To Conquer or Befriend? A Deep Dive into City-States in Civilization VI
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The question of whether to conquer or befriend city-states in Civilization VI is a complex one, with no single right answer. Generally, it is more strategically advantageous to befriend and become Suzerain of city-states than to conquer them. The benefits of suzerainty, including unique bonuses and strategic advantages, often outweigh the short-term gains of annexation, especially considering the diplomatic ramifications of warmongering. However, under certain circumstances, conquest may be the more prudent decision. This article will dissect the pros and cons of both approaches, equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions in your own games.
The Allure of City-State Suzerainty
Cultivating relationships with city-states and eventually becoming their Suzerain offers a wealth of benefits.
Unique Bonuses
Each city-state provides a unique bonus to the civilization that is its Suzerain. These bonuses can be incredibly powerful and cater to various playstyles. For example, religious civilizations might seek to become Suzerain of Yerevan, allowing them to choose any promotion for their Apostles. Science-focused civilizations might prioritize Geneva for its science bonus when at peace.
Strategic Resources
City-states often control access to vital strategic resources. Being Suzerain grants you access to these resources, eliminating the need to expend Settlers and production to acquire them through conventional means. This can be a significant boost, especially in the early game.
Diplomatic Victory Points
Forming alliances and protecting city-states contributes to the Diplomatic Victory condition. Remaining loyal to your allied city-states grants you diplomatic favor and positive standing with other leaders, increasing your chances of securing a diplomatic victory.
Military Support
Some city-states, particularly military-focused ones, provide powerful military units to their Suzerain. These units can be invaluable for defense or offense, especially in the early and mid-game.
The Case for City-State Conquest
While suzerainty generally holds more long-term value, there are scenarios where conquering a city-state makes strategic sense.
Prime Location
If a city-state occupies a particularly valuable location – perhaps controlling access to vital resources or a choke point – conquering it might be necessary to secure your empire’s long-term growth and security. This is especially true if the location significantly hinders your own city placement.
Weak Defenses
A city-state with weak defenses represents an easy target for expansion. If you are already engaged in war with a nearby civilization, taking advantage of the opportunity to eliminate a vulnerable city-state can be a tempting and efficient use of your military.
Preventing Opponent Suzerainty
If a rival civilization is poised to become Suzerain of a particularly powerful city-state, conquering it can prevent them from gaining a significant advantage. This is a defensive maneuver aimed at disrupting your opponent’s strategy.
Warmongering Potential
If you’re already committed to a domination victory and are incurring warmonger penalties, the additional penalty from conquering a city-state might be negligible compared to the overall benefit of securing its territory and resources.
Weighing the Consequences
Before deciding to conquer a city-state, consider the consequences.
Diplomatic Penalties
Conquering a city-state incurs a significant warmonger penalty with other civilizations. This can negatively impact your diplomatic relations, making it harder to form alliances, trade, and achieve other victory conditions. The penalties are generally worse the later in the game the conquest occurs.
Grievances
Declaring war on a city-state generates grievances from other civilizations, providing them with a casus belli to declare war on you. This can lead to prolonged and costly wars.
Opportunity Cost
The resources and time spent conquering a city-state could be used for other purposes, such as expanding your own cities, developing your infrastructure, or researching new technologies. Consider whether the benefits of conquest outweigh these opportunity costs.
Strategic Considerations
Here’s a structured approach to decide the fate of city-states you encounter.
- Assess the City-State’s Bonus: Evaluate the bonus the city-state provides and how well it aligns with your chosen victory path. If the bonus is exceptionally valuable, prioritizing suzerainty is essential.
- Evaluate the Location: Critically analyze the strategic value of the city-state’s location. Does it control access to vital resources? Does it block your expansion? Is it situated on valuable terrain? A prime location often warrants consideration of conquest.
- Consider the Diplomatic Ramifications: Weigh the potential diplomatic penalties of conquest against the benefits. If you are aiming for a diplomatic or cultural victory, the warmonger penalty might be too high. If you’re already a warmonger, the cost may be acceptable.
- Analyze the Defenses: Assess the strength of the city-state’s defenses. A weakly defended city-state presents an easier target, reducing the risk and cost of conquest.
- Consider Opponent Actions: Pay attention to the actions of rival civilizations. If they are actively courting a particularly valuable city-state, conquest might be a necessary preemptive strike.
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FAQs: City-States in Civilization VI
1. What happens when I become Suzerain of a city-state?
You gain the city-state’s unique bonus and have the ability to levy its military units. You also gain influence with other civilizations who have envoys in that city-state.
2. How do I become Suzerain of a city-state?
By having more envoys in the city-state than any other civilization. You can earn envoys through various means, such as completing civics research, building wonders, and fulfilling city-state quests.
3. Can another civilization steal my Suzerainty?
Yes. If another civilization accumulates more envoys in the city-state than you, they will become the new Suzerain.
4. What happens if I lose Suzerainty of a city-state?
You lose the city-state’s bonus and the ability to levy its military units. You also lose influence with other civilizations.
5. Is it worth completing city-state quests?
Yes. Completing city-state quests is a primary way to earn envoys and improve your relationship with the city-state.
6. How does warmongering affect my relationship with city-states?
City-states generally disapprove of warmongering. Attacking or conquering other civilizations will negatively impact your relationship with them.
7. Can city-states declare war on me?
No, city-states cannot declare war on you. However, they can defend themselves if you attack them.
8. What happens if I liberate a city-state?
You gain a significant boost to your relationship with that city-state, often granting you immediate Suzerainty. You also earn diplomatic favor with other civilizations who value city-state independence.
9. Can city-states expand their territory?
No, city-states cannot expand their territory beyond their initial borders.
10. Do city-states benefit from my amenities?
No, city-states do not benefit from your amenities.
11. Can I trade with city-states?
Yes, you can establish trade routes with city-states, generating gold and other benefits.
12. How do city-states contribute to a cultural victory?
Some city-states, like cultural or religious ones, can contribute towards that specific victory type. For instance, religious city-states enhance religious spread.
13. What are the different types of city-states?
There are several types of city-states, including cultural, scientific, religious, military, industrial, trade, and maritime. Each type provides a unique bonus that aligns with its specialization.
14. Can I destroy a city-state district after conquering it?
No, once districts are placed, they cannot be removed, even after conquest.
15. Is there a way to reduce warmonger penalties when conquering city-states?
Certain civics, policies, and leader abilities can reduce warmonger penalties. However, the penalty for conquering a city-state will always be significant.