Can Ships Capture Cities in Civ 6? A Comprehensive Guide

The short and definitive answer is: Yes, ships can capture coastal cities in Civilization 6, but only certain types of ships! Specifically, you need a Naval Melee unit to take the city. Ranged naval units can bombard cities and reduce their defenses, but they can’t deliver the final blow. Think of it like this: the ranged ships soften the target, and the melee ships move in for the kill.

Understanding Naval Warfare and City Capture in Civ 6

Civ 6 offers a complex and engaging system of naval warfare. It’s not just about building the biggest fleet; it’s about understanding the roles and capabilities of different ship types. When it comes to conquering coastal cities, you need to understand the crucial distinction between Naval Ranged and Naval Melee units.

The Role of Naval Melee Units

These are your city-capturing workhorses. Naval Melee units are the only naval units that can occupy and claim a coastal city once its health is depleted. They function similarly to land-based melee units when it comes to capturing a city. You maneuver them adjacent to the city center, and after the city’s health reaches zero, they can move onto the city center tile, thus taking control of the city.

Examples of naval melee units include:

• Galley: The earliest naval melee unit, ideal for early coastal city grabs.
• Caravel: A Renaissance Era unit that can explore and conquer coastal cities.
• Privateer: A stronger Renaissance Era option specifically designed for naval combat and city capture.
• Destroyer: A powerful modern naval unit capable of both offensive and defensive operations, including city capture.
• Nuclear Submarine: Although primarily known for stealth attacks, the Nuclear Submarine is classified as Naval Melee so can actually capture cities!

The Supporting Fire of Naval Ranged Units

Naval Ranged units are invaluable for weakening city defenses. They can bombard a city from a distance, reducing its health and making it vulnerable to a melee assault. However, remember the key limitation: ranged units cannot capture cities.

Examples of naval ranged units include:

• Frigate: A powerful ranged ship available in the Renaissance Era.
• Battleship: A dominant ranged unit in the Industrial Era.
• Missile Cruiser: A modern naval unit with long-range bombardment capabilities.

The Importance of Combined Arms

The most effective strategy involves a coordinated attack using both naval ranged and naval melee units. Use your ranged ships to soften the target, reducing its defenses and weakening its garrison. Once the city’s health is low enough, move in your melee ships to deliver the final blow and claim the city. Land-based units can support this too! Use your melee ships as a screen for land melee attackers!

Strategic Considerations

• City Defenses: Pay attention to a city’s defenses, including walls, districts, and garrisoned units. Prioritize weakening these defenses before committing to a capture attempt.
• Naval Support: Ensure your melee units are supported by ranged ships to provide covering fire and prevent counterattacks.
• Terrain: Consider the terrain around the city. Shallow water or coastal terrain can hinder the movement of larger ships.
• Promotions: Utilize naval promotions to enhance your ships’ combat effectiveness.
• Govenors: Appointing the right governors will improve the loyalty and defenses of your newly conquered cities.
• Amenities: Keeping your citizens happy after conquering a new city is vital to preventing revolts and keeping the city productive!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Naval City Capture in Civ 6

Here are 15 FAQs to further clarify the nuances of naval city capture in Civilization 6:

1. Can any naval unit capture a city?

   No, only Naval Melee units can capture a city. Naval Ranged and Support units can bombard and support the attack, but they cannot occupy the city center.

2. What happens if I reduce a city’s health to zero with a ranged naval unit?

   The city will remain at 1 health. You need a Naval Melee unit to actually occupy and claim the city.

3. Can submarines capture cities?

   Yes, Nuclear submarines are classified as naval melee units and can capture cities! However, keep in mind that submarines do not exert Zone of Control.

4. How do I defend against naval city captures?

   Fortify your coastal cities with walls, encampments, and ranged units. Build a strong navy of your own to deter enemy attacks. Also consider harbor defenses and great admirals.

5. Does city loyalty affect naval captures?

   No, city loyalty primarily affects land-based captures or city defections. However, a city with low loyalty is more likely to revolt after being captured, requiring you to manage its loyalty.

6. Can I raze a city after capturing it with a naval unit?

   Yes, you can raze a captured city regardless of whether it was captured by land or naval units. Be aware of the warmonger penalties for razing a city.

7. Does the era of my naval unit matter when capturing a city?

   Yes, the era and combat strength of your naval unit significantly impact its effectiveness in capturing a city. A more advanced unit will generally be more effective against stronger city defenses.

8. Are there any civ-specific bonuses that affect naval city capture?

   Yes, some civilizations have unique bonuses that enhance their naval capabilities. For example, England has bonuses related to naval units and coastal cities. Certain Great Admirals also improve ship combat abilities.

9. How do naval promotions affect city capture?

   Naval promotions can enhance a unit’s combat strength, movement, and other abilities, making it more effective in capturing a city. Choose promotions that complement your strategy.

10. Can I use a naval unit to capture a city-state?

    Yes, you can capture a city-state with a Naval Melee unit, just like any other coastal city. Be aware of the diplomatic consequences of declaring war on and capturing a city-state.

11. Do naval units exert zone of control?

    Yes, most naval units exert Zone of Control (ZOC) around them, preventing enemy ships from moving past them. This can be strategically useful for sieging a city. Remember that submarines do not exert a zone of control.

12. What is the best way to weaken a city’s defenses before a naval assault?

    Use ranged naval units to bombard the city and reduce its health. Also, consider using land-based ranged units and strategic bombing from the air to further weaken the city’s defenses.

13. Does the terrain around a city affect naval combat?

    Yes, terrain such as shallow water and reefs can affect the movement and combat effectiveness of naval units. Plan your attack routes carefully.

14. Can I use a naval unit to pillage coastal improvements?

    Yes, naval units can pillage coastal improvements, disrupting the city’s economy and production. This can be a useful tactic before launching a full-scale assault.

15. Are there any policy cards that affect naval city capture?

    Yes, there are policy cards that boost naval unit production, combat strength, and other attributes. These cards can be invaluable for enhancing your naval warfare capabilities.

Conclusion

Mastering naval warfare, including the art of capturing coastal cities with ships, is crucial for success in Civilization 6. By understanding the roles of different naval units, strategic considerations, and the nuances of city defenses, you can dominate the seas and expand your empire. And remember, for further exploration of the intersection of gaming and learning, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.