Petting the Dog in Civilization VI: A Whimsical Detail That Warms the Heart
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
What does petting the dog do in Civilization VI? In short, absolutely nothing in terms of gameplay mechanics. It doesn’t grant your Scout any combat bonuses, it doesn’t improve their movement range, and it doesn’t reveal more of the map. It’s purely a cosmetic feature, an adorable animation that triggers when you issue certain commands to your Scout unit. The Scout will briefly stop and give their canine (or feline, if you’ve enabled the Scout Cat DLC) companion a loving pat on the head. It’s a small touch, but one that resonated deeply with players, highlighting the human (or, in this case, the leader’s) connection with their loyal companion.
Why is this seemingly insignificant detail so important? It speaks to the care and attention the developers, Firaxis, put into creating a believable and engaging world. Civilization VI is, at its core, a strategy game about building empires, managing resources, and engaging in diplomacy or warfare. But within that framework, there are countless small details that breathe life into the game and make it feel more immersive. Petting the dog is one such detail. It humanizes your units, reminds you that they are not just pixels on a screen, and adds a touch of levity to what can sometimes be a very serious and demanding game.
Moreover, the addition of this feature generated significant buzz within the Civilization VI community. It demonstrated Firaxis’s willingness to listen to their fans and incorporate even seemingly trivial suggestions that added to the overall enjoyment of the game. The feature served as a reminder that even the smallest details can have a significant impact on the player experience and the overall perception of a game. It highlights how thoughtful game design can extend beyond core mechanics to encompass elements that simply make the game more charming and relatable. This type of engagement can foster a stronger sense of community and loyalty among players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Petting in Civ 6
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further explore this heartwarming feature and related aspects of Civilization VI.
1. How do I activate the petting animation?
Simply select your Scout unit and issue a move command. The petting animation will play automatically at the end of their movement, provided the Scout isn’t engaged in combat or performing another action that would interrupt the animation.
2. Does petting work with all Scouts?
Yes, it works with all standard Scout units across all civilizations, provided the unit isn’t a unique replacement.
3. What about Scouts replaced by unique units?
For unique recon units that replace the Scout, like the Cree’s Okihtcitaw, the petting animation may or may not be present depending on whether the unit reuses the same animations as the standard Scout. It’s best to check in-game.
4. What is the Scout Cat DLC?
The Scout Cat DLC is a cosmetic pack that replaces the Scouts’ dog companions with cats. It doesn’t change any gameplay mechanics, only the visual appearance of the unit. This makes the petting animation even more delightful for cat lovers.
5. How do I enable the Scout Cat DLC?
In the Civilization VI main menu, go to Additional Content, find the Scout Cat DLC, and enable it. You may need to restart the game for the changes to take effect.
6. Can I pet any other animals in the game?
Unfortunately, no. The petting animation is exclusive to the Scout and their companion. You can’t pet the horses, elephants, or other animals you encounter in the game. Maybe in Civilization VII!
7. Does petting the dog improve my relationship with City-States?
No, petting the dog is purely cosmetic and has no impact on diplomatic relations with any civilization or City-State. You’ll need to focus on more conventional diplomatic strategies to win their favor.
8. Can Barbarians pet their wolves?
If you have the Scout Cat DLC enabled, the Barbarian wolves will also be replaced with cats. This means that technically, yes, Barbarians can pet their cats!
9. Are there any other hidden animations or Easter eggs in Civ 6?
Civilization VI is known for having several small details and Easter eggs. While there aren’t many that are quite as widely known as the Scout petting animation, exploring the game and paying attention to details can often reveal other interesting surprises. The Games Learning Society has likely discussed examples of learning in games from easter eggs. You can find some information on this at GamesLearningSociety.org.
10. Does the petting animation impact game performance?
The petting animation is a very brief and simple animation, and it is unlikely to have any noticeable impact on game performance, even on older systems.
11. Will there be more animals to pet in future updates?
Firaxis has not announced any plans to add more animals to pet in future updates or in Civilization VII. However, given the popularity of the Scout petting animation, it’s certainly possible that they could consider adding more similar features in the future.
12. What is the purpose of Scouts in Civ 6?
Scouts are primarily for exploration and discovering new civilizations, Natural Wonders, resource locations, and tribal villages. They also provide early warning against Barbarian attacks. Scouts are crucial for mapping your surroundings and gaining a strategic advantage in the early game.
13. How do I upgrade a Scout in Civ 6?
Scouts can be upgraded to more powerful recon units like Rangers as you advance through the technology tree. This allows them to remain useful throughout the game, providing valuable scouting and combat support.
14. What should I do with my Scout after exploring?
After exploring, Scouts can be used to harass enemy trade routes, scout ahead of your armies, or provide support in combat. They can also be used to pillage improvements in enemy territory, disrupting their economy and production.
15. Does the difficulty setting affect the Scout’s abilities?
The difficulty setting does not directly affect the Scout’s abilities. However, it can influence how aggressively the AI explores and defends its territory, which can impact the Scout’s effectiveness.