Unveiling City Loyalty in Civilization VI: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you want to keep your empire from crumbling in Civilization VI? Understanding and managing Loyalty is absolutely crucial, especially with the Rise and Fall expansion. Let’s get straight to the point:

How do you check loyalty in Civ 6?

There are three primary ways to check loyalty in Civ 6:

1. The Loyalty Lens: This is perhaps the most intuitive method. Simply activate the Loyalty Lens from the map lens selection on the bottom right of your screen. This lens overlays the game map with color coding, visually representing the Loyalty status of each city. Cities with strong Loyalty to you will appear in your civilization’s color, while those teetering on the edge of rebellion will display in increasingly alarming shades of red. This gives you a quick overview of potential trouble spots.
2. The City Status Bar: Look beneath a city’s name on the main game screen. You’ll see a small icon representing the city’s Loyalty status. A green upward arrow indicates Loyalty is increasing, a red downward arrow signifies it’s decreasing, and no arrow means it’s stable. This is a fast way to monitor the trend of individual city loyalty at a glance.
3. The City Details Panel: Click on a city to open its details panel. Navigate to the Loyalty section (usually found alongside Amenities and Housing). Here, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of all the factors influencing the city’s Loyalty, including Loyalty pressure from nearby cities, Governors, religious influence, Golden Ages, and more. This is where you get the in-depth analysis needed to make informed decisions.

Mastering these methods is essential for keeping your empire intact. Now, let’s dive deeper with some frequently asked questions!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Loyalty in Civ 6

How does Loyalty pressure work in Civ 6?

Loyalty pressure is exerted by cities on other cities within a 9-tile radius. The closer a city is, the greater the Loyalty pressure it exerts. Cities with higher populations, or cities experiencing a Golden Age, exert more Loyalty pressure. If the Loyalty pressure your city is receiving from other civilizations exceeds the Loyalty pressure it’s receiving from your own, its Loyalty will begin to decrease, eventually leading to rebellion.

What factors influence a city’s Loyalty?

Numerous factors impact a city’s Loyalty:

• Proximity to other cities: Cities closer to opposing civilizations are more susceptible to their Loyalty pressure.
• Population: Larger cities exert more Loyalty pressure and are generally more resistant to foreign influence.
• Governors: Appointing a Governor with Loyalty-boosting abilities can significantly stabilize a city.
• Amenities: A city with low amenities is more likely to experience decreased Loyalty.
• Religion: A city following your religion gains a Loyalty bonus, while one that doesn’t suffers a penalty.
• Golden Ages/Dark Ages: A Golden Age increases Loyalty across your empire, while a Dark Age decreases it.
• Civics and Policies: Certain civics and policies can provide empire-wide Loyalty bonuses.
• Military Presence: A garrisoned unit can help keep a city from flipping.

How can I increase Loyalty in a struggling city?

Here’s a tactical rundown:

• Appoint a Governor: Someone like Liang or Reyna can provide immediate Loyalty bonuses.
• Send a Trade Route: Trade routes to your other cities exert loyalty pressure.
• Garrison a Military Unit: A garrisoned unit temporarily increases loyalty.
• Increase Amenities: Improve housing and build entertainment districts.
• Convert to Your Religion: Spread your religion to the city for a Loyalty bonus.
• Use Bread and Circuses: This project provides a temporary Loyalty boost.
• Demolish Low Loyalty Cities: Sometimes it’s better to cut your losses to save your empire.

What happens when a city’s Loyalty reaches zero?

When a city’s Loyalty drops to zero, it becomes a Free City. It functions as an independent entity, potentially harassing your borders or being conquered by another civilization. If Loyalty remains at zero for multiple turns, the city will eventually flip and join the civilization exerting the most Loyalty pressure.

How do Golden Ages and Dark Ages affect Loyalty?

A Golden Age provides a significant Loyalty boost across your entire empire, making it easier to maintain control of your cities. Conversely, a Dark Age decreases Loyalty, making your cities more vulnerable to rebellion. Planning your eras strategically is key.

Can I peacefully acquire a city through Loyalty?

Yes! If you exert enough Loyalty pressure on a city belonging to another civilization, and its Loyalty drops to zero, it will eventually flip to your control peacefully. This is a viable strategy, particularly in areas where you have a strong cultural or economic presence.

How does religion impact city Loyalty?

If a city follows your religion, it receives a +3 Loyalty bonus. However, if a city doesn’t follow your religion, it suffers a -3 Loyalty penalty. Actively spreading your religion is a powerful way to maintain Loyalty.

Is it possible to prevent a city from rebelling?

Absolutely. By proactively addressing the factors that decrease Loyalty (such as low amenities, lack of religious conversion, or overwhelming Loyalty pressure from other civilizations), you can prevent a city from rebelling. Use Governors, military units, and strategic infrastructure to stabilize vulnerable cities.

How do I view the global rankings for different victory conditions?

Press the “1” key or click the ribbon at the top right of the screen. This will allow you to track their score, military might, science, culture, religion, gold. Each player’s ranking towards the different victory conditions can be tracked using the “World Rankings” panel on the top right.

What are some civics and policies that boost Loyalty?

Several civics and policies offer Loyalty benefits. Examples include:

• Limitanei: A policy that provides extra Loyalty to cities with a garrisoned unit.
• Nationalism: A civic that grants a Loyalty bonus.
• Propaganda: A civic that increases Loyalty in cities following your religion.
• Civil Prestige: A civic that increases Loyalty in cities with wonders.

Selecting the right civics and policies is crucial for maintaining a stable empire.

How does difficulty level affect Loyalty in Civ 6?

Higher difficulty levels often give AI opponents bonuses to Loyalty, making it more challenging to maintain control of newly conquered cities or those near their borders. Be prepared to invest more heavily in Loyalty-boosting strategies on higher difficulties.

Does building wonders affect Loyalty?

Yes, certain wonders can have a positive impact on Loyalty in the city they’re built in and surrounding areas. Wonders like the Statue of Liberty can provide significant Loyalty bonuses. Plan your wonder construction strategically to reinforce Loyalty in key regions.

How do City-States interact with the Loyalty system?

City-States generally have a large Loyalty counter. While it is possible to peacefully exert Loyalty pressure to absorb them into your empire, it’s exceedingly difficult. The Loyalty system primarily affects cities founded or conquered by major civilizations.

Can I use spies to disrupt Loyalty in enemy cities?

While spies can’t directly manipulate Loyalty, they can sabotage amenities and other infrastructure, indirectly contributing to a decrease in Loyalty. Employing spies strategically can weaken enemy cities and make them more susceptible to rebellion.

Does the size of my empire impact the effectiveness of Loyalty pressure?

Yes, a larger empire with numerous cities will exert significantly more Loyalty pressure than a smaller empire. Expanding strategically and consolidating your territory is crucial for exerting dominance in the Loyalty game.

Civilization VI is a game that rewards strategic thinking and adaptability. Understanding the Loyalty system is essential for building a lasting empire and achieving victory. Remember to utilize the Loyalty Lens, monitor your city status bars, and delve into the city details panel to stay informed. By proactively managing Loyalty, you can ensure your civilization thrives!

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