Should You Remove Rainforest in Civ 6? A Comprehensive Guide

The decision of whether to remove rainforest in Civilization VI is a complex one, hinging on your civilization, your strategy, your current game stage, and the surrounding terrain. There’s no universal “yes” or “no.” Generally, if you’re playing as Brazil or the Kongo, you should think twice before chopping rainforests due to their inherent bonuses. For other civilizations, the early-game production boost from chopping can be incredibly valuable, but consider the long-term consequences carefully. The value of adjacency bonuses is also a crucial consideration, especially for Campuses.

Ultimately, the decision requires a balanced evaluation of short-term gains versus long-term strategic advantages. Let’s delve deeper into this crucial aspect of Civilization VI gameplay.

Understanding Rainforests in Civ 6

Rainforests, those lush, vibrant ecosystems that can either be a boon or a bane in Civilization VI, require careful consideration. They provide no inherent yield but can significantly impact adjacencies and offer opportunities for resource exploitation. Their value shifts dramatically as the game progresses and as new technologies and civics unlock. In the early game, they can feel like an obstacle, slowing down movement and preventing improvements. However, their potential for adjacencies, lumber mills, and unique civilization bonuses makes them a terrain feature worth understanding in depth.

The Early Game Dilemma: Chop or Preserve?

The early game is often a race against time. You’re trying to establish your empire, secure resources, and defend against early aggression. In this context, the immediate production boost from chopping a rainforest can be tempting. It can help you rush a crucial early settler, a vital military unit, or even a game-changing wonder.

However, consider the long-term ramifications. Are there better tiles to settle on or near? Will you need those rainforest tiles later for district adjacency? Could a strategic district placement near a rainforest yield significantly more science or faith in the long run?

Mid-Game Considerations: Lumber Mills and Adjacency

As you advance through the tech tree, the Lumber Mill becomes available (unlocked with Construction and can be built on tiles with Rainforests after researching Mercantilism). This improvement transforms rainforest tiles from a hindrance into a source of valuable production. A well-placed Lumber Mill can significantly boost a city’s output, fueling further expansion and development.

Moreover, mid-game is when you start focusing on district placement and maximizing adjacency bonuses. Rainforests can provide substantial bonuses to Campuses, Holy Sites, and Theater Squares. A Campus nestled between two rainforest tiles can generate significant science, propelling you ahead in the tech race. Similarly, a Holy Site surrounded by rainforests can create a powerful source of faith.

Late-Game Strategies: Balancing Production and Preservation

By the late game, you should have a strong grasp of your overall strategy. Are you aiming for a science victory, a cultural victory, a domination victory, or some other path to success? The value of rainforests will depend on your chosen victory condition.

If you’re pursuing a science victory, preserving rainforests for Campus adjacency is crucial. If you’re aiming for a cultural victory, rainforests can enhance Theater Square adjacency, generating valuable culture and tourism. If you’re pursuing a domination victory, the production from Lumber Mills may be more valuable, allowing you to churn out military units and conquer your rivals.

Civilizations and Rainforests: A Symbiotic Relationship

Certain civilizations have specific synergies with rainforests, making the decision to chop or preserve even more nuanced.

• Brazil: Brazil’s unique ability to receive district adjacency bonuses from rainforests makes preserving them almost always the better option. Their unique district, the Street Carnival, also benefits from rainforest adjacency.
• Kongo: The Kongo receives food and production from rainforests, making them a valuable resource to preserve. Their unique ability prevents them from building Holy Sites, so focusing on other district adjacencies is key.
• Other Civilizations: While not as directly reliant on rainforests, other civs like Indonesia can benefit from the unique terrain features and potential for harbors and strategic city placement.

Factors Influencing Your Decision

When deciding whether to remove a rainforest, consider these factors:

• Adjacency Bonuses: Can the rainforest be used to boost the adjacency of a district like a Campus, Holy Site, or Theater Square?
• Production Needs: Do you need a quick burst of production to rush a settler, military unit, or wonder?
• City Growth: Will removing the rainforest open up space for farms and housing, allowing your city to grow?
• Tile Yields: What are the potential yields of the tile after the rainforest is removed? Could it be a better spot for a mine or a farm?
• Lumber Mill Potential: Will the tile be suitable for a Lumber Mill later in the game, providing sustained production?
• Strategic Location: Is the rainforest located in a strategically important location, such as near a resource or a rival civilization?
• Civilization Bonuses: Does your civilization have any unique bonuses related to rainforests?

FAQs: Rainforests in Civ 6

1. Should I always chop rainforests as a non-Brazil or Kongo civilization?

No, not always. While the early-game production boost can be tempting, consider the long-term consequences. Evaluate potential adjacency bonuses, the possibility of Lumber Mills, and the strategic value of the tile.

2. What is the best district to place next to a rainforest?

Campuses and Holy Sites typically benefit the most from rainforest adjacency, providing substantial science and faith bonuses, respectively. The Theater Square also gets adjacency bonuses from rainforests.

3. Is it better to chop a rainforest or build a lumber mill on it?

This depends on your immediate needs versus long-term strategy. Chopping provides an immediate production boost, while a Lumber Mill offers sustained production over time. Early game, chopping can be very helpful. In the mid-game, a Lumber Mill will likely be more useful.

4. How do I maximize adjacency bonuses from rainforests?

Plan your district placement carefully. Surround your Campus, Holy Site, or Theater Square with as many rainforest tiles as possible to maximize the adjacency bonus. Also, consider city placement to maximize the number of rainforests within the workable tile range.

5. Can I remove a rainforest after I’ve already built a district on it?

No. Once a district is built on a tile, the rainforest is effectively gone. You will not be able to chop it later.

6. Do rainforests affect appeal?

Yes, rainforests generally increase the appeal of surrounding tiles, which can be beneficial for national parks and seaside resorts later in the game.

7. Can I plant new rainforests in Civilization VI?

No, you cannot plant new rainforests.

8. How does deforestation affect the environment in Civilization VI?

In Civilization VI, the environmental impact of deforestation is not directly modeled in the base game mechanics.

9. Does the climate change in Civilization VI if I remove too many rainforests?

No, chopping rainforests does not contribute to climate change within Civilization VI. Climate change is primarily influenced by the burning of fossil fuels.

10. What resources can spawn in rainforests?

Resources like bananas, citrus, and spices can spawn in rainforests. Securing these resources can provide valuable food, gold, and amenities to your civilization.

11. Can I build a farm on a rainforest tile after removing the rainforest?

Yes, once the rainforest is removed, the tile becomes a plains tile, which can then be improved with a farm (if fresh water is present).

12. Is it better to settle a city on a rainforest tile or next to it?

Settling next to a rainforest is generally better, as it allows you to take advantage of the rainforest for adjacency bonuses while still accessing other resources and terrain features. Settling directly on a rainforest removes it.

13. How do rainforests affect movement?

Rainforests typically impede movement, requiring extra movement points to traverse. This can be a disadvantage in the early game when exploring and expanding.

14. Can I build roads through rainforests?

Yes, you can build roads through rainforests, but it will still require the extra movement point.

15. Where can I learn more about the strategy and the benefits of game based learning for Civ 6?

Explore the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org or visit https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to discover more resources and insights on game-based learning.

Conclusion: The Rainforest Verdict

Deciding whether to remove a rainforest in Civilization VI is a nuanced decision. While the immediate production boost can be tempting, consider the long-term strategic implications. Adjacency bonuses, the potential for Lumber Mills, and your civilization’s unique abilities all play a role in the equation. By carefully weighing these factors, you can make informed decisions that will lead to a thriving and successful civilization. Remember, a well-managed rainforest can be just as valuable as a strategically placed district or a well-timed military campaign.