Oasis or Oblivion? Settling on an Oasis in Civilization VI
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Let’s cut right to the chase: Yes, you can build a city on an Oasis tile in Civilization VI, but doing so will destroy the Oasis. The game mechanics allow it, but is it a wise decision? That’s a question that deserves careful consideration, and this article will delve into the strategic implications.
The Allure (and Peril) of the Oasis
An Oasis in Civilization VI offers a tantalizing combination of benefits. It’s a tile that provides fresh water in the typically barren desert, enabling city growth. It also provides +1 Food, +1 Production, and +2 Gold when worked. These yields make the tile immediately attractive, especially in the early game when resources are scarce. However, the desert is, well, a desert. Building your city on that Oasis immediately answers the question of “can you build on an oasis civ 6?” with “Yes, but now you no longer have one.” You must understand the strategic value of that unique tile.
Oasis: A Beacon in the Desert
The inherent value of an Oasis is that it can be what makes a city possible to begin with. A desert region can be difficult or impossible to effectively settle in Civ VI, so an oasis provides a much needed fresh water source.
Strategic Considerations: To Settle or Not to Settle?
Deciding to settle directly on an Oasis is a high-stakes gamble. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:
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Pros:
- Immediate Fresh Water: This is the biggest draw. Fresh water is crucial for housing growth. Without it, your city’s potential is severely limited.
- Early Game Boost: The +1 Food, +1 Production, and +2 Gold are powerful early boosts that can jumpstart your city’s development, allowing you to produce units or structures earlier.
- Strategic Location: Being near the Oasis can be crucial for securing a strategic location.
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Cons:
- Oasis Destruction: The most obvious downside – you lose the Oasis tile. The permanent +1 Food, +1 Production, and +2 Gold are gone.
- Limited Tile Improvement: Deserts often lack readily available resources and good terrain. Your city might struggle to expand and exploit other resources or production sources.
- Potential Alternatives: Are there other nearby freshwater sources, such as rivers or lakes? Can you use technologies like Aqueducts to bring fresh water to the area?
Assessing the Terrain
Before settling on an Oasis, thoroughly scout the surrounding terrain. Look for:
- Hills: Provides production and can be used for Mines.
- Resources: Iron, Niter, Oil, etc. are essential for military and industrial development.
- Rivers: Provides additional fresh water and trade route potential.
- Other Terrain: Grassland, Plains, Tundra, etc. are valuable for Farms and other improvements.
If the surrounding terrain is barren, settling on the Oasis might be your only option for establishing a city in that region. However, if there are better options nearby, it’s generally wise to settle on a more productive tile and work the Oasis as a valuable resource.
Alternatives to Settling Directly on the Oasis
Consider settling adjacent to the Oasis. This allows you to:
- Retain the Oasis tile: You continue to benefit from its yields.
- Exploit surrounding terrain: You can still access nearby resources, hills, or rivers.
- Build an Aqueduct: If your city center isn’t directly on fresh water, an Aqueduct can provide the necessary housing boost, mitigating the need to settle directly on the Oasis.
The Bottom Line
Building a city on an Oasis in Civilization VI is a strategic trade-off. It provides immediate benefits, but at the cost of destroying a valuable tile. Evaluate the surrounding terrain, consider alternative strategies, and carefully weigh the pros and cons before making your decision. The Games Learning Society explores game based learning and its benefits. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you settle on an oasis Civ 6?
Yes, you can settle on an Oasis tile in Civilization VI, but it will destroy the Oasis in the process.
2. Does an oasis count as fresh water Civ 6?
Yes, an Oasis counts as a source of fresh water in Civilization VI, which is essential for city growth and housing.
3. Can you build improvements on an oasis tile in Civ 6?
No, you cannot build typical tile improvements like Farms or Mines directly on an Oasis tile. However, you can work the tile if it’s within your city’s borders to gain its yields.
4. What resources does an oasis provide in Civ 6?
An Oasis tile provides +1 Food, +1 Production, and +2 Gold when worked by a Citizen.
5. Is it better to settle on an oasis or next to an oasis in Civ 6?
Generally, settling next to an Oasis is preferable. This allows you to retain the Oasis’s yields while still accessing surrounding terrain and resources.
6. How important is fresh water for city growth in Civ 6?
Fresh water is extremely important. Without it, your city’s housing is severely limited, hindering its growth and overall productivity. Aqueducts can provide an alternate freshwater source.
7. What are the best terrain types to settle on in Civ 6?
Plains (Hills) are generally considered the best terrain to settle on, as they provide additional Production. Coastal tiles for Naval focused Civilizations are important, as well. However, the best option will depend on your strategy and surrounding terrain.
8. How far apart should cities be in Civ 6?
A general rule of thumb is to settle cities approximately four tiles apart. This maximizes access to resources and prevents overlap of city borders.
9. How does loyalty affect cities near desert regions in Civ 6?
Cities in desert regions may be more susceptible to loyalty pressure from other civilizations due to limited resources and amenities. Careful planning and loyalty management are essential.
10. Can you build districts on desert tiles in Civ 6?
Yes, you can build districts on desert tiles. Some districts, like the Petra wonder, benefit greatly from being built in desert regions.
11. What are some good civs to play when settling in desert regions in Civ 6?
Egypt, Mali, and Nubia have abilities that make them particularly well-suited for settling and thriving in desert regions.
12. How can I improve the appeal of tiles near oases in Civ 6?
Planting Woods or building National Parks near Oases can improve the appeal of surrounding tiles, which is beneficial for tourism and amenity bonuses.
13. Can wonders be built on desert tiles in Civ 6?
Yes, many wonders can be built on desert tiles. Petra, for instance, is specifically designed for desert cities.
14. What are the benefits of building the Petra wonder in a desert city?
The Petra wonder provides +2 Food, +2 Production, and +1 Gold to all desert tiles in the city’s borders, making it an incredibly powerful asset for desert cities.
15. How do natural disasters affect cities in desert regions in Civ 6?
Droughts are the most common natural disaster in desert regions. They can reduce food production and cause damage to improvements. Floodplains are less of an issue.
Hopefully, this article has clarified the pros and cons of settling on an Oasis in Civilization VI. Now you can make an informed decision and lead your civilization to victory!