How Long Does It Really Take to 100% Sid Meier’s Civilization VI?

So, you’re diving into the world of Civilization VI and aiming for the ultimate achievement – 100% completion. The burning question is: how long will this epic journey take? The answer, as with any grand undertaking, is…it depends. But let’s cut through the ambiguity.

A realistic estimate for achieving 100% completion of Civilization VI, encompassing all achievements and victory types on various difficulties, ranges from 300 to 600 hours. This is a significant time investment, reflecting the game’s depth, replayability, and the sheer number of scenarios and challenges it offers. It’s not just about winning a game; it’s about mastering the nuances of each civilization, strategy, and difficulty level.

Breaking Down the Time Commitment

The time required to reach 100% completion is influenced by several factors:

• Number of Achievements: Civilization VI boasts a substantial collection of achievements, many of which require specific victory types, unique actions, or playing as particular civilizations. Some achievements are straightforward, while others demand careful planning, strategic execution, and a bit of luck.

• Difficulty Levels: Many achievements are difficulty-specific. Winning on Deity difficulty, the highest setting, significantly increases the challenge and, consequently, the time required. Deity AI opponents are ruthless, demanding near-perfect play and adaptability.

• Game Speed: While Quick game speeds might seem like a shortcut, they can actually complicate certain achievements that require specific timelines or long-term planning. Standard or even Epic speeds often provide a more manageable timeframe for achieving complex goals.

• Playstyle: Are you a meticulous planner, spending hours analyzing every detail, or a more spontaneous player who adapts on the fly? Your playstyle will directly impact how quickly you learn and implement strategies, affecting your overall completion time.

• Knowledge of the Game: Beginners will naturally take longer to understand the game’s mechanics, strategies, and optimal build orders. Seasoned Civ veterans, on the other hand, will have a head start, allowing them to focus on specific achievement requirements.

• DLC and Expansions: Civilization VI has received numerous expansions and DLC packs, each adding new civilizations, leaders, game modes, and achievements. Completing all content requires acquiring these additions and mastering their unique features.

• Victory Types: The game offers diverse paths to victory, including Domination, Science, Culture, Religion, and Diplomacy. Achieving victory with each type, often on higher difficulties, adds considerable time to the completion journey.

Strategies for Efficient Completion

While the road to 100% completion may be long, there are strategies to optimize your progress:

• Focus on Specific Achievements: Instead of aimlessly playing, identify specific achievements you want to unlock and tailor your gameplay accordingly. This targeted approach saves time and ensures steady progress.

• Research Effective Strategies: Consult online resources, guides, and forums to learn optimal strategies for different civilizations, victory types, and difficulty levels. Knowledge is power, and in Civilization VI, it can significantly reduce your completion time.

• Exploit Game Mechanics: Master the game’s underlying mechanics, such as district placement, trade routes, and diplomatic relations. Understanding these mechanics allows you to maximize your efficiency and gain a competitive edge.

• Utilize Modding: While some purists may frown upon it, certain mods can streamline gameplay or provide helpful information, potentially accelerating your progress. Just be mindful of whether mods disable achievements.

• Learn from Mistakes: Don’t be discouraged by setbacks or failed attempts. Analyze your mistakes, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your strategy accordingly. Learning from experience is crucial for long-term success.

• Enjoy the Process: Ultimately, Civilization VI is a game, and the goal is to have fun. Don’t get so caught up in achieving 100% completion that you lose sight of the enjoyment. Embrace the challenge, experiment with different strategies, and savor the journey. The Games Learning Society understands the importance of the learning that comes from playing games.

The Allure of 100% Completion

While the time commitment is significant, the pursuit of 100% completion in Civilization VI offers numerous rewards:

• Mastery of the Game: Achieving every achievement requires a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics, strategies, and civilizations. You’ll become a true Civilization VI expert.

• Sense of Accomplishment: Completing such a challenging undertaking provides a profound sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It’s a testament to your dedication, perseverance, and strategic thinking.

• Expanded Knowledge: Along the way, you’ll learn about history, geography, and different cultures. Civilization VI is not only a game but also an educational experience.

• Community Recognition: Sharing your achievements with the Civilization VI community can earn you recognition and respect from fellow players.

15 FAQs About Completing Civilization VI

Here are some frequently asked questions about the time and effort required to fully complete Civilization VI:

How many total achievements are there in Civilization VI with all DLC?

The number of achievements in Civilization VI varies depending on the specific DLC packs you own. With all DLC, the total number of achievements is well over 100.

Can I still get achievements if I use mods?

It depends on the mod. Some mods disable achievements, while others do not. Check the mod description before using it if you’re concerned about achievement eligibility.

What’s the hardest achievement in Civ 6?

This is subjective, but many players consider achievements like winning on Deity difficulty with specific, underpowered civilizations or completing a specific scenario with extremely challenging conditions to be the hardest.

Is it better to play on Quick speed for achievements?

Not necessarily. While Quick speed shortens the overall game length, it can make certain achievements that require long-term planning or specific historical events more difficult.

Does playing on multiplayer affect achievement progress?

Yes and No. Some achievements can only be obtained in single-player games, while others can be earned in multiplayer.

What is the best DLC to buy first for achievement hunting?

Gathering Storm is often recommended as the best DLC to start with, as it adds numerous features and mechanics that enhance the overall gameplay experience.

How can I track my achievement progress in Civilization VI?

Achievement progress can be tracked through the Steam achievements page or within the game’s interface.

Which civilization is the easiest to win with on Deity difficulty?

Again, this is subjective, but civilizations with strong early-game bonuses, such as Rome or Sumeria, are often considered easier to win with on Deity difficulty.

Can I earn achievements in the tutorial mode?

No, achievements are not typically awarded in tutorial mode.

How important is city planning for achievement hunting?

City planning is crucial for success in Civilization VI, especially on higher difficulties. Optimizing district placement, resource utilization, and adjacency bonuses is essential for achieving various victory types and unlocking specific achievements.

What is the fastest victory type to achieve for achievements?

Domination victory is often the fastest, provided you have a strong military and can quickly conquer enemy capitals.

Do scenarios count towards 100% completion?

Yes, completing all scenarios and unlocking their associated achievements is typically required for 100% completion.

Are there any missable achievements in Civilization VI?

Some achievements may be more difficult or impossible to obtain if you make certain decisions early in the game. Plan accordingly.

How often do new achievements get added to Civilization VI?

New achievements are typically added with each major expansion or DLC pack.

Where can I find a comprehensive guide to all Civilization VI achievements?

Numerous websites and online forums provide detailed guides to Civilization VI achievements, including TrueAchievements and the Steam Community forums.

Where can I learn more about Games and Learning?

Check out the GamesLearningSociety.org website.

Final Thoughts

Achieving 100% completion in Civilization VI is a monumental task, requiring hundreds of hours of dedication, strategic thinking, and perseverance. However, the rewards are well worth the effort, offering a deep understanding of the game, a profound sense of accomplishment, and recognition from the Civilization VI community. So, if you’re up for the challenge, embark on this epic journey and become a true master of Civilization VI. Just remember to enjoy the ride!