Are Free Cities Hostile in Civ 6? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, free cities in Civilization 6 are always hostile. Functionally, they act similarly to barbarians in that they are perpetually at war with all other civilizations. This means they will attack any military units that wander too close to their territory and are prone to launching incursions into neighboring cities. Think of them as little pockets of anarchy, eager to defend their newfound “freedom” with extreme prejudice!
Understanding Free Cities in Civilization 6
Free cities are a consequence of low loyalty within a city. When a city’s loyalty dips to zero, it doesn’t simply disappear. Instead, it rebels and transforms into an independent free city, instantly declaring war on everyone it can reach. This mechanic, introduced in the Rise and Fall expansion, adds a layer of complexity to empire management, forcing players to consider the happiness and well-being of their citizens. Ignorance can lead to rampant rebellion and a very fractured empire!
This mechanic creates a dynamic playing field and challenges players to proactively manage the satisfaction of their citizens. Understanding the mechanics behind loyalty and free cities is key to maintaining a stable and prosperous civilization in Civilization 6.
How to Handle Free Cities
Dealing with free cities requires a multi-faceted approach. Here’s a breakdown of the key strategies:
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Increase Loyalty Pressure: This is the most common method. Surrounding the free city with your own cities that have high loyalty exerts pressure, gradually swaying the population back to your side. Proximity, governor presence (governors like Amani can exert tremendous loyalty pressure), and amenities play crucial roles.
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Military Conquest: A more direct approach is to simply conquer the free city. This is often the fastest way to eliminate the threat, but it can incur warmonger penalties with other civilizations, potentially making you the target of unwanted attention.
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The Diplomatic Game: Sometimes, simply waiting it out can be a viable strategy. If other civilizations are also exerting loyalty pressure, the free city might flip to them, saving you the trouble. However, this is a risky move as it gives your competitors an advantage.
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Prevention is Key: The best defense is a good offense! Focus on maintaining high loyalty in your cities to prevent them from rebelling in the first place. This involves managing amenities, assigning appropriate governors, and ensuring your citizens are generally happy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Free Cities
Here are some common questions about free cities in Civilization 6, along with detailed answers:
1. Do free cities count as barbarians?
No, free cities are not technically barbarians. While they share the trait of being perpetually at war with everyone, free cities were formerly part of a civilization and thus, are usually better defended and have more advanced infrastructure than barbarian outposts. Experience gained from fighting them is also limited, similar to barbarians.
2. Can you raze a free city in Civ 6?
It depends. You cannot raze a free city if you’re allied with the civilization that originally founded or most recently owned it. This rule prevents players from exploiting liberation mechanics for strategic gains. If there is no such alliance, then you can raze a free city as you would any other captured city.
3. How do you gain loyalty in a free city?
Loyalty in a free city is influenced by loyalty pressure from nearby cities. If your cities exert more pressure than other civilizations, the free city’s loyalty will increase, potentially leading it to flip to your control. Factors like population, amenities, governor presence, and strategic buildings all contribute to loyalty pressure.
4. What happens when a free city rebels in Civ 6?
When a city reaches zero loyalty, it instantly becomes a free city. All ties to its previous owner are severed, and it declares war on all other civilizations. The city reverts to a default state, often losing some of its progress and creating a destabilizing influence in the region.
5. Can you lose a city to barbarians in Civ 6?
Yes, you can lose a city to barbarians, but there’s a catch. If barbarians capture a city (other than your capital), it is destroyed. You will not get it back. This is a crucial distinction from losing a city to a free city or another civilization, where recapture is possible.
6. Can you peacefully take over a free city?
Yes, it is possible to peacefully take over a free city by exerting enough loyalty pressure on it. This requires strategic placement of your cities, effective governor assignments, and a generally happy population. It’s a slow process but can be worth it to avoid warmonger penalties.
7. How do I increase loyalty pressure?
Several factors increase loyalty pressure:
- High Population: Cities with larger populations exert more pressure.
- Governor Presence: Certain governors, like Amani, have abilities that directly boost loyalty pressure.
- Amenities: Happy and ecstatic cities generate more pressure.
- Strategic Buildings: Buildings like the Government Plaza and Bread and Circuses provide loyalty bonuses.
- Dark Age Policies: Be careful with Dark Ages, as they reduce loyalty
8. Is it bad to have too many cities in Civ 6?
Not necessarily. While overexpansion can strain your resources and amenities, having more cities generally leads to greater overall production, science, culture, and faith. It’s a balancing act, but aiming for a wide empire is usually more beneficial than focusing on just a few large cities.
9. Can you destroy barbarian clans in Civ 6?
Yes, units can destroy barbarian clans by entering their outpost and selecting the “Disperse Clan” command. This earns experience points for the unit and removes the barbarian outpost from the map.
10. What are some good policies to combat low loyalty?
Several policies can help with loyalty issues:
- Bread and Circuses: Provides extra amenities to cities, boosting loyalty.
- Laissez-faire: Grants bonus production for building districts, helping new cities develop faster and become more stable.
- Military Governor: Assigning a governor with military buffs can help suppress dissent and maintain order.
11. Can cities sink in Civ 6?
Yes, with the Gathering Storm expansion, rising sea levels can submerge coastal tiles, including improvements and districts. However, City Centers cannot be submerged, so your city will survive, albeit potentially crippled.
12. How close should I settle cities in Civ 6?
A general rule of thumb is to settle cities about four tiles apart. This allows each city to develop its own districts and resources without excessive overlap. It is a good idea to have your cities closer than that, so the other civilizations can’t fill in the gaps.
13. Can a Civ 6 game go on forever?
Technically, yes. If you choose the “One More Turn” option after meeting a victory condition, the game will continue indefinitely until you decide to stop.
14. What happens if you declare war on a city-state?
Declaring war on a city-state removes all envoys you have invested in it. This can disrupt your diplomatic relations and potentially cost you valuable bonuses. Be sure you have the military might to capture the city-state quickly.
15. What is the best way to learn more about Civ 6 strategies?
Besides reading comprehensive guides like this one, actively engaging with the Civilization 6 community is a great way to improve your game. Explore online forums, watch gameplay videos, and perhaps even delve into academic research on game strategy, such as those available through the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Engaging with the Civilization 6 community is a great way to learn more about the game.
In conclusion, free cities in Civilization 6 are a challenging but interesting element that adds depth and complexity to the game. By understanding their mechanics and employing effective strategies, you can turn these rebellious outposts into valuable assets for your growing empire. Happy conquering (or peacemaking)!