Decoding Civilization VI: A Comprehensive Guide to the Game’s Symbols

Civilization VI, like its predecessors, is brimming with symbols and icons that represent everything from unit actions and city-state affiliations to religious tenets and civilization-specific abilities. Understanding these symbols is crucial to mastering the game, as they provide immediate visual information about available options, potential actions, and the state of the world around you. This article will explore some of the most important symbols in Civ 6, offering a detailed explanation of their meaning and function.

Understanding the Language of Civ 6: Action and Unit Icons

A large proportion of the symbols you’ll encounter relate to unit control and management. These are designed for quick identification and easy interaction.

• Emblem: Indicates that promotion is available for the unit. Promotions provide passive or active abilities.
• Skull: Signifies the option to disband or destroy a unit. Use this when a unit becomes obsolete or unnecessary.
• Cog: Automates the exploration process for the unit. Useful for scouts exploring large areas.
• Bullseye: Enables a ranged attack for the unit (if applicable).
• Up Arrow: Indicates that you can upgrade the unit, which costs gold.
• Arrow: The basic move action, allowing you to reposition your unit.
• Sun: Wakes a sleeping unit. Useful after healing or when danger approaches.
• Circle with Line: Cancels the currently assigned order for a unit.

These are some of the essential icons for unit management. Others may become relevant depending on particular circumstances such as Great People and Hero Units.

Civilization and Religious Symbolism

Beyond basic actions, symbols in Civ 6 frequently represent civilizations, religions, and their unique characteristics.

• Aztec Double-Headed Serpent: The Aztec civilization’s symbol is a representation of the Double-headed serpent, associated with rebirth, or the earth and the underworld.
• Hinduism – Om (or Aum): The constellation that represents Hinduism is the symbol for Om.
• Buddhism – Dharmachakra: The constellation that represents Buddhism is the dharmachakra.

These symbols are integral to the game’s world-building and immersion.

Religion and Beliefs

Understanding religious symbols and the associated benefits of worship beliefs is critical for faith-based gameplay. Some key beliefs and their benefits include:

• Cathedral: +3 Faith and 1 slot for Religious Art.
• Mosque: +3 Faith and Missionaries/Apostles gain +1 Spread Religion charge.
• Wat: +3 Faith and +2 Science.
• Gurdwara: +3 Faith, +2 Food, and +1 Housing.

Other Important Symbols and Game Mechanics

Civ 6 also employs symbols to communicate key aspects of game mechanics, such as diplomacy and victory conditions. Victory condition symbols appear on the game menu, in leader portraits, and through out the game, helping players identify other civilizations with similar victory goals.

Hero Unit Abilities

Hero units have specialized abilities that are unlocked with charges. These are displayed using symbols that are unique to each hero.

• Himiko’s Rule: Use when within the territory of a City State you are Suzerain of. Himiko immediately levies its military at no cost. Costs 1 Charge.
• Hercules’ Rage: Use when located on an enemy District. Hercules destroys all buildings present and pillages the District. Costs 1 Charge.

Frequently Asked Questions About Symbols in Civilization VI

Here are some frequently asked questions about the symbols and mechanics of Civ 6 that were derived from the text:

1. What does the sun symbol do in Civ 6?

The sun symbol wakes a unit up if you sent them to sleep.

2. What does the cog symbol do in Civ 6?

The cog symbolizes automate exploration for the unit.

3. What does the shield with crosshair do in Civ 6?

The shield with crosshair is alert mode, they sleep unless an enemy approaches, which automatically wakes them.

4. What does the Aztec civilization symbol represent in Civ 6?

The Aztec civilization’s symbol is a representation of the Double-headed serpent, a sculpture kept at the British Museum and believed to be associated with either rebirth, or the earth and the underworld.

5. What constellation represents Hinduism in Civ 6?

The constellation that represents Hinduism is the symbol for Om (or Aum).

6. What constellation represents Buddhism in Civ 6?

The constellation that represents Buddhism is the dharmachakra.

7. What are some good worship beliefs in Civ 6 and what are their benefits?

Some of the best worship beliefs in Civilization 6 include:

• Cathedral: +3 Faith and 1 slot for Religious Art.
• Mosque: +3 Faith and Missionaries/Apostles gain +1 Spread Religion charge.
• Wat: +3 Faith and +2 Science.
• Gurdwara: +3 Faith, +2 Food, and +1 Housing.

8. When does a standard game of Civ 6 end?

A standard game of Civ 6 ends in the year 2050 AD, or 500 turns if no one has achieved a victory condition.

9. What does the Taj Mahal do in Civ 6?

The Taj Mahal grants bonus Era Score for every Historic Moment earned for the rest of the game.

10. What language does Cleopatra speak in Civ 6?

She speaks Middle Egyptian (with modern Egyptological pronunciation).

11. What language does Gilgamesh speak in Civ 6?

He speaks Old Akkadian.

12. What is Himiko’s Rule in Civ 6?

Himiko’s Rule: Use when within the territory of a City State you are Suzerain of. Himiko immediately levies its military at no cost. Costs 1 Charge.

13. What does Hercules do in Civ 6?

Hercules’ Rage: Use when located on an enemy District. Hercules destroys all buildings present and pillages the District. Costs 1 Charge.

14. How close should you settle cities in Civ 6?

Normally, a city must be at least 4 hexes away from any other City Center (3 hexes between any two City Centers).

15. When should I expand in Civ 6?

It is best to expand early in Civ 6, and players should prioritize getting their first Settler out as soon as they have a Scout, some level of defense force, and potentially a Gold-purchased Builder.

Delving Deeper into Game Design and Learning

Understanding the symbols in Civ 6 is an important step for learning how to play the game. It also offers valuable insights into the principles of game design. Effective use of symbols helps players quickly understand complex systems, make informed decisions, and engage more deeply with the game. For those interested in learning more about the design elements that make a game like Civ 6 successful, consider exploring the resources available at the Games Learning Society. The Games Learning Society ( GamesLearningSociety.org) investigates how games and simulations can be designed and used to enhance learning.