, including city management, resource gathering, and combat. Players must balance the needs of their civilization, managing resources such as food, production, and gold. They must also defend their civilization from barbarian attacks and rival civilizations. The game also features a diplomacy system, which allows players to form alliances, trade resources, and declare war on other civilizations.
City Management
City management is a critical aspect of Civilization 6. Players must build and manage their cities, balancing the needs of their population. This includes providing food, housing, and amenities, as well as managing the city’s growth and development. Players can build various districts, such as the campus, commercial hub, and industrial zone, each with its unique benefits and bonuses. For example, the campus district provides a bonus to science output, while the commercial hub provides a bonus to gold output.
One of the key challenges in city management is managing the city's growth and development. Players must balance the needs of their population, providing enough food, housing, and amenities to keep their citizens happy and healthy. They must also manage the city's infrastructure, building roads, bridges, and other structures to connect their cities and facilitate trade and commerce.
Key Points
- Choose the right civilization for your playstyle
- Manage your cities effectively, balancing the needs of your population
- Focus on resource gathering and production to fuel your civilization's growth
- Defend your civilization from barbarian attacks and rival civilizations
- Form alliances and trade resources with other civilizations to achieve your goals
Victory Conditions
Civilization 6 features several victory conditions, including conquest, science, culture, and diplomacy. Players can achieve victory by conquering all other civilizations, building a spaceship and colonizing another planet, accumulating a set amount of culture, or forming a strong diplomatic alliance with other civilizations. The game also features a score-based victory system, where players earn points for their achievements and the player with the most points at the end of the game is declared the winner.
Conquest Victory
A conquest victory is achieved by conquering all other civilizations. Players must build a strong military and use it to defeat their rivals, capturing their cities and eliminating their civilization. This victory condition requires a strong focus on military production and combat, as well as effective city management and resource gathering.
To achieve a conquest victory, players must first build a strong military foundation. This includes building military units, such as infantry, cavalry, and artillery, and upgrading them to increase their combat effectiveness. Players must also build military buildings, such as barracks and stables, to support their military production. Once they have a strong military, players can begin to expand their civilization, capturing enemy cities and eliminating rival civilizations.
What is the best civilization for a conquest victory?
+The best civilization for a conquest victory is often debated among players. However, civilizations with strong military bonuses, such as the Japanese or Roman civilizations, are often well-suited for conquest. These civilizations have unique abilities and units that provide a significant advantage in combat, making it easier to defeat rival civilizations and achieve a conquest victory.
How do I manage my cities effectively?
+Managing your cities effectively is crucial to success in Civilization 6. Players should focus on building a balanced city, with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial districts. They should also prioritize resource gathering and production, building farms, mines, and other resource-generating structures to fuel their civilization's growth. Additionally, players should manage their city's growth and development, building roads, bridges, and other infrastructure to connect their cities and facilitate trade and commerce.
What is the most important resource in Civilization 6?
+The most important resource in Civilization 6 is often debated among players. However, food is generally considered the most critical resource, as it is necessary for population growth and city development. Players should prioritize building farms and other food-generating structures to ensure a steady supply of food for their civilization. Gold is also an important resource, as it is used to build and maintain military units, as well as to trade with other civilizations.
Civilization 6 is a complex and challenging game that requires players to balance multiple aspects of their civilization, from city management and resource gathering to military production and combat. By understanding the game's mechanics and victory conditions, players can develop effective strategies and achieve success. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, this guide provides the essential information and tips you need to improve your gameplay and achieve victory.