What Happens When You Reach Turn 500 in Civ 6? The End (or Not) of Civilization as We Know It!
So, you’ve poured countless hours into building your empire, guiding your civilization from humble beginnings to a global superpower in Sid Meier’s Civilization VI. You’ve explored ancient ruins, forged alliances, waged wars, and researched technologies that have shaped the course of history. But now, the year 2050 AD looms, and the turn counter is ticking down towards 500. What awaits you at the end of this epic journey? What exactly does happen when you reach turn 500 in Civ 6?
The straightforward answer is this: If no other victory condition has been met (Domination, Science, Culture, Religion, or Diplomacy), then a Score Victory is triggered. The game tallies up the scores of all remaining civilizations, and the civilization with the highest score wins. This includes factors like population, technology, cultural progress, wonders built, and more. Consider it a survival of the fittest, or perhaps the most well-rounded.
However, the journey doesn’t necessarily end there. Even if you win via score victory (or lose, for that matter), Civ 6 allows you to select “One More Turn” and continue playing indefinitely. The game will continue, and it’s then possible to win by other victory conditions. You can now pursue that Science Victory you were so close to, or finally conquer your rivals militarily.
Understanding Score Victory in Civ 6
A Score Victory is often considered the “default” or the “least satisfying” way to win Civ 6. You haven’t necessarily dominated the world through military might, artistic influence, scientific advancement, religious conversion, or diplomatic prowess. Instead, you’ve simply managed to survive and thrive – albeit, perhaps, more effectively than your competitors.
Despite this perception, achieving a Score Victory on higher difficulty levels (Emperor, Immortal, Deity) can be surprisingly challenging. The AI receives significant bonuses to production, science, and other key areas, making it difficult to outpace them in overall score. Therefore, securing a Score Victory on a high difficulty requires careful planning, efficient city management, and a keen understanding of the game’s mechanics.
Game Speed and Turn Limits
It’s also important to remember that the number of turns can be changed at the game setup.
- Online: 250 turns
- Quick: 330 turns
- Standard: 500 turns
- Epic: 750 turns
- Marathon: 1500 turns
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Turn 500 and Victory Conditions in Civ 6
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the turn limit and the conditions for winning in Civilization VI:
1. What if multiple civilizations have the same score at turn 500?
In the unlikely event of a tie, the game typically awards the victory to the civilization that was ahead on the turn immediately preceding turn 500. If that is also a tie, then it is the civilization that was ahead at the turn preceding that, and so on.
2. Can I disable the turn limit in Civ 6?
Yes! When setting up a new game, you can disable the “Time Victory” option. This removes the turn limit entirely, allowing you to play indefinitely until another victory condition is met.
3. Does the game end immediately at turn 500, even if I’m about to achieve another victory condition?
No. The game calculates the end of the turn after allowing you to complete tasks for the turn, such as launching a satellite for a Science Victory. If you meet another victory condition during the same turn as turn 500, you will achieve that victory instead of a Score Victory.
4. How does game speed affect the turn limit and the pace of the game?
As mentioned earlier, game speed directly affects the turn limit. Faster speeds (Online, Quick) have fewer turns, while slower speeds (Epic, Marathon) have more. Game speed also influences the time it takes to research technologies, produce units, and complete other tasks. Slower game speeds generally allow for more extensive empire building and longer periods of peace and diplomacy, while faster speeds emphasize quick decision-making and more frequent conflicts.
5. What strategies can I use to improve my chances of winning a Score Victory?
Focus on building a well-rounded civilization. This includes:
- Growing your population: Larger populations generate more science, culture, and production.
- Expanding your empire: More cities mean more resources, production capacity, and strategic locations.
- Developing your technology: Stay ahead in science to unlock advanced units, buildings, and technologies.
- Cultivating your culture: Generate culture to unlock civics that provide powerful bonuses and policies.
- Building wonders: Wonders provide unique benefits and contribute significantly to your score.
6. Is a Score Victory considered a “true” victory in the Civ 6 community?
This is subjective. Some players view Score Victories as less prestigious than other victory types, especially on lower difficulty levels. However, achieving a Score Victory on higher difficulties can be a significant accomplishment, demonstrating a strong understanding of the game’s mechanics and the ability to manage a complex empire effectively.
7. Can I continue playing after winning by Score Victory to pursue other victory conditions?
Absolutely! As mentioned above, Civ 6 allows you to continue playing after any victory condition is met. This gives you the opportunity to experiment with different strategies, conquer the world, or simply see how far you can push your civilization.
8. How does difficulty level affect my score in Civ 6?
Difficulty level doesn’t directly affect your score calculation. However, higher difficulties give the AI civilizations significant advantages in production, science, and other areas, making it more difficult to compete and achieve a high score.
9. What are some common mistakes that prevent players from winning in Civ 6?
- Neglecting science: Falling behind in technology can cripple your military, economy, and overall progress.
- Ignoring culture: Culture is essential for unlocking civics and policies that provide powerful bonuses.
- Poor city planning: Properly planning your city layouts to maximize adjacency bonuses for districts is crucial.
- Failing to manage amenities: Unhappy citizens can significantly reduce your production and growth.
- Ignoring diplomacy: Neglecting your relationships with other civilizations can lead to unwanted wars and trade disruptions.
10. How can I track my progress towards a Score Victory during the game?
The game’s score counter (displayed on the top of the screen) provides a general indication of your progress. However, a more accurate assessment requires analyzing the individual factors that contribute to your score, such as population, technology, and culture.
11. Does the apocalypse mode affect the turn limits in Civ 6?
No, the Apocalypse Mode does not change the game’s turn limit. Players can still play standard, quick, epic, marathon, and online modes, even if the Apocalypse Mode is activated. The Apocalypse Mode changes the dynamics of the game in other ways.
12. How long does it take to 100% Civ 6?
Achieving 100% completion in Sid Meier’s Civilization VI can take around 328 Hours. That is, if you’re a gamer that strives to see all aspects of the game.
13. Which difficulty is the best to play with in Civ 6?
Prince is the default. However, the best difficulty depends on your skill level and experience with the game. Beginners should start with Settler or Chieftain, while experienced players may find King, Emperor, Immortal, or Deity more challenging and rewarding.
14. Does warmongering go away in Civ 6?
Yes, warmonger penalties will decay over time at a rate of 0.5 points per turn unless you did something to increase the war score. They are increased by things such as capturing cities or nuking another nation. You will lose warmonger penalties also when you liberate a city.
15. Is Civ 7 in the making?
2K Games has officially confirmed the development of Civilization 7, the latest release in the popular turn-based strategy 4X series.
Beyond Turn 500: Continuing the Adventure
Ultimately, what happens at turn 500 in Civ 6 is up to you. If you’re focused on achieving a specific victory condition, you might push hard to secure it before the turn limit. If you’re simply enjoying the journey of building your civilization, you can continue playing indefinitely after achieving a Score Victory.
No matter your approach, Civilization VI offers a compelling and rewarding experience that can keep you engaged for hundreds of hours. As you delve deeper into the game’s mechanics and strategies, you’ll discover new ways to optimize your gameplay, overcome challenges, and ultimately, lead your civilization to greatness.
For more insightful content on games and learning, be sure to visit the website of the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This group actively explores the intersection of digital games and learning, providing valuable insights into how games can be used to promote education, engagement, and critical thinking.
Whether you seek a decisive victory or a never-ending adventure, the world of Civ 6 awaits!