Should I Remove Rainforest in Civ 6? A Comprehensive Guide

The decision of whether to remove rainforest in Civilization VI is rarely simple and almost always situational. The short answer? It depends. Rainforests, unlike other terrain features, offer a unique set of benefits and drawbacks that can dramatically impact your game depending on your chosen civilization, victory type, and current stage of the game. Understanding these trade-offs is crucial for making informed decisions that will either propel you towards victory or set you back considerably. Think carefully before you commit to clearing them!

Understanding the Rainforest Dilemma

Rainforests, visually vibrant and ecologically complex, present a compelling choice in Civ 6. Their initial presence can seem inhibiting, limiting early improvements and district placement. However, dismissing them out of hand is a mistake. They provide valuable adjacency bonuses for certain districts, offer unique advantages to specific civilizations, and can be transformed into productive assets later in the game.

The Case FOR Rainforest Removal

Here’s why you might consider removing a rainforest:

• Early Game Production Boost: Chopping a rainforest provides an immediate infusion of food and production, vital for rushing early settlers, military units, or wonders. The amount you get scales based on game speed, difficulty, and the current era, but it can be a game-changer in the early game. If you have Magnus the Steward as a governor, you could even rush wonders to take control of the map.
• District and Wonder Placement: Rainforests initially block district and wonder placement. Clearing them opens up valuable space for essential infrastructure, particularly in crowded city locations. It is a must-do if the rainforest is on a resource.
• Lumber Mills (Late Game): While requiring the Mercantilism civic, lumber mills provide a sustained production bonus on rainforest tiles, especially beneficial with adjacency bonuses from rivers or other improvements. This can transform previously unproductive tiles into powerhouses.
• Civilizations Lacking Synergy: For civilizations that don’t inherently benefit from rainforests (like those with tundra or desert biases), clearing them to maximize tile yields and district placement often makes strategic sense.
• Food issues. Rainforests do not provide food and they can be a hindrance to the food in the local city. Sometimes, chopping is required to get the city fed.

The Case AGAINST Rainforest Removal

Here’s why you might want to keep a rainforest intact:

• Adjacency Bonuses: Certain districts, notably Campuses and Holy Sites, receive significant adjacency bonuses from rainforests. A well-placed Campus nestled between two or more rainforest tiles can generate substantial science early in the game.
• Brazil and Kongo Synergy: These civilizations gain unique benefits from rainforests. Brazil’s districts receive a +1 adjacency bonus from rainforest tiles, and the Kongo receives food, production, and gold from rainforest tiles. For them, rainforests are strategic assets to be preserved and utilized. Also, for Brazil, having a ton of rainforests is a key component in winning a cultural victory.
• Preservation: Later in the game, you can use a Naturalist to create a National Park out of the rainforest. This will boost tourism and allow for a victory.
• Lumber Mill Potential: As mentioned above, Lumber Mills can be incredibly powerful, especially with bonuses from rivers and adjacent improvements. Waiting for the technology and civic unlock can be a more rewarding long-term strategy.
• Appeal: Several late-game tourism boosters are related to the appeal of an area. Rainforests have a high appeal which can be taken advantage of.

Strategic Considerations

Before making a decision, consider these factors:

• Civilization: Are you playing Brazil or Kongo? If so, tread carefully before chopping.
• Victory Condition: Are you aiming for a science victory? A rainforest-heavy area is perfect for Campuses. Are you aiming for Culture? Rainforests are crucial for building National Parks.
• City Needs: Does your city desperately need production or food? A quick rainforest chop might be the best short-term solution.
• Map Layout: Are there other workable tiles available? Is the rainforest blocking access to resources or ideal district locations?
• Game Stage: Early game, chopping is generally more impactful. Late game, lumber mills and tourism bonuses might outweigh the immediate benefits of clearing.
• Magnus the Steward: If you have Magnus in the city and the “Surplus Logistics” promotion, chopping will provide an enormous boost that can change the trajectory of the game.

The Final Verdict

There is no universally right or wrong answer. The best approach is to carefully analyze your situation, weigh the pros and cons, and make an informed decision that aligns with your overall strategy. Don’t be afraid to experiment and learn from your experiences. Sometimes, the perfect strategy involves a combination of chopping and preservation.

15 FAQs About Rainforests in Civ 6

1. Can I build on rainforest in Civ 6?

Yes, but only after researching the Bronze Working technology to remove it or the Mercantilism civic to build a Lumber Mill. Also, you can place districts on it after the Bronze Working technology.

2. How do I remove rainforest from a tile in Civilization 6?

After researching Bronze Working, you can select a builder unit, right-click on the rainforest tile, and choose the “Remove Rainforest” action. This consumes one builder charge.

3. What are the benefits of keeping rainforests as Brazil?

Brazil gains a +1 adjacency bonus for all districts placed next to rainforest tiles. This is a powerful synergy that significantly boosts the effectiveness of their infrastructure, especially Campuses, Holy Sites, Theater Squares, and Industrial Zones.

4. What are the benefits of keeping rainforests as Kongo?

The Kongo civilization gains food, production, and gold from rainforest tiles.

5. Is it better to chop or build a Lumber Mill on a rainforest tile?

Chopping provides an immediate boost, while Lumber Mills offer a sustained yield. Generally, chop in the early game for a quick advantage and build Lumber Mills later for long-term production.

6. Do rainforests provide any natural yield in Civ 6?

No, rainforests do not provide any natural yield in the base game. They only provide adjacency bonuses and can be improved with Lumber Mills.

7. Can I build a farm on a rainforest tile in Civ 6?

No, you cannot build farms directly on rainforest tiles. You must remove the rainforest first.

8. What districts benefit from rainforest adjacency bonuses?

The most notable districts are Campus and Holy Site. Other districts with small benefits are Theater Squares and Industrial Zones.

9. How does game speed affect rainforest chopping yields?

Faster game speeds (Online, Quick) reduce the base yield from chopping, while slower speeds (Epic, Marathon) increase it.

10. Does difficulty level affect rainforest chopping yields?

Yes, higher difficulty levels often grant the AI bonuses that can indirectly affect the impact of your chopping yields, making early game advantages even more crucial.

11. Can rainforests spread in Civ 6?

No, rainforests do not spread naturally. They remain confined to the tiles they initially occupy.

12. Are rainforests considered a “natural wonder” in Civ 6?

No, rainforests are considered a terrain feature, not a natural wonder. Natural wonders are unique, named locations with special properties.

13. What is the best strategy for settling near rainforests?

For civilizations like Brazil, prioritize settling near large clusters of rainforests to maximize district adjacency bonuses. For others, consider the balance between potential chopping yields and future Lumber Mill placement.

14. How do rainforests affect tile appeal in Civ 6?

Rainforests generally have a high appeal, which can be beneficial for tourism and National Parks.

15. How can I further improve Lumber Mill yields on rainforest tiles?

Build Lumber Mills adjacent to rivers for additional production. Also, the card “forestry” can double lumber mill yield on rainforest tiles. Choose the “Eiffel Tower” world wonder for additional appeal to your empire.

This comprehensive guide will assist you in making informed decisions about rainforests in Civilization VI. Understanding their nuances will undoubtedly enhance your strategic gameplay and contribute to your path to victory. Good luck, and happy gaming! To learn more about gaming and education, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website.